As a 401(k) investment committee member, you hold a position of profound trust and critical responsibility. This isn’t merely an oversight role; you are a plan fiduciary, legally and ethically bound to act exclusively in the best interests of your plan participants and their beneficiaries. This article serves as a direct guide for every committee member to effectively fulfill these vital duties and navigate the complexities of plan governance.
For ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) investors and family offices, the mandate extends beyond mere capital growth; it encompasses the sophisticated preservation and intergenerational amplification of dynastic wealth. In an investment landscape characterized by unprecedented market dynamics, persistent inflationary pressures, and a demand for superior, uncorrelated returns, the strategic allocation of capital today will define legacies for decades to come. Increasingly, private equity (PE) has transitioned from an alternative allocation to an indispensable core strategy for discerning investors seeking to navigate these complexities and secure their financial future. Here’s why private equity warrants a preeminent position within your diversified portfolio.
Let’s talk about your money—your savings, your retirement goals, your children’s education. All of it depends on the financial choices you make. And when it comes to advice on those choices, the real question is: who do you trust?
This isn’t just a small detail. It’s the difference between guidance that’s tailored to you and recommendations that may serve someone else’s interests. At the heart of it all is one essential question: Is your advisor a fiduciary?
If you’re not sure what that means—or why it matters—it’s time to find out. Because knowing the answer could be the most important step you take toward protecting your financial future.
Divorce is a seismic event, but for high-net-worth individuals, it’s not just an emotional upheaval—it’s a complete financial re-architecture. If you’ve recently navigated the complexities of asset division, you know the initial settlement is just the beginning. The post-divorce landscape, especially in states with equitable distribution laws like Illinois, presents both formidable challenges and powerful opportunities for wealthy spouses.
Whether you’ve always managed your finances or relied on your partner’s expertise, this new chapter demands immediate, strategic action. Protecting your newly independent financial position, understanding state-specific tax implications, and mastering legal requirements are paramount.
Let’s break down the essential steps to secure and grow your wealth as you embrace your new financial independence.
Selling your business is a monumental achievement, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. But as one chapter closes, another exciting, albeit complex, one begins: transitioning from the steady income of an active business to living off the total return of an investment portfolio. This shift blends excitement, uncertainty, and a new set of financial considerations.
Here’s what every entrepreneur should consider to ensure a smooth and successful journey from business owner to thriving investor.
The financial markets closed the week ending August 22, 2025, on a mixed but cautiously optimistic note. Strong corporate earnings, easing inflation signals, and mounting expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts bolstered U.S. equities. Still, global growth concerns, ongoing trade tensions, and uneven international performance reminded investors that risks remain. With the S&P 500 pressing into record territory, the big question is whether late summer momentum can carry into fall—or whether markets will face another test of resilience.
The world has changed dramatically in recent years, and with it, the landscape of philanthropy. The pandemic, while presenting immense challenges, also illuminated the critical importance of long-term financial stability for nonprofits. This has shone a spotlight on planned giving and legacy gifts, recognizing them not just as a bonus, but as indispensable cornerstones for building robust endowment funds.
So, how are forward-thinking nonprofits seizing this moment, and what truly motivates donors to secure an organization’s future for generations to come?
Corporate defined benefit (DB) pension plans are constantly navigating a turbulent financial sea, buffeted by market volatility, a shifting regulatory landscape, and ever-evolving liabilities. While many U.S. corporate plans enjoyed a strong 2024, with the top 100 boasting over 103% funded status, this hard-won stability is now at risk from anticipated rate cuts and a climate of geopolitical uncertainty. To truly safeguard these gains and ensure long-term solvency, forward-thinking sponsors are no longer just seeking returns; they’re embracing Asset Liability Management (ALM) and Liability-Driven Investing (LDI). These aren’t just buzzwords; they represent a fundamental shift, transforming pension management from a growth-focused endeavor into a precision-driven exercise in risk mitigation.
Blending after-tax (taxable), Roth, and traditional qualified accounts in an investment strategy is essential for optimizing total after-tax returns. Each account type offers unique tax advantages, and combining them strategically—through asset location and tax diversification—can significantly enhance your portfolio’s efficiency and flexibility.
Retirement is a time many of us envision with ease, filled with newfound freedom and financial security. Yet, for a growing number of retirees, an unexpected and often substantial expense can quickly cast a shadow on those golden years: the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA. Often dubbed a “stealth tax,” IRMAA can significantly inflate your Medicare premiums, turning a planned budget upside down.