Mutual Funds

The Growing Crackdown on 401(k) Share Class Selection As an ERISA attorney who has defended plan sponsors against Department of Labor (DOL) investigations, I’ve seen firsthand how improper mutual fund share class selection in 401(k) plans has become one of the most common—and costly—compliance failures. The DOL has collected over $1.8 billion in restitution since […]

Understanding Fidelity BrokerageLink As a financial advisor who has helped hundreds of clients optimize their workplace retirement plans, I’ve found Fidelity’s BrokerageLink to be one of the most powerful yet underutilized 401(k) features. This self-directed brokerage option lets you bypass your plan’s limited mutual fund menu and access Fidelity’s entire mutual fund universe – with

Understanding the Retirement Account Landscape As a financial planner with over a decade of experience helping clients optimize their retirement savings, I’ve seen how choosing the right account structure can make or break long-term investment success. The four primary retirement vehicles – 401(k), Roth 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA – each offer unique advantages for

Why Consider 40-60 Equity Mutual Funds? For sophisticated investors with substantial assets ($5M+), a 40-60 fund portfolio offers: Portfolio Architecture Framework 1. Core Holdings (50-60%) Category # Funds Allocation Example Funds US Large Blend 5-6 15% VFIAX, FXAIX, SWPPX US Large Value 4-5 12% VEIRX, PRFDX, DODGX US Large Growth 4-5 12% VIGAX, TRBCX, AGTHX

When constructing a portfolio with 40-50 equity mutual funds, you’re aiming for maximum diversification across market caps, sectors, geographies, and investment styles. However, this approach requires careful selection to avoid overlap and ensure proper asset allocation. Here’s how to build such a portfolio effectively: Core Portfolio Structure (40-50 Funds) 1. U.S. Large-Cap Funds (8-10 Funds)

After analyzing fund performance data across market cycles, I’ve identified realistic return thresholds that separate truly competitive stock mutual funds from mediocre ones. These benchmarks account for fees, risk, and economic environments. Minimum Acceptable Returns by Fund Type Fund Category Should Earn At Least* Top Quartile Performer Risk-Adjusted Benchmark (Sharpe Ratio) Large-Cap Blend 9% annually

After analyzing thousands of retirement portfolios, I’ve identified several ways mutual funds—often considered “safe” investments—can quietly erode your nest egg. 1. The Fee Trap That Steals Your Future The Problem:The average actively managed mutual fund charges 0.66% annually, but many charge over 1%. This seems small until you see the long-term impact: $100,000 Investment Over

As a financial professional who has analyzed insurer-sponsored funds for years, I’ve identified four MassMutual mutual funds that stand out for their consistent performance and strategic management. These selections balance growth potential with risk management – crucial for long-term investors. 1. MassMutual Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (MEFZX) Best for: Investors seeking aggressive growth from

For investors seeking higher income without venturing into stocks, high-yield bond funds offer an attractive middle ground. As a fixed-income specialist, I’ve analyzed dozens of options to identify these four exceptional funds that combine robust yields with disciplined risk management. 1. Fidelity High Income Fund (SPHIX) Best for: Core high-yield exposure with research-driven selection Key

After managing investment portfolios for over a decade, I’ve identified four core strategies that consistently help investors achieve their financial goals while managing risk. Whether you’re building retirement savings or generating income, these approaches can be tailored to your specific needs. 1. The Core-Satellite Approach This strategy combines broad market exposure with targeted opportunities: Core