On August 7, 2025, the White House issued an executive order directing agencies to expand access to alternative assets in defined contribution (“DC”) plans. It instructs the Department of Labor (“DOL”) to reexamine and clarify ERISA fiduciary guidance on offering alternative assets (such as private placements and crypto currency) inside multi-asset funds, to consider proposing rules and guidance that may include carefully calibrated safe harbors, and to coordinate with the SEC. The order also asks the SEC to consider adjustments to accredited investor and qualified purchaser standards that could affect plan access.

The U.S. Federal Reserve System, also known as the “Fed,” has become an ever-present subject of news and financial media headlines for much of the 2020s and various times throughout history. And with 2025 seeing more acute coverage of the Fed, we thought it apt to provide some relevant facts and historical context for how the Fed came to be and its purpose.

Each month, our Chief Investment Strategist, Eric Stein, and his team at East Bay Investment Solutions compile a report highlighting the performance of key market indexes. It’s a concise, insightful overview of global market activity. Our team always find it informative, and I think many of you will too. Here are a few key takeaways from the latest report.

Receiving an inheritance often brings a mix of emotions. Alongside the gratitude and reflection, many people are unsure what comes next when it comes to taxes. Whether you're inheriting a retirement account, investment portfolio, or real estate, the type of asset makes all the difference.

In 2025, the average student loan debt for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree is approximately $29,000. Paying for college is one of the most daunting financial decisions many families in the U.S. face. Fortunately, federal student loans exist as a valuable tool to help families bridge the gap between savings, scholarships, and the cost of education.

The Caracas Stock Exchange’s IBVC Index has skyrocketed from 87,373 to 386,492 in just 12 months… a jaw-dropping 350% surge. At first glance, you might think Venezuela is an investor’s paradise. But here’s the hard truth: this isn’t a golden opportunity, but rather a warning sign.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) signed into law on July 4, 2025 introduces significant changes to the U.S. tax code. It modified or made permanent several provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), while also introducing new tax relief measures.

Dear Readers, I hope this message finds you well ahead of July 4th. Each month, our Chief Investment Strategist, Eric Stein, and his team at East Bay Investment Solutions prepare a report summarizing the performance of various market indexes. This document offers a clear snapshot of market activity worldwide. I find it interesting and valuable, and I believe some of you may as well. To summarize a few key takeaways...

The retirement plan industry is witnessing a concerning trend: major recordkeepers are pushing private market investments into 401(k) plans, claiming they'll enhance participant outcomes. However, as a Retirement Plan Advisor with years of experience helping participants build secure retirement futures, I believe this development represents a significant threat to the financial security of everyday American workers.

Earlier this week, the Senate Finance Committee unveiled its draft tax legislation, effectively a competing version of the House’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” While much of it mirrors House proposals, there are several key differences that could have lasting impact on families, business owners, and high-income earners. The bill is still under negotiation and it is going to be a tough slog reconciling the Senate bill and the House bill, but here’s a high-level breakdown of what’s on the table from the Senate Finance Committee as of mid-June 2025.