Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors.

It’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Recent years have witnessed the mainstreaming of alternative investments for certain accredited investors. In fact, alternative investments are expected to reach $32 trillion by 2030.1,2

The impetus behind this projected growth is the belief that alternative investments offer the potential to enhance the risk/reward characteristics of a traditionally diversified portfolio.3

“Alternative investments” is an umbrella term for a disparate range of investment strategies and assets that might be best defined as investments that use a different approach from traditional instruments.

While today’s portfolios may benefit from some diversification to alternative investments, it should be emphasized that the risk, return, and market correlations will vary widely among them. Consequently, individuals need to consider what their objective is for adding alternative investments and select the appropriate strategy to pursue their needs.3

Types of Alternative Investments

Private Equity — Seeks to participate in the growth of private companies. Private equity is an illiquid asset class that seeks long-term appreciation away from public markets.

Hedge Funds — Investments that have broad flexibility in the types of strategies they can employ to follow their stated investment objectives.

Commodity Pools — Enterprises that attract funds from people who are looking for pool managers to engage in commodity-related trades.

Alternative investments are geared to “accredited” or “qualified” investors who are considered high-net-worth individuals with investment experience, and these investments usually have high minimum investment requirements. Some investment companies have structured mutual funds after alternative investments, providing individuals with access to the investment strategy while offering daily liquidity at lower minimum investment requirements.

Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

1. CNBC.com, November 5, 2025
2. Alternative investments include direct participation program securities (partnerships, liability companies, and real estate investment trusts, which are not listed on any exchange), commodity pools, private equity, private debt, and hedge funds. These programs may offer high-net-worth accredited investors tax benefits, but they have significant risks associated with them. Typically, alternative investments are illiquid investments, and their current values may fluctuate from the purchase price. Statements for such investments represent their estimate of the value of the investor’s participation in the program. The estimated values may not necessarily reflect actual market values or be realized upon liquidation.
3. Diversification is an approach to help manage investment risk. It does not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Social media may be a modern imperative for businesses looking to grow and build their brand, but it also introduces risk.

The stories of social media fails are legendary—companies using inappropriate humor regarding serious social issues, typographical errors, and pop references that backfire.

These examples represent reputational issues that can affect your company’s brand and its sales.

The mistakes in social media marketing that make the headlines can obscure other forms of risks presented by social media, namely privacy violations, security breaches, unauthorized use of intellectual property, and employment-based claims, among others.1

Liability Risks of Social Media

The risks that social media may introduce to your business are generally not new, but conventional risks delivered in a modern way.

To help manage these risks, you should:

Create a general social media policy for your company
Develop a specific policy for employees who use social media as part of their role
Consider a policy that also addresses personal social media use outside of work
Don’t create your policy in a vacuum. Rely on the diverse talents of your employees
Limit social media to designated spokespersons for better control over messaging
Train all employees on your social media policies

These risks may be covered by your existing business liability insurance, provided through a rider on your current policy or through the purchase of specialized coverage. Speak with your insurance agent to learn how to make sure you are adequately protected against the business risks of social media.

1. The information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult legal or insurance professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

You’re hit by an uninsured driver. Now what? Are you protected against financial losses?

About 14 percent of all motorists, or one-in-seven drivers, do not have automobile insurance, according to the Insurance Research Council.¹

Having the misfortune to get into an accident with an uninsured motorist may have serious financial consequences, depending upon the state in which you reside and whether it is a “no-fault” or “tort” state.

In no-fault states, the law does not assign blame for an accident. As a result, each driver is reimbursed by his or her insurance company for any damages. In a “tort” state, insurance companies pay out claims based on the percentage of fault assigned to each driver.²

Any accident with an uninsured driver means no insurance reimbursement payment for his or her apportioned share of the damage. This can leave you holding the financial bag.

How to Protect Against Uninsured Drivers

Some states require drivers to take out insurance for uninsured (and underinsured) motorists. Where not required, it may be a good idea to add that coverage to your auto policy.

You can buy protection against uninsured (and underinsured) drivers for both bodily injury and property damage. This coverage may also be valuable in cases where an insured motorist flees the scene of an accident without trading insurance information.

The first step to protecting yourself against this potential financial risk is to contact your insurance agent to discuss your current coverage, applicable state insurance laws, and what you need to do to obtain protection against uninsured motorists.

1. III.org, 2024
2. The information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult legal or insurance professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Drinking may be a “rite of passage” for teens, but when it occurs in your home you may be held responsible for their actions.

Despite the overwhelming research documenting the health and behavioral consequences of underage drinking, some parents believe that allowing minors to drink under their supervision may lead to more responsible drinking in their adult years. Other parents believe that allowing minors to drink in the home is a better alternative to drinking outside the home.

Regardless of your parental approach to your teen children and drinking, when teens drink at home, you may be exposed to substantial civil liability. Even if it occurred while you were away or without your consent.1

Social Host Laws

At least 43 states have laws that make social hosts civilly liable for injuries or damages caused by underage drinkers, and many states have criminal penalties for adults who host or permit parties with underage drinking in their homes or in premises under their control.2

State laws vary, so the precise circumstances under which you may be held liable will depend upon the state in which you live.

The liability to which you may be subject may include medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.

The most effective way to avoid this risk is not to allow any alcohol at teen parties that may be hosted in your home. Since you may be liable for teen drinking in your home even when it occurs without your consent (e.g., while you’re on a well-deserved weekend getaway), make sure you have adequate personal liability coverage.

1. The information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult a legal professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.
2. III.org, 2023
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.
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