Big Picture Retirement

Should everyday investors be allowed to hold private equity, venture capital, or even crypto in their 401(k)s? A new executive order suggests it might soon be possible. In this episode, we walk through the real implications of this move, especially for retirement savers who may not be equipped to handle the risks. We start with a quick quiz that highlights a troubling truth: most 401(k)-only investors don’t understand basic financial principles like compound interest, inflation, or diversification. If many people struggle with the fundamentals, what happens when we layer in high-fee, illiquid, and opaque investments? You'll hear what’s already allowed in retirement plans, why private equity firms are pushing for broader access, and what dangers exist when complexity is added to accounts that are supposed to be simple and secure. We share a personal example from our own experience with illiquid private investments and explain why adding these as standalone options could backfire for plan participants. This epi