First, everyone submits their revenue and expense projections for next year to the finance department. Some models are run and, after being revived with a defibrillator, the CFO informs everyone that the numbers do not work.... Read More
As the holiday season approaches, like me, I bet you are looking forward to being with friends, family, and your chosen family for gatherings filled with laughter, love and good food. However, I can’t help but think about the young people we support—those who often face the holidays with a sense of isolation and uncertainty.... Read More
While the Backdoor Roth strategy allows you to contribute up to $7,000 in 2024 ($8,000 if over age 50), the benefit of the Mega Backdoor Roth is the ability to sock away as much as five times that of normal IRA limits through ‘after-tax’ contributions.... Read More
This article focuses on estate planning considerations specific to business owners, including wills, trusts, minimizing estate taxes, and planning for incapacity. Proper estate planning ensures the preservation of your assets, protects your family's financial security, and facilitates a seamless transfer of your business.... Read More
By the time they’re in 12th grade, 46.6 percent of teens have tried illicit drugs. Raising awareness about the challenges of substance use, especially among young people, is key to building healthier, more resilient communities. ... Read More
Ah, strategic planning. Just the phrase might bring up images of stuffy boardrooms, long meetings, and PowerPoint slides with words that stretch on for days. But before you reach for that second (or third) cup of coffee, let’s break it down.... Read More
I have many wonderful clients, but only one who insists I secretly wield a wand. They’ll email notes or an outline and command me to wave said wand over them. Hours later, they’re reading exactly what they had hoped I’d have them say.... Read More
During the recent political campaign, President-elect Donald Trump discussed putting tariffs on many of the United States' major trading partners, as close in proximity as Mexico and Canada and as far-reaching as China and Europe. The effectiveness of tariffs is hotly debated, while some of its impacts are clear and obvious. What are those impacts? ... Read More
Starting a business is only the first step toward long-term success. To achieve sustainability and growth, businesses—especially small businesses—must invest in one critical area: customer service excellence.... Read More
Mailboxes are filling up with appeals from worthy organizations seeking your donations prior to year-end. Some decisions will be easy. The most effective appeals will relay stories of their recipients, how they’ll make a difference with your contribution and what to expect as an outcome. But what about the others? ... Read More
China poured 6.6 gigatons of cement from 2011-2014. That fact is not the least bit disconcerting or informative, until you put it in perspective, as Bill Gates has done. He adroitly pointed out the United States had poured only 4.5 gigatons of cement, in the last one hundred years. ... Read More
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States. It is quickly followed by Cyber Monday, which offers even more deals from online retailers. Both of these days tempt us with the question “What do you want?”... Read More
While the tax code remains a constant, different rules are relevant during your working years and retirement. The rules and strategies centered on saving for retirement in a tax-efficient manner fade to a distant memory, and a new set of rules around spending and withdrawing sink in.... Read More
If you put 10 people in a room, averages would suggest that four of them have prediabetes. If that’s not troubling enough, consider this: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that three of those four people don’t know they have it.... Read More
Customer centricity has become a buzzword that every business throws around—“We put the customer first.” But what does that really mean, and how is your organization applying it? ... Read More
After disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the new and used car markets continue to improve, but one seems to be improving quicker.... Read More
As business leaders, we face a stark reality: By 2034, Indiana employers will need to fill approximately 257,000 jobs—107,000 new positions, plus 150,000 existing openings. Many of these jobs will require some form of education or training beyond high school. ... Read More
Recently released data by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that Marion County, the state’s most populous county, became majority non-white between 2020 and 2023. As the population of the city and state continues to shift, it’s important to ensure that a diverse range of businesses are situated to serve the growing community as well. ... Read More
Effective budgeting for human resources (HR) is vital for the overall success and sustainability of any organization. The HR budget should be carefully planned to ensure the company can attract, retain, and develop top talent while managing costs effectively.... Read More
Standing on a dimly lit stage, I found myself in awe of everyone who was in the audience. It was a moment I never imagined experiencing when I first stepped into the male-dominated tech world more than 30 years ago. Yet here I was, serving as the master of ceremonies at the Vincennes University Women IN Tech Symposium and Showcase, witnessing the culmination of decades of perseverance, collaboration, and hard-won progress.... Read More
