More than ever, we need strong, diverse community financial institutions

For almost a century, credit unions have been an integral part of the American financial landscape. During the Great Depression, as the U.S. financial system was faltering, people came together around the concept of cooperative community finance as an alternative solution. What resulted was an entirely different approach to consumer and business banking that operates in peaceful parallel with conventional banks of all sizes.... Read More

Grow your business: Learn from failure

Basketball phenom Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is no stranger to losing, much less failure, even though he is one of the most successful professional basketball players of today. His record-breaking career has had countless ups and downs.... Read More

Factors in determining your company’s value

Determining the right asking price is crucial for a successful sale. An accurate valuation of your business requires considering multiple factors, such as financial performance, assets, intellectual property, customer base, and market share. Careful analysis of your business's unique attributes and the current market landscape can aid in setting a competitive and realistic asking price. Here are some key points to consider regarding the influence of market pricing on the timing of a company sale.... Read More

Worried about health care expenses?

How much have you spent on your health care in the last 12 months? Would you believe Americans spent $12,914 per person on health care expenses in 2021? That’s a fact, according to the National Health Expenditure Accounts. ... Read More

Performance management plays a key role in employee engagement

Employee engagement is a catchall term that refers to the degree to which employees are committed to their work and their organization. We all know that engaged employees are more productive, more creative, and more likely to stay with their organization. So, how does performance management impact employee engagement?... Read More

See the unseen: The silent crisis of youth homelessness in central Indiana

It is a startling fact that an estimated 7,800 youth experience homelessness in our city every year. These aren't just statistics; they represent the lives of young people, each with a story, a dream, and the potential to thrive if given the opportunity. The shock factor lies in the magnitude of this issue – the magnitude of despair, isolation, and uncertainty that thousands of our city's youth grapple with daily.... Read More

National Diabetes Month: The business case for battling diabetes in Indianapolis

Diabetes has exploded in the U.S. and Indiana. Today, there is a greater than one-in-three chance you know someone in Indiana who has been diagnosed with diabetes (Type I, Type II or gestational), is prediabetic or doesn’t know they have diabetes. I know this from experience – my mother was diabetic, and my wife has had Type I diabetes since she was 13 years old.... Read More

Are You at Risk of Concentrated Returns?

Despite turbulence, the S&P 500 Index is on track to post a healthy double-digit return in 2023. While this is generally considered a success, looking under the hood reveals that most of the S&P 500's return has been concentrated in just a few of the largest stocks. ... Read More

If you’re an entrepreneur, you should be celebrating today

It’s National Entrepreneur Day today, but if I know my fellow founders and serial startup-ers, few of us will take the time to celebrate ourselves. We’re too busy trying to get our great ideas to market. Yes, we’re busy. Our work is important. But I think you should find five minutes to at least give yourself a silent toast. Because we all need a bit of encouragement from time-to-time.... Read More

Act Now! This Deal Won’t Last!

Does this title look like every other email subject in your inbox? Then you know it’s the holiday season. But don’t rush to click on these enticing offers. Put down your phone and start making a holiday plan.... Read More

Why is it so hard for relatives to care for children in Indiana?

A grandmother was vacationing in Florida when her phone rang. The call she received changed her life. Two of her grandchildren—one only 4 days old and the other 11 months old—needed a home. She took both in without question. Another grandmother took in 8-year-old twins. Their parents dropped them off on her doorstep since they physically couldn’t care for them. Since taking them in, she has struggled to find adequate legal and financial assistance.  ... Read More

School-based telehealth clinics offer health care options in rural areas

Busy parents know this scenario all too well: you’re in the middle of a hectic work day, and your child’s school calls with the news your child isn’t feeling well. Now plans need to be rearranged, and you are faced with the prospect of trying to get the child in to see their doctor or waiting at an urgent care clinic, all while juggling transportation and other responsibilities. You may end up missing time at work, your child misses school, and an already busy day just got tougher for everyone.... Read More

What I want you to tell me

You’ve finally landed five minutes on the calendar of the prospect who’s long been atop your list of targets. They’re looking across their desk, waiting for you to share whatever was so important they agreed to make time for it. A deep breath, and then you launch into your pitch.... Read More

Lead poisoning happens here; get your kids tested

Every once in a while, lead poisoning generates big headlines. Earlier this summer, 300,000 children’s cups were recalled due to higher-than-allowed lead levels. More recently, the state of New York sued a landlord for exposing children to lead paint.... Read More

Is the 60/40 portfolio dead?

The 60/40 portfolio has long been used by moderate-risk investors. The equity sleeve could provide long-term growth, while the fixed income sleeve could dampen volatility and smooth the ride for investors. But after a very rough 2022, some are questioning the ongoing viability of the strategy.... Read More

Cybersecurity is everyone’s job

In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity is not just a concern for IT professionals or tech-savvy individuals. It's everyone's job, and given the frequent headlines about cybersecurity threats, this shared responsibility matters more than ever.... Read More

Nonprofit competition impacts new and existing nonprofits

After decades of working with and for nonprofits, there’s one major takeaway regarding nonprofit competition.  It’s not to be taken lightly.  As I shared in a recent article, there are nearly 1.85 million existing nonprofits in the United States today.  More concerning is there are 50% more charitable nonprofits today than there were just 12 years ago. As I frequently mention to potential clients, the competition keeps growing, so it should be a major consideration.... Read More