As a child, I constantly longed to fit in. I remember the sting of being excluded from birthday parties, the awkwardness of lunchtime conversations that I was never a part of, and the yearning to be included in games and activities. My differences, whether in interests, appearance, or personality, made me feel like I was “the other.” ... Read More
Indiana is on an innovation roll. Reflecting a new dynamic of entrepreneurial expansion, Gov. Eric Holcomb and Elevate Ventures recently announced the creation of a new $100 million growth fund, a powerful addition to Indiana’s expanding innovation arsenal. A key question: where do the one-third of Hoosiers living in small cities and rural areas–some one million people–fit into this emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem?... Read More
Young people aging out of foster care face countless barriers in their lives often preventing them from meeting their basic needs. Summer can be a vulnerable and lonely time as they may not be in school or a job training program, and they may need extra support.... Read More
July is Disability Pride Month, a global movement to celebrate people with disabilities and to advocate for change. This month commemorates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law.... Read More
The Health Savings Account has become quite a popular retirement savings tool because of its triple tax advantage. You can contribute pre-tax dollars, invest the funds while enjoying tax-free growth, and withdraw the funds free of tax if used for qualified medical expenses.... Read More
Most organizations and nonprofits have the desire to reach a more impactful, “preferred” future, yet find themselves on the path to a more probable one. The latter is influenced by the history and direction that has brought them to their present state. So how do you make the leap to bridge the gap between the probable destination and the preferred one?... Read More
While regular check-ups, screenings and preventative care measures are essential for maintaining good physical health, they can often be out of reach for people facing financial difficulties. When funds are scarce, the most immediate needs—food and housing—usually take priority and, unless the situation is dire, health care can get pushed to the back burner. ... Read More
Did you know that Indiana is home to several AI-powered healthcare startups that are leading the way in improving patient outcomes and reducing costs? In November of last year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded $2.3 million in funding to researchers from Indiana University to develop AI tools for brain imaging.... Read More
Every July, I celebrate Disability Pride Month with a deep sense of joy and empowerment. As a person with a physical disability who uses a power wheelchair and has no arms or legs, this month holds a special significance for me. It is a time to reflect on my journey, embrace my identity and advocate for the rights and recognition of people with disabilities. ... Read More
Taxpayers underwent a dramatic change in late 2017 with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). In another two years, we may undergo another dramatic shift.... Read More
When people consider working with a business today, they look for several things. They want to be sure the company is capable, that it’s affordable, that it’s experienced, but more than anything else, they want it to be authentic.... Read More
If you’ve seen one of the all-time greatest movies, "The Princess Bride," you instantly remember this column’s title as Inigo Montoya’s admonition to Vizzini regarding the latter’s frequent misuse of “inconceivable.” I often find myself silently echoing Montoya’s words when I read articles, websites, blog posts, proposals, and presentations.... Read More
Indianapolis will host the upcoming National Eucharistic Congress – a gathering of Catholics focusing on the Sacrament of Holy Communion, or what some Christian groups call the Lord’s Supper. More than 40,000 participants from throughout the U.S. will spend July 17-21 listening to keynote talks, engaging in acts of service and charity, worshipping God in song, and by receiving Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.... Read More
It's easy to stick to the tried-and-true pipeline when hiring for community development roles. But forming connections with people from different industries and generations can make our teams stronger.... Read More
Giving financial gifts during one’s life means benefiting family members sooner rather than later, along with the added enjoyment of witnessing the impact on others. Awareness of gift tax rules is imperative when structuring a strategy. Whether gifting to adult family members or children, there are many ways to find a balanced approach to transferring assets.... Read More
As Indiana strives to remain competitive against peer cities, one crucial investment stands out as a cornerstone for driving workforce development: infrastructure. While roads, bridges, and utilities often dominate discussions around infrastructure, there's another vital component that deserves our attention—broadband internet access. By expanding statewide broadband access, we can equip families with the tools they need to obtain virtual education for their children, especially in rural communities where enrollment continues to decline.... Read More
To achieve personal financial success as a business owner, it is essential to establish a solid financial foundation. This article focuses on the fundamental building blocks of financial stability and provides guidance on managing personal and business finances separately. By implementing sound financial solutions and creating a strong foundation, you can navigate the complexities of business ownership with confidence.... Read More
Financial fraudsters prey on people’s trust, convincingly posing as their bank or altering payment information to seamlessly steal money. Fortunately, there are ways to spot suspicious activity and mitigate damage from fraud. Here are today’s most common scams and how to protect your business from them.... Read More
Small steps can lead to big progress in mental health. In America today, approximately one out of five Americans is suffering with a mental health issue; and approximately one in 25 adults is experiencing a serious mental illness that substantially interferes with one or more major life activities. In addition, 17% of Americans ages 12 and older have a substance use disorder. Left unaddressed, the negative impact of these disorders will increase.... Read More
As we are four months away from the Presidential election, our financial firm is starting to get questions about how the stock market will perform during an election year. Without a reliable crystal ball, the best we can do is provide historical data points and context. While this investment return information is interesting and can make for lively cocktail party conversation, it should never be used to predict your personal portfolio performance.... Read More
