The National Association of Realtors recently reached a settlement on several class-action lawsuits over seller commissions; while no Indiana associations were involved in the suits, the proposed resolution will require changes here – but none as seismic as the headlines aimed at capturing the attention of the casual observer.... Read More
As the first quarter ends and March Madness brackets are inevitably busted, let's take a quick look at how the economy and markets have performed to start the year and what could be on the horizon for 2024.... Read More
Organizations often ask about how they can attract new customers or donors and ensure success in their sales or development programs. While trying to assess their opportunities, my first questions will normally surround their donor or customer retention rate, database management, and recognition or acknowledgment program. ... Read More
Holistic wealth planning is a comprehensive approach to financial planning that takes into account all aspects of an individual's financial life, including investments, taxes, estate planning, retirement planning, risk management, and philanthropy. When it comes to selling a company, having a comprehensive and coordinated plan can play a crucial role in reducing emotional concerns and providing comfort throughout the process. ... Read More
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I wanted to pause to thank the women serving in the Armed Forces and all women veterans for their sacrifices made in defense of our freedom. Though more than 3 million women have played significant roles since the Revolutionary War, it was only in 1948 the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.... Read More
Recalling exactly where you were during a total solar eclipse can evoke feelings of awe. I can recall precisely where I was (or wasn’t) during the last total eclipse in 2017. It was the first time in over 100 years that this celestial event occurred coast-to-coast in North America.... Read More
Section 1031 of the IRS tax code allows an investor to defer the gains on a potential real estate sale if they purchase a property of similar nature and meet certain requirements as well as time constraints. How does this all work?... Read More
In 1906, the United States Steel Corporation began operations in Gary, Indiana. Gary was founded as a Midwest industrial production center by the executive committee of U.S. Steel. Initially, the company brought wealth and development to our city. ... Read More
Tax season. It comes around every year, but it seems many are hesitant to file their returns. According to a recent report from IPX 1031, 1 in 4 Americans say they don’t feel prepared to file their taxes this year and another 29% admitted they’re putting off filing. ... Read More
The annual “State of the Installation Address” provides an opportunity for Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane to share Team Crane’s strategic goals and any operational changes or proposed construction projects that may impact the community. ... Read More
March is Disability Awareness Month in Indiana, a time to reflect on the importance of creating accessible and inclusive spaces for people with vision loss across the state. A recent study by Ohio State University found that 38% of older people who are blind or visually impaired have an annual income of less than $20,000.... Read More
Since the beginning of 2021, the median family income has increased by 1.37%. In that same 3-year period, inflation has increased by 17.83%, with single-family housing prices increasing by 25.65%. This has caused an increase in the down payment required for a home and a surge in monthly mortgage payments.... Read More
Are certain jobs and industries becoming obsolete with the onslaught of artificial intelligence (AI) and job automation? Yes, but studies show that what AI is not replacing are jobs that require soft skills—or innately human skills.... Read More
At the intersection of health care and real estate, the landscape appears both promising and challenging for stakeholders in the industry. While the demand for health care services continues to rise, hospital systems face the financial strain of escalating labor and material costs, which have surged by 35-40% over an unprecedentedly short amount of time, along with additional increased operational expenses.... Read More
I suspect most of us think of networking as an event, a skill, or an action that is done outside of our own organizations. We attend networking events, meetings, meals, or gatherings where we might be getting to know potential clients or customers, vendors, or personal friends. ... Read More
The first of my many exposures to the brilliance of Hoosier author Kurt Vonnegut was his 1952 short story “EPICAC,” in which the narrator prevails upon the world’s most powerful computer to draft a poetic marriage proposal for his lovely colleague.... Read More
If you are accumulating employer stock in your 401(k) and the value continues to go up…congratulations! With such a nice nest egg, you need to implement the most tax efficient strategy for liquidation. After all, the lower your taxes, the more funds you have to spend in retirement.... Read More
Many nonprofit organizations and small businesses are standing on the threshold in an Artificial Intellegince (AI) doorway that will provide challenge, concern, and a sense of uncertainty looming. Given other sector issues, one would think we have enough to keep busy. ... Read More
Investing is an essential step in building financial stability. It’s a great way to grow earnings overtime and there are plenty of ways to invest. Some people choose to invest directly into holdings like real estate, bonds or even gold, while others choose to invest in funds and shares of companies by contributing to an investment account. With so many different options available, figuring out where to start can be an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few steps you can take to start growing your wealth this year.... Read More
“Features tell, benefits sell” is a very appropriate phrase in the sales and marketing cycle. One of the basic principles of business growth is to continually strive for improving your product or service. If you lose touch with your market as it changes, your customers will leave you behind.... Read More
