How we think | Mesirow

Gregg Lunceford featured on "Be It Till You See It" podcast

Gregg shared perspectives from his research and experience working with individuals and families navigating retirement transitions.

Rock your rollover

If you have a significant portion of your retirement funds in a 401(k), how you handle it upon retiring or moving to another employer can have a huge impact on your chances of retiring well.

Cultivating a healthy money mindset: Finding financial gratitude

Money touches nearly every aspect of life, from daily routines to long term dreams. Between rising prices, market ups and downs, and everyday financial pressures, it can be easy to focus on uncertainty and lose sight of what is going well.

Finding your financial ally: How to make the most of your peak earning years

If you're at the stage of life where you're trying to accumulate and grow your wealth, how can you be sure you're making the most of these two advantages?

Be safe out there

This brochure outlines examples of popular scams and action steps you can take to protect yourself.

Market volatility can create tax-smart opportunities

Although periods of market volatility can often create investor anxiety, the gains and losses incurred during up and down markets can be leveraged to work together to minimize the taxes investors pay on capital gains.

What's new in taxes: 2026 OBBBA highlights

On July 4, 2025, the President signed into law an omnibus tax and budget package titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The legislation made key changes to several tax provisions, as well as making permanent many of the provisions.

The impact of changing interest rates on estate planning strategies

Changes in the Federal Funds Rate cascade to all corners of finance, from credit card rates, auto financing, mortgages and other rate-sensitive loans, to the fixed income (bond) markets. These changes can also impact many estate planning strategies.

The power of uninterrupted compounding

Discover the benefits of compound interest over time and how its power can help investors reach their most important financial objectives.

Delay taxes on appreciated investment property or business assets

Many of our clients own business assets or personal property that have appreciated in value and struggle with ways to sell these assets without triggering immediate capital gains taxes. The good news is, there is a way to defer these taxes by using a 1031 Exchange.

Four reasons to start investing your HSA assets

If you can afford to cover your family’s health care costs out-of-pocket (without spending your Health Savings Account (“HSA”), consider investing those HSA assets instead!

Inflation, interest rates, and your pocketbook

Inflation is at the highest rate since the early 80's, as we experience the effects of US Government & Federal Reserve stimulus programs that were put into place to support the economy during the pandemic.

Five essential finance terms everyone should know

Financial terminology sometimes seems like a different language. In this article, learn essential terms to clarify what the experts are saying and how that impacts everyday life.

A savvy approach to charitable giving

In preparation for tax time, many of our clients look for opportunities to maximize their charitable contributions, especially in a "windfall" year. One way to do this is with a Donor Advised Fund, which allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit and then recommend grants to charities over time.

Your guide to 529 college savings plan withdrawals

Each fall, many of our clients’ children and grandchildren begin their college experience. Now is a good time to review how to spend those 529 College Savings Plan assets.

Why interest rates matter

If you have ever applied for a mortgage or financed a car, you may have noticed that the interest rate charged for the loan can vary significantly. Why?

Think you can't own a Roth IRA? Think again.

Many people are well aware of two key advantages of a Roth IRA: the ability to withdraw money tax-free — which appeals to anyone who wants to minimize their tax bite in retirement — and the ability for wealthier taxpayers to maximize assets and minimize taxes for their heirs.

The “Super Catch-Up” contribution: An opportunity you don't want to miss

If you’re in your early 60s, retirement may be approaching fast. You’re not alone if you feel compelled to save more during this critical period.

Series I Savings Bonds

Inflation continues at the highest rate since the early 80's and as a result different savings vehicles such as Series I Savings Bonds, or "I Bonds," are emerging in popularity.

Now you can have greater flexibility and control in your estate plan

There are opportunities to create a continuity of wealth advice and guidance from generation to generation while still providing the expertise of a corporate trustee.

Philanthropy bridges the generational gap

What "givers" have in common is their desire to invest in their communities and make a difference in the lives of others, either through donations of time, money, or both.

Invest it all today or average in?

One way to mitigate short-term volatility is to dollar cost average into the market. Learn how in this article.

Keeping up on your estate plan: Stop, check-in, take inventory

Taking time to reassess your estate plan on a regular basis is an important habit. Now may be a good time to revisit your will, trust, POA, asset titling and beneficiaries.

It's time to consider a Roth 529 conversion

529 accounts are great vehicles to use to save for college. The money grows tax-free, and there is no tax on distributions as long as it is used for qualifying education expenses.

It helps to have a trustworthy advocate in your corner

You often see the terms Agent, Trustee & Executor in legal documents. But, why does it matter who you appoint to each role?

IRA tax smarts

Your IRA most likely represents a significant portion of your long-term retirement savings and can also play an important role in annual tax planning.

How to start putting together an estate plan

The most common misconception is that not everyone needs an estate plan, but estate planning is for everyone. Here are a few tips on how you can get started today.

How to strategize tax diversification

Strategically allocating assets across accounts with varying tax treatments can help optimize tax efficiency, reduce risk, provide tax flexibility, and potentially maximize after-tax returns.

Having “the talk” with your family

Having a family conversation about your estate and your legacy can be challenging. But, during times of uncertainly, it becomes more important than ever.

How stock splits work

Common questions about "stock splits" include: Why do companies announce stock splits, and what does it mean? Does a split change the company's underlying value? Can the split make the stock more affordable for everyday investors?

Gift tax reporting for transfers to Irrevocable Trusts

Irrevocable trusts offer investors significant benefits, including asset protection from creditors and lawsuits, tax advantages by reducing estate and income tax liabilities, and efficient wealth transfer while avoiding probate.

Five financial habits that could cost you more than you think

As markets fluctuate and headlines warn of uncertainty, it's easy to let fear drive financial decisions. But often, the real dangers lurk not in the market itself – but in our own habits.

Estate planning with cryptocurrency is fraught with hidden pitfalls

As cryptocurrency continues to evolve as an emerging asset class, it is important to determine how this uniquely positioned investment interacts with other financial planning considerations.

FDIC Insurance: What you need to know after the bank failures in 2023

This article provides a summary of what you need to know about the FDIC, an independent agency that provides insurance to member banks.

529 plans aren't just for college anymore

Section 529 College Savings Plans have traditionally been used to save and invest for college education. However, legislative reform has expanded how 529 Plans can be used as an educational funding vehicle.

Your insurance plays a key role in your financial plan

Your financial plan and investment portfolio is likely made up of a variety of different types of assets, which you probably review with your wealth advisor at least annually, if not more often. Insurance policies can play a critical role in your financial plan, but they are often overlooked.

Three ways to prepare for a financial windfall

Do you ever dream of receiving a financial windfall? It may seem like a fantasy, but it happens more often than you might think. And, not unlike other financial issues, having a plan will ensure you make the most of your windfall and have no future regrets.

The rise of the intrafamily loan

An intrafamily loan is a wealth planning strategy that has become increasingly more utilized in the current interest rate environment. These loans can be used for a variety of reasons, including helping a child purchase a home, investing in a business, or just providing additional liquidity.

The importance of financial planning in the LGBTQ community

Everyone has unique circumstances that must be considered when creating a financial plan. Depending on goals, members of the LGBTQ community may have additional factors to consider when it comes to financial planning.

The ABCDs of Medicare

Medicare can be a complex program to navigate with several considerations depending on your unique situation. Understanding the program's basic structure is important when creating a financial plan in retirement.

Tax time is approaching: What to track and tell your CPA this year

With April 15 right around the corner, now is a great time to start organizing your 2025 tax preparation. Some items that may have seemed meaningless in the past now matter given the recent law changes. Below are a few helpful reminders, and some new thin

Peace of mind for generations: How Mesirow helped a family protect their assets and legacy

In this case study, learn about how multiple generations of a client's family has worked with their Mesirow Wealth Advisory team.

Finding the right fit

For 88 years, Mesirow Wealth Management has been helping individuals and families make the financial decisions that support their most important life decisions. We listen. We understand. We help. If you, or someone you know, are looking for a trusted financial advisor, this guide is designed to help you ask the right questions and determine the right fit.

Don't skimp on excess liability insurance coverage

Excess liability insurance can make a big difference should you ever find yourself faced with legal action. Liability insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be approached with thoughtful and careful planning. Depending on their unique circumstances, our clients tend to carry between $1 million and $10 million in excess liability coverage.

Document locator

This form will help you provide you and your heirs with easy access to all of your financial information — all in one place.

Legacy checklist

This checklist is designed to help guide you through a variety of tasks when you lose a loved one

Are you prepared for your legacy?

Our guide “Blaze your trail: Ensure your legacy by mapping out a thoughtful wealth transfer strategy” is designed to help you begin that journey and to give you a roadmap to making a legacy plan a reality.

It may be time to review your business's buy-sell agreement

The United States Supreme Court recently issued a decision which may have a significant impact on closely-held businesses with certain buy-sell agreements.

Three tips for every business owner

Most small business owners’ planning strategies are centered around the success and growth of the business. The three most commonly overlooked planning concepts involve ownership, retirement savings, and succession planning.

Strategies for maximizing tax reduction and deferral

At Mesirow, we work with business owners like you to help maximize retirement savings, minimize taxes, and maintain the flexibility required to productively run your business by implementing custom retirement plan strategies.

Small business owners: The value of a 401(k) Third Party Administrator

A 401(k) plan is often a key benefit for attracting and retaining employees, but managing a plan can be challenging for small business owners. Mesirow and a Third Party Administrator (TPA) can help shoulder some of that administrative burden.

Prepare, Plan, Protect: Wealth planning tips for business owners

Just as you are identifying short and long-term growth goals and strategies for the company, it is important to identify short and long-term personal financial goals and plans for you and your family.

College checklist: Five tips for parents

Sending your young adult off to college or university can be both scary and exciting. These tips may help you help your child navigate some important financial planning and life issues.

College checklist: Five tips for students

Help prepare students as they head off to school and begin to navigate life away from home.

Are your philanthropic gifting strategies still up to date?

There have been changes to IRS regulations over the last few years that have, in some instances, expanded how an individual may want to consider carrying out charitable giving. If you are making charitable contributions, now is a good time to re-examine the tax benefits of doing so, and if the gifting strategies you are utilizing are best for you.

A beginner's guide to 529 plans

Investments in a 529 plan grow tax-free, meaning that any investment income or capital gains will not be taxed as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses.

The Aligned Money Show

Wealth advisor Jeff Condren appeared on the Aligned Money show, where he shared simple frameworks for tackling big priorities — from preparing for college costs to mapping out retirement — in ways that feel manageable rather than overwhelmin

Best practices for selling your business

“Setting a new course: Best practices for selling your business” presents three phases for selling a business which any owner considering selling – now or in the future – will find to be valuable.

Interested in bringing your retirement into focus?

Get the guide that will help you determine when your prime time to retirement is.

What should I do with my time in retirement?

Given increased longevity and improvements in health, today’s retirees have a greater number of lifestyle options that may be difficult to choose from. This post helps you to think them through.

What role does financial planning play in retirement satisfaction?

Life in retirement may exceed the life of your career. Having a financial plan and a plan for how you plan to spend the next 30+ years has never been more important. People with a plan are significantly more satisfied in retirement.

Nine questions all retirees should ask themselves

Our doctors’ visits and daily exercises focus on our physical and mental well-being — yet, is there something else required in order for us to have a positive health experience in retirement? Yes. Financial wellness.

Making a career transition to retirement

Now more than ever individuals are considering transition from their primary careers into a retirement period that may be much longer, and different, than those experienced by prior generations. If you are thinking about making a career transition to retirement, this article outlines a few steps you should consider.

Is early retirement right for you?

At one time or another you may be offered the opportunity to “retire early” — well before your 65th birthday. It is important to plan for this contingency in advance.

Are you ready to be a full time "Snowbird"?

There comes a time when our clients decide to relocate permanently in the state of their choice; often in a warmer locale! This happens often enough that we thought we would share a checklist for those considering this exciting next phase in their lives.

10 things you might not know about your Health Savings Account (HSA)

Not everyone understands the ins outs of these types of accounts, so listed below are 10 things you might not know about your HSA.

Connections

Managing your personal wealth isn’t just about the dollars and cents. It’s about connecting with what matters to you. Across all generations from life changes through life stages, Mesirow is here to help.

An introduction to "Trump Accounts": What, when and how

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, created a new tax-advantaged savings account for children under age 18.

Influential Entrepreneur podcast

Mesirow wealth advisor Jeff Condren was featured on The Influential Entrepreneur Podcast where he shared how clear goals, consistent communication and disciplined planning help clients make confident decisions through every market cycle.

Retirement accounts provide protection against creditors

Most investors understand the benefits of using retirement accounts to build long-term wealth. What is less known is that they can also provide creditor protection in the event of a legal liability, personal injury lawsuit, or bankruptcy.

Why Gen Z is optimistic about retirement

The ups and downs of the economy may cause people to give up hope. However, recent studies show that Generation Z is the most optimistic about retirement — even with a global pandemic in the equation.

Yours, mine & ours: How couples can prepare for retirement

Planning for retirement as a couple can have several benefits including confirming common goals, creating accountability to achieve a greater probability of success, and building retirement confidence.

Planning strategies for required minimum distributions

Knowing what tax-advantaged investment accounts are is crucial for the management of our clients’ wealth. These vehicles shelter ongoing investment growth from taxes, and may provide a tax benefit for contributions or withdrawals.

Key considerations for an early retirement

Supporting a 20-year retirement may be manageable for many, but supporting a 40-year retirement requires a different level of strategic planning and discipline.

How to maximize your social security paycheck

In order to determine how to maximize Social Security, it is important to know which types of benefits are available, and then to identify when is the best time to begin receiving these benefits will be based on your individual situation.

Apples to apples: Using the appropriate index is key to evaluating investment performance

Using the most appropriate index as a benchmark is key to evaluating how your investment portfolio is performing.

Want to live your best life in retirement?

Want to live your best life in retirement? Teaming with a wealth advisor can help. If you've done your own retirement investing to this point, here's something to consider: it's no longer just about growth. It's about management.

Why you need a financial plan

If you set a goal, but don't create a plan to achieve that goal how will you attain it? How will you hold yourself accountable? How will you track your progress along the way? Likely, you won't. You will continue to dream.

The importance of asset allocation for retirement and estate planning

Asset allocation is one of the most critical decisions in building and preserving wealth, particularly as it relates to retirement and estate planning.

Seven year-end planning tips

With so much happening in the world today and the usual end-of-year craziness of the holiday season, it's not always easy to remember critical financial deadliness.

Second time's the charm: Achieving financial independence after 50

Achieving independence: The client, Mrs. Q, hit financial success at 50 years old, earning approximately $1.4 million per year. Prior to this later success, she had no significant savings.

Selling your business: Tax planning strategies to consider well before you pull the trigger

It's time to sell your successful business — whether for a new venture or retirement. The earlier you start, the better. Early planning allows you to assemble a team of advisors (financial advisor, CPA, business attorney, estate attorney, etc.) and create a financial strategy aligned with your goals, considering taxes, income sources, expenses, risk tolerance, family needs and philanthropy.

Mid-year financial checkup: Are you on track to meet your 2025 goals?

This is a great time to review the goals that you set at the beginning of the year to ensure you are on track. It is important to reflect on your financial goals, investment strategies and risk tolerance to ensure that you are well-positioned for the rema

Healthy, wealthy and wise: Integrating unusual health care costs into your financial plan

Financial planning is largely an exercise in risk management – you prepare for the costs you can anticipate and set aside an extra amount to over the costs you can't.

Helping the next generation build financial security

Raising financially confident children is one of the greatest gifts we can give as parents and grandparents. Whether your goal is to fund higher education, encourage responsible money habits or provide a head start on retirement savings, there are several

Have you had "the talk" with your children?

Discussions between parents and children are not easy and get more complex as we advance to different stages in life. Regardless of how mature we think we are as the parent or the child, some discussions are just not fun. Preparing and engaging in them

Rethinking retirement: Why tax strategy is the missing link in wealth planning

For most individuals, taxes are a burden they hope to minimize. Yet, effective wealth management doesn’t just reduce taxes — it strategically aligns them with a client’s financial goals.

Market Observations

It’s often hard to tell the difference between relevant market information and noise. Our Market Observations newsletter lets you know what articles our advisors are using to form ideas and shape opinions.

What to expect "financially" when you're expecting

Having a baby is one of the most awe-inspiring moments in most people's lives, truly a time of profound emotion and personal joy. However, that joy also comes with financial complexities that can be dealt with by planning ahead.

Wedding planning: Critical financial tips

It's a fact; couples in the US are marrying later in life, especially college educated professionals. As a result, both partners have often begun to save, invest, and accumulate assets. Premarital financial planning has therefore become extremely importan

Talking about advance health care planning

As we get older, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that our health care needs and desires are well documented and understood by our family, friends, medical providers and professional advisors. This is why so many people seek counsel to draft or update health care and other estate planning documents.

Taking care of mom

Many of us have had a loved one, a parent or grandparent who needed someone to help in their home with daily living activities, or were a resident in a nursing home. Based on this experience, it's human nature to worry that the same thing could happen to us. We are living longer and the likelihood of needing some kind of care as we age is very real.

Renting versus buying a home: Deciding what's best for you

Both renting and buying offer distinct advantages and considerations, this article will help you to carefully evaluate them before making a decision.

Living at home vs. moving out after college: 7 things you should consider

You just entered the real world, now what? Deciding where to live on your own for the first time involves more than just finding a place to sleep, it's a choice that can impact your finances, career opportunities, personal growth and relationships.

Long-term care is a reality for most. Here's how you can be ready.

Many of us expect to stay healthy and self-sufficient well into our senior years, but planning for the possibility is not only prudent, it can help protect your assets, investments and resources from what can become significant expenses later in life. And for people who have a family history of Alzheimer's or dementia, those concerns are magnified.

Divorce: Financial tips to help you prepare and stay organized

As with any significant life change, a divorce can be an emotional and stressful period and the more organized and prepared you are, the better equipped you will be for this transition in your life.

Make your money match your priorities: A 2026 playbook for savvy investors

Starting the new year is more than a time for resolutions; it's a powerful moment to align your financial life with what matters most to you and your family.

Caring for others: Will it impact your retirement?

Present generations will have life experiences and responsibilities that are far different and potentially more demanding than others before us and must do more to anticipate them. This leads to the question, how many of us consider aging loved ones as we prepare for retirement? If so, how many of us are prepared to support our loved ones, and what is the impact on our retirement future?

Saving for college

Active early planning and some creativity can help position your family to be financially well-prepared to send the next generation off to college.

Market Summary

A quarterly overview of equity, fixed income and commodities markets.

The Mesirow approach to private assets in defined contribution plans

Explore how Mesirow brings private equity, credit and real estate into DC target date funds to enhance outcomes.

Which asset classes are most beneficial in a portfolio?

This paper explores how diverse asset classes enhance portfolio efficiency and stability through mean variance optimization across varying risk levels.

Stable Value steps into the spotlight

Stable value offers the benefit of principal protection and potential superior risk-adjusted returns relative to cash and fixed-income investments.

Stable Value — a perfect partner for equities

As a compliment to equities, stable value can provide better risk-adjusted outcomes than fixed income.

Out with the old and in with the new

This paper explores the impact of using trailing return to predict future performance. The results may not be what many investors expect.

One of these things is not like the others

Mesirow's target date glide path construction differs from the competition.

Target Date Funds

Overview of Target Date Fund glide paths and benchmarks, showing how asset allocations evolve across the lifecycle for QDIA retirement solutions.

Fifty years of broad-based international data

In this paper, we use 50 years of MSCI data to examine international investing in the context of asset allocation and mean variance optimization.

The most effective portfolio inflation hedges

This paper reviews strategies to hedge inflation risk, including TIPS, commodities, REITs, and select equity sectors, as traditional assets often underperform in high inflation.

Putting value on 'Peace of Mind'

We introduce a framework to evaluate Guaranteed Retirement Income products and compare them to strategies built from typical defined contribution plan investments.

The appropriate age for transition to managed accounts in a QDIA framework

In this paper, we review evidence of retirement under-saving and potential solutions, as well as empirical evidence regarding investor reaction to negative market returns.

GRI Product Allocations in a QDIA Framework

Most retirement savers both under-save for retirement and potentially face a serious return drag from sub-optimal, market chasing behavior — Guaranteed Retirement Income (GRI) — products can help.

The case for proactive re-enrollment as industry best practice

Auto-enrollment, auto-escalation and re-enrollment are best practices that improve participant outcomes, especially when implemented as opt-out features.

February 2026 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

US middle market food and beverage M&A activity moderated in February, with announced deal volume declining approximately 23% month-over-month, while aggregate disclosed enterprise value increased, driven by a limited number of larger strategic transactions.

February 2026 Market Update: Aerospace & Defense

The US aerospace and defense sector gained momentum in February, fueled by strategic M&A, increased federal funding and rising global demand.

January 2026 Market Update: Aerospace & Defense

January closed with strong momentum in Aerospace & Defense M&A, led by headline transactions and a sizable shift in U.S. defense policy.

January 2026 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

US middle market M&A activity across food, beverage, and agribusiness opened 2026 with renewed momentum.

December 2025 Market Update: Aerospace & Defense

December closed out calendar year 2025 with a surge in strategic dealmaking across the U.S. Aerospace & Defense sector, underscoring investor confidence in high-tech capabilities and resilient supply chains.

December 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

December marked the close of a transitional year for middle market Food, Beverage & Agribusiness M&A. Activity slowed sequentially, as expected, but not from lack of interest.

November 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

November marked a meaningful step-up in sector activity, with deal flow improving and several larger transactions returning to market.

October 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

October marked a constructive month for food, beverage and agribusiness M&A.

3Q2025 IT Services & Cybersecurity

The IT Services M&A market remains robust across all segments. Key drivers include advancements in artificial intelligence, system modernization and heightened cybersecurity demands, with managed security service providers leading the charge.

October 2025 Market Update: Aerospace & Defense

After years of relying on SPACs and private funding, the aerospace and space technology sectors are seeing a resurgence in traditional IPO activity. In 2025, several high-profile listings have signaled renewed investor appetite and confidence in the industry’s long-term growth.

September 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

There were 28 announced transactions (US targets) in September, down 9% from August, marking a modest pullback following several active months.

August 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

Deal activity in August reflected a continuation of 2025's broader themes: fewer transactions overall, but skewing larger as buyers prioritized scale, margin visibility, and supply chain resilience.

July 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

M&A activity in the food, beverage and agribusiness industry marked another consecutive month of elevated volume, led by a continued wave of strategic buyers pursuing scale, category leadership and synergistic add-ons.

3Q2025 Technology & Services Sector Overview - Public Safety and First Responders

The Public Safety / First Responder Technology & Services M&A market is experiencing resilient transaction volumes in the first half of 2025

June 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

M&A activity remained strong in June, with 36 announced transactions, edging out May and sustaining the elevated pace in recent months.

May 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

M&A activity remained steady in May with 33 announced transactions, slightly ahead of April, marking another month of elevated deal flow.

2025 Mid-Year Market Update: Industrial Technology

In this report, our experts cover strong sector performance and AI-driven demand amid uncertainty and cautious market outlooks.

April 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

Transaction volume held steady in April, driven by sustained buyer appetite across the food industry, particularly in categories with strong consumer relevance and margin visibility.

March 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

Despite ongoing market volatility in March, the food & beverage M&A landscape remained resilient.

February 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

February 2025 was another active month for M&A in the food, beverage, and agribusiness industry, as companies leveraged early-year momentum to refine their portfolios.

January 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

The food and beverage M&A landscape experienced mixed signals in January as geopolitical tensions and new tariffs introduced heightened uncertainty.

2024 Recap and 2025 Outlook

In-depth evaluation of Specialty Distribution M&A trends and transactions in 2024 and 2025 outlook

December 2024 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

December ended the year on solid footing for food, beverage and agribusiness M&A, with momentum expected to carry into 2025.

4Q2024 Technology & Services Sector Overview: Public Safety and First Responders

The Public Safety / First Responder Technology & Services M&A market is experiencing resilient transaction volumes in 2024 as investors continue to value emerging technologies that reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve service quality.

November 2024 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

With post-election uncertainty beginning to subside, the food, beverage, and agribusiness M&A market is gaining momentum.

October 2024 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

October deal activity implies the market is on track with 2022 levels in terms of number of deals. Dollar volume in 2024 has notably outpaced 2023 levels, driven by the resurgence of mega-deals.

4Q2024 HCM Technology Sector Overview

The HCM Technology M&A market is experiencing resilient transaction volumes in 2024 following a drop off in 2023 due to improvements in macro-economic conditions including unemployment and inflation rates that affected public markets across the globe.

Fall 2024 Market Update: Industrial Technology

In this report, our investment bankers cover market drivers, provide an outlook for 2025 and offer a deep dive into emerging applications across the flow control sector.

Industrial automation and nearshoring

The COVID pandemic exposed the risk of supply chain concentration, particularly offshore

How COVID-19 Changed Packaging Forever

Explore the most powerful market shifts fueled by COVID-19. Learn what they mean for consumer packaging, and how producers can stay ahead of the trends.

The macroeconomic fallout of tariffs

How trade barriers shape inflation, monetary policy, and currency markets

Mesirow Currency Management | 4Q2025 Commentary

Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow’s currency for return strategies

Currency tourism - the FX effect

How exchange rates influence global travel decisions

Currency Outlook 2026

The FX market for 2026 will be shaped by central bank policy divergence, foreign relations, and AI investment.

The new currency wars

Soros, stablecoins, and what yesterday’s currency crisis reveals about tomorrow's digital collapse.

Mesirow Currency Management | 3Q2025 Commentary

Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow’s currency for return strategies.

Monetary futures: Stablecoins leap ahead of CBDCs

China, India and the EU press on with CBDCs, but the US bets big on private crypto innovation.

The quiet engine of global risk

How carry trades shape and shake markets

Don't let FX erode your gains

Embedded currency exposure in a portfolio can detract from risk-adjusted returns. Investors should assess how currency exposure impacts their portfolios and consider strategies to manage this risk as a means of enhancing overall portfolio outcomes.

Argentina's $40 billion lifeline

Bailout or bet—can US dollars stabilize a collapsing peso?

Local Extrema Predictor (LEAP)

A machine learning-based market regime detection and mean reversion strategy

Managing risk with FX futures

Hedging and speculation with currency futures - understanding the basics

Stablecoins prepare to enter mainstream payments

President signs legislation to regulate payment stablecoins, but how stable are they?

Mesirow Currency Management | 2Q2025 Commentary

Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow's currency for return strategies

Are we too dependent on this FX benchmark?

FX benchmark prices are critical for global commerce, investments, and trading, but is there a hidden risk in your favorite FX rate?

Spot and forward rates

Knowing how these rates work, when they're appropriate and their typical uses can lead to smarter financial decisions for importers, travelers or investors.

Should a nation manage its currency?

Free float vs managed float currency exchange rates: which one is better?

US Dollar: Currency Dynasty

The currency composition of official foreign exchange reserves has changed significantly over the past 25 years. How did the USD ascend and can it hang on to its dominance?

Nothing lasts forever

From 1999 to the end of 2024, dollar holdings as reserve currency declined by about thirteen percentage points. Crises and competition challenges USD hegemony as the dominant foreign exchange reserve. How much longer will dollar dominance last?

Safe haven currency hedging

Why do US and Swiss pension funds use different currency risk strategies?

Mesirow Currency Management | 1Q2025 Commentary

Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow's currency for return strategies

Mesirow Currency Management | 4Q2024 Commentary

Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow's currency for return strategies

Understanding currency quotes

Learning how exchange rates are presented and what they signify can offer a clearer view of the economic trends and market forces shaping currency values.

The powerful and wide-ranging effects of currency exchange rates

Keeping an eye on currency trends and information can explain the "why" of economic events that have life-altering consequences for people and nations.

Currency Outlook 2025

Inflation, the US election, geopolitical uncertainty and FX volatility were major themes in 2024. What might we see in 2025?

Four strategies to reduce liquidity management stress

Identifying the appropriate liquidity management approach for a currency overlay is a key risk consideration.

China's new payments system threatens US financial leadership

US delay to issue a central bank digital currency could have geopolitical implications.

Stablecoins: Cryptocurrencies with a pegged price

Designed to overcome price volatility and pegged to a single asset or combination of assets, stablecoins aim to become a mainstream medium of exchange.

Mesirow Currency Management | 3Q2024 Commentary

Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow's currency for return strategies

Presidential candidates entice voters with expensive tax breaks

Will tariffs and higher taxes be enough to pay for these benefits? Not even close.

Mesirow Currency Management | 2Q2024 Commentary

Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow's currency for return strategies

The US national debt burden

The debt level is approaching its 1946 historic high. Will it take a collapse in the bond or FX market before we take action?

Rapid payments speed money through the financial system; economic growth follows

Billions of dollars in transaction savings and economic output. Rapid payment systems pay off.

US debt is headed to unimaginable levels

Since 1990, debt crises have erupted periodically. How could the rising US debt affect the USD? What can be done?

The Gold Standard

After the Great War, the world attempted to relive gold's glory years. It didn't work.

T+1 and foreign investors

US securities markets have moved from a settlement period of two days after trading (T+2) to one day (T+1). This change also affects the FX settlement process. What should foreign investors do?

Cryptocurrencies make room for tokenization

Distributed ledger technology fosters digitization of just about everything

Mesirow Currency Management | 1Q2024 Commentary

Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow's currency for return strategies.

Tokenized gold

Tokenized gold works by digitizing ownership of actual physical gold, making it tradeable on a distributed ledger. Will investors rush to this 21st century treasure?

Can a US rapid payment system take off?

The benefits of rapid payments (financial inclusion, connectivity, shelter from economic sanctions) have many nations interested in establishing a rapid payments system. Can the US replicate the success of other nations?

Hope for a new gold standard?

Bretton Woods to the Nixon Shock: Gold played a pivotal role in the post-WWII international monetary system.

The US hedging advantage

Potential to increase return while reducing risk by hedging currencies

Gold gets a good start

How did it all begin, and should we reconsider gold as the basis for an international monetary system?

Clever currency hedging for Swiss investors

Tenor management can alleviate carry penalties while managing currency risk

Central Bank Digital Currencies

Nations are rushing to launch CBDCs. Will the U.S. be a leader or a laggard in the digital currency race?

Use currency as a risk provider or return generator

Currency market inefficiencies may be used in international portfolios to manage risk or pursue higher returns

COVID-19, Economy and FX: Past, Present and Future

Analyzing pandemic economic effects and foreign exchange rate movements

ESG Government Risk

Is there an association between ESG government risk & international IPO underpricing?

ESG for systematic FX trading

Environmental, Social, and Governance data as a complementary source in a fundamental strategy

High dimensional data visualisation for systematic FX trading

Deep neural networks for FX prediction

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Featured insights

Gregg Lunceford featured on "Be It Till You See It" podcast

February 2026 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

The macroeconomic fallout of tariffs

Gregg Lunceford featured on "Be It Till You See It" podcast

Rock your rollover

Cultivating a healthy money mindset: Finding financial gratitude

Finding your financial ally: How to make the most of your peak earning years

Be safe out there

Market volatility can create tax-smart opportunities

What's new in taxes: 2026 OBBBA highlights

The impact of changing interest rates on estate planning strategies

The power of uninterrupted compounding

Delay taxes on appreciated investment property or business assets

Four reasons to start investing your HSA assets

Inflation, interest rates, and your pocketbook

Five essential finance terms everyone should know

A savvy approach to charitable giving

Your guide to 529 college savings plan withdrawals

Why interest rates matter

Think you can't own a Roth IRA? Think again.

The “Super Catch-Up” contribution: An opportunity you don't want to miss

Series I Savings Bonds

Now you can have greater flexibility and control in your estate plan

Philanthropy bridges the generational gap

Invest it all today or average in?

Keeping up on your estate plan: Stop, check-in, take inventory

It's time to consider a Roth 529 conversion

It helps to have a trustworthy advocate in your corner

IRA tax smarts

How to start putting together an estate plan

How to strategize tax diversification

Having “the talk” with your family

How stock splits work

Gift tax reporting for transfers to Irrevocable Trusts

Five financial habits that could cost you more than you think

Estate planning with cryptocurrency is fraught with hidden pitfalls

FDIC Insurance: What you need to know after the bank failures in 2023

529 plans aren't just for college anymore

Your insurance plays a key role in your financial plan

Three ways to prepare for a financial windfall

The rise of the intrafamily loan

The importance of financial planning in the LGBTQ community

The ABCDs of Medicare

Tax time is approaching: What to track and tell your CPA this year

Peace of mind for generations: How Mesirow helped a family protect their assets and legacy

Finding the right fit

Don't skimp on excess liability insurance coverage

Document locator

Legacy checklist

Are you prepared for your legacy?

It may be time to review your business's buy-sell agreement

Three tips for every business owner

Strategies for maximizing tax reduction and deferral

Small business owners: The value of a 401(k) Third Party Administrator

Prepare, Plan, Protect: Wealth planning tips for business owners

College checklist: Five tips for parents

College checklist: Five tips for students

Are your philanthropic gifting strategies still up to date?

A beginner's guide to 529 plans

The Aligned Money Show

Best practices for selling your business

Interested in bringing your retirement into focus?

What should I do with my time in retirement?

What role does financial planning play in retirement satisfaction?

Nine questions all retirees should ask themselves

Making a career transition to retirement

Is early retirement right for you?

Are you ready to be a full time "Snowbird"?

10 things you might not know about your Health Savings Account (HSA)

Connections

An introduction to "Trump Accounts": What, when and how

Influential Entrepreneur podcast

Retirement accounts provide protection against creditors

Why Gen Z is optimistic about retirement

Yours, mine & ours: How couples can prepare for retirement

Planning strategies for required minimum distributions

Key considerations for an early retirement

How to maximize your social security paycheck

Apples to apples: Using the appropriate index is key to evaluating investment performance