Savoy, honors an elite group of African American men and women for their executive and business leadership contributions each year , CHICAGO July 20 2022, – Mesirow an independent employee-owned financial services firm today announced, Ben Blakney, President of Mesirow Institutional Real Estate Direct Investments (“IRED” was named one of Savoy Magazine ’s 2022 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America Savoy one of the leading African American business and lifestyle magazines published its definitive list of African American executives influencers and achievers impacting corporate America in its summer issue  “ Savoy is proud…, LP Green II, Publisher of Savoy Magazine “These innovative trailblazers have led efforts to foster growth for some of the country’s highest-performing companies throughout and beyond the US market” Ben has more than 30 years of investment industry experience as a senior executive in both the public and private sectors He joined Mesirow in 2014 and today serves as a member of the Mesirow Board of Directors…, Natalie Brown, “Ben exemplifies our firm’s commitment to serving clients through differentiated financial products acting as a force for social good and sustaining our people-centric culture We congratulate Ben on this well-deserved recognition as we celebrate his leadership and accomplishments  “I am honored to be recognized by Savoy and humbled for being included in the publication’s prestigious list of…

R, esilient realistic and rethinking retirement Gen Z charts a nontraditional path to success, Lunceford calls for empathy not judgment as this generation faces new economic and social challenges , CHICAGO – August 11 2025, – In a compelling segment on WGN’s Your Money Matters with Jon Hansen  Dr Gregg Lunceford PhD CFP ® Wealth Advisor at Mesirow Wealth Management urged listeners to reframe how they perceive Generation Zs financial and career choices With three upcoming podcasts exploring this theme Lunceford emphasized that Gen Z—those between 13 and 27 years old—deserve not only guidance but understanding “We…, A Generation Tempered by Challenge, Far from being naive or disengaged Gen Z has grown up amid seismic events school shootings two economic crises (2008 and 2020 and rising college debt These experiences have shaped a generation that is both cautious and entrepreneurial “They’ve lived through instability we only faced later in life” Lunceford noted “Many are choosing alternate paths—gig work digital careers—not because they lack…, Redefining Career Loyalty and Home Life, From job-hopping to extended stays in the parental home Gen Z’s choices are often misread as signs of immaturity In reality Lunceford says they reflect practical responses to rising housing costs wage stagnation and limited access to employer-sponsored pensions “Living at home longer isn’t about entitlement—it’s about financial strategy” he said “When approached with clear goals and saving plans…, Pathways to Leadership on Their Own Terms, Many Gen Z professionals still aspire to leadership—but they are rewriting how to get there Rather than climbing a single corporate ladder they seek diverse experiences across industries to build a portfolio of skills “Its not a lack of loyalty—it’s a new kind of career planning” Lunceford explained “They want the C-suite but they want to earn it through breadth agility and intentional choices”…, About Mesirow , Mesirow is an independent employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937 Headquartered in Chicago with offices around the world we serve clients through a personal custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency Capital Markets & Investment Banking and Advisory Services we invest in what…, Mesirow does not provide legal or tax advice,  Past performance is not indicative of future results The views expressed above are as of the date given may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views express by other Mesirow associates  Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings Inc and its divisions subsidiaries and affiliates The Mesirow name and logo are registered service marks of Mesirow Financial Holdings Inc…

Roth conversions can reduce long-term tax exposure but timing and execution are key, Tax diversification offers flexibility amid shifting tax laws and retirement income needs, We believe personalized planning beats blanket advice when managing wealth through retirement, CHICAGO June 9 2025, – On a recent “ Mesirow Monday ” radio appearance on WGN’s “Your Money Matters” with Jon Hansen, Mesirow Advanced Planning Specialist and Wealth Advisor, Gary Pattengale, CFP ®, outlined the strategic opportunities—and common pitfalls—of Roth accounts and conversions especially for high net worth individuals focused on long-term wealth optimization “Taxes shouldn’t be an afterthought in retirement planning” noted Gary “Done right tax strategy becomes a powerful tool for control flexibility and legacy”, Roth IRAs and Roth 401(ks, unlike their traditional counterparts are funded with after-tax dollars but grow—and can be withdrawn—tax-free They also aren’t subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs making them a key asset in managing future income and taxes Gary emphasized, the value of tax diversification, holding both Roth and traditional accounts to hedge against future tax rate changes and legislative uncertainty While, Roth conversions, are often promoted as a universal solution Gary cautioned that they can trigger unintended consequences including higher Medicare premiums capital gains or Social Security taxation He noted that, phased conversions, —executed during lower-income years typically post-retirement but pre-RMD—can offer significant benefits when well-timed “Conversions are not all-or-nothing Precision matters Modeling matters” he added Gary also warned against paying conversion taxes out of the IRA itself “The moment you reduce the converted amount to pay taxes you lose much of the long-term upside” Mesirow Wealth Management the…, About Mesirow , Mesirow is an independent employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937 Headquartered in Chicago with offices around the world we serve clients through a personal custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency Capital Markets & Investment Banking and Advisory Services we invest in what…

529 plans Roth IRAs and credit lessons provide a foundation for lifelong financial success, 529 plans remain the “gold standard” for education savings offering tax-free growth and in more than 30 states state tax credits, Roth IRAs and responsible spending habits empower children and teens to build lifelong financial stability, CHICAGO – September 8 2025 –, In a recent “Mesirow Monday” on WGN’s “Your Money Matters” with Jon Hansen, Jennifer Rosenblum, CFA Wealth Advisor at Mesirow Wealth Management outlined proven strategies for parents to prepare their children for long-term financial security From college savings plans to retirement accounts and credit-building tools Rosenblum emphasized that families have more options than ever to help the next generation thrive “Start now and adjust as your child’s future comes into focus” Rosenblum said…, 529 Plans The Gold Standard for Education Savings, “Parents often ask me what to do first” Rosenblum explained “The answer is simple open a 529 plan” 529 plans allow families to save for education with tax-free growth and withdrawals Illinois residents contributing to Bright Start or Bright Directions plans also benefit from a state tax credit Contributions can begin as soon as a child has a Social Security number and anyone—grandparents…, Roth IRAs Harnessing Time for Teens and Young Adults, For children with earned income Roth IRAs offer a powerful way to leverage time and compound growth Even modest contributions from summer or part-time jobs can grow substantially over decades “Convincing a teenager to save for retirement can be difficult” Rosenblum acknowledged “But parents can encourage the habit by matching their child’s contributions By the time they reach retirement age those…, Building Healthy Spending Habits, Rosenblum also encouraged parents to begin teaching responsible money management early For younger children debit cards like Greenlight—with built-in parental controls and budgeting tools—can introduce smart spending habits For college-aged students becoming an authorized user on a parent’s credit card can help build credit history while maintaining oversight “Credit cards can be a slippery slope…, Securing the Next Generation, From tax-advantaged education savings to lifelong retirement tools Rosenblum emphasized that parents play a critical role in setting financial foundations Mesirow Wealth Management is the firm’s founding capability connecting clients to what matters today and across generations The firm’s Wealth Advisors are differentiated by their personal comprehensive wealth planning expert investment…, About Mesirow , Mesirow is an independent employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937 Headquartered in Chicago with offices around the world we serve clients through a personal custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency Capital Markets & Investment Banking and Advisory Services we invest in what…

Roth conversions may reduce long-term tax exposure but timing and execution are key, Tax diversification offers flexibility amid shifting tax laws and retirement income needs, We believe personalized planning beats blanket advice when managing wealth through retirement, CHICAGO – July 21 2025, – In a strategic “mid-year check-up” discussion on WGN’s “Your Money Matters” with Jon Hansen, Tiffany Irving, Wealth Advisor at Mesirow underscored the importance of revisiting financial strategies midway through the year With the market surging to recent highs amid ongoing economic uncertainty now is a strategic moment for high net worth investors to evaluate and recalibrate their financial plans “I encourage clients to pause revisit their goals and ensure each component of their strategy is still…, 1 Cash Flow & Budget Review, Irving recommends starting with foundational principles assess changes in income re-evaluate monthly spending and reconcile them against your budget plan She adheres to the classic 50/30/20 rule—50% needs 30% wants 20% savings—and urges use of tools like Quicken or budgeting apps to track spending “Many people can’t tell you what they spend monthly—tracking helps bring clarity and control” Irving…, 2 Retirement Accounts Beyond Funding, With markets performing strongly its vital to ensure retirement contributions are correctly allocated—not just deposited “Max out your 401(k if possible and capture every dollar of employer match” Irving advised Irving warned “Don’t assume contributions mean investments Many investors mistakenly leave money in low-yield vehicles instead of allocating it thoughtfully”, 3 Idle Cash Put It to Work, Identifying excess mid-year cash presents opportunities to enhance returns Irving suggests directing surplus funds into high-yield savings or CDs or increasing retirement savings if possible “Idle money in a checking account is a lost opportunity Ensure cash is deployed efficiently” she said, 4 Estate Planning Revisit & Refresh, Often delayed estate planning is a cornerstone of long-term financial health Irving recommends reviewing •    Beneficiary designations and account titling •    Powers of attorney for health and property •    Trusts and “transfer-on-death” instruments •    Digital asset access (eg online accounts crypto Even if initial structures are in place “regular check ins ensure plans reflect life changes”…, 5 Make It Manageable One Step at a Time, Acknowledging the breadth of the mid-year check-up Irving encourages investors to tackle objectives month by month “Pick a July goal another for August—you dont need to do everything at once A small hour of intentional planning yields long-term peace of mind” Mesirow Wealth Management is the firm’s founding capability and is differentiated by its comprehensive customized financial planning and…, About Mesirow , Mesirow is an independent employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937 Headquartered in Chicago with offices around the world we serve clients through a personal custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency Capital Markets & Investment Banking and Advisory Services we invest in what…, Mesirow does not provide legal or tax advice, Past performance is not indicative of future results The views expressed above are as of the date given may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views express by other Mesirow associates  Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings Inc and its divisions subsidiaries and affiliates The Mesirow name and logo are registered service marks of Mesirow Financial Holdings Inc…