Key goals included workspace optimization implementation of state-of-the-art technology and enhancing collaboration with new functional areas for employees and clients, Firm’s presence in headquarters remains more than 100000 square feet, Project emphasized sustainability and positive community impact for area families schools and nonprofits, CHICAGO February 10 2025, – Mesirow an independent employee-owned financial services firm today announced the completion of a significant renovation project at its headquarters located at 353 N Clark Following a strategic decision to extend the firm’s lease for an additional ten years this work is part of a broader multi-year strategy to optimize the firm’s 20-plus offices globally and reaffirms Mesirow’s deep-rooted…, Natalie Brown, Mesirow CEO, “We look forward to gathering in spaces that will create a more sustainable future and support our intentional ‘best places to work’ culture”, Positive community impact, 99% of interiors and supplies donated to 15 Minority and Women-Owned (MWBE nonprofit businesses 350+ students supplied with needed items for fall classes and 30 new classrooms stocked  1000+ people in Chicago communities positively impacted, Deepened sustainability, More than 80% of furniture reused or repurposed 25 apartments furnished for Chicago area families in need  165000 pounds of paper recycled 75% less go forward energy consumption through LED lighting 150% increase in recycling through updated standards 90%+ reduction in annual waste as first corporate deskside composting partner with WasteNot Compost To learn more visit mesirowcom/responsibility , 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 Global Investment Management Capital Markets & Investment Banking and Advisory Services we invest in what matters…

When finding a place to call home the decision to rent or buy can impact your lifestyle and financial situation Both renting and buying offer distinct advantages and considerations and it is important that you carefully evaluate them before making a decision, For example while renting provides the flexibility to change locations easily and typically requires less upfront costs buying a home offers the potential for building equity and the freedom to personalize and invest in your property By understanding the differences that affect your lifestyle and your pocketbook youll be better equipped to make an informed choice that aligns with the life you…, The cost to get started, One of the first things to consider as you consider whether now is the time to rent or buy is how much of an initial investment of time and money you are prepared to put into your new residence There are significant differences in up-front costs and ongoing maintenance and improvement costs to consider, Renters, When you rent you should expect to pay an application fee and security deposit of 1-3 months in rent payments The security deposit is usually refunded back to you either at the beginning of the lease as a credit towards your first monthly payment or when the lease terminates assuming there are no damages to the rental property, Buyers, When you buy you should expect to pay an earnest money deposit (typically $1000-$2000 to ensure that you are a serious buyer this deposit is usually applied to your closing cost if you purchase the property In addition your mortgage provider will generally require a down payment of 20% of the home purchase price Exceptions can be made using special mortgage programs such as FHA or first-time…, Insights into your monthly payments, Both renters and homeowners share responsibility for monthly payments Whether renting or buying it is important to consider your financial situation and adhere to general guidelines that recommend spending 28% or less of your gross monthly income on housing expenses and a maximum of 36% of your gross income on all debts 1, Renters, As a renter you typically pay monthly rent to a landlord or property management company each month based on your negotiated lease for a specified period, Homeowners, As a homeowner your monthly payment is based on a predetermined amortization schedule that involves paying back your mortgage loan plus interest over time often 15-30 years Property taxes and homeowners insurance can also be included in this payment schedule if the mortgage company is responsible for paying the bills on your behalf Your interest rate can significantly impact the overall…, Taxes and insurance add up, When comparing renting and buying a home you must also consider property taxes and insurance costs, Renters, As a renter it is recommended that you purchase renters insurance to protect your home But since you do not own the property or building you dont have to worry about paying property taxes since the landlord takes care of that, Homeowners, When you buy a home you may receive some tax benefits like deducting property taxes and mortgage interest payments from your taxes Since these deductions may help reduce your tax bill we recommend you speak with your accountant about this as part of your buying decision, Building equity, One of the most significant advantages of buying a home is the opportunity to build equity Equity refers to the portion of the propertys value that you truly own As you make mortgage payments over time this will gradually reduce the loan amount and increase your equity stake in the property Additionally property values may appreciate over the years further contributing to equity growth This…, Maintaining a home, Another critical distinction between renting and buying a home lies in the responsibility for home maintenance, Renters, As a renter you may enjoy the advantage of not being directly responsible for the upkeep and repairs on the property When a maintenance issue arises such as a leaky faucet or a malfunctioning appliance it is typically the landlords or property management companys responsibility to address and resolve these issues at no cost to you, Homeowners, As a homeowner you are responsible for maintaining the property Annual home maintenance costs which can range from 1% to 4% of the homes value 2 are necessary to ensure the propertys upkeep preserve its value and address any repairs or upgrades that may be required This responsibility can be a significant consideration as it requires time effort and financial resources to maintain a home properly…, Factoring in flexibility and stability, Flexibility and stability are two important lifestyle factors that differentiate renting and buying a home, Renters, As a renter you may enjoy more flexibility in the ability to change locations relatively easily and less responsibility when it comes to the financial obligations of owning a home However this flexibility may come with accrued short-term costs — such as moving expenses — and the need to purchase new furniture to accommodate new properties, Homeowners, Homeownership tends to imply a longer-term commitment and therefore greater stability allowing you to establish roots and build a sense of community, How to decide whats best for you, The decision between renting and buying a home involves weighing various factors that impact personal finances lifestyle preferences and long-term goals Understanding the fundamental differences between the two options is essential for making an informed choice Renting offers flexibility minimal maintenance responsibilities and the absence of property taxes but lacks the potential for building…, Published January 2025, [1] https//wwwcnbccom/select/what-is-the-28-36-rule-for-buying-a-home/#~text=According%20to%20the%2028%2F36(including%20your%20mortgage%20payment [2] https//fortunecom/recommends/mortgages/renting-vs-buying-a-home/   [3] https//wwwusatodaycom/story/money/personalfinance/real-estate/2022/02/12/average-american-home-costs-3-k-per-year-to-maintain/49780837/  

Most investors understand the significant tax benefits of using their qualified retirement accounts — such as their 401(ks IRAs and Roth IRAs — to build long-term wealth But did you know that these types of accounts also provide creditor protection, One of the lesser-known benefits of retirement accounts is this — Federal statues offer retirement accounts special treatment when subject to the claims of creditors This creditor protection can be a valuable tool in the event of a legal liability personal injury lawsuit or bankruptcy Accounts that receive special protection include 401(k plans pension plans profit sharing accounts SEP IRAs…, Type of Account, Bankruptcy protection, Legal liability protection, 401(ks, Unlimited protection 1 Unlimited protection 1, Pension plans, Unlimited protection 1 Unlimited protection 1, Profit sharing accounts, Unlimited protection 1 Unlimited protection 1, SEP IRAs, Unlimited protection 2 Regulated by state, SIMPLE IRAs, Unlimited protection 2 Regulated by state, 403(b plans, Unlimited protection 1 Unlimited protection 1, 457 plans, Unlimited protection 1 Unlimited protection 1, Traditional IRAs, Aggregate protection up to $1512350 (2022 2 Regulated by state, Roth IRAs, Aggregate protection up to $1512350 (2022 2 Regulated by state 1 Based on ERISA guidelines | 2 Based on BAPCPA guidelines, Account withdrawal protection from creditors, Furthermore withdrawals from an ERISA retirement plan can retain an enhanced level of creditor protection depending on the destination of the withdrawal Funds deposited to another employer’s ERISA plan maintain unlimited protection for both bankruptcy and legal liability Funds deposited to an IRA account consisting solely of rollover funds maintain unlimited protection for bankruptcy but not for…, Published January 2025, 1 Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA 2 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 3  https//wwwthebankruptcysiteorg/exemptions/federalhtml