Mindy Charski
Biz Journalist & Content Writer
Mindy Charski is a business journalist, content writer, and ghostwriter currently covering marketing, adtech/martech, banking, personal finance, and small business.
independentbanker.org
Can Community Banks Benefit from Culture Leadership Positions?
Is culture something that falls into place naturally or something that is cultivated? These community banks created chief culture officer roles to encourage, develop and preserve their bank’s values and identity.
Next Avenue
Why Your High Schooler Gets So Much Mail
Why do so many colleges still include direct mail in their marketing mix along with social media, digital advertising, email and other means of communicating? It turns out that mail has unique advantages that help schools grab and keep the attention of digital natives.
independentbanker.org
The Status of De Novos Going Into 2024
These days, only a small number of bankers are embracing the challenge of the de novo process even as the need for new banks grows. I spoke with executives behind four de novos about their startup journeys and how they are serving their communities.
independentbanker.org
Digitizing the Commercial Lending Process
With a new digital commercial loan solution, The Killbuck Savings Bank Co. has catapulted its commercial lending and loan origination system into the high-speed digital era.
independentbanker.org
Market your community bank with first-party data
Customer data fuels efficient and effective marketing these days. Community banks own an enviable amount of data, but not all are leveraging it to its fullest extent. I delve into why that is and how banks can begin to implement a first-party data strategy in this story for Independent Banker.
independentbanker.org
Primis Bank Brings Banking to Your Front Door
Inspired by a fateful food delivery, Primis Bank launched V1BE, a banking delivery service that serves both individuals and businesses.
independentbanker.org
Offering Consistency in Inconsistent Times
With rising interest rates and inflation on the move, the word “consistency” doesn’t have an easy association with the current banking environment.
Yet, consistency in various forms has helped three very different community banks excel at commercial lending. They share some of their secrets of success.
https://www.thrivent.com/magazine/summer11/newattitude.html
Diversify your portfolio with these types of ETFs
Similar to stocks, bonds and mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are securities you can add to your investment portfolio. They're another way to potentially grow wealth while working toward your financial goals.
ETFs aren't a new security: 2023 marks the 30th year since the first ETF was listed in the U.S. Many types of ETFs have since sprouted up, and they can help you diversify your portfolio. Reviewing the most popular varieties of ETFs can help you and your financial advisor match your choices to your risk tolerance, time horizon and broader financial strategy.
https://www.thrivent.com/magazine/summer11/newattitude.html
Nearing retirement? The last 5 years before you retire are critical
Retirement is a milestone you've likely thought about and worked toward for decades. After planning and saving for so many years, you may imagine you can coast right into it.
But in the five years or so right before your retirement, your savings and investment accounts need your attention more than ever.
We'll explain why the last five years before you retire are critical and explore steps you can take during this time to build and protect your nest egg.
independentbanker.org
6 ways community banks can build a better onboarding experience
The first few weeks of an employee starting a new job are pivotal in terms of how they’ll connect to their new company and their role. I spoke with community bankers about how they have perfected their onboarding processes.
https://www.thrivent.com/magazine/summer11/newattitude.html
Saving for a wedding: Tips before you tie the knot
When you're planning and saving for a wedding, a smart spending strategy can help you marry two important yet distinctive goals—affording your ideal celebration while starting off your marriage with a solid financial foundation.
After all, one of the best gifts you can give yourself is protecting your savings for the new life you're creating together. As you approach the big day, consider these steps to keep your wedding saving and spending in check.
https://www.thrivent.com/magazine/summer11/newattitude.html
5 alternatives if you make too much to contribute to a Roth IRA
Earning a substantial income can help you live a generous life today and save more for your tomorrows. But when it comes to retirement planning, a higher income also can create some roadblocks.
For example, consider the Roth individual retirement account (IRA), which has income limits that potentially bar high earners from funding them directly.
If you think you make too much for a Roth IRA, you can explore alternative strategies and investment options. We'll cover who can contribute to a Roth IRA and various approaches to optimize your retirement savings if your income exceeds the limits.
https://www.thrivent.com/magazine/summer11/newattitude.html
Universal life insurance vs. whole life insurance: Which is right for you?
Life insurance is designed to provide that financial security for your loved ones after your death. However, types of permanent life insurance also have a bonus: the opportunity to build savings over time that you can use during your lifetime. Two popular permanent life insurance options include universal life insurance and whole life insurance. Comparing the two can help you discover the best option for you.
https://www.thrivent.com/magazine/summer11/newattitude.html
How the SECURE Act 2.0 affects small businesses
American workers and their families gained new retirement savings opportunities when the SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law in late 2022. The legislation affects small businesses as well, providing new tools and incentives to benefit both employers and employees. This story shares some key provisions that small business owners should know about.
https://www.thrivent.com/magazine/summer11/newattitude.html
Considering a Roth 401(k)? Here's what you need to know
A Roth 401(k) can help you work toward your retirement savings goals, but it has a different kind of tax advantage than a traditional 401(k). A Roth 401(k) shares its tax advantage with its older cousin from the other side of the family tree, the Roth individual retirement account (IRA).
These accounts play well together—you can use all three to grow your nest egg. First, though, you should explore the ins and outs of a Roth 401(k) and understand how it differs from other retirement plans.