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PrintMesirow Financial employees frequently author articles or are interviewed for their knowledge in their field of expertise. Below is an archive of articles that have been posted throughout the site on a variety of topics.
Dana Mikstay Interviewed in The AALU Quarterly Magazine
In the fall, 2007 issue of The AALU (Association for Advanced Life Underwriting) Quarterly magazine, Dana Mikstay, senior managing director, shares her thoughts on planning techniques; integrity in business; balancing her roles as successful producer and senior officer with having a personal life; and more.
(posted January 22, 2008)
Q&A: Insurance Coverage for Nutraceutical Products
Consumer demand is on the rise for fast cures and better health through nutraceutical products. The growth in the industry has led to higher scrutiny by regulators and a dramatic increase in lawsuits. Joseph Adler, senior managing director, discusses...
(posted August 20, 2007)
Hedge Fund Strategies on a Roll Heading into Summer
Marty Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer of the Advanced Strategies group, offers his thoughts on how 2007 has started for hedge funds and his predictions on how things look to be headed for the remainder of the year.
(posted May 29, 2007)
Employee Health: Focus on Wellness
American workers are heavier and older than ever before, leading to significantly higher group health care and workers' compensation costs. You can't stop your employees from aging, so what can you do?
(posted April 23, 2007)
Structured Settlements: A Win – Win – Win
While there are at least two sides to every dispute, sometimes there's a single solution that benefits everyone. In litigation, a structured settlement strategy provides a means to get the maximum value from your negotiations.
(posted February 26, 2007)
Making an Acquisition? You Need a PPA
For acquisitions, having a purchase price allocation performed is generally required. But even if it's not, the current business environment has made it more important than ever for buyers to get a qualified, independent valuation.
(posted January 16, 2007)
Investment Outlook, as seen in Global Pensions
In the December issue of Investment Outlook, Gary Klopfenstein, senior managing director, discusses how innovation can be seen both in terms of the types of investments made and the framework in which the investment decisions are analyzed.
(posted December 4, 2006)
Start a Legacy of Giving
If you've amassed significant wealth, you may find it rewarding to give back to your community. The key to achieving your philanthropic goals is to have a sound plan, achieved by a following a few simple steps.
(posted November 27, 2006)
Investment Outlook, as seen in Global Pensions
In the November issue of Investment Outlook, Gary Klopfenstein, senior managing director, explores how institutional investors are adding non-correlated beta and inflation protection to their portfolios through the use of commodities.
(posted November 6, 2006)
Investment Outlook, as seen in Global Pensions
In the October issue of Investment Outlook, Gary Klopfenstein, senior managing director, explores the trend toward using currency and global bonds to enhance yields in traditional core fixed income portfolios.
(posted October 2, 2006)
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Investment Outlook, as seen in Global Pensions
In the September issue of Investment Outlook, Gary Klopfenstein, senior managing director, explores the reasons behind why accessing top-performing private equity firms is paramount to achieving superior investment returns.
(posted September 5, 2006)
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Investment Outlook, as seen in Global Pensions
In the August issue of Investment Outlook, a regular column in Global Pensions, Gary Klopfenstein, discusses the increasing frequency of separation of alpha and beta, including definitions of both terms and examples of them in action.
(posted August 7, 2006)
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Changing of the Fed Guard
After 18 years with Alan Greenspan, on February 1, Ben Bernanke assumed the role of Fed chairman. As the nation adjusts to the new leadership, money managers and investors are watching intently for clues about what the change will mean for their investments...
(posted July 31, 2006)
Diane Swonk explains...
Secrets of M&A Success
It's no secret that not every merger or acquisition is successful. Considering the inherent complexity of combining organizations, business styles and cultures, it's no wonder many transactions get derailed. While the possibilities of failure are limitless, fortunately there are also a few keys to success...
(posted July 17, 2006)
Our expert explains...
Investment Outlook, as seen in Global Pensions
In the July issue of Global Pensions, Gary Klopfenstein, head of Mesirow Financial's Currency Management, explores how currency continues to evolve as a capital efficient, non-correlated investment that provides portable alpha to institutional investors' portfolios.
(posted July 3, 2006)
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Real Estate as a Business Asset
If you run a business, the space you purchased or began renting when you started your enterprise was likely chosen because it made the most sense for your operations, your cash flow and your size at the time. But as your business grows and changes, it's important that your physical space keeps up.
(posted June 19, 2006)
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Investment Outlook, as seen in Global Pensions
Gary Klopfenstein, head of Currency Management, authors a monthly column for Global Pension Magazine. The inaugural issue addresses strategies for successful investment management in today's environment of globalization and product innovation...
(posted June 5, 2006)
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Q&A with Fixed Income Management: Neutral Duration
What is meant by a neutral duration posture? How does it add value to a portfolio? We recently sat down with our Fixed Income Management portfolio team to ask about how they construct portfolios and make their investment decisions...
(posted May 30, 2006)
Read the Q&A...
Protecting Retirement Savings
A disability can limit not only your ability to earn current income, but also to give to a defined contribution plan. Add to that the resulting reduction in Social Security benefits, and a disability can have a devastating impact on retirement assets. Learn how to protect your retirement savings...
(posted May 22, 2006)
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Five Often Overlooked Lines of Coverage
Most executives responsible for purchasing their corporation's insurance are aware of the basic lines of coverage all businesses should carry. Problems arise when an insured doesn't realize or overlooks a remaining exposure to loss. Read more to learn about five often overlooked but necessary lines of coverage...
(posted May 15, 2006)
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Designing Retirement Savings
While many small companies have relied for years on 401(k)-style retirement plans, larger, more established firms traditionally used defined benefit plans. Recently, however, many large companies are switching to defined contribution plans. Which is the best for your company and employees?
(posted May 8, 2006)
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The Case for Micro Caps
There is a segment of the U.S. equity market with which many people are not familiar and have no investment exposure. Companies within this segment are typically overlooked and under-researched in the marketplace, but are worth considering: it's the micro cap equity universe.
(posted May 1, 2006)
Our expert shares...
Value vs Growth Investing
Deciding whether to take a value or growth approach to investing is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions an equity investor can make after deciding on an appropriate asset allocation strategy. What are the differences between the two approaches and which strategy is best?
(posted April 24, 2006)
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Q&A with Mary Gould: Homeowners Insurance Policies
Oftentimes, after an accident or disaster, homeowners are surprised to learn that damage may not be covered under their insurance policies. These disappointments can be avoided by asking some key questions about your insurance coverage.
(posted April 17, 2006)
Read the Q&A...
D&O Protection for Non-Profits
Non-profits, their employees and their boards of directors are vulnerable to litigation in today's society, even with strict business policies in place. Securing comprehensive directors and officers (D&O) insurance is crucial to protect non-profit entities and their boards.
(posted April 10, 2006)
Our expert shares...
Environmental Site Assessments
Environmental site assessments (ESAs) can save a company thousands, if not millions, of dollars in future problems or liability. However, with no universal approach or federal or state regulations stipulating proper investigation procedures, how can you be sure your company is covered?
(posted March 27, 2006)
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Silicosis, A New Workplace Risk
In 2003 the buzz word was asbestos, and companies spent millions in removal efforts. Now in 2006, silicosis – which existed during the asbestos crisis without nearly the publicity – is starting to demand attention. How prepared is your business to handle the next environmental "crisis"?
(posted March 13, 2006)
Our expert shares...
Charitable Giving & Tax Time
With the Tsunami and active hurricane season, 2005 was a record year for private charitable donations in the U.S. And as we enter tax season, those donations again become top of mind. Make sure your gifts have the power to help the organizations you support as well as your bottom line.
(posted February 27, 2006)
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The 529 Plan Question
529 plans are currently offered in all 50 states. But when saving for college, the best 529 plan may not always be the plan geographically closest. How should you decide what is best for you and your family?
(posted February 13, 2006)
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Healthcare Options Explained
Many employers & employees are confused by or unaware of the latest consumer-driven healthcare options. But there are benefits to be had: plans may offer employers a way to decrease out-of-pocket medical insurance costs and employees a way to save money. Do you understand all the options?
(posted February 6, 2006)
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Q&A with Ross Norstrom: TRIA Extension
On December 22, 2005, President Bush signed a two year extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, but the measure isn't permanent. Ross Norstrom, managing director, discusses...
(posted January 30, 2006)
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Greater Chicago Food Depository
When the Greater Chicago Food Depository began 27 years ago, more than 35% of their clients weren't born yet. But that matters little to the more than 33,000 minors and almost 100,000 people who rely on them for a meal each week...
(posted January 23, 2006)
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Q&A with Diane Swonk: Ben Bernanke
On February 1, Ben Bernanke will be replacing Alan Greenspan as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. How will this affect the economy and what challenges does Bernanke face in his new role? Diane Swonk, Mesirow Financial's chief economist, shares her thoughts...
(posted January 17, 2006)
Read the Q&A...
Condo Insurance Forecasting
Currently in a soft insurance market trend, what can condominium associations anticipate for insurance coverage in 2006? An association should consider a few main checklist items in order to improve risk profile and positively impact expenses...
(posted December 19, 2005)
Our expert shares her opinion...
The Lifeline International Fund
His first large-scale humanitarian project was suing Saddam Hussein on behalf of a group of hostages. Next he established a foundation to support direct aid projects. Daniel Wolf is more than just a Mesirow Financial client; he is a friend and an inspiration...
(posted November 7, 2005)
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Business Interruption Capabilities
In the aftermath of a natural disaster that disrupts business operations, recovering damages quickly can be a crucial step in mitigating overall financial loss. Mesirow Financial can assist companies and their counsel to assess & recover complex losses...
(posted October 31, 2005)
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Q&A with Gary Klopfenstein: Currency Management
Between the continued volatility of the dollar against the euro and China's recent revaluation of the yuan, currency management is a long overlooked area that is gaining some deserved attention. Gary Klopfenstein discusses the market, its changes and players...
(posted October 3, 2005)
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Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005
On October 17, 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 takes effect. Representing the most extensive revisions in bankruptcy legislation history, do you and your company understand all of the changes taking effect?
(posted October 3, 2005)
Our expert explains...
Q&A with Ross Norstrom: Hurricane Katrina Ramifications
Hurricane Katrina's final damage estimates are expected to reach well into the billions. Ross Norstrom, managing director, offers his thoughts on the ramifications of this natural disaster...
(posted September 12, 2005)
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Product Liability Insurance
In these litigious times, almost all companies should purchase product liability insurance – even those with minimal exposure to the public through their products. But how much coverage is needed? And what's really covered?
(posted September 5, 2005)
Our expert shares his opinion...
Sale-Leaseback, A Hidden Gem
There Financial Accounting Standards Board recently created stricter regulations for off balance sheet financing. As a result, sale-leaseback transactions may provide greater benefits than ever. Is your company taking advantage?
(posted August 29, 2005)
Our expert shares his opinion...
Q&A with Joe Riley: The Return of the 30-year Bond
The Treasury Department will start selling 30-year bonds in early 2006. Senior Managing Director and government bond trader, Joe Riley, shares his opinion on the bond's return.
(posted August 22, 2005)
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Cell Phone Use and Driving
A recent study proves that talking on the phone while driving isn't just distracting – it's downright dangerous. And companies are just now realizing that they too are at risk if they fail to educate their staff about these risks. Is your company prepared?
(posted August 8, 2005)
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ERISA Regulations & Liabilities
ERISA was mandated to protect the retirement assets of Americans. But what is required of plan sponsors? And how are companies that offer 401(k) plans – and the individuals on committees of those companies – held responsible?
(posted August 1, 2005)
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The Impact of TRIA Expiration
On December 31, 2005, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) is set to expire, and the U.S. Congress may not pass an extension. How will our economy – especially the insurance, banking and real estate industries – cope if TRIA isn't renewed?
(posted July 11, 2005)
Our expert shares his opinion...
Future Planning Conversations
Major life changes – marriage, a child, retirement – are usually the "wake-up" call someone needs to start thinking about planning for the future. Investments, risks, estate plans, insurance declarations... Have you considered all the issues that factor in?
(posted June 13, 2005)
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