Laura Lingner - Catalyst Performance Methods

This new NIL deal with UConn women’s basketball is getting some attention, and it should.

It’s creative. It’s opening doors. And it’s giving more athletes opportunities to be seen and involved in ways we haven’t seen before.

But here’s the part I keep coming back to.

Just because more opportunities exist doesn’t mean athletes are being shown how to navigate them.

There’s a big difference between being part of something and actually understanding the value of what you’re stepping into.

Are athletes being paid for their time and effort?
Do they understand how their name, image, and likeness are being used?
Do they know how this fits into their future beyond this moment?

Those are the questions that matter.

Because exposure and experience can be valuable, but only if you know how to turn them into something that lasts.

I shared a deeper breakdown of this if you want to understand what’s really happening behind opportunities like this.

A New NIL Model Is Emerging. But We’re Still Missing the Point NIL is evolving fast. Are athletes actually benefiting, or just participating? A closer look at what these new opportunities mean and where the gaps still exist.

According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers proved this true by spending an estimated $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2022. People can make the day unforgettable by focusing on what matters most: relationships, memories, kindness, and financial and emotional well-being.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025! What positive goal are you setting for this year?

🌟 Ever wonder what the world was curious about in 2024? Google's Year in Search just dropped some fascinating insights!

While sports dominated global searches (hello, Copa América and European Championship!), the real gems are in the unexpected trends. Who knew a chocolate muffin from the Olympic Village would become the most searched recipe worldwide? And the New York Times' "Connections" puzzle topped all game-related searches globally!

From movies like "Inside Out 2" to Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," these searches tell the story of our collective 2024 journey. What did you search for this year? 🔍


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Remember what you searched for on Google? Here’s what 2024 trends reveal Remember what you searched for in 2024? Google does. Google has released its annual “Year in Search," rounding up 2024's top trending searches.

Wishing everyone the very best!

For many business owners, their business is their most important asset. That’s why buy-sell agreements can be vital. It is a critical arrangement that helps to protect the owner, shareholders, and the business itself. A buy-sell agreement helps to ensure the continuity of the business by documenting important issues and concerns in advance so that if an owner dies or becomes disabled — or leaves the business for whatever reason — the business can continue to run smoothly and have the potential to grow.

If you already have a written buy-sell agreement, you’re on the right track. But when was the last time you and your tax and legal advisor team reviewed it? If you don’t keep your buy-sell agreement up to date, it may not be protecting you in the way you originally intended.

Guardian’s Business Resource Center (BRC) can help. Working with your team of legal and tax professionals, Guardian’s Buy-Sell Review Program provides a professional review your existing buy-sell agreement to make sure it’s up to date. The BRC will then make recommendations based on your current business needs and situation — all complimentary to you.

When you elect to use the Buy-Sell Review Program, you will also receive a snapshot view of your business’s current value. You can review your comprehensive, customized report with your legal and tax advisors and assess any recommendations based on your current needs and long-term objectives.

Contact me today to learn how the Buy-Sell Review Program can help you better protect your business — and your loved ones — for years to come.

The latest Reuters poll of 500 economists reveals an encouraging outlook: global economic growth is expected to maintain a solid 3.1% pace this year, with a projected 3% for 2025.

This marks a significant upgrade from earlier forecasts, primarily driven by unexpected economic resilience.

The U.S. continues demonstrating remarkable strength, outpacing its G10 peers with 2.6% growth this year. Meanwhile, Asia shows broad resilience, with India leading as the fastest-growing major economy.

Japan's recent performance even suggests potential shifts in its long-standing monetary policies. Looking ahead, most economies are anticipated to see lower interest rates, though the U.S. may follow a different path. 🌐


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Global economy set to cruise at a solid 3% growth rate next year, Reuters poll finds Global economic growth will maintain its robust pace next year as major central banks implement a series of interest rate cuts against the backdrop of a strong U.S. economy, according to a Reuters poll of around 500 economists.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

The Social Security Administration just announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2025.

What does this mean for beneficiaries?
1️⃣ Average monthly retirement benefits will increase by about $50.
2️⃣ This is the lowest COLA since 2021, reflecting slowing inflation.
3️⃣ Over 72.5 million Americans will see this increase in their benefits.

While this adjustment helps maintain purchasing power, it reminds us that relying solely on Social Security may not be enough for a comfortable retirement. Diversifying income sources and looking ahead remain crucial strategies.


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Social Security Administration announces 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2025, lowest increase since 2021 The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2025.

Looking ahead to 2025: Social Security projections are in!

▪️ The Senior Citizens League forecasts a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits in 2025.
▪️ This potential increase would mean an average monthly bump of about $48 for recipients.
▪️ While lower than in recent years, it's close to the 20-year average of 2.6%.

Remember, these projections aren't set in stone. The official announcement typically comes in mid-October.

It's always wise to stay informed about potential changes to Social Security, as they can impact long-term financial strategies. Understanding these trends can help you make more informed decisions whether you're nearing retirement or years away.


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Social Security benefits are projected to rise 2.5% in 2025 Social Security Administration is expected to disclose cost-of-living adjustment for retired workers in mid-October.