northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer

Today: Erin Stojic, the Financial Wellness Coalition Coordinator for the United Way of Northwest Indiana is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about Thursday's virtual "Get Smart About Credit Day."  We also revisit cour conversation with Paul Schreiner with "Project Neighbors" in Valparaiso about the nonprofit's latest projects, including a second Respite House to serve men who are recovering from addiction.  A member of NIPSCO's energy efficiency team, Ryan Tedeschi, has some pre-winter tips to save energy and money. And Lake County elections officials made some adjustments to some precinct maps to reflect the changes made by srare legislators based on U.S. Census data.  We review the list and note that some changes won't affect any voters at all.

Today:  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer is back on "Regionally Speaking" about some important money matters that should be accomplished before the end of the calendar year.  That includes converting one's Roth IRA and making charitable contributions.  Side Effects Public Media reporter Christine Herman spoke with a chaplain who is dealing with COVID vaccine hestitancy, mistrust and misinformation from those who seek his advice.  And Julie Wiejak, the interim executive director of undergraduate admissions at Purdue University Northwest, talks about the two "Preview PNW" campus information sessions for high schoolers who are interested in college or for adults (including veterans) who want to return to college for their degrees.  The first session is Saturday, Oct. 16th on the Hammond campus and the second is on Nov. 13th on the Westville campus.  Both sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and more information is online.

Today:  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about healthcare costs for retirees reaching a national high, and he offers some strategies for getting ready to meet the rising costs.  Side Effects Public Media's Farah Yousry has a report on how far some people will go to get COVID-19 vaccines -- even flying across the globe to get them, if they don't have access to them at home.  And a historic Asian festival is being celebrated this week at a northwest Indiana casino cafe with a very special dessert -- moon cakes.  

Today:  Indiana economist-writer-speaker Morton Marcus is back on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about the topics in his recent "Eye On The Pie" columns. They range from the Hoosier economy in general, to his observations on the U.S. Census reports just released, to the need for properly retraining residents for available jobs and new careers.  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer connects a link between pop star Britney Spears's financial problems and making sure that one has an estate plan in place.   "Indiana Gaming Insight" newsletter creator and editor Ed Feigenbaum has the latest regional and statewide casino news.  And Side Effects Public Media reporter Carter Barrett has a report on the concerns of Hoosier hospitals that there may not be enough ambulances to transport patients because of the issues surrounding reimbursement for those EMS services.

Today:  Indiana Youth Institute president-CEO Tami Silverman is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about the return of high school sports activities (like last fall's Indy Chatard-Merrillville football game, pictured above) and their importance to young people as they get ready to return to classes.  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer talked about where one should get investment advice (not from the social media pundits) and we bring back that conversation.   Side Effects Public Media's Darian Benson begins a series of reports about a hidden HIV epidemic: among Black women. And we have a conversation from IPB News on the concerns that some have about police officers stationed in public schools who aren't specifically trained to be around students.

Today:  Ed Feigenbaum with the "Indiana Gaming Insight" newsletter, published by Hannah News Service,  is on "Regionally Speaking" with the latest Indiana Gaming Commission revenue data from all of the state's casinos -- including northwest Indiana casinos.  We also hear from the Indiana Youth Institute's Tami Silverman on what young people should know about racism and how to explain it to them, depending upon their age. Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer explains in detail why one shouldn’t get financial advice from social media to create an investment plan… especially from those who are social media influencers.  And we have another conversation from the Welcome Project at Valparaiso University.

Today:  Northwest Indiana political activist Ruth Needleman is on "Regionally Speaking" with her regular conversation on the issues that, this time, include deportations from the Gary airport, the continued fight against COVID-19 and a July 4th parade coming up in Hobart.  Financial advisor Greg Hammer wonders in his conversation whether 2021 should be called the "Year of Roth IRA," since there may be changes that will have an impact on those saving for retirement. And we bring back our conversation with Megan Telligman with Indiana Humanities about the new "Unearthed" statewide educational initiative about the environment.

Today:  Chuck Hughes, executive director of the Gary Chamber of Commerce, is on "Regionally Speaking" with his thoughts on the new Hard Rock Casino in his city and on what role the Jackson family has had in supporting their youngsters' hometown.  We talked with him after the grand opening. Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer has some tips for new graduates -- high school and college -- to better prepare themselves, financially, for young adulthood.  And Indiana Youth Institute president and CEO Tami Silverman talks about mental health care for youth and teachers in recovery efforts during the pandemic.  Her complete column on the subject is on the IYI website.

Today:  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about Financial Literacy Month, which is the month of April.  He has some tips and tools to help establish and maintain some healthy financial habits.  "Post-Tribune" freelance reporter Carole Carlson is with us to talk about her stories, including the news of a new mass vaccination site coming to the city of Gary.  "Times" business reporter Joseph Pete covers his recent stories in print and online from the Region business world. And we bring back our conversation about Meals On Wheels in northwest Indiana, with volunteer coordinator Charlie Misovye.

Today:   Beth Shrader, the city of Valparaiso's planning and transit director, is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about the just-released comprehensive housing market study.  We have a "Facebook scam alert" from the Indiana State Police, and northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer joins us to talk about a special anniversary observance. March 16th marks one year since the Dow Jones Industrial Average had its largest drop in history.  And NIRPC chief transportation planner Mitch Barloga tells us about the northwest Indiana recipients of the state’s second round of Next Level grants to trail projects, including the Veterans Memorial Trail and Marquette Greenway. 

Today:  PNC Financial Services economist Abbey Omodunbi is on "Regionally Speaking" for an update on the northwest Indiana and Midwest economic views and outlooks.  We also bring back our recent conversation with northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer, and his recommendations on how to be able to plan for a comfortable retirement in 2021.  Side Effects Public Media reporter Darian Benson also has more on how healthcare professionals are encouraging adults to talk to children about mental health issues since they, too, are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today:  "Indiana Gaming Insight" newsletter creator and editor Ed Feigenbaum is on "Regionally Speaking" with the Indiana Gaming Commission's monthly report on casino revenues around the state, including northwest Indana, and other gambling-related news.  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer talks about gettng ready to fill out those income tax returns, and Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy talks about the latest topics in his city. They include digging out from the latest snowstorm and the strategic planning process that is underway. City officials are seeking community input this month.

Today:  Purdue Northwest professor Yu Ouyang talks about the recent transition of the Trump and Biden administrations following Biden's inauguration. Northwest Indiana business advisor Greg Hammer has some points to consider in preparing for a comfortable retirement in 2021. And Aetna resident Penelope Love is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about the Aetna Manor Revitalization Program established in the Gary neighborhood.

Today:  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer is on "Regionally Speaking" with a look back at the important financial issues of 2020 and putting them in perspective as we look into 2021. Pangere Corp. safety coordinator Don Hancock also talks about his work with a Purdue University Northwest construction science and leadership class on giving students some "real world" experience thay can use when they begin their careers. They created a PowerPoint presentation that can be used to train others on OSHA and other safety training procedures.

Today:   William Carroll, the executive director of St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, is with us to give us the latest in the effort to continue the liberal arts college's return to educational solvency, so to speak, following some financial issues in recent years.  The college resolved those obligations  and approved a three-year plan.  Carroll and his Board of Trustees are soliciting ideas and have heard from at least one alumnus.  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer joins us to talk about some of the things that family members can discuss when they get together for the holidays, whichever way that may be.  That may include updating retirement accounts or even estate planning, if needed. 

Today:  Ed Feigenbaum, the creator and editor of the "Indiana Gaming Insight" and "Indiana Legislative Insight" newsletters from Hannah News Service is on the program for an update on how Indiana casinos are doing financially these days of the coronavirus pandemic.  He also talks about some of the changes in the focuses on games in two local casinos.  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer talks about some of the end-of-year financial moves that investors and retirees need to make because of special money considerations they had in 2020 as a result of the pandemic.  And PNC Financial Services Group chief economist Gus Faucher explains what he brought up with attendees of two recent virtual financial sessions with local business owners.

Today:   Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer is with us to outline what he calls the Five Ways to Stop the "Pandemic Panic" when working on planning for retirement in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.  Side Effects Public Media reporter Darian Benson talked with some Hoosiers about the topic of racism in medicine, and she has a report.  And U.S. Census Bureau spokesperson Virginia Hyer gives us an update on how the all-important count of Americans this year is going, here in the Hoosier State.  The official count will end soon.

Today:  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer is with us to talk about an important deadline coming up, for anyone who withdrew funds from retirement accounts under the terms of the CARES Act during this pandemic -- and now wants to return that money to the retirement accounts.  Porter County veterinarian Dr. Larry McAfee and Porter County Parks and Recreation superintendent Walter Lenckos join us from Sunset Hill Farm, outside Valparaiso, to talk about a donation of antique veterinary instruments used by his father Dr. John McAfee during his time as Sunset Hill Farm's veterinarian from the 1940s to 1960s.  The farm is now a Porter County park.  And we have post-speech comments from state Representative Earl Harris Jr of East Chicago, the vice-chairman of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus about Governor Eric Holcomb's proposed plan to address racial inequity in Indiana.  The proposal includes creation of a new state government position.

Today:   Purdue University economist Larry DeBoer is with us to talk about the new analysis created for the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute on Indiana's taxing structure and its impact on local, county and state governments amd how the coronavirus pandemic --and the economic recession it caused-- is affecting urban, growing and rural counties.  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer talks about Wednesday's income tax return and tax payment filing deadline, extended from April 15th because of COVID-19.  And Union Township Schools superintendent John Hunter is with us to tell us about the successful campaign launched in June to ask voters to extend a 2013 tax increase to cover expenses for the Porter County school district.

Today:  State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon joins us with her thoughts on the state response to the coronavirus pandemic, from her view as a state legislator. We also have a conversation with a psychologist on how to talk with youngsters about COVID-19 and how the Gary Communnity Schools  is helping their students stay educated outside of classrooms by use of YouTube.  "Green Fleet Radio" with Carl Lisek from South Shore Clean Cities is on the program today, along with northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer on making tough decisions during what can be considered some rather volatile financial times.

Tioday:  On this first day of Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary Bishop Robert McClory's being the Region's new shepherd, we revisit our conversation with him last week.  He was ordained and installed on Tuesday in a liturgy in Gary.  We have another edition of "Green Fleet Radio," from South Shore Clean Cities and NIRPC with Carl Lisek. And northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer joins us with some important tips   that can go toward offering a Valentines' Day gift that goes beyond candy or flowers: financial security that can last for years.

Today:  We bring back our conversation with Wabash College student and Indiana College Republicans leader Isaiah Mears, on the state Young GOP organization's partnering with a national team to come up with a conversation on climate change.  We also have another "Building Northwest Indiana" conversation from the Construction Advancement Foundation.   And Hanover Community School Corporation Superintendent Mary MacAuley is with us to talk about the south Lake County school district's $79 million capital improvement project and their request for patron support, when it comes up as a question on the May 5th primary election ballot. More information can be found here.   We also have another conversation from the Welcome Project at Valparaiso University.  Today, a Gary senior remembers the neighborhood of her childhood.

Today:  Another Democratic Party primary election candidate for First Congressional District is in the studio to talk about the campaign ahead in 2020.  Ryan Farrar, who ran unsuccessfully for Indiana state Senate Dist. 6 in 2018, is now in the field of candidates who are seeking the nomination for Congressman Pete Visckosky's seat.  Farrar says he's centering his campaign around the issue of campaign finance reform.  Heather Ennis with the Northwest Indiana Forum takes a look at the organization's busy 2019 and looks ahead at 2020.  The Forum is a nonprofit focusing on regional economic development, with its current initiative entitled "Ignite The Region."   And we revisit our conversation with northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer about the window of opportunity to convert Roth IRAs.

Today:  Peter Novak with the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors talks about the latest report on northwest Indiana home sales and their median prices, issued last month for October, and a look ahead to 2020 local home building and sales and buying trends.  Indiana Public Broadcasting's Jill Sheridan has a report on the Affordable Care Act in Indiana and about supporters who help Hoosiers apply for healthcare insurance.  We also have this week's edition of "Building Northwest Indiana," supported by the Construction Advancement Foundation.... and northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer.

Today:  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer is back with some tips on being financially healthy -- even though this is "Healthy Aging Month." William Streitberger with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington D.C. talks about some important and high-tech enhancements to the agency's Rehabilitation and Education Service programs that assist veterans with disabilities.  And Hoosier Environmental Council assistant attorney Aaron Corn spoke to a citizens' group in Porter County about the recent pollution concerns coming from the U.S. Steel and ArcelorMittal plants at Portage.  Aaron joins us to talk about his remarks and the reaction to them from residents.

Today:  Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer talks about the recent anniverary of the Social Security system and offers some ways to save time and effort in seeking benefits.  Mary Ruble of Chesterton-based "The Artistic Recovery" joins us to talk about the organization that links art and recovery from substance abuse and about this weekend's "Hooked On Art" street art festival to be held in Centennial Park.  We have another edition of "Building Northwest Indiana," supported by the Constructiion Advancement Foundation.  Host Kevin Comerford learns more about current Purdue University Northwest construction projects, and we have another conversation from the Welcome Project at Valparaiso University.

Today:   Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer joins us to talk about the 84th anniversary of the creation of the Social Security system -- its place in Americans' financial stability over the years -- and how we all can better keep track of and use our benefits, at the right time, to get maximum use of the money we've accumulated over our working lives.   We also find out about health food options at some Indiana fairs and festivals from Side Effects Public Media's Isaiah Seibert and Meghan Buell of northern Indiana-based TREES, Inc.

Today:  Northwest Indiana resident and insurance agent Areceli Corona and retired Army Reserve Colonel Cullen Wright talk about a recent public forum at the American Legion post in East Chicago that focused on the coordination of Veterans Affairs healthcare benefits with those benefits coming from the Medicare program.  Corona says combining VA healthcare with Medicare can be confusing -- and not registering for either benefit has financial implications.

Today:   Eugene Guernsey of Merrillville, one of the organizers of the "100 Club of Lake and Porter Counties," is with us to talk about the nearly one-year-old organization that helps the families of any first-responders (police, fire, EMS, male or female) who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  Five years ago, two police officers died in Lake County communities in incidents about two months apart.  The trauma that their families experienced in 2014 is still on the Club members' minds -- and it gave them the incentive to help others who may face the same situation in the future. 

Today:   Northwest Indiana activist Ruth Needleman is in the studio to give some updates on local topics of concern, including illegal immigration -- but she also talks about the upcoming city and town primary elections and offers questions she thinks should be asked of the candidates for mayor or council.