(Gene Lanzoni, Head of Enterprise Content, Guardian) - For many people, the term “well-being” may bring to mind a quiet walk outdoors or a trip to the gym. In fact, according to this year’s Mind, Body, and Wallet® report from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), most Americans (93%) say that physical and mental health are essential or very important to their overall well-being. Safety and security and healthy relationships also rank highly as key factors impacting their wellness.

When it comes to how people achieve their wellness goals, financial health plays an important role. Put simply, when individuals have poor financial health, it’s often much harder for them to achieve their mental and physical health goals. For example, rising healthcare costs mean many Americans are skipping routine or preventive doctors’ appointments, and market uncertainty can lead to stress around retirement planning.

Given the importance of financial health to supporting overall well-being, it’s especially concerning that a significant number of Americans are struggling with their finances. The same Guardian report found that only 30% of Americans say they have good financial health—a significant drop from 44% in 2022 and an all-time low in the 14-year history of the report.

In sum, financial wellness is about more than building wealth. By lowering stress and freeing up time to attend to physical and mental wellness needs, good financial health can help improve overall well-being in countless ways.

So how can you help support your financial wellness in order to pursue your mental and physical well-being goals? Here are a few ways to get started.

• Take a closer look at the benefits you already have: If you’re currently working, your employer might offer benefits that can help with your financial health. Take the time to learn about these options, especially non-health insurance offerings. For example, life and disability insurance can provide financial confidence in case the unexpected happens. Supplemental health plans like accident, critical illness, cancer, or hospital indemnity insurance can give you extra support by paying a cash benefit directly to you for getting preventive care or if you are hospitalized. Talking to your HR team is a great first step to understanding what’s available and making sure you’re taking full advantage of these resources.
• Start planning for your future today: Having a clear retirement savings plan can help reduce unnecessary stress. To build this plan, begin by reviewing the savings you already have, then assess your current expenses and how they might change in retirement. Don’t forget to account for inflation. Once you have a basic idea of your retirement income needs, you can develop or adjust your savings plan to fill any gaps. This might mean putting more money into your retirement account or adding new products like annuities to your savings strategy. The sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be for a happy and secure retirement.
• Connect with a financial professional: By working with a financial professional, you can access the tools, solutions, and advice needed to plan for today and the future. Financial professionals can help you develop a plan to support your short- and long-term financial goals. With the support of a financial professional, you can feel more confident in your financial wellness and empowered to achieve your broader wellness goals.

To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com/reports/mind-body-wallet.

Disclaimer

Guardian’s Group Insurance products are underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY.  Products are not available in all states.

Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, medical, or financial advice. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, medical or finance advice. Consult your tax, legal, medical or finance professional regarding your individual situation.

Guardian® is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Copyright© 2025 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. All rights reserved.

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(Keith Namiot, Head of Annuities, Guardian) - Saving for retirement can be challenging under everyday circumstances, and especially so during times of economic uncertainty and market volatility. For many, it can be a major concern that affects their financial health and overall well-being.

According to recent data from Guardian’s 2025 Mind, Body, and Wallet® report, retirement-related concerns are the top financial stressors keeping Americans up at night, with nearly half of Americans indicating that having a source of guaranteed income in retirement and having retirement savings last as long as needed are their top financial stressors. One way to help alleviate the concerns associated with retirement income is to consider adding an annuity product to your retirement saving strategy.  

Annuities can help diversify a retirement portfolio and offer a range of potential benefits, from protection against market loss to tax-deferred growth. They can also provide a guaranteed stream of income that lasts throughout retirement, offering greater financial confidence even in uncertain economic times.

There are several types of annuities to consider, including Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs) and Deferred Income Annuities (DIAs). Both types of these income-producing annuities can help alleviate concerns about outliving one’s nest egg and not maintaining an acquired standard of living in retirement.

Exploring a Registered Index-Linked Annuity

In addition to SPIAs and DIAs, Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs) are another popular annuity solution. One example of a RILA, Guardian MarketPerform®, offers growth potential for retirement assets and tax deferral on investment growth while providing a level of downside protection during market downturns.

In addition, RILAs allow individuals the flexibility to choose from a select range of investment options including different indices. These protection-oriented growth solutions can be customized to suit the individual’s unique needs and timeline.

RILAs are a long-term investment product offered by prospectus only, and there are many factors to take into account when considering an annuity that should be discussed with a financial professional.

Supporting your retirement planning goals

With Guardian finding that 73% of Americans said they haven’t saved enough for retirement, and 69% regret not starting to save sooner, annuities can help address many of today’s retirement planning challenges. Whether you’re looking to accumulate more retirement assets with a level of protection or turn your retirement savings into a steady stream of lifetime income, people choose annuities as a way to build protection into their retirement nest egg, along with an IRA, 401(k), or pension.

Each annuity has unique benefits: SPIAs provide immediate, steady income; DIAs allow you to plan and lock in income for the future; and RILAs allow you to balance retirement planning, growth potential, and a level of protection. This can help enable you to continue striving towards growth goals while also knowing you have a certain level of protection in the face of turbulence.

Enabling overall well-being

Having an annuity within your retirement plan could play an important role in supporting not only your financial well-being but also your mental and physical health. According to Guardian’s report, for instance, 74% of US adults with poor physical health also report poor financial health.

Given the close connection between mental, physical, and financial well-being, setting a strong foundation for retirement and tapping into the power of an annuity can be an impactful way to support your overall wellness.  

Getting started today

Working with a financial professional can help you develop the retirement savings strategy that’s right for you. They can listen to your needs and help determine what role an annuity could play in supporting your retirement goals, as well as which type of annuity might be the right fit.

June is Annuities Awareness Month, and the perfect time to start the conversation. Don’t wait to make a game plan to reach your retirement goals—reach out to a financial professional today. 

To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com/retirement.

Disclaimer

This product is sold by prospectus only. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. The prospectus contains important information regarding this product, including fees and expenses. A prospectus may be obtained by calling 888-Guardian (888-482-7342). To download a prospectus, please visit guardianlife.com. Guardian MarketPerform^® may not be available in all states.

Index Protection and Crediting Strategies are not a permanent part of the contract and may be removed due to circumstances beyond the control of GIAC. These circumstances and the special rules that govern how assets in a discontinued index interest account may be reallocated are outlined in the contract. We will not issue a Contract on February 29 in leap years. The Contract would be issued on the following business day.

If you do not remain invested in your IPCS options until the Term End Date, you could experience a loss that is greater than the level of protection the Protection Strategy provides or a gain that is lower than the return the Crediting Strategy provides on the Term End Date.

The renewal rates under each Strategy are based on the economic environment at the time renewal rates are declared and may be less favorable than those declared at issue. Renewal rates may be reduced as the contract approaches the end of the surrender charge period.

All guarantees are backed exclusively by the strength and claims paying ability of The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. (GIAC). Guardian MarketPerform^® is issued by GIAC, a Delaware corporation, and distributed through Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). GIAC and PAS are wholly owned subsidiaries of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian). Guardian, GIAC and PAS are located at 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001. Product availability and features may vary by state.

Guardian MarketPerform^® products are issued on contract forms 23-RILA, 23-RILA BUFFER, 23-RILA FRS, 23-RILA ROPDB, 23-RILA WSC, 23-RILA STRATEGY SPEC (or state equivalent forms). Product availability and features may vary by state.

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(NewsUSA) - The digital age has ushered in rapid societal changes, including the financial system. Cryptocurrencies have emerged and evolved, and it’s no longer just early adopters who are integrating these digital assets into modern financial planning. Consumers of all ages and in all phases of life are exploring the market’s potential for their financial futures. 

Financial literacy: an ongoing process 

According to a security.org study, nearly three in 10 American adults now own cryptocurrencies. The survey also reports that 40% of those owners lack confidence in the safety and security of the technology instrumental to the asset’s integrity, indicating a potential disconnect and knowledge gap that could be risky to some.  

Education is crucial for building confidence in financial decision-making. Financial literacy evolves throughout life, initially focusing on saving and budgeting, then progressing to borrowing, credit, and debt management. As financial understanding deepens, investing becomes relevant, requiring knowledge of asset classes and their associated risks and rewards. 

Cryptocurrencies are becoming widely accepted investment vehicles and one more way to diversify. Andrew Wiggins, forward for the Miami Heat who has partnered with Coinbase, explains, “I want to make sure my money is working in more places than just savings, stocks or real estate. Crypto is one way I’m doing that.” 

Just as they would carefully evaluate stocks, bonds or mutual funds in traditional finance (the long-standing system of banks, stock exchanges, etc., involved in transactions), consumers need to do their research when it comes to cryptocurrency. Wiggins agrees, “I’ve taken the time to learn about it, I’ve asked the right questions, and I work with people that I trust.”  

Decentralized finance presents opportunity 

Cryptocurrency operates within a decentralized finance system, unlike government-issued fiat money. Cryptocurrencies are managed by global peer-to-peer networks using open-source software. Each has a blockchain, a transparent and cryptographically secured digital ledger of all transactions.

Like traditional financial assets, cryptocurrencies fluctuate in value, and a variety of platforms now help people incorporate digital money into their financial plans. "For the past decade, Coinbase has been dedicated to making crypto more accessible and secure for people around the world. As bitcoin and crypto moves further into the mainstream, Coinbase is ready to help consumers take part in this transformation," says Scott Shapiro, Senior Product Director of Coinbase.  

“A consumer only needs to create a wallet to start engaging with cryptocurrency, whether to save and invest or to trade and spend,” continues Shapiro. The Coinbase platform provides customers with clear overviews of their cryptocurrency holdings as well as analyst insights for informed decision-making. Plus, it offers features such as recurring buys to take advantage of investment concepts like dollar cost averaging. 

Cryptocurrencies are touted for their openness, flexibility, speed and transparency, as well as their growth potential. One Bitcoin, for example, was valued at over $107,000 on June 16. However, these assets come with volatility and may not be suitable for risk-averse investors. 

One of the ways Coinbase is reaching new audiences and introducing new consumers to crypto is through its official partnership with professional sports leagues and teams, which brings added brand visibility and engagement opportunities through in-arena signage and activations.

Taking an educated approach and balancing risk with reward are critical. As Wiggins notes, “Investing isn’t about chasing quick wins, it’s about building a smart, well-rounded portfolio that can grow despite market shifts. It’s about investing for the long term that will make sure my money grows along with the shifts of technology and the economy.”

(NewsUSA) - Demand for apartments is at a record high, with renters signing new leases and renewing their existing stays in droves. Residents’ expectations have also increased as they want their renting experience to be as seamless as the rest of their online life. That means integrated technology, financial wellness tools and rewards for their loyalty.

RealPage, the leading provider of AI-enabled software platforms to the real estate industry, is addressing the needs of modern residents through an innovative technology called LOFT. RealPage created this new mobile app as a one-stop solution for a fulfilling apartment lifestyle from leasing to living, with easy move-in guidance, a financial wellness platform and a loyalty program to earn rewards when residents pay rent on time. Residents can pay their way, through their digital wallet, by snapping a picture of a check or splitting it into smaller chunks. Since launching in early 2025, RealPage’s LOFT is already being offered by more than 500 apartment properties across America, giving more than three million residents access to LOFT, with many more to come.

“Residents, and especially digital natives, demand digital experiences as part their apartment living lifestyles,” said Isabelle Meyer Stapf, RealPage Senior Vice President and General Manager, Payments. “Through LOFT, RealPage is prioritizing financial wellness for renters, bringing them solutions to earn rewards, make flexible rent payments and build their credit.”

LOFT also simplifies the renter’s journey from leasing to living. LOFT Leasing is a first-of-its-kind leasing experience that guides residents through application, approval and signing – with AI capabilities to streamline the back and forth. LOFT Moving enables a simplified moving experience for residents with a configurable moving checklist and integrations with local providers to order utilities, internet and moving services. And LOFT Loyalty allows residents to earn points for paying rent online and on time with any payment method. Residents can then redeem those points for rewards from airline and hotel travel to local restaurants and movie theatres.

Property managers find value in LOFT, as their residents have one app for all of their essential tasks. Jess Molasky, Chief Operating Officer of Ovation, a RealPage customer who owns and manages apartments throughout the country added, “If I can reward my residents to show up, if I can reward my residents to make payments on time, and again, if I can have that stronger relationship because their moving experience was a good one, we become their ally.”

Visit loftliving.com to learn more.

Photo caption: New LOFT app by RealPage allows residents to earn rewards for paying rent on time and the ability to make flexible rent payments, all while building credit

(NewsUSA) - As the new year approaches, many people will be setting financial resolutions with hopes of improving their financial health – whether it's saving more, paying down debt, or investing wisely. However, despite the best of intensions, new research by financial services firm Edward Jones reveals that a variety of factors often prevent these resolutions from sticking.

According to the research, more than half of Americans (56%) who made a financial resolution in 2024 abandoned it because of price increases caused by inflation. While those surveyed expressed optimism about keeping their financial resolutions in 2025, more than half (55%) said inflation was their main challenge to financial accountability in 2024, and nearly the same (56%) expressed concern that inflation could derail their financial goals in 2025.

"Sticking to your financial resolutions can be incredibly challenging, especially when inflation puts added pressure on everyday expenses," says Bryan Piccirillo, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. "In a climate where costs are rising faster than wages, it's more important than ever to set realistic financial goals, even when the odds seem stacked against you."

Across generations surveyed (from Gen Zers to Baby Boomers), Americans said they are confident (81%) in their ability to keep their financial resolutions next year and  they say they will prioritize building up emergency savings and paying down debt in 2025. Although saving for retirement is less of a priority, 21% of Gen Xers said they expect to plan for it during the coming year, according to the survey.

Additionally, approximately one-third of survey respondents (33%) said they planned to spend the same amount on investments in 2025 as in 2024, while 22% said they plan to increase investment spending.

A financial advisor can help develop strategies to turn your financial resolutions into realities, by building a plan to help reduce debt through consolidation, tools for building an emergency fund, and boosting contributions to retirement accounts.

In the Edward Jones survey, approximately half of respondents (50%) believe that working with a financial advisor would help them stay on track. No matter how you are balancing your budget, a financial advisor can help you weather periods of inflation without sacrificing your short-term and long-term goals.

For more information and to find a financial advisor near you, visit: www.edwardjones.com.

(Lindsey Johnson, Consumer Bankers Association President and CEO) - The end of the year is the perfect time to review your full financial picture and consider any changes. With over 4,000 banks in the U.S. competing for your business, you have more options than ever to take control of your finances—whether it’s budgeting, improving your credit, or saving in challenging times.

Managing life's big expenses 

If you're struggling with debt as the year ends, you're not alone—life is expensive! Fortunately, there are many different resources available to you to help you get back on track.

For credit card debt, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends that you first contact your credit card company directly. They can often provide a similar, less expensive solution than debt settlement companies, offer tips for budgeting, and provide hardship programs that can include lower monthly payments. Another good option is to work with a nonprofit credit counselor, who can help negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and help you manage multiple debts.

It’s also important to know the risks associated with for-profit debt settlement companies that use aggressive advertising and sales tactics and may leave you deeper in debt than you were when you started. Learn more at https://www.aboutdebtrelief.com/.

Overdraft services help customers in a pinch

Another tool banks offer is overdraft services, which cover transactions that exceed account balances. For many consumers—especially the one in five Americans without access to credit—overdraft is a lifeline for essential expenses like rent and utilities when faced with an unexpected expense shock.

Many banks have made big changes to improve overdraft policies, introducing innovative tools designed to reduce fees and give you more visibility into your finances, including:

• Fee elimination: Decreased or eliminated overdraft fees entirely in some cases for consumer accounts.
• Grace periods to give you time to bring your account balance back to positive before a fee is applied.
• Overdraft cushions or “buffers” that let you avoid fees for smaller transactions.
• Daily limits on the number of overdraft fees charged to prevent unexpected financial strain.

As you think about your New Year’s resolutions and evaluate your financial situation, the innovations offered by America's banks can be useful tools to reduce stress and help you stay on top of your finances.

(NewsUSA) - A majority of American women view themselves as the “Chief Financial Officer” of their family, but less than half report taking an active role in investment decisions, based on a survey from financial services firm Edward Jones in partnership with Morning Consult and NEXT360 Partners.

The survey included nearly 6,000 people between the ages of 25 and 71 years. This group is often referred to as the “sandwich generation,” to reflect many who are caring not only for children, but also caring for elderly parents or other relatives. Approximately half (48%) of the survey respondents said that they feel financial strain.

The goal of the survey was to examine women’s roles in their families and their finances, and the challenges that come from balancing both, according to a press release announcing the survey findings.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of the respondents said that caregiving duties have negatively impacted their ability to save for their financial goals, and 57% reported taking on fewer professional responsibilities due to caregiving, resulting in a loss of potential income.

“While many women want the choice and ability to have careers, be caregivers and be the CFO of their families, balancing the responsibilities of health, family, purpose, and finances have significant trade-offs,” said Vanessa Okwuraiwe, Principal at Edward Jones, in the press release.

Many of the women surveyed are the sole caregivers their households; 46% reported being the sole caregiver for their children, and 54% said they were the sole caregiver for parents or relatives. Additionally, 56% reported feeling that they do not have enough money to support their children and/or older relatives. A majority put a priority on saving for long-term expenses, notably caregiving (75%), child education (72%) and healthcare (81%). However, only 42% reported having sole responsibility for investment decisions, and 26% reported sharing this role with another member of the household.

Two-thirds of the respondents (65%) said that more time and fewer caregiving responsibilities would boost their confidence in planning for their financial future, and 51% said that a financial advisor would be helpful.

"Women want a financial professional who gets them, guides them, and can make things easier,” said Mona Mahajan, Principal and Senior Investment Strategist at Edward Jones.

“Working with a financial professional can help women set their short- and long-term financial goals with a clear path to achieve them," she added.

For more information, visit: www.edwardjones.com/womeninvestors.

(NewsUSA) - America’s business owners are facing increasingly complex challenges, not only tracking the nuts and bolts of the daily tasks that come with owning a business, but keeping up with things like technology and managing healthcare costs for employees. However, many business owners have not made plans for the future of their business, based on a survey from financial services firm Edward Jones in partnership with Morning Consult and NEXT360 Partners.

Approximately half of American business owners are currently over the age of 55, and many of them may be considering retirement, but more than a third say they have no succession plan in place, according to the survey, which was conducted in April 2024 and included 400 business owners who responded to online questions and unstructured interviews.

Among business owners with no succession plan, 38% reported their business is not at a point at which succession planning is a priority. Both uncertainty about the future of the business and how to start making a succession plan were the top reasons for not having one (32% for both), according to the survey. 

“For many business owners, short-term priorities associated with running a business might feel more urgent than planning for future succession,” said Katherine Roy, Principal, Retirement Products at Edward Jones, in a press release announcing the survey findings. “However, business owners should consider what will happen once they leave the business, whether by selling, retiring or becoming unable to manage the business due to health or age. A well-conceived succession plan allows the owner to identify what their ideal exit looks like and address tax, business, estate and liquidity considerations that reflect both business goals and family dynamics.”

Business owners said that barriers to making a succession plan are emotional as well as logistical; 26% said they were unable to identify a successor, but 88% believed that their businesses will grow over the next decade.

The survey results showed that four main factors drive the need for a business transition. The first is the legacy of the business and the future of employees and stakeholders. The second consideration is the market, in which the sale or exit of an owner is needed to maintain business operations and part of the proceeds will fund the owner’s retirement. The third factor is a health event or other change in priorities or circumstances for owner and the owner’s family. Lastly, the sale of the business also must align with the owner’s vision and the organization’s commitment to the integrity of the business.

Financial advisors can help business owners build a successful plan to help ensure a smooth transition of the business, but only 37% of those surveyed reported using a financial advisor to help with transition issues and decision-making.

“Even if a business owner already knows the succession plan that they want put in place, a financial advisor can guide them through all of the complexities and challenges owners face when determining and implementing the future of their business,” said Zachary Gildehaus, Business Owner Strategist, Client Needs Research at Edward Jones.

For more information about the survey visit: www.edwardjones.com/NextInLine.

(NewsUSA) - As a significant portion of the U.S. population ages, a significant transfer of wealth to younger generations is occurring. However, many families have not discussed inheritance plans, and many younger generations may find themselves unprepared, according to new research from Edward Jones, a leading financial services firm.

In fact, 35% of Americans surveyed by Edward Jones said they did not plan to discuss transfer of wealth with their families, despite 48% saying that they planned to leave an inheritance.

“We know it can be extremely uncomfortable and nearly impossible to separate emotions from the financial decisions necessary when planning inheritance and wealth transfer, particularly as givers navigate family priorities beyond finances,” said Lena Haas, Head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions at Edward Jones. “However, the wealth transfer is well underway, so it’s more important than ever to connect as a family, with the experienced guidance of a financial professional to help navigate the emotions and educate on the process.”

The so-called “great wealth transfer” from the Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers will vary, as people live longer and may delay retirement. Edward Jones’ research revealed four scenarios:

Traditional Giving. Older adults transfer wealth through a combination of assets, cash, equities, and real estate.

Giving While Living. Older adults support their families in the moment, paying for family experiences, contributing to education or purchasing homes. However, this strategy may force younger generations to return the favor and support parents in retirement.

Skipping a Generation. Some older adults skip over their adult children and transfer wealth to grandchildren, often in the form of education or future security, but this can lead to hurt feelings and strained relations with adult children who do not directly benefit from this wealth transfer.

No Inheritance. Older adults are living longer, and a combination of more active lifestyles for more years after retirement and/or the expenses of long-term health care means that in some families, little wealth will be left to transfer.

The survey, a joint effort between Edward Jones, Morning Consult and NEXT360 Partners, LLC, a global action research and strategy consultancy, was conducted online between December 28-29, 2023, and included a national sample of 2,202 adults.

According to the survey, only 25% of individuals who receive an inheritance feel prepared to manage it.

Working with an experienced advisor can help, and 57% of those surveyed said that working with a financial professional to guide discussions of wealth transfer and inheritance in advance would facilitate planning and family consensus.

Visit www.edwardjones.com/estateplanning for more information about wealth transfer and financial planning.

(NewsUSA) - Today, October 4, marks World Financial Planning Day, a time to recognize the value of financial planning. Did you know that financial planning is not just a valuable resource for consumers? It’s also a great career choice offering competitive salaries and flexibility.

But it's not just the financial rewards and personal freedom that make this profession attractive. In today's job market, people seek more than just a paycheck; they look for an industry committed to diversity and inclusion. That's precisely what you'll find when you become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional. You'll be part of a profession dedicated to creating inclusive environments for people from diverse backgrounds, while also offering ample opportunities for professional growth.

The financial planning profession is rapidly expanding. Many financial planners are approaching retirement just as the demand for personalized financial guidance is increasing. The U.S. Labor Department reports that jobs in financial planning are expected to grow faster than average, at a rate of 15% through 2031. Even better, U.S. News & World Report ranked financial advisor as the sixth Best Business Job in 2023.

Recruiting a Diverse Workforce

In response to this projected growth, CFP Board is actively working to strengthen the financial planning talent pipeline, focusing on attracting women and racially and ethnically diverse candidates to pursue CFP^® certification. CFP^® professionals serve an increasingly diverse client base, and they should reflect the broadest spectrum of talent and experience. CFP Board Center for Financial Planning has launched several initiatives to support growth of the talent pipeline and foster diversity and inclusion, including scholarships and the annual Diversity Summit.

These initiatives helped lead to the most diverse class of new CFP^® professionals in history last year, with nearly 30% being women and nearly 15% coming from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. In addition, more than half of all new certificants are under 35 years old. These statistics highlight an inclusive profession that welcomes and empowers your success with the necessary resources.

Obtaining your CFP^® certification means joining a profession that actively pursues inclusivity, offering a wide range of career opportunities and financially rewarding positions. Begin your journey toward success today.