Certified financial planner and private wealth adviser Paula Dougherty: "Making decisions after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming. It’s OK to take your time and ask for help with choices along the way. Guidance from a Realtor, attorney and financial adviser may help you be thoughtful about how the inherited home fits into your lifestyle and financial plan."

Attorney Stephen F. Aton: "The asset protection trust strategy works best when there is time to plan in advance."

Arvest Bank's Rhonda Sorensen: "It’s never too late to develop new habits to secure your financial future."

Missouri State University's Richard Gebken: "Ultimately, the interdependent relationship between industry and academia must continue to evolve as we move toward a workforce for the future."

Springfield Contractors Association Executive Director Megan Herzog: "The construction industry has immense potential for workers to move into leadership positions quickly if they are willing to put in the effort and develop communication skills and have an interest in helping and mentoring others."

People Centric Consulting Group CEO Don Harkey: "The right answer is to think hard about the bus you need, set up the seats and then find the people who are the best fit."

SignalPoint Asset Management's Myles Jackson has questions to ask when considering retirement income.

FORVIS LLP's Travis Liles: "The important thing to keep in mind is to work with a trusted adviser to develop a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy that is right for you. They can help assess your unique circumstances and recommend the best strategy for your needs."

UMB Bank's Justin Butler: "While no one can predict exactly when the economy will shift or to what degree, protecting cash flow and preparing for different scenarios with your financial advisers are proactive ways to set your business up for success in today’s changing environment."

Springfield-based consultant and author Marlene Chism: "Good boundaries help you take charge of your time and build more equitable relationships."

Evangel University's Michael Tenneson: "While many people find themselves working in health care without college degrees, the opportunities for helping people in significant ways, job security, developing diverse skill sets, on-the-job advancement, an emphasis on cooperative teams and appealing opportunities to satisfy one’s curiosity make strong the link between higher education and health care."

New York Life Insurance Co.'s Ryan J. Hurn: "When it comes to your financial life and the decisions you make, be thoughtful and attentive to where the information comes from."

Ollis/Akers/Arney CEO Richard Ollis: "Conservatively estimating replacement value annually and properly structuring your property insurance policy will ensure a property loss will be paid in full. Work with a professional insurance agent to assist in exploring the various options. Don’t be caught short in these inflationary times."

Ransin Injury Law's David Ransin: "Buyer beware is a well-known concept that is too often overlooked when buying automobile insurance because few consumers simply don’t know what they don’t know."

Arvest Bank's Jami Dressler: "The best thing a potential homebuyer can do is find a lending professional who will help them identify the scenario that best fits their needs and budget and then work on the lending solution that will turn that scenario into reality."

R.B. Murray Co. President Ross Murray: "Unlike larger markets, we generally maintain consistency and aren’t as subjected to volatile highs and lows due, among other things, to a diversified employment base. Stability and consistency allow businesses to plan more efficiently and be more productive in the long run."

Downtown Springfield Association's Rusty Worley: "As a community, everyone has a role to play in cultivating the places for our friends and families to experience both now and in the future."

Missouri Division of Tourism Director Stephen Foutes: "Although multiple factors – inflation, international conflict and weather, to name a few – can influence consumer sentiment, we are optimistic that Missouri will remain a top choice for domestic travel and that we will continue to see an increase in international visitors over previous years."

Ollis/Akers/Arney's Erica Gaynor: "The most critical component is communication and engagement with your employees."

People Centric Consulting Group CEO Don Harkey: "By upgrading the organizational machine, health care organizations become more successful in all areas."