Sponsor of the Month: Munder Finacial

BY MARIA SMIETANA

Growing up in Lake Bluff, IL, James Munder was the youngest of three children. His older brother, Adam, was born hearing but became deaf as a toddler. James witnessed the challenges that presented for his parents and his brother, learning to navigate a new world as a primarily hearing family with one deaf child. James’s family became very active in the deaf community around the Chicagoland area in order to better understand and advocate for his brother. James learned a lot from that experience. Not only is he fluent in American Sign Language, but he has a strong passion for helping families plan for whatever their futures may bring. He feels that the stability provided by having a clear financial plan is integral for all families, but especially for those who have a loved one with special needs.

3Up Celebration

James went to Indiana University where he studied business management. As part of his college experience, he completed an internship with Northwestern Mutual in downtown Chicago. “It was challenging,” James recalled, “but taught me a lot about what I wanted out of life.” He went on to open Munder Financial — Northwestern Mutual, a wealth management firm that helps clients understand and achieve their financial goals. It’s a career that grants him the independence to work toward his goals while pursuing his passion of improving the lives of others. James and his wife, Carly, who grew up in Zionsville, moved back to Indiana in 2014.

Buddy Walk 2021

Munder Financial offers financial planning, investment planning and strategy, tax-efficient, life insurance, retirement planning and income strategies, and special needs planning. “We are able to help navigate the unique considerations that come with caring for a loved one with special needs,” James said. “We can collaborate with other experts in law, social services, and more to assist with estate planning, special needs trusts, life insurance, tax deductions, healthcare issues, and Medicaid complexities.

James said he was initially inspired to provide financial planning support for special needs families by Heather Gregg, a client and family friend. “Heather created The Lucky Mama Project, which partners with Down Syndrome of Indiana to give personalized support to Indiana mothers of a new baby with Down syndrome or a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome,” James said. Launched after Heather’s daughter Ivy was born with Down syndrome, the organization provides care packages of educational items, gifts for mom and baby, and gives insight into the journey of other mothers who have gone through the same experience.

James encourages special needs families to take the time to assemble a strong team of experts who will listen to and understand their needs. “Not everyone will listen to your story. It is imperative that you find a team that helps you identify and understand your goals and needs,” he said. “It is our mission to spend the time needed to educate our clients and help provide a clear vision that guides them on the road to stability, security and optimism.”

Munder Financial gives generous support to several organizations that serve special needs individuals and their families. “We have provided financial contributions, participated in the local Buddy Walk, and assisted Down Syndrome Indiana with special needs planning seminars, all in support of The Lucky Mama Project,” James said. “Most recently, we helped Heather to create and launch a book, “This is Life!” which tells the story of several Down syndrome families through the lens of hope, heart, and happiness. We hosted the book launch party, which allowed all proceeds from the book sales to go directly to The Lucky Mama Project.

Munder Financial Team Final

James is also actively involved with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which is committed to accelerating the search for a cure for childhood cancer. The foundation aids families facing the disease and those who are enduring the longterm effects of treatment. “We have participated through direct donations and fundraising efforts such as golf outings and 5K runs,” James said. “So far, these efforts have resulted in over $2 million in donations. Some of the money funded a grant that allowed a breakthrough cancer study to be conducted in Kenya. We are honored to have been a part of the amazing work being done by this foundation.”

“Our most recent fundraiser was for A Kid Again, a children’s charity that provides cost-free recurring events for children with life-threatening conditions, including childhood cancer (about 50%), Down syndrome, asthma, and many more illnesses,” James said. “This past June, our team participated in an event that helped raise over $77,000 to support families and children living with these illnesses.

James Munder

James has so much respect and admiration for the parents who work every day to be advocates for their children. “My family and I attended a World Down Syndrome Day event in March, and we had the best time. It brought so much joy and clarity to our decision to support the special needs community. There was so much happiness in that banquet room, and I am honored to be a part of that!”

Business Contact Information: 600 E. 96th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-238-6519 jamesmunder.com James.munder@nm.com