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Upsolve receives $4.2 million grant for the development of Upsolve Assist

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Empowering Low-Income Americans with AI-Powered Financial Counselor

NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — An estimated 40 million low-income Americans struggle with high unsecured debt and poor credit scores, which worsen cycles of poverty. These challenges are difficult to address without access to personalized financial advice. Many are left to navigate these issues alone, relying on generic online information or, in some cases, falling victim to predatory services that only worsen their financial situation.

“We’re building Upsolve Assist so others don’t have to walk alone through financial distress.”

Upsolve, the nation’s most visited nonprofit financial education site, aims to address this problem with the launch of Upsolve Assist, an AI-powered Financial Counselor specifically designed for low-income Americans. Upsolve Assist will deliver tailored financial guidance, analyzing users’ unique financial situations to provide personalized guidance on debt management, credit improvement, and access to critical resources — all completely free of charge.

The development and rollout of Upsolve Assist is made possible by a generous $4,249,901 seed grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Jonathan Petts, co-founder and CEO of Upsolve, commented: “We’re excited by the Gates Foundation’s support for our vision of making personalized financial assistance available on demand for low-income Americans.” Ben Jackson, co-founder of Upsolve, echoed these sentiments, drawing on his personal experience: “Having gone through the process of filing for bankruptcy without the money to afford legal help, I know firsthand how hard it is to navigate high debt and poor credit. We’re building Upsolve Assist so others don’t have to walk alone through financial distress. Our goal is to empower low-income Americans with the tools they need to regain control of their financial future.”

The first version of Upsolve Assist is expected to be released in January 2025. If you are a nonprofit interested in offering Upsolve Assist to your members, please visit www.upsolve.org.

About Upsolve:

Upsolve is a tech-driven nonprofit that helps low-income Americans overcome debt and rebuild credit at scale. Upsolve was founded in Harvard Law School’s Access to Justice Lab in 2016. Since then, Upsolve has become the nation’s most visited nonprofit financial education site, educating approximately 2.9 million people a year with its detailed guides on managing debt and credit. To date, Upsolve’s free bankruptcy filing tool has been used by over 14,000 families to relieve over $600,000,000 in debt. Upsolve users are disproportionately Black and Brown with an average household income of $25,000; they see their net worth improve by an average of $60,141 using Upsolve’s bankruptcy tool. For its impact, Upsolve has received the Robin Hood Foundation’s Heroes Award for “extraordinary contributions in the fight against poverty.” Upsolve was also recognized by TIME as one of the “Top 100 Inventions of the Year,” by Fast Company as a “World Changing Idea for Social Justice,” and by The New York Times with the “Good Tech Award.”

To learn more, visit www.upsolve.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/upsolve-receives-4-2-million-grant-for-the-development-of-upsolve-assist-302237285.html

SOURCE Upsolve

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Broadridge’s Securities-based Lending Capabilities and Wealth Lending Network Now Integrated with Morningstar Advisor Workstation

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The collaboration enables independent advisors to deliver holistic advisory services across the full balance sheet with integrated SBL capabilities to see the borrowing power for portfolios.

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) announces the securities-based lending (SBL) tools in its Wealth Lending Network (WLN) marketplace are now integrated in Morningstar Advisor Workstation. Extending beyond Workstation’s core research, investment planning, and portfolio analysis capabilities, independent advisors now have seamless access to lending solutions that help them support broader client financial goals.

The integration offers financial advisors the ability to determine their clients’ SBL borrowing potential and connect with WLN partner banks to support their clients’ lending needs. Advisor Workstation’s U.S. footprint of more than 150,000 advisors will now be offered the opportunity to seamlessly connect to SBL services from Broadridge through their single sign on, as well as to access Broadridge’s advanced predictive prospecting, sales and educational capabilities via the Wealth Lending Network platform.

“Today’s advisors recognize the importance of offering expanded services to add value for their clients. As highlighted in Morningstar’s 2024 Voice of the Advisor Survey, advisors who offered a broader range of services were more confident in their ability to support their client with meaningful financial plans” said Vimal Vel, chief product officer for Enterprise Solutions at Morningstar. “Our collaboration with Broadridge equips advisors with a tool for advanced lending options, enabling them to provide a more comprehensive suite of services and elevate the industry standard for the value advisors offer clients.”

“Our mission at Broadridge is to provide trusted expertise and transformative technology to help clients and the financial services industry operate, innovate, and grow,” said Mike Alexander, President of Broadridge Wealth Management. “This collaboration helps advisors respond to the growing demand for flexible, simplified, and integrated financial solutions, including borrowing against their securities portfolio, allowing them to better align with their clients’ evolving goals, and provide expanded service offerings that strengthen their client relationships.”

The WLN enables wealth managers of all sizes to offer SBL services to their clients using Broadridge’s end-to-end, fully digitized SBL technology platform. It extends current lending models, enabling financial institutions to offer SBL to clients on a turnkey basis. Serving RIAs, independent broker-dealers, non-bank affiliated broker dealers, and wealth management firms, the WLN will allow advisors using the Morningstar Advisor Workstation to retain AUM when client liquidity needs arise, reduce competitive risk from wire houses and banks, and offer holistic advice to their clients.

Clients of financial advisors using WLN and Morningstar Advisor Workstation are expected to directly benefit from having an alternative to liquidating investment portfolios. This can help them to preserve their investment strategy, avoid triggering potential capital gains taxes associated with selling investments, and enjoy the convenience of a single provider for both assets and liabilities. They also gain the flexibility of an evergreen credit facility for ongoing financial needs.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), is a global technology leader with the trusted expertise and transformative technology to help clients and the financial services industry operate, innovate, and grow. We power investing, governance, and communications for our clients – driving operational resiliency, elevating business performance, and transforming investor experiences.

Our technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of more than $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work®, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500® Index, employing over 14,000 associates in 21 countries. For more information about us, please visit www.broadridge.com.

About Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment insights in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The Company offers an extensive line of products and solutions that serve a wide range of market participants, including individual and institutional investors in public and private capital markets, financial advisors and wealth managers, asset managers, retirement plan providers and sponsors, and issuers of fixed-income securities. Morningstar provides data and research insights on a wide range of investment offerings, including managed investment products, publicly listed companies, private capital markets, debt securities, and real-time global market data. Morningstar also offers investment management services through its investment advisory subsidiaries, with approximately $316 billion in AUMA as of June 30, 2024. The Company operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in 32 countries. For more information, visit www.morningstar.com/company. Follow Morningstar on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MorningstarInc.

Media Contacts:

Broadridge:
Matthew Luongo
Prosek Partners
+1 646-818-9279
mluongo@prosek.com

Morningstar:
Michael Claussen
+1 312 696-6037
newsroom@morningstar.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/broadridges-securities-based-lending-capabilities-and-wealth-lending-network-now-integrated-with-morningstar-advisor-workstation-302248260.html

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

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Apple’s Iconic Timeline Comes to Life in Stunning Motion Graphics by WideView

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WideView, a leading motion graphics company, proudly announces the release of its latest project, a captivating motion graphics video that chronicles Apple’s evolution from the groundbreaking Macintosh to the revolutionary iPhone. This visually stunning video takes viewers on an immersive journey through Apple’s most iconic milestones, highlighting the products, innovations, and visionary leadership that transformed the tech industry.

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WideView, a leading motion graphics company, proudly announces the release of its latest project, a captivating motion graphics video that chronicles Apple’s evolution from the groundbreaking Macintosh to the revolutionary iPhone. This visually stunning video takes viewers on an immersive journey through Apple’s most iconic milestones, highlighting the products, innovations, and visionary leadership that transformed the tech industry.

Using a combination of real ads, vintage content, and expertly crafted motion graphics, WideView’s video offers an engaging look at Apple’s rise story. The video features key moments such as the launch of the Macintosh in 1984, the introduction of the iPod, and the “Project Purple” for the game-changing iPhone in 2007. Through creative storytelling and vibrant visuals, WideView captures the essence of Apple’s innovative spirit and showcases the design excellence that has made the company a global leader.

“More than just an historical animation, we aimed to evoke the nostalgia and excitement that Apple’s products have generated to us over the decades,” said Emmanuel, Creative Director of WideView. “Our team meticulously crafted this video to resonate with Apple fans, tech enthusiasts, and creatives alike, while paying tribute to the brand’s incredible journey.”

Key Highlights:

An immersive look at Apple’s major product launches, from the Apple II to the iPhone.Motion graphics enhanced with real ads and vintage content to bring Apple’s evolution to life.A tribute to visionary leadership, from Steve Jobs to Apple’s impact on modern technology.A nostalgic yet forward-thinking video that celebrates Apple’s commitment to innovation and design.

WideView’s motion graphics video promises to captivate viewers by blending rich storytelling with high-quality design. It’s a must-watch for anyone curious about Apple’s history or fascinated by the role of technology in shaping our world.

The video is now live and available for viewing on WideView’s YouTube channel.

Watch Now: https://youtu.be/j9AWJc2EeWA

About WideView: WideView is a motion graphics agency with extensive experience creating animations for various brands. The agency focuses on storytelling through design to connect brands with audiences.

Media Contact

Brenda Caran, Wideview, 1 646-583-3404, hello@wideview.tv, https://wideview.tv/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/apples-iconic-timeline-comes-to-life-in-stunning-motion-graphics-by-wideview-302248165.html

SOURCE Wideview

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World’s 1st Flashlight Experience Store Kicks Off in Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, Sept. 15, 2024 /CNW/ — Olight, a brand committed to becoming a global leader in mid-to-high-end flashlights, opened the world’s first flashlight experience store at Fashion Show Las Vegas. On the same day, it hosted a major new product launch event and a fan festival for its loyal customers.

A Retail Revolution

The store adopts an advanced digital retail model that seamlessly integrates online and offline channels. Leveraging cloud computing, big data, IoT, and other cutting-edge technologies, Olight has created a unified system for warehousing, logistics, supply chain management, and retail. This enhances operational efficiency and allows consumers to order online and pick up in-store, offering a more convenient and efficient shopping experience.

“Olight has consistently focused on the U.S. market and achieved outstanding results online. We want our first experience store to not only showcase our products but also serve as a bridge between the online and offline, connecting our brand with our customers,” said Mavis Xiao, CMO of Olight.

New Product Launches

Olight unveiled five new products at the event: Arkfeld Ultra, Baton Turbo, Perun 3, Sphere, and the Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition). The Arkfeld Ultra uses a new aluminum material, making it one of the toughest and most scratch-resistant flashlights in the world. Olight also used this material to create a special gift for each audience member.

With the release of the Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition), Olight announced an animal charity project in 13 countries, dedicated to supporting animal welfare for at least two years. For every Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition) sold, Olight will donate $5 to local animal charities. This initiative aims to raise funds for animal protection and increase social awareness and action.

O-Fan Day: Celebrating the Community

O-Fan Day was a fan festival where Olight expressed its appreciation to the O-Fans, whom Olight believes are the driving force behind the brand’s growth. Olight held a fan award ceremony to recognize fans who have made outstanding contributions to supporting and promoting the brand. Over 200 O-Fans attended the festival, celebrating with Olight’s management, R&D teams, and more.

The Olight Fall Event 2024 was the brand’s most important event of the year. As a brand dedicated to establishing itself as a global leader in flashlights, Olight is bold in breaking the mold. This Fall Event demonstrated Olight’s determination to redefine the flashlight industry through innovation and to promote the development of the entire industry.

About Olight: 

Olight is committed to becoming a global leader in mid-to-high-end flashlights and driving the industry forward. Its diverse product range caters to various scenarios, from everyday carry to outdoor adventures, and is available across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-1st-flashlight-experience-store-kicks-off-in-las-vegas-302248434.html

SOURCE Olight Group Co.,Ltd

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