--- title: Plansmith Blog | Jennifer Mello --- [CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-323-3281](https://www.plansmith.reachproductions.net/project/call-toll-free-1-800-323-3281/) [![Plansmith](https://blog.plansmith.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Plansmith-Logo.png?width=764&height=135&name=Plansmith-Logo.png "Plansmith")](https://www4.plansmith.com) - Solutions - [Budgeting](https://www4.plansmith.com/budgeting/) - [ALM](https://www4.plansmith.com/alm) - [ALM Advisory Services](https://www4.plansmith.com/alm/advisory-services/) - [CECL](https://www4.plansmith.com/cecl/) - [Strategy](https://www4.plansmith.com/strategy/) - [Market Intelligence](https://www4.plansmith.com/market-intelligence/) - Products - [StrategyGPS](https://www4.plansmith.com/strategygps/) - [Compass](https://www4.plansmith.com/compass/) - [BankersGPS](https://www4.plansmith.com/bankersgps/) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.plansmith.com/) - [Videos](https://plansmith.wistia.com/projects/7qemazkqii) - [Compass Tutorials](https://info.plansmith.com/compass-tutorials) - [Lunch N’ Learn](https://info.plansmith.com/lunch-n-learns) - [Webinars](https://www4.plansmith.com/webinars/) - [About](https://www4.plansmith.com/about/) - [Schedule A Discovery Call](https://www4.plansmith.com/contact-us/) - [CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-323-3281](tel:8003233281) # Plansmith Blog ## Jennifer Mello ### Recent Posts ## [Introducing the Plansmith Forum: 2026 Inaugural Event Recap](https://blog.plansmith.com/introducing-the-plansmith-forum-2026-inaugural-event-recap) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 5/22/26, 9:15 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Plansmith%20Forum%202026.png)](https://blog.plansmith.com/introducing-the-plansmith-forum-2026-inaugural-event-recap) I'm thrilled to share a recap of last week’s first-ever Plansmith Forum, which was an incredible success! **Attendance & Experience** We welcomed 21 attendees representing a wide range of leadership and management roles from financial institutions across the country. Hosted at the Renaissance Hotel near our corporate offices in Schaumburg, IL, the event delivered two full days of learning, collaboration, networking, and social engagement with the Plansmith team — and, most importantly, with industry peers. *“Can’t stress enough the importance of talking with other Compass users.”* *“Wonderful event for new and experienced users!”* [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/introducing-the-plansmith-forum-2026-inaugural-event-recap) ## [PPP Loans: Your Top 3 Questions Answered!](https://blog.plansmith.com/ppp-loans-your-top-3-questions-answered) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 3/4/21, 3:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![ppp_loans](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/laptop-3196481_1920%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/ppp-loans-your-top-3-questions-answered) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are a strange new addition to every banker’s reality. The role of the community bank and credit union has always been to serve customers and local businesses with compassion and trust. This responsibility has only been amplified by the current situation. PPP loans help ensure businesses have funding to stay open and continue to pay their employees through the uncertainty of the crisis. Financial institutions play an essential role by assisting in creating, processing, approving, and allocating these loans. [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/ppp-loans-your-top-3-questions-answered) ## [Virtual Compass Roundtable](https://blog.plansmith.com/virtual-compass-roundtable) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 11/12/20, 2:08 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/computer-1185567_1920.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/virtual-compass-roundtable) Times are strange. We haven’t been in our Plansmith offices together since March 16th. That’s over a hundred and sixty days – it feels crazy. But like with anything else, we adjust and move forward to reach our goals, but the plans for getting there have definitely changed. We still want to get together with everyone. We still want to talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how things are going. Even though we can’t meet face to face at our Schaumburg offices this year, we can still come together virtually! [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/virtual-compass-roundtable) ## [Communicate Your Numbers Like a PRO!](https://blog.plansmith.com/communicate-your-numbers-like-a-pro) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 3/4/20, 11:16 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Picture1.png)](https://blog.plansmith.com/communicate-your-numbers-like-a-pro) I know my numbers, but how do I communicate them to others within my organization? It’s a valid question that Plansmith fields regularly from our clients. We’ve got some answers for you. Everyone relates to numbers, no matter who you're talking to, but not everyone reads them in the same way. So, how do you make the most out of your conversations with everyone who needs to relate to the same numbers? [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/communicate-your-numbers-like-a-pro) ## [Compass 2-Day Event: What to Expect if You Attend!](https://blog.plansmith.com/compass-2-day-event-details) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 12/2/19, 8:43 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![achievement-3658088_1920](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/achievement-3658088_1920.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/compass-2-day-event-details) Technology is a beautiful thing. It allows people to seamlessly engage in business interactions from thousands of miles away. It helps strangers grow real, meaningful relationships. It bolsters professionalism and deepens client/company relations. However, we find it can leave you feeling like something’s missing. [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/compass-2-day-event-details) ## [The Top 3 Lunch 'n Learns to Review for 2019](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-top-3-lunch-n-learns-to-review-for-2019) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 6/21/19, 2:49 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![adult-3847495_1920](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/adult-3847495_1920.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-top-3-lunch-n-learns-to-review-for-2019) It’s halfway through the year and a great time to prepare for what’s to come. I've picked the top 3 Lunch 'n Learns you should review before heading into the 2020 planning season. [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-top-3-lunch-n-learns-to-review-for-2019) ## [Compass 2-Day Event: September 2018](https://blog.plansmith.com/compass-2-day-event) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 10/1/18, 10:59 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![desk-3139127_1280-1](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/desk-3139127_1280-1.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/compass-2-day-event) **"It was a very informative two days. It was also helpful to learn different ways to navigate through the tabs and fields in the Compass program."**   We had nine bankers in our office last Thursday and Friday attending our first 2-day event, and **what a success it was!** We had a great group ranging from new clients, new users, and more established veterans, banks from $240 MM to $1.6 B in assets, men and women from diverse backgrounds, traveling in from near and far. The group was excited to share thoughts and ideas, and interested in ways we can help them enhance their understanding of the planning concepts and models. [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/compass-2-day-event) ## [The Top 3 Lunch 'n Learns to Review for 2018](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-top-3-lunch-n-learns-to-review-for-2018) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 1/3/18, 1:53 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![lunchnlearns.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/lunchnlearns.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-top-3-lunch-n-learns-to-review-for-2018) The New Year is a great time to prep and review. That's why I've picked the top 3 Lunch 'n Learns you should review before diving into 2018. [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-top-3-lunch-n-learns-to-review-for-2018) ## [Bankers: The Case for Mentorship & Continuing Education](https://blog.plansmith.com/bankers-the-case-for-mentorship-continuing-education) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 10/5/16, 10:34 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![rsz_mentorblog.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/rsz_mentorblog.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/bankers-the-case-for-mentorship-continuing-education) Education. It’s different when you’re young – you *have* to go through it. You keep moving up another step until graduation, and then one day, it’s all over. Then you have a choice: stop education all together, or continue education and further enhance your career. [Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/bankers-the-case-for-mentorship-continuing-education) ## [Community Bank & Credit Union Forum: Compass Roundtable March 2016](https://blog.plansmith.com/community-bank-credit-union-forum-compass-roundtable-march-2016) Posted by [Jennifer Mello](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jennifer-mello) on 5/11/16, 10:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![CompassRoundtable.png](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Plansmith-Images/CompassRoundtable.png)](https://blog.plansmith.com/community-bank-credit-union-forum-compass-roundtable-march-2016) Thank you to everyone who attended the March 2016 Financial Compass Roundtable! 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