Financial Innovation

**Hey fellow AWS enthusiasts! ✨** Last time we heard a lot about the latest announcements from AWS re:Invent 2025, featuring AWS' new **[Agentic AI IDE Kiro](https://kiro.dev/)**! This evening, we are welcoming **[Marco Strauß](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco333444555/)**, a Senior Solutions Architect at AWS, supporting customers in the Manufacturing sector. With his talk **"AI-driven Software Development - Dawn of a New Age?"**, he will introduce Kiro, the new agentic AI with an IDE and CLI that helps you go from prototype to production with spec-driven development. Using Kiro's structured approach will help you go far beyond the boundaries of vibe coding and deliver production ready software at scale. A special shoutout to our friends from **[nerdware](https://www.nerdware.dev/)** who supporting us with location, drink and food! **📆 Tonight's Agenda** 18:45 - Doors Open 19:00 - Welcoming by our hosts 19:15 - Talk by our speaker 20:00 - Pizza, Drinks & Networking Looking forward to seeing you 👋🏻 Nora & Frank

**🚀 UPDATE: MEETUP CAPACITY REACHED (Moving to Luma)** We have hit our RSVP limit on Meetup, but we have **opened additional spots on our new official platform, Luma.** 👉 Secure your priority spot here: [https://luma.com/8zkpp3mj](https://luma.com/8zkpp3mj) **ℹ️ Why are we moving to Luma?** We are progressively moving the Lux Finance Circle to Luma to offer a cleaner, professional experience: **🚫 No Spam:** Unlike Meetup, Luma respects your inbox. No marketing clutter or random notifications—just the calendar invite and the event recap. **⚡️ Zero Friction:** No app download or account creation required. Register in 10 seconds with just your email. **📊 Exclusive Perks:** Get automatic calendar syncing and access to our post-event Recap PDFs (charts & key takeaways). As part of this transition, we are restricting Meetup spots progressively and adding more to the new platform. 👉 Secure your priority spot here: [https://luma.com/8zkpp3mj](https://luma.com/8zkpp3mj) *** **📢 Welcome to our next Lux Finance Circle meetup!** To begin 2026, we're tackling the single biggest psychological hurdle for investors right now: **Investing at All-Time Highs.** With markets breaking records, many of us feel paralyzed. We sit on cash, waiting for a correction or a better entry point, fearing that buying now means buying at the top. But is this fear based on data or emotion? Does waiting for a dip actually protect your capital, or does it simply guarantee a loss against inflation? This session is a structured, open discussion designed to give you the frameworks to separate the market headlines from the evidence surrounding real long-term wealth building. **🧭 Format of the Event** This is a casual, discussion-based gathering with no long presentations. We'll sit around the table, and your host Romain will kick things off with a 10-minute introduction to his core framework for **"Investing at All-Time Highs: Trap or Opportunity?"** This is your opportunity to move beyond the fear of a crash and discuss the real-world evidence on "Time in the Market vs. Timing the Market." **Recommended Preparation** To get the most out of our discussion, I recommend looking at a long-term chart of the S&P 500 (1980–2026) and noticing how many "All-Time Highs" were simply stepping stones to higher prices. * **Continue the Conversation:** For more content on building evidence-based portfolios, you can follow me on LinkedIn here: **[Romain Lucas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/romain-f-lucas/)** **👥 Who Can Join?** Everyone is welcome. This discussion will be especially valuable if you are: * Sitting on a pile of cash, waiting for the "right moment" to enter the market. * An investor who is worried that the current market is "too expensive" or in a bubble. * A professional who wants to base their financial future on robust data, not fear-mongering headlines. **📌 Practical Info** * **🗓️ Date:** Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 18:30 * **🗣️ Language:** The event will be in English. * **📍 Location:** **Hotel Le Place d'Armes** (18 Place d'Armes, Luxembourg). *The bar is hidden at the back. Ask at reception for directions if you are unsure.* * **🍻 Drinks:** Drinks are self-paid at the venue bar. * **👥 Limited Seats:** Please RSVP so we can manage space. If you can no longer make it, please cancel your reservation to free up your spot for someone on the waitlist.

**⚡ AI & Coffee – In-Person Meetup in Luxembourg** **[Registration required via Eventbrite 👉 Please register here to secure your spot.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-coffee-in-person-gathering-in-luxembourg-tickets-1982330441714?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)** Since the community has been growing, we’re hosting the next event on Sunday 15th Februara from 15h00-17h00 in Updown Bar (Downstairs) Based on the great feedback last time, feel free to bring your laptops if you’d like to show your work. People were very open to sharing approaches and projects, which sparked some truly deep conversations. Looking forward to meeting you all again, and also welcoming those who couldn’t make it last time. AI is moving so fast that it’s hard to keep up alone. The best way to make sense of it is by meeting others, exchanging ideas, and hearing fresh perspectives. That’s what this meetup is about. ☕ We’ll gather in a local café for open conversations about: * AI news and trends (what’s real, what’s hype) * Sharing projects, ideas, and feedback * Supporting each other and creating new stories * Building connections with like-minded people 👥 **Who’s welcome?** Developers, entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, students, researchers, creatives — and anyone simply curious about AI. 💡 **What to expect** * Casual atmosphere, no commitment, no pressure * The host will share small icebreakers and sparks of AI news * The rest is up to you: meet, talk, connect, and exchange 🎉 The only cost is your own coffee or drink. Bring your curiosity and an open mind — and let’s build one of the most exciting AI communities in the area.

I enjoy discovering new restaurants and trying new menus, and this group is about doing that together. We’ll regularly choose new places to visit, plan our dinners in advance, and enjoy good food in good company. It’s a relaxed meetup where we can share impressions, talk about the dishes (and sometimes the wine), and meet people with similar interests. If you like exploring new spots and enjoying food beyond just eating, you’ll feel right at home! The 1st restaurant to try out is L'Orgue in Lintgen. Gault&Millau gives it 13.5 out of 20 and mentions its "Roaring Twenties" ambiance, refined, creative cuisine and overall experience being polished. Well, let's see for ourselves and find out! [Restaurant link](https://www.orgue-restaurant.lu/) The table is booked for 6 people, so the number of participants is limited. There's parking available and you can carpool or reach the place by public transport.

This Valentine's, let's make new friends! Join us for a relaxed Fast Friending evening where connecting with like-minded ladies and gents feels natural and fun! **You will need to buy a ticket for attending -** [https://lux14thfeb.eventbrite.co.uk](https://lux14thfeb.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. TICKETS:- Early Bird - €5 / person Regular Ticket - €10 / person Cash at meetup: If you do not purchase a ticket in advance then you can pay Shye cash of €15 when you attend. **Here’s how our Fast Friending works:-** \- We will meet at 7\.00 and have time to get settle down and get a drink\. \- From about 7\.30 to 8\.30 we will run the fast friending system\. Half of the group \(mixed gender\) will stay in a fixed place and the other half of the group \(mixed gender\) will be asked to rotate\. During these intervals\, each pair of people will get the opportunity to talk to each other\. \- Jennifer will be hosting the evening and she will organize the fast friending process\. She will indicate when you should move to the next person\. \- From 8\.30 onwards we will stop the system and people will have to chance go chat and interact with those they have met as well as others\. If you are a bit shy or anxious then please come early. Jennifer will help you meet other members in a small group and help you settle down and get comfortable. All attendees are also welcome to bring a lady friend along with them for free. This will make it a lot less stressful for you as you will always have your friend alongside. \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 21 to 40 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\. \- We are not a dating group\. Our events are not organised to manage your dating life\. Our group is created to help ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. Please do not attend our event if a perfect gender balance is important for your enjoyment of our meet\-up\. Why do we have tickets? 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets of socializing at our meetups - [http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing ](http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing) How to make new friends - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs)

Come celebrate Mardi Gras with some Cajun, Zydeco (and some Blues) music from the swamps of Louisiana! Hosted by the Boeuf Cajun/Cajun Jam of Luxembourg: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1096516392386716

Dear Club Polyglotte members, Please note that we changed our online meetings from Skype to Teams. An installation of Teams is not necessary (see links at the bottom). The online meetings take place on Tuesdays at 19:00, unless otherwise indicated. CP English Club Polyglotte Luxembourg Community in Microsoft Teams with Pete from London on Tuesdays at 19:00 h: https://teams.live.com/l/community/FEA32nllYOKVkYfQA8?v=g1 CP German Club Polyglotte Luxembourg Community in Microsoft Teams with Margit on Tuesdays at 19:00 h: https://teams.live.com/l/community/FEAPmC0cP2yAknqqAw?v=g1 CP Italian Club Polyglotte Luxembourg Community in Microsoft Teams on Tuesdays at 20:30 h. https://teams.live.com/l/community/FEAgAGRUsyLPKIB8BU?v=g1 CP Spanish Club Polyglotte Luxembourg Community Community in Microsoft Teams on Wednesdays at 19:00 h: https://teams.live.com/l/community/FEA7FZyGJ463yXNOwM?v=g1 CP Luxembourgish Club Polyglotte Luxembourg Community in Microsoft Teams Wednesdays at 19:00 h https://teams.live.com/l/community/FEAyv2RkRJLWFo8vAo?v=g1 CP French Club Polyglotte Luxembourg Community in Microsoft Teams on Fridays at 19:00 h. https://teams.live.com/l/community/FEAHMjICzF_sgKrfgs?v=g1 When you click on the secured https link, you need to connect to Teams and click on the button to join via your browser (no installation needed) Or via the MS Teams App, which is of course also possible. Download from the official website for your desktop: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app For your Android device from Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.teams&pli=1 For your OIS device from Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-teams/id1113153706 Kind regards, Your Club Polyglotte Luxembourg team Email: clubpolyglotte@gmail.com

This is not just a money class. This is a restoration space. The I AM Worthy of Ownership™ Path is a 12-step, sister-centered journey for women who are ready to build financial stability without shame, fear, or pressure—and to do it in a way that honors both wisdom and the spirit. Many women don’t struggle with money because they lack discipline or intelligence. They struggle because of unhealed experiences, survival patterns, and the quiet belief that they are “behind” or “disqualified.” This series gently challenges those beliefs while offering practical tools for peace, clarity, and long-term planning. Together, we will talk honestly about: Releasing shame and money anxiety Building stability as a form of self-respect and spiritual discipline Understanding money as a tool, not a source of worth Managing debt with clarity instead of condemnation Preparing for life’s unexpected moments without fear Laying a calm foundation for future ownership and legacy Each session blends practical financial education with reflection, conversation, and encouragement. There is no pressure to share personal numbers or experiences. You are welcome to speak, journal quietly, or simply listen. This is not about hustle. This is not about perfection. This is about alignment, wisdom, and peace. Who this series is for: Women who are starting over or rebuilding Women who want stability without stress Women preparing for future ownership or housing decisions Women who want their financial lives to reflect wholeness, not fear No prior financial knowledge is required. Come as you are. Bring a notebook. Leave a little lighter than you arrived. Light refreshments will be served along with 30 minutes of networking.

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

( this meetup was rescheduled from 1-27 due to the weather conditions) **NEW LOCATION - THE DAILY GROWLER -** **2812 Fishinger Rd, Upper Arlington, OH 43221** Over the years, we’ve heard two requests constantly: 1. A place that was quieter and possibly private. 2. “I wish they accepted Bitcoin.” We’ve finally found a solution to these requests with The Daily Growler. We’ll have access to their private room, and you’ll be able to pay your tab with Bitcoin. Join us for a fun and relaxed social event! Enjoy delicious food and drinks as we chat about the latest news in the Bitcoin world. Everyone is welcome, whether you're looking for guidance, have questions, or just want to meet like-minded people. These social evenings are a great opportunity to make new friends and enhance your experience at the larger events throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you there! PSA: If the attendee RSVP seems low, keep in mind that most of our attendees come from X and not [meetup.com.](http://meetup.com./) You are welcome to come and become a part of our online community. Recordings of past guest speakers are available on our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@columbusbitcoin](https://www.youtube.com/@columbusbitcoin)