Check out our Dec newsletter!
DECEMBER 2022
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By Taking Preventive Measures ENSURE YOUR FAMILY’S LIFESTYLE DOESN’T CHANGE
Hi everyone! My name is
term used to decide how much is enough is “human life value.” The question becomes this: How can you truly put a value on life? The definition of human life value can vary depending on what you are solving for. Is it because of a lawsuit from an unexpected tragic accident or determined by a life insurance actuary based on your mortality risk? Before I became a financial advisor, I worked as a paralegal. From a legal standpoint, human value is determined by more than just how much income someone makes in their lifetime. It includes the survivor’s loss of love and companionship and all that person would have done over their lifetime if no accident occurred. From a mortality standpoint, a life insurance actuary bases that value first by confirming medically you are insurable and second by looking at replacement of income over the remaining working years, debts, assets, and expenses to come, such as college and even retirement to come up with a “value.”
essential documents for the individuals I represent, thus helping them be at peace with their preparations. I help clients build their legacy so those they leave behind continue living the same financial lifestyle they were accustomed to. While no amount of money will ever bring a loved one back, it can provide families and businesses with financial peace of mind. It’s rewarding and motivating when I can assist my clients and lift some of the weight off their shoulders. Being able to help them prepare their finances and take preventive measures to ensure everything is in place will never get old. While it’s heartbreaking to lose a loved one, being able to help grieving families and ensure their way of living won’t change inspires me to continue my work. Knowing I was able to help them move forward and live comfortably shows me the work I do matters and I can impact people’s lives in more ways than one. I want to thank my clients for trusting me with their finances. I know it’s challenging to think about death, but I commend you for taking those extra steps to ensure your family is prepared and taken care of. I also want to thank Financial Architects for having me on their team. I look forward to 2023 and what’s to come for myself, Financial Architects, and all of you. Happy holidays, everyone!
Gina, and I have worked closely with families and business owners to help them build a foundation that protects, preserves, and
expands their wealth. I have over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, helping guide financial decisions related to protection, savings, and growth of assets to create income in the future. My first exposure to life insurance was at age 22 when I purchased my first policy. I was told it would build cash value and, in the event of my death, would be paid out to benefit my daughter for her college. That was all I knew about that first policy, and there was a bit of satisfaction knowing I would have left my daughter a financial legacy of around $50,000. I later learned that amount would have been a drop in the bucket — better than nothing, but not enough to cover all the wonderful things she and I have done over the last 37 years. Her college was much more than $50,000, and I am so proud she is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree and married with two children of her own. You have many factors to consider when deciding how much money to leave when you pass away and is a science called “mortality.” No one knows when they’ll pass away. Another
“I understand how imperative it is to take those extra steps and complete the essential documents for the individuals I represent, thus helping them be at peace with their preparations. ”
While each profession takes a different approach to determine the value of human life, the experience helps me in what I do today. I understand how imperative it is to take those extra steps and complete the
– Gina Wells
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The holidays are rapidly approaching, and soon, we’ll share laughs while enjoying the festivities with our loved ones. Before the celebrations begin, you must prepare your home for visitors, especially if they stay overnight. It can be stressful whether it’s your in-laws, best friends, or distant cousins coming to stay with you. You want to leave a good impression, but how do you ensure everyone’s needs are met, including yours? Here are three tips for setting yourself up for a successful holiday, regardless of who stays with you. STOCK UP ON YOUR GUESTS’ FAVORITES. Have you ever stayed with someone who didn’t have extra food for their guests? Don’t put your guests in this situation. Load up your pantry, refrigerator, and cupboards with your guests’ favorite foods and drinks. If you don’t know what they are, ask ahead of their visit! Your guests will appreciate your conscientious gesture and have a much more enjoyable time if they can eat their favorites while visiting. PREPARE A GUEST ROOM. If your guests are staying with you, you need to prepare somewhere for them to sleep. Make sure you make up the bed, have plenty of pillows and blankets on hand, and provide adequate closet space for their clothes. Even if they aren’t staying in a traditional bedroom, their sleeping area should still be ready when they arrive. Clear off a table for them to use as a nightstand and put sheets on the couch or mattress where they’ll sleep. USE REAL DISHES. When we have company over for a meal, especially a large gathering, it’s usually easier to use plastic or paper options — saves on cleanup, too! The holidays are not necessarily the time for this shortcut. Break out the fine china if you have it, or use regular dishes for WITH THESE HOLIDAY HOSTING TIPS Impress the Guests
Frequently Asked Questions From Clients With FAI’s Mike Kucera Q: HOW DO RISING INTEREST RATES IMPACT MY OVERALL PLAN/STRATEGY? A: Rising interest rates can have different ripple effects on an overall plan/strategy. Here are a few examples. The client owns bonds or a bond fund: Rising rates cause a lower value per share or bond price of either an individual bond or bond fund. The bond/bond fund will usually increase the monthly income paid to the owner of an existing bond fund or newly issued bond. The client owns equity or stocks: Rising interest rates, at times, put downward pressure on stocks/stock ETF as higher rates lead to higher costs of borrowing/lending for publicly traded companies. The client owns a money market account or CD: Higher rates at both your primary bank and also the money market rates at online banks have been much higher in the last year, from under 1.0% to nearly 3.0%. INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS
The overall economy: Rising interest rates can often be a precursor to a recession, which results in lower employment in the private sector.
Q: WHAT IS THE FORECAST FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY IN 2023? A: The expected inflation rate may come down based on an economic research report we subscribe to, ITR Economics. Both the Producer Price Index (PPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) peaked in June 2022. Currently, the CPI is higher than the PPI, which is expected as the CPI is more volatile. Fear of inflation in 2023 could lead to exaggerated expectations for where interest rates are heading, which could lead to possible miscalculations about investment decisions and potential growth opportunities in 2023. Q: MIKE, WHY DON’T YOU WEAR A NECKTIE AS OFTEN AT THE OFFICE OR WHEN WE MEET ON WEB CALLS? A: Great question! There are several reasons (below), but I still enjoy wearing ties and will continue to do so! I can breathe much better, providing more oxygen to my brain and clearer thinking for our clients! Some clients requested I take my tie off at meetings during the web calls in 2020. As the office fashion plate, I must go with the trends, and a jacket with a dress shirt and no tie seems to be “the look” these days!
your guests. It’s okay for the kids to have paper plates, but if you want to make a good impression on visiting adults, nicer dishes will dress up the table setting and meal.
The information contained in this newsletter is derived from sources believed to be accurate. You should discuss any legal, tax, or financial matters with the appropriate professional. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Investment Advisory Services offered through FAI Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.
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Chat With a Client Panos Anadiotis
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Solution on Page 4
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS?
No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs Inspired by TheFoodieAffair.com
I was in New York for many years, and my wife is from Michigan. We moved to Michigan and bought a house. Our real estate agent told us we should not just work on our new purchase but also the big picture with our finances, too, and he recommended Chavez Vincent.
This year-round treat is the perfect dessert for any holiday party. Since you don’t need to worry about a hot oven, it’s a great recipe to make with the whole family — including the little ones!
YOU HAVE MADE A BIG CHANGE THIS PAST YEAR PROFESSIONALLY. TELL US ABOUT IT.
INGREDIENTS
My background is in marketing and advertising, and I have been working in that field for many years. My sister is a dentist, and for years, we have talked about joining forces. During the pandemic, these talks became more serious, and we discussed opening our own practice. So, we opened Welnox Dental, Health & Wellness Studio, which is located in Philadelphia. I know in order to be successful, we need to focus on the basics and taking care of our patients first and foremost. Although we are a dental practice, we also offer nutrition, mental health, and facial aesthetic services and assisting with all the needs our patients have.
•
1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp softened butter • 1 lb white chocolate candy coating
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix until evenly combined. 3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm. 4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate candy coating in increments of 30 seconds, stirring occasionally until smooth. 5. In the same bowl, use skewers to dip peanut butter balls into the chocolate before placing them on a lined cookie sheet so they can harden. 6. Chill until ready and then serve!
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2023?
We just opened the business in August 2022. The name is really starting to get out there, and we are gaining some very positive momentum. I’m just looking to get more established and putting our brand out there for everyone in Philadelphia to get to know. We are hopeful to begin having conversations about opening a second Welnox location here if all goes well. Visit WelnoxStudio.com for more information.
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Inside This Issue 1 | Meet One of Our Financial Advisors, Gina Wells!
2 | How to Impress Visitors This Holiday Season
2 | Financial Architects Questions and Answers
3 | Chat With a Client: Panos Anadiotis
3 | No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs
4 | Best Christmas Tree Attractions to Visit This Holiday Season
Lighting Up Life One Pine Needle at a Time Travel-Worthy Christmas Trees
As the holiday season approaches, the twinkling lights and spectacular Christmas tree attractions are always a must-see! Here are the best travel destinations to catch a glimpse of one of the pillars of the holidays. THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER TREE IN NEW YORK CITY The Rockefeller Center tree is located just west of 5th Avenue from 47th through 51st streets in New York City and dates back to the Depression era, with the first tree placed there in 1931. This beloved tourist attraction draws thousands yearly with its dazzling lights and grand scale. To even be considered a contender for this role, a tree must be at least 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide! THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. This American favorite has long been a tradition. Every year, the ceremony begins with live performances by musical artists, and
an annual highlight is when the president delivers a message of peace.
to the music of “Jingle Bells,” and the tree is crowned with a 10-foot-wide star!
THE BILTMORE CHRISTMAS TREE IN NORTH CAROLINA This majestic 55-foot Norway spruce tree is in front of the Biltmore Estate and lit as guests
President Calvin Coolidge was the first president to light the National Christmas
Tree in 1923. The tree was 48 feet high and decorated with 2,500
red, white, and green electric bulbs. A local choir and a quartet from the U.S. Marine Band performed as the tree was lit.
make their way down the path of luminaries. With
ornaments and miles of garland, this tree is selected for the Banquet Hall each year for guests from all over to see.
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT
TREE IN IDAHO Also known as the World’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree, this grand
Some are lucky enough to live near or in a city with a magnificent tree, but if you don’t, consider traveling to one of these locations to enjoy the
fir holds the record at 162 feet tall. It is festively decorated with more than 40,000 lights that twinkle in time
holiday with your loved ones.
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