Take a look at our November newsletter!
NOVEMBER 2023
www.financialarch.com
888-466-5453
Our Commitment to Gratitude, Community, and Innovation THE HEART OF FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS IN 2023 AND BEYOND
2023 is coming to a close, and I couldn’t be more proud of all our team has achieved for our clients this year. As we make our way closer to a new year with new opportunities, I want to remember the three elements that have brought the Financial Architects team this far: gratitude, community, and innovation. This year, I feel immense gratitude for how far we’ve come. Gratitude has long been a pillar of what we stand for, and feeling appreciation for all those around us helps us to strive with intention and purpose. Beginning every day in gratitude is a great way to begin the day and be ready to accomplish many important things. We want to consistently show our gratitude to all the families we’re fortunate enough to care for, some of whom have been with us for more than 25 years. We don’t take your trust in us for granted, and we’ll always be grateful for your decision to be our partner. As a firm, it’s also vital that we remember to be grateful for our fellow team members. We have both longtime relationships and new, burgeoning relationships at FAI. I’m thankful for them joining, staying, and being so committed to keeping our clients at the center of everything they do. All this gratitude is directly connected to our sense of community. We have two distinct communities here at FAI. The first is our client community. Our clients come from different
factor in growing our family. We have all gathered together around something incredibly important. Our futures and our community will continue to grow because of this. Lastly, as Chavez Vincent discussed in our last newsletter, innovation is key. It is what helps to keep us efficient and successful at what we do. Innovation is critical at FAI; we never innovate just for the sake of it. We do it to fullfill our reason for existing, and as a result, we can make progress in helping better our clients’ lives. Stay tuned for further developments in this area. Finally, innovation can come in forms not related to technology. Over the past few years, we have selectively incorporated behavioral neuroscience coaching expertise into our client experience. As a result of highly positive feedback, we will continue to roll out these enhancements much more broadly into 2024. I am incredibly proud of the FAI community, and I can see that we are all committed to a shared future. As we always say, our future is bigger than our past, and it’s crucial we enter a mindset of abundance. We see the future filled with opportunities, positivity, and freedom. I see this not only for the upcoming year but in the years to come for our FAI team and clients.
backgrounds, but a few elements unite them: They share a common purpose, belief, and direction when preparing for today and tomorrow, and they care about their families and their businesses. I also cannot help but marvel at the community of our team. This is not “just a job” for our current team members. These are people who want to take care of our clients and discover new ways to help them build their futures. Our team understands that we exist to help people live a life of freedom by simplifying the complexity of their money decisions. There will always be a sense of determination, respect, and compassion that comes with our team pursuing this important purpose. These two communities, clients and team, have grown over time, and that is because at least one person told someone they know that they should be part of this community. Over time, word of mouth has been the most significant
– Chris Cousins
1
888-466-5453
Social media is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, stay updated on current events, and cool off after work or school. But, using social media has drawbacks, especially for the developing minds of teenagers. It’s been proven to distract them, disrupt their sleep, and negatively impact their mental health. BUILD BETTER HABITS FOR YOUR TEENAGER’S BRAIN Smart Social Media
Community involvement and giving back are essential pillars of a company’s social responsibility. Financial Architects, Inc. stands as a shining example of how corporate entities can actively participate in the betterment of their local communities. Asalyn Coachman and Turner Thompson, key members of Financial Architects, Inc., have consistently demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact. Turner, now residing in Florida, is still very active as a financial mentor with a deep commitment to community engagement. Turner’s passions are to coach, mentor, motivate, and inspire other agents to “pay it forward” and help people reach their maximum financial potential. He also encourages others to pay it forward through service. Recently, he was a guest speaker at the Canada Sales Congress in Toronto, speaking on these very topics. INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS
Luckily, you can implement a few simple rules with your teens to make social media better for their brains.
RULE NO. 1: NO SOCIAL MEDIA WHEN THEY WAKE UP. When we wake up in the morning, our brain is still producing a lot of alpha and theta brain waves. These brain waves are associated with deep rest and an almost meditative state, making our brain more suggestible. So, suppose your child uses social media and sees a post that may suggest negative thoughts or behaviors. In that case, they’ll be more likely to absorb and accept that information. Our brains balance out these waves 5 -15 minutes after waking, so it’s a good idea for them to avoid using their device until then. Checking social media first thing in the morning also triggers a fresh dopamine reward, creating a cycle of craving throughout the day that keeps your child constantly scrolling for more. RULE NO. 2: KEEP NOTIFICATIONS TURNED OFF! The sound of a notification triggers our brains’ stimulus- response behavior, which is why even you may become antsy when you hear your child’s phone buzzing through dinner. This behavior is also driven by dopamine, meaning your brain rewards you for responding to the stimulus, or in this case, the sound of a notification. And, just like the morning social media, it creates a habit of constantly checking our phones to receive more of the reward. RULE NO. 3: LIMIT AIMLESS SCROLLING. In a study of 460 participants, researchers found that aimlessly scrolling through social media resulted in psychological distress, decreased overall life satisfaction, and diminished mental well-being. If possible, give your children structured time on social media so their scrolling won’t continue for hours. You can also educate your teen on these risks so they can hopefully break themselves out of endless scrolling when they realize it’s happening.
Asalyn learned from the best in Turner. She understands the significance of financial literacy in today’s world and getting in front of people to make a difference. She has been actively engaged in community presentations and workshops aimed at educating people about sound financial practices. Last month, Asalyn traveled to New Haven, Connecticut, to talk to the AKA Sorority about building wealth and reducing risk when it comes to your money decisions. As always, she was a big hit! In an age where financial literacy is paramount, the dedication of these Financial Architects, Inc. professionals underscores the importance of going beyond just business transactions. They emphasize the need to empower communities with knowledge and the capacity to make informed financial choices.
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.
www.financialarch.com 2
Chat With a Client Karyn Haas
Take a Break
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS? I have a very good friend who I have known for a long time, Jim Ellenberger, whom I trust so much. True story: We were cross- country skiing together years ago
up in Lewiston, Michigan, and I asked him while we were skiing if he had a good financial advisor. Jim stopped dead in his tracks and said he did and later on we spoke about Chris Cousins and Financial Architects. When I went in and met with Chris and Ken Grace, I was just sold on the spot. I knew our values clicked, and I just knew that I would be well taken care of and valued as a client. YOU ARE EXTREMELY CHARITABLE, AND ST. JUDE IS WHERE YOU FOCUS A LOT OF YOUR TIME. HOW DID YOU MAKE THAT CONNECTION? This is really important to me. I had a brother who died of cancer when we were kids. It made an indelible mark on my life. St. Jude was extremely instrumental in the research for finding cures, and there may be other organizations that do this kind of research, but I just truly believe in St. Jude. This is my calling to help them help others. My parents always taught me the importance of taking care of other people, especially those who are disadvantaged. Being charitable and giving back is such a passion for me, thanks again to my parents. TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIP TO EUROPE THIS SUMMER. I took an incredible cruise on the Danube River from Germany to Hungary, and it was quite the educational experience. I really soaked up a lot of history over there. The highlight was probably this Jewish history walking tour that I took in Regensburg, Germany. I learned so much about the oppression that has been going on for thousands of years. We had absolutely fabulous weather and again, I got this from my parents who had an amazing sense of adventure. Even my son says to me all of the time, “Mom, you have such a sense of adventure in you!” I’m trying to talk him, my other son, and my daughter-in-law into going overseas with me next year.
Solution on Page 4
Stuffed Pepper Soup Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Stuffed bell peppers are a common meal in many households. And as temperatures begin to drop, there’s no better way to warm up than by turning this classic recipe into a hearty — and healthy — soup!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 lbs ground beef • 6 cups water • 1 28-oz can tomato sauce • 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained • 2 cups chopped green peppers • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp salt • 2 tsp beef bouillon granules • 1 tsp black pepper • 2 cups cooked long- grain rice • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
This is a testimonial by an existing client of FAI Advisors. No compensation was provided for this testimonial. This client’s experience is not necessarily representative of all clients’ experiences.
3 888-466-5453
39395 W. 12 Mile Road Suite 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48331
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
888-466-5453 www.financialarch.com
Inside This Issue 1 | A Year of Appreciation and Growth
2 | Help Your Teen Thrive in the Social Media Age
2 | Inside Financial Architects
3 | Chat With a Client: Karyn Haas
3 | Stuffed Pepper Soup
4 | Pack These 4 Items for the Best In‑Flight Experience
Unconventional Items to Pack on Your Next Flight Elevate Your Travel Experience
When preparing for your flight, it’s essential to pack the basics, such as clothing, medications, toiletries, and your travel documents. However, there are some surprising and often overlooked items that can greatly enhance your flying experience. These unexpected additions in your carry-on can make your air travel experience more comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free. ELECTROLYTES Flying is dehydrating! Because airplane cabins are kept at a lower humidity level, your body dehydrates quicker than normal. To help keep your body hydrated without a dozen trips to the bathroom over the course of your flight, pack some electrolyte packets to mix into your water. Speaking of water, pack an empty water bottle with you, and after passing through security, you can fill it up at a water fountain! NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES Flights can be noisy. You can never predict crying babies, loud talkers, or hyper kids
traveling alongside you. Noise-canceling headphones can provide a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the airplane. They block out ambient noise and allow you to relax, listen to music, or enjoy in-flight entertainment without any distractions. COMPRESSION SOCKS Wearing compression socks on an airplane is crucial for maintaining healthy circulation during long flights. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to blood pooling in your legs, causing swelling, poor circulation, and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, reducing discomfort and circulation complications. PORTABLE CHARGER While you may have remembered to pack your plug-in phone charger, bringing along a portable charger and power bank is a lifesaver! Sometimes, finding an available charging station in a crowded airport can
be tricky. But having a backup power source on the plane makes it possible to keep your devices charged throughout your journey! When packing for your next flight, don’t forget to include these trip-saving items in your carry-on for a more pleasant travel experience — you’ll be glad you did!
www.financialarch.com 4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator