Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
SEPTEMBER 2024
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Financial Architects Forward Growing Together
Upcoming Changes That Will Propel
I’ve had the privilege of being part of this incredible firm for five years now. Under the leadership of Chris Cousins and Pat Marody, we’ve grown significantly, and with our recent move to a new office space, the opportunities for further growth and enhancing our client experience are more promising than ever. One of our recent initiatives that I’m particularly excited about is our new approach to client and future client engagement through Lunch and Learn events. These events are designed to connect with different members of our community. For our first event, we had the pleasure of joining with our younger demographic, what we call “Success Builders.” We want to show them what Financial Architects is all about, give them a tour of our fantastic new office, and let them network with others. Bryan Azzo, one of our youngest and most dynamic advisors, took the lead on our first event in July. It was a huge success, thanks to the collaborative effort of our entire team, including Colleen Bouton, our Culture and Engagement Coordinator. These events are a great way to leverage our new space, and we plan to hold them regularly, targeting different client and prospect groups and their unique stages in life. What truly sets FAI apart is our commitment to working with clients not just on their financial goals but on personal development and empowerment as well. We believe in supporting the whole person,
helping them grow on a personal level while also securing their financial future. During our first Lunch and Learn, for example, we didn’t just focus on economic strategies; we also covered topics like personal development and what we call “The Big Q.” Our goal is to empower our clients to achieve success in all areas of their lives, not just in their finances. We’re incredibly proud of this holistic approach, and it’s central to how we work with our clients. In addition to in-person events, we’re also expanding our digital marketing efforts. We’ve partnered with our friends at Charter Oak Financial to enhance our digital presence and provide helpful resources to a wider audience. We’re focusing on drip marketing and digital campaigns to keep our clients and prospects informed with valuable content that will include helpful insights and tools you can bring to your day-to-day life. Whether it’s articles, videos, or our monthly newsletter, we want to ensure we stay connected with our clients in a meaningful way. This also will aid in our recruiting efforts both internally and externally as well. This initiative is being driven by our very own Chavez Vincent, who has a passion for digital marketing and is constantly seeking ways to improve as an advisor. Chavez is as good as it gets, helping our “Purpose Seeker” clients with their money decisions. We’re also excited about the updates we’ve made to our website, particularly the addition of the Retire Successfully Self-Assessment. This three-minute survey is designed to help
pre-retirees identify potential blind spots in their retirement planning, focusing on personal fulfillment and emotional well-being. It’s another tool we’ve implemented to ensure we provide comprehensive support to folks who need it and are thinking about working with us. The survey link is here if you’d like to pass it on: Assessment.FinancialArch.com/ retiresuccessfully . As we continue to grow and innovate, our goal remains the same: to take exceptional care of our clients and constantly strive to improve their experience. We’re excited about our direction and look forward to sharing more updates with you in the coming months. Whether through our Lunch and Learn events, digital campaigns, or one-on-one interactions, we’re committed to keeping our clients informed, engaged, and confident in their financial planning journey. In addition, we need your help, too! Do you know someone who is feeling uneasy about their money decisions? Do you have some friends who are gearing up for retirement and unsure where to turn? We can help with that! Please have them contact us. Stay tuned for more exciting developments, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a visit to our new office. We’re here to help you achieve your financial goals and look forward to continuing this journey together.
–Matt Dery
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Football season is underway, and many Americans will start spending their Saturdays and Sundays tailgating in stadium parking lots. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to an NFL or college game; tailgating is a great way to spend time with your friends and family before the big game. While many tailgates consist of adult activities like drinking alcohol and blasting loud music, many prefer to make it a family affair. If you plan to have kids at your tailgate, you need to ensure they have everything they need to have fun. Here are a few ways you can help your kids make the most of their day at the tailgate! BRING KID-FRIENDLY SNACKS AND DRINKS. The average tailgate lasts a few hours, and most people enjoy at least one meal during that time frame. While most tailgate foods are simple appetizers and easy-to-make dishes, ask your kids or any kids attending if they want anything specific. Fill one of your coolers with sliced fruit and juice boxes to ensure your kids have a healthy food option and child-friendly drinks. PLAN A FEW DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. Your kids will get bored if there’s nothing to do at the tailgate besides listening to pregame coverage and talking to others. Invest in cornhole boards or other games, and see if someone in your group is comfortable with face painting. It doesn’t have to be extensive, but having a few kid-friendly activities prepared will keep boredom at bay. ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THEIR TEAM. Whether you’re a fan of the home or away team, you and your kids should wear the right colors to show your support. Let your kids pick out a shirt, jersey, hat, or other team-affiliated apparel to help them get involved. SCORE BIG WITH KID-FRIENDLY TAILGATES
INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS
We have some news that is very important to our clients regarding Social Security.
Recently, the Social Security Administration announced that beneficiaries or pre-retirees who created an online account (e.g., “My” Social Security account) before Sept. 18, 2021, will soon be required to transition to a Login.gov account to continue access to their online services. Over 5 million of these account holders have already transitioned to Login.gov. If you created a Social Security username more than three years ago, you would need to transition to a new or existing Login.gov account or use an ID.me account to have continuous access to SSA online services. The SSA recently announced this news in a press release that you can access at FinancialArch.com/news . For step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition, click on the same link to watch an instructional video. If you sign in to your personal “My” Social Security account with your username, you are given the option to transition to Login.gov. A personal “My” Social Security account provides tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, and manage the benefits you already receive. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out to your Financial Architect.
Finally, don’t forget about your child’s need for a nap. Be sure to bring pillows and a blanket for them, and set up a comfortable spot for them to rest when needed. Doing so will allow everyone to enjoy the upcoming game to the fullest.
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 Adviser.
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John T. Eads Chat With a Client
Take a Break
HOW DID YOU GET INTRODUCED TO OUR TEAM AT FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS? I have known Matt Dery for over eight years as he taught my son, John IV, at U of D Jesuit High School. Matt has helped mentor both of my boys, and Colin interned at FAI this summer and had a blast! Years ago, Matt introduced me to Pat Marody, and I got to learn all about Financial Architects and their process, and I really saw great value in it. Working with Pat and Cliff Robison has been a great decision.
Solution on Page 4
Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR PASSION FOR HELPING YOUR CLIENTS. As a young man raised by two working parents, who were both in sales, my passion was communication and clarity. As a lawyer at GRSM, communication is critical not only with our clients but also with opposing counsel, witnesses, and court representatives. Judges want to sort through only those disputes the parties cannot resolve. Mediators cannot settle disputes unless one clearly communicates their positions. Advocating for your position with respect is the most productive communication. There is no place for misrepresentation or boasting in this process. Clients want to be heard. Offering advice is only beneficial when we are asked to do so. Clients are most satisfied when they feel they have the opportunity to voice their concerns and legal positions. Unfettered listening allows us to fully understand what is important to our clients.
Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
This comforting dish, packed with seasonal flavors, is perfect when the weather starts to get chilly.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 apples • 1 fennel bulb • 8 raw, flavored sausages • 2 red onions cut into wedges
• 1 tsp fennel seeds • 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp honey • 2–3 oz dry white wine
DIRECTIONS
Finally, being prompt and respectful in tone is also crucial to repeat business.
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Cut apples into 6 wedges and slice off any core, leaving the skin on. Place in a roasting pan. 3. Slice fennel in half and remove the core. Chop and add to pan along with sausages and onion wedges. 4. Using a pestle and mortar, break up fennel seeds and sprinkle over the pan. Add oregano. 5. Next, drizzle oil, honey, and wine over the ingredients, then toss all together. 6. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing occasionally until sausages are golden and fruit and veggies are tender.
WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SUMMER? The highlight of my summer was traveling to Boston with our three children to celebrate Father’s Day. It was a tremendous opportunity to visualize where my daughter and her husband both spend their work and home days while also taking in Boston and Fenway Park.
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.
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Inside This Issue
1 | How We’re Evolving to Serve You Better
2 | Family Fun at the Tailgate
2 | Inside Financial Architects
3 | Chat With a Client: John T. Eads
3 | Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel
4 | Beyond Big Ben and Buckingham Palace
If you’d like to record a client video testimonial, please contact Matt Dery at MDery@financialarch.com or 248-482-3600.
From Tea to Tombs EXPLORE LONDON’S QUIRKY CORNERS
to explore the city’s historic love affair with this aromatic beverage than Twinings Tea Shop. Opened in 1706, the shop quickly became known for having the finest teas around and continues to serve tasty cups. Twinings has been the official tea supplier to the royal family since 1837, and its original logo remains on the building. HIGHGATE CEMETERY If you want to see the city’s spookier side, the Highgate Cemetery is one of the most impressive of London’s “Magnificent Seven” park cemeteries. The Victorian Gothic-style tombs and buildings were built in 1839, and it has a history of vampires, too! Multiple Hammer horror films were shot there in the 1970s, and two magicians famously challenged each other to find and kill a vampire there around the same time. Neither was successful, but it remains a popular site for lovers of the paranormal and the occult.
THE FIRST PUBLIC DRINKING FOUNTAIN London is home to perhaps the most fascinating water fountain in the world. This simple granite basin, built in 1859 and adorned with the words “Replace the cup,” was the first public water fountain. Before then, water was precious, monopolized by water companies, rare to come by, and undrinkable. As people pushed for public access to water, a philanthropist named Samuel Gurney created this fountain, attached to the gates of the St. Sepulchre- without-Newgate Church on Holborn Hill. It became an instant hit. An estimated 7,000 people would stop for a drink daily when it first hit the scene. The city has many hidden treasures, whether you hope to catch a vampire in one of London’s historic cemeteries or sip on a culturally esteemed drink.
Big Ben’s massive clock face, London Bridge’s walkway, and Buckingham Palace — London is known worldwide for its many historic landmarks. But tucked into all its layers of culture are truly unusual and lesser-known attractions to explore. So, brush up on your Monty Python, pack an umbrella for London’s rainy days, and set a course for the most unique experiences England’s capital has to offer. TWININGS TEA SHOP A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without tea time, and there’s no better place
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