Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
MAY 2024
www.financialarch.com
248-482-3600
My Journey to Make Finance Meaningful Beyond Banking
It’s been quite the journey, but I’m thrilled to join the Financial Architects team after spending years in finance looking to make a greater impact. I’m happy to finally find where I’m meant to be! I’ve always wanted to help people live a life of financial freedom and peace of mind. I wanted to make a meaningful difference, and I can do just that here at Financial Architects. From a young age, I was interested in people, money, and math, which naturally steered me toward a career in finance. Starting at Huntington Bank at 19, I quickly realized that this was the field for me, but there was definitely a steep learning curve ahead of me. Over the next five years at Huntington, I embraced every learning opportunity that came my way, eventually becoming one of the top performers nationwide. The experience taught me much more than technical skills — it helped me discover which aspects of financial work I was truly passionate about. Whether it was managing loans or investments or understanding the intricacies of insurance, each role helped broaden my understanding and sharpen my skills. However, as I climbed the ranks, I began to seek deeper meaning in my work, and all I could think of was, “Okay, what next?” I realized that becoming a financial advisor was right for me, but this role at a big institution was often too transactional for my
liking. There wasn’t much room for genuine financial planning and human connection, which I believed was crucial for making a meaningful impact.
At Financial Architects, every team member is an expert in their own specialty, and everyone can shine. Now, I can specialize and thrive in my focus: macro-planning. This involves helping clients see the big picture of their financial landscape and coordinating a team of experts tailored to their needs. I’ve always favored a conversational approach where I ask insightful questions that help clients think critically about their financial decisions and build plans that truly fit their visions of financial freedom. Of course, my life isn’t just all about investments and financial planning. Outside the office, I’m passionate about my community, basketball, church, and spending time with family and friends. A nature lover at heart, I also love hiking in national parks, no matter the season. You can likely find me playing chess as a way to stay sharp! I’m incredibly excited about the impact we can make together at Financial Architects and look forward to helping more clients navigate their financial journeys. Whether you’re planning for retirement, setting up college funds, or looking for investment advice, my goal is to help you achieve your financial dreams confidently and clearly. I look forward to working with you and exploring how we can achieve your financial goals!
This realization became clearer when I met Roger Van Noord, a chaplain who worked with Financial Architects as part of their workplace ministry. He introduced me to the team, and I experienced a different way of thinking about financial advising, focusing on holistic and impactful financial planning. It was then I knew that continuing my career at the bank wasn’t the right path for me.
–Bryan Azzo
1
248-482-3600
Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation, so there’s no better time to revitalize your health and wellness routine. New routines can boost your motivation and keep you engaged. From workouts to diet, it’s time to get out and take advantage of the sunshine! GET OUTSIDE Winter is fierce, unrelenting, and notorious for derailing outdoor fitness routines. It’s finally warm enough to exercise outside, so mix things up and get outside. Jump on a bike and ride through the wind. Slip on your jogging shoes and run through the neighborhood. Put on your swimsuit and head to the pool. Nature is full of challenging and fun activities, so take advantage of the warm weather before the next winter arrives. SPICE UP YOUR ROUTINE If you’re into yoga or weight training, try new exercises. A new routine ensures you won’t miss any muscles while keeping you engaged. When the treadmill becomes a dreadmill , do your cardio on an elliptical or stationary bike. Grab some free weights if you’re starting to find weight machines dull. There’s always an alternative to keep things interesting. FIND FRIENDS A workout buddy can keep you invested in your routine. They’ll keep you motivated and accountable — it’s much harder to skip a workout if someone’s relying on you. Even better, a partner can keep you safe if you’re weight training. Consider enrolling in a class if you have trouble finding someone to work out with. Not only can you learn new fitness tips and tricks, but you can also make friends. SPRINGIFY YOUR DIET Winter typically involves plenty of warm comfort meals, such as soups and hot chocolate, but spring is blooming with other options. It offers an array of refreshing and delightfully light dishes. Strawberries, pineapples, and avocados are best these months, along with many other delicious foods perfect for salads and smoothies. Shake up spring and keep to your regimen. There’s no better time to build healthy habits, especially in May’s warm weather. Take a jog with a friend, and afterward, enjoy a strawberry smoothie, and you’ll surely have an exceptional season. Refreshing Ways to Revitalize Your Health Routine SPRING INTO WELLNESS
INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS
We’re thrilled to give you this sneak peek of the upcoming Financial Architects, Inc. office at the Drake building in Farmington Hills! Construction is in full swing and moving ahead smoothly. Our office space has undergone a complete redesign, tailored to serve the needs of our valued clients and our incredible team.
Stay tuned for our move-in date announcement coming your way in the next few weeks!
Our new address will be 27500 Drake Road, Suite 110, Farmington Hills, MI 48331
In the meantime, our commitment to Empowering Financial Freedom for our clients remains steadfast. We are here for you! All other contact details for our team remain unchanged. Simply dial our main office at (248) 482-3600 to connect with your advisor or a member of our support team.
We look forward to continuing our journey with you in the new space!
– The Financial Architects Team
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.
www.financialarch.com 2
Norman and Lorraine Zauel Chat With a Client
Take a Break
Solution on Page 4
HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED TO FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS? We were looking for a new Financial Advisor around 2007 and our trust attorney recommended we contact Chris Cousins. We knew from our first meeting that Chris was an answer to our search. He listened to us and was a breath of fresh ideas and new approaches regarding our financial dealings. Chris and Chavez Vincent have helped us with financial support, legal support for updating our trusts, and accounting support with our taxes. We have unique conditions in all these areas. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONS AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW. Lorraine enjoyed her career as a school teacher, retiring from the Troy School District in 1999. Norman enjoyed a career as a mechanical engineer at General Motors Corp., retiring in 1998, but continued consulting with GM for a number of years. We have been enjoying family, traveling, our cottage, and church activities.
Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce Inspired by StarTribune.com
INGREDIENTS
For sauce: • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 1–2 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp fish sauce • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 1/2 lb flank steak • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 2 tbsp lime juice • 1–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp fish sauce
DIRECTIONS
1. Freeze flank steak for 30 minutes. Cut crosswise, against the grain, into thin slices. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, curry paste, and fish sauce. Add steak and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 8 hours. 3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, curry paste, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Bring to a gentle boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peanut butter and stir until well blended. Remove from heat and add lime juice. 4. Thread the marinated meat onto 12 long skewers. Grill until beef is medium rare, 1–2 minutes per side. 5. Transfer satay to a platter and serve with peanut sauce.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REMAINDER OF 2024? We are looking forward to sharing our lives with family and old friends and making new friends in the coming years. We expect to be involved with high school graduations, college graduations, weddings, and other life events in the coming months and years.
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.
3 248-482-3600
27500 Drake Road Suite 110 Farmington Hills, MI 48331
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
248-482-3600 www.financialarch.com
Inside This Issue
1 | Meet Bryan, Our Newest Financial Architect!
2 | Rejuvenate Your Routine With 4 Spring Wellness Changes
2 | Inside Financial Architects
3 | Chat with a Client: Norman and Lorraine Zauel
3 | Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce
4 | Explore the Historic Fortifications of the Highlands
If you’d like to record a client video testimonial, please contact Matt Dery at MDery@financialarch.com or 248-482-3600.
Defending the Highlands
SCOTLAND’S MUST-SEE CASTLES
From the heights of Castle Hill to the idyllic waters of Loch Duich, the historic castles of Scotland stun tourists and history enthusiasts alike. Today, these castles are well-maintained and ready to receive visitors from around the world. If you want to explore the beauty of the highlands from the rocky ramparts of Scotland’s greatest castles, these are three landmarks you need to visit. EDINBURGH CASTLE Located amidst Edinburgh’s Old Town — a World Heritage Site — the daunting and long-standing Edinburgh Castle on Castle Hill is a bulwark that has defended the Scottish capital for nearly a millennium. The military still uses parts of the formidable ramparts, but the rest serves as a can’t-miss tourist destination. The castle also houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, known as the Honours, and famed cannons, like Mons Meg, one of the grandest pieces of medieval
the North Sea. There is evidence that ancient Picts lived in the area long before a monastery was consecrated on the grounds in 1276 A.D. In 1392, Sir William Keith seized the holy site’s strategic location by building its first stone fortification, The Keep. An even more unorthodox move came in 1593, when George Keith, the 5th Earl Marischal, built The Lion’s Den at Dunnottar Castle to house his pet lion. EILEAN DONAN CASTLE There is a reason Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most photographed castles in the world! Situated on a tiny island at the mouth of Loch Duich, this formidable fortress began as a monastery in 634 A.D. before being converted to a fortress in the 12th century to protect the area from Viking raids. Now administered by the Conchra Charitable Trust, this castle houses rare artifacts, such as a sword rumored to be from the famed battle of Culloden in 1745.
artillery ever constructed and given to King James II in 1457 A.D.
DUNNOTTAR CASTLE Dunnottar Castle is located on the northeastern coast of Scotland and is surrounded on three sides by the waters of
www.financialarch.com 4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator