Check out the December issue of our monthly newsletter!
DECEMBER 2021
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An FAI Executive Assistant Invites You Into Her Home FAMILY FIRSTWITH JANWINTERS
As we enter the holiday season, it makes me realize even more, how much we all have to be thankful for, starting with my family. In a single day, I can be sure my mother-in- law is in a safe environment, well cared for, all while making sure our Financial Architects’ clients’ needs are met and, hopefully, exceeding their expectations in my work as an Executive Assistant. In the evening, we enjoy some ice cream or a crossword puzzle with my mother- in-law, Wietske (aka Winnie). My family has been taking things one day at a time ever since Winnie came to live with us in early April 2020. She’s 88 and struggling a bit with dementia, but she doesn’t look a day over 70, and she’s doing pretty darn well, all things considered. Every day with Winnie is an adventure. We took her into our home just as COVID-19 began, just after she had a heart attack. Since COVID-19 has caused a staff shortage in so many senior living facilities, we made this decision to ensure she’s taken care of. I thought it would be tough, but I’ve truly enjoyed having her. Had it not been for COVID-19 and learning to work
remotely, this would not have even been an option. One of the benefits of the time at home — first in lockdown, now working remotely three days a week — is that I’ve gotten to know Winnie better in the last year and a half than I had in the previous 40! All that time together has been a blessing. I’ve seen Winnie’s personality shine so much. I discovered that she loves animals, enjoys a Dairy Queen run in the summer, and never misses an episode of “American Pickers.” Sometimes she sees or hears things that aren’t there, but we’ve learned to go with the flow when that happens. If she says she heard people running up and down the hallway, well, we’ll apologize that they kept her awake! Former FAI President Ken Grace used to say, “If you think you’ve got problems, trade them with the guy next to you. I bet you’ll take yours back!” and that’s definitely true for me. If a few imaginary friends are the worst of my worries, I’m a lucky girl. I’m writing to you about Winnie because without the flexibility and patience of Financial Architects, I wouldn’t be home with her nearly as much as I am. It’s truly a blessing to work remotely three days a week. I’m the Executive Assistant to the FAI owners, Chris and Pat, so I have a lot of important work to do, but they trust me to do it from my home office, and that means a lot! I’ve been with FAI for 14 years and worked for Chris’ father for 27 years before that. I’ve known Chris since he was 13, and this
Jan with her grandkids, Avery and Spencer
company truly is my second family. Just writing about it is making me even more excited for Christmas! I’m looking forward to planning parties for both of my families — our team at Financial Architects and my family at home. That includes Winnie, my husband (Steve), our three kids, and our three grandkids! We just welcomed our newest granddaughter, Josie, a few months ago. This will be her first Christmas, and I know it will be good for Winnie to be surrounded by family for the holidays. As you can probably tell, there’s nothing more important to me than other people and the relationships we’ve built. My favorite part of my job at Financial Architects is working with clients one on one and building a trusting relationship, and even turning some of them into friends! If you’ve read this far, maybe you already consider yourself a friend of mine! If we haven’t met yet, I look forward to the day that we do.
Happy holidays!
–Jan Winters
Jan (top right) with her family
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Rudolph, You’ll Go Down in History
The assassination of John F. Kennedy is one of the most analyzed events of modern history. Despite the findings of the Warren Commission, many are still skeptical that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. The release of Oliver Stone’s film “JFK” in 1991 brought the assassination back into the public consciousness and opened the floodgates of new speculation. I have always been interested in the various theories surrounding JFK’s assassination. On a business trip to Dallas a few years ago, my wife and I visited both Dealey Plaza and the JFK Museum, which is at the old Texas School Book Depository. The tour culminates with a visit to the sixth floor, with a re-creation of Oswald’s vantage point. It was a sobering and powerful experience to visit a place with such historical significance. After my visit, I began reading a variety of books on the subject. While some books may be dismissed as outlandish conspiracy theories, many are incredibly well-researched and raise legitimate questions. They certainly challenge the history many of us were taught in school. One such book is the excellent “JFK and the Unspeakable” by James Douglass. The basic premise of Douglass’ book is that JFK was assassinated due to his shift from Cold War warrior to pursuer of peace. After the harrowing Cuban missile crisis, the book paints the picture of a man who came to terms with annihilation by nuclear war. Despite enormous pressure to launch an attack on the Soviet Union and Cuba, Kennedy averted a catastrophe and preserved a fragile peace. Douglass also argues that Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev was quickly moving toward improved relations between the two superpowers. The book gets into intricate detail about all of the world events that were happening at that time. This included the situation with Cuba and also the escalating conflict in Vietnam. The author makes a strong case that JFK was also looking to end American involvement in Vietnam during his second term. That alone did not sit well with many in the government and military who felt that escalation was the only way forward. The JFK assassination will continue to be hotly debated. Many books and documentaries make compelling arguments for several theories. While the truth may never be known, the arguments that “JFK and the Unspeakable” provide are compelling and thought‑provoking. EYE ON THE BALL Book Reviews With Chris Ball
You know Dasher and Dancer, and you definitely know Rudolph. Everyone’s favorite red-nosed reindeer was first born as a 1939 short story, but he truly shot to fame when his tale was adapted into a song by Gene Autry in 1949. Rivaling even the song’s fame is the Rankin/Bass stop-motion special that airs like clockwork every year around Christmas. Generations have now grown up with Rudolph, so it may be surprising to learn that his journey to the small screen started as a General Electric promotion. The company had a running television special on NBC called the “GE Fantasy Hour,” which they used to market their products directly to viewers. The better the story they told, the more viewers they got — and the more toasters they could sell. The script introduced crucial new characters like Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius the prospector, and of course, Bumble the abominable snowman. GE hired innovative Japanese animators to create the film using stop-motion techniques that were highly advanced for the time. GE invested the modern equivalent of $4.5 million into the production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and the special first aired in 1964. Those who are familiar with the film know that it ends with Rudolph enlisting Santa to save the Misfit Toys from earlier in the movie — but it didn’t originally. The version that aired in 1964 concludes with Rudolph leading Santa’s sleigh but forgetting all about his homeless friends. The backlash was swift, and viewers wrote in to express displeasure at the heartless resolution. GE decided the special had to be corrected and played again with the proper ending in 1965. And so, a tradition of annual airings was born. Today, “Rudolph” is the longest-running Christmas special in history, and our favorite misfit deer shows no signs of slowing down after 57 years. The movie has transformed into a marketing bonanza, with new Christmas decorations, figurines, and toys being produced each year. Though it’s somewhat shocking to our modern sensibilities to see Santa bullying his reindeer employees and their children, fond childhood memories mean that parents continue to pass the special down to their kids. Even as we recognize its flaws, the dazzling animation and famous songs continue to bring joy and Christmas spirit to households around the country. Just as sure as Santa comes every year, so does Rudolph. BEHIND THE EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
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. Registered Representatives offer Securities through The O.N. Equity Sales Company, Member FINRA/SIPC (www.FINRA.org/ and www.SIPC.org). Investment Advisory Services offered through O.N. Investment Management Company and FAI Advisors, Inc., Financial Architects, Inc., FAI Advisors, Inc. is not a subsidiary or affiliate of The O.N. Equity Sales Company or O.N. Investment Management Company. We have representatives currently registered in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
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Take a Break
Chat With a Client Dr. Vyvian Gorbea and ScottOppliger
Solution on Page 4
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FAI? We connected with Financial Architects actually when we met Jon Hans at a South Lyon business meeting. We also have worked closely with Mike Kucera and Patrick Marody and have really valued our experience with the FAI team.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW YOUR COMPANY IS UNIQUE? Plymouth Veterinary Hospital is AAHA accredited, which is a difficult achievement. We are a small animal clinic for dogs and cats. Some unique offerings are dentals, some orthopedic surgeries, laser therapy, dry needling, stem cell platelet injections, and euthanasia services. PVH utilizes the most current standards of care, and we specialize in providing comprehensive wellness care to keep your pet healthy now and throughout their lifetime.
DIY Holiday Eggnog Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com
Making your own eggnog is easier than you think! This creamy, delicious drink will be a hit with your holiday guests.
INGREDIENTS
• 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg • 1 pinch salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO PROFESSIONALLY IN 2022?
We really are excited to understand the bigger picture when it comes to our business, our wealth gap, and the transition strategies for PVH. In addition, what should be our tax strategy moving forward? We also are having conversations based around potentials for passive income now and in the future.
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy!
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Inside This Issue
1 | One Happy Holiday
2 | How Rudolph Became a TV Institution
2 | Book Review: ‘JFK and the Unspeakable’
3 | Chat With a Client
3 | DIY Holiday Eggnog
4 | Tips for Spending the Holidays Alone
Spending the Holidays Alone? Boost Your Mood With These Tips Many Americans spend the holidays alone every year, and the pandemic has only made it more difficult for people to see their loved ones, as travel has become more restricted and strenuous. with a feeling of hopelessness about what to do
next. There’s no need for your list to be extensive or highly detailed, but even just planning to watch a movie or cook some of your
If you’re one of these people who are spending their first holiday season alone this year, here are a few strategies you can try to make the situation a little easier. DON’T HOLD YOURSELF TO THE USUAL STANDARDS. One of the best things about spending the holidays alone is that you can do things your way. You don’t have to worry about meeting everyone else’s standards. Instead, you only have to make yourself happy. Simply telling yourself that you are not going to have the usual holiday environment can slightly help, but redefining what the holiday means to you can remove a huge weight. Trying new things or looking toward the future are great ways to reduce the stress of spending the holidays alone. Keeping up with old traditions may remind you of what you’re missing out on, so it can greatly help to create your own traditions. PLAN AHEAD. If you know in advance that you’re going to be spending the holidays alone, planning ahead can prevent negative feelings. While being spontaneous can sometimes keep things fresh, it could leave you
favorite dishes can give you something to look forward to.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Just because you’re not seeing people during the holidays does not mean you should forgo your basic needs. Stick to your regular hygiene habits and do not let them get away from you. The same goes for eating and sleeping. Staying clean, well-fed, and well-rested goes a long way toward improving your happiness. As with all mental health advice, what works for some does not work for everyone. Do what you think will work best for you and help you keep your thoughts happy.
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