Take a look at our newsletter this month.
MAY 2020
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LESSONS FROM MY FATHER Why I’m a Passionate Financial Architect
I have always been fascinated by money. Even as a kid, I enjoyed watching movies about the stock market — the tickers, the fancy suits, the electric energy of it all; it was exciting. I began to learn all I could about finance, and when I got to college, I took every economics class I could. But while this innate curiosity about money matters laid the technical foundation for my career, it was my father who gave me a passion for helping people. While he wasn’t my biological father, he was always my father figure. He had all the values you want in a good role model: He worked hard to provide for his family, he preached the importance of getting an education, and he always reinforced the value of doing the right thing. It’s thanks to him that I have my work ethic, my “When my father finally retired, he’d grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle — one his pension couldn’t support. This put our family in a difficult situation.” degrees, and most importantly, my love of helping others. Without these qualities, I wouldn’t be a Financial Architect. However, my father ended up teaching me one last valuable but hard lesson. My father worked for the big three here in Michigan from the ‘80s to the early 2000s. It was hard work, but it guaranteed a pension and good retirement benefits.
However, these incentives instilled a false sense of security. When my father finally retired, he’d grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle — one his pension couldn’t support. This put our family in a difficult situation. Now, my father had always been great with finances and was used to being the leader and provider for our family. He’d worked hard his whole life, and so naturally it came as a shock that all his efforts still couldn’t support a comfortable retirement. For all his short-term budgeting, my father hadn’t put together a plan for his retirement. He had a lot of challenges during those years and passed away in 2012. While my father may be gone, our family felt the effects of his unplanned retirement long after he passed. It hit my mom particularly hard. Thankfully, because of my work and education I was able to help her navigate the financial challenges she faced, and today she’s living with me and enjoying her retirement. We got a happy ending, but that experience taught me that even the best, most well-intentioned people can create problems for themselves and their loved ones without proper planning. Knowing what I know now, I wish I could go back 15 years and give my father the guidance he needed to retire while maintaining as much of his lifestyle as
possible. But while I can’t turn the clock back, I can work to protect other families moving forward. That’s why I feel so strongly about what I do here at FAI. I’ve seen the difference proper strategic planning can make in a family’s future. During these uncertain economic times, I hold all the lessons from my father close. I’m going to use my knowledge and experience to do right by people and help them reach the retirement they’ve worked so hard for.
Here’s to the future,
888-466-5453 – Chavez Vincent, MBA, RICP ®
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INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS
The LifeMethod
People ask us this all the time: What makes Financial Architects different than other firms? One separator is that we are a versatile money management firm that specializes in the whole person. We care about our client’s health, well-being, and state of mind as well as empowering their financial freedom. If you have gone through a recent life event, such as the death of a spouse, a job change, or retirement, where would you turn to navigate these new experiences? That is where The LifeMethod process comes in. Our partners there offer one-on-one sessions called MYCOACH designed to give you an action-oriented road map to assist you in your life. As you gain a better understanding and appreciation of who you are, our team at The LifeMethod takes you on an enriching journey to develop a set of possibilities in four key foundations of your life — personal, professional, financial, and spiritual. They also offer three- hour workshops called KNOW1 that are designed for both individual groups and businesses. The LifeMethod coaching team consists of co-founders John and Danette Bell and strategy consultant and coach Tom Riley. Tom went through The LifeMethod process, and it worked so well for him that he joined the team. So, perhaps you are approaching a big life event and wondering, What is next ? Let The LifeMethod coaches help you answer that question. Contact them at LifeMethodCoach.com or call Tom Riley at 248-521-8390.
Bird-watching is like a lifelong scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere on Earth. The activity provides a mixture of science, travel, and beauty, and it’s a chance to get outside for feathered adventures and quiet reflection. The month of May is a great time of year to go birding because rising temperatures prompt spring migration. So if you’re eager to begin bird-watching, there’s no better time than now. Here are some tips to get started. BIRD-WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS Why May Is the Best Month to Start
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Thousands of species of birds span all corners of the globe. That’s why finding them is an exciting prospect — there’s no end to the hunt! Start by researching birds that are native to your location. Purchase a field guide with pictures of each bird and maps of their range and use it to figure out where different birds live. From there, it’s easy to pick your first spotting goal. You can even get yourself extra excited by watching a few bird documentaries.
GEAR UP
Welcome, Colleen!
One of the best things about birding is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to do it. As long as you’ve got your field guide and comfortable walking shoes, the only other thing you’ll need is a pair of binoculars. And they don’t have to be fancy. As long as they can zoom in on faraway trees and perches, they’ll work for now. You can always upgrade later.
We have a new smiling face greeting our staff and clients each and every day when they walk through the doors here at FAI: Colleen Bouton. The Plymouth native comes to us with over 20 years of administrative assistant experience in many different capacities: legal, medical, and insurance case management. Colleen takes over as front desk coordinator, with Janice Reynolds remaining on as a part-time client services coordinator. Not only does she run the front desk, but Colleen also assists anyone in the company who may need help with clerical needs, and she schedules meetings, takes care of the mail, and is in charge of ordering all the supplies here. Colleen loves to meet new people and feels this role suits her perfectly. “I was looking for a new job that involved meeting and helping people. Recently, I ran into someone who works at Financial Architects who I knew from a prior job. They referred me here, and the rest is history,” Bouton says. She adds that the owners “are very in tune with their clientele and want to make sure they are treated with the utmost respect.” Colleen is married and has two sons.
GO EXPLORING
Your very first birding excursion is important because you don’t want to be overwhelmed or underwhelmed. So use your field guide to home in on a single bird and go find it. It may be local, or you can plan a trip to a specific bird’s natural habitat. Stay focused and don’t get distracted by other species. The thrill that comes with spotting your first bird will keep you coming back to find the rest. Bird-watching is a wonderful hobby because it’s easy to get started and can last a lifetime. As long as you can walk, drive, or look out a window, you can be a birder. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find some birds!
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., and The LifeMethod are not subsidiaries or affiliates 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
A Chat With Our Client
Q&A WITH KEVIN TURMAN
Q. HOW DID YOUR RELATIONSHIP DEVELOP WITH FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS?
Solution on Page 4
A. Turner Thompson joined the church where I served as pastor. I baptized him, and we became good friends. He was willing to accept us as clients later, perhaps seeing that my wife and I were in need of a good shepherd. Turner brought us into the Financial Architects family, and we’ve been here since. Q. YOU RECENTLY MADE A BIG DECISION TO MOVE TO CALIFORNIA. WHAT HAS THAT JOURNEY BEEN LIKE FOR YOU TWO? TELL US ABOUT IT. A. While my wife, Denise, and I had planned to retire sometime between 2018–2020, we were not sure when or how. During a visit with family in Indio, California, in December 2017, we couldn’t help but notice the warmth of the climate and how pleasant it was to be near family. We found the home of our dreams and returned to talk to Turner, seeing if we could afford to put down an offer. After consulting with Turner, my wife and I agreed we would put down our best offer and not negotiate for a dollar more. If the Lord wanted it for us, the seller would accept. He did, and on Valentine’s Day of 2018, we had a new home! It’s the best decision we have ever made (since we decided to get married). We love our home, our neighbors, and the community where we live, Heritage Palms. We enjoy the physical freedom retirement offers, the ability to go or stay when and where we want. We enjoy the financial freedom God, saving, planning, and investments have made possible.
GRILLED PRIME RIB
Who says the cookout has to ruin your diet? Try this paleo-friendly recipe for a main dish that’s worthy of your next barbecue.
INGREDIENTS
•
1 1/2 lbs beef rib roast
• 1 tsp Himalayan salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Q. WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS BACKGROUND? DO YOU MISS BEING A PART OF IT?
1. Take rib roast out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to grilling. 2. Season roast with salt and pepper and allow it to rest for 10 minutes while you heat a gas grill to 600 F. 3. Sear roast for 3–4 minutes on each side. 4. Turn off the grill but continue cooking the steak, flipping every 4–5 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125 F. Remove from grill. 5. Allow the roast to rest — its internal temperature will continue to climb — for 5–10 minutes. Slice and serve.
A. I have been in professional ministry since 1980 and the senior pastor of Second Baptist Church of Detroit since 1988. For more than 40 years what I thought, said, and did mattered to a large community of believers, which is a great burden and a great opportunity. I am part of a tradition where pastors don’t retire. When my wife and I decided to do so, I was stepping out into uncharted territory for ministers. There are many aspects of pastoral ministry I miss and a few I do not. But that is life, isn’t it? Like Paul, we have learned to be satisfied with whatever we are given. A pastor we knew used to frequently state during a sermon, “I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey!” We can honestly and wholeheartedly say, “Amen.”
Inspired by Primal Palate
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Inside This Issue 1 | Chavez Shares His Father’s Story 2 | Bird-Watching for Beginners 2 | Inside Financial Architects 3 | Q&A With Kevin Turman 3 | Grilled Prime Rib 4 | How to Help Your Epiphytes Thrive
All About Epiphytes
Perched high in the trees in the rainforest, epiphytes reach for the drops of water that splash down from above. The plants take what they need and let the rest drip down to the forest floor. While these organisms originated in the wild, epiphytes like orchids, air plants, and staghorn ferns have become popular houseplants because of the unique, delicate greenery they bring to your space. Epiphytes are part of the Bromeliaceae family, a group that also includes terrestrial species like pineapples. The leaves of the plants in this family are arranged in a rosette, or circular shape, and they have tiny scales that help the plant absorb moisture and protect itself from harsh sunlight. Unlike many plants, epiphytes don’t take in all the water they need from their roots. They also absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. Their roots don’t grow in the dirt, either. Instead, they help these plants cling to the trees or other plants they naturally grow on. If you’ve ever seen a tree with another plant growing off of it at a botanical garden in a warmer, humid environment like Florida, that tag-along plant is an epiphyte.
Because they are unique, your epiphyte houseplant needs specific care to thrive. Submerge the leaves of smaller air plants in a shallow bowl of water once a week for an hour (times may vary depending on your area’s humidity). Then, remove the plant from the water and let it dry upside down to remove excess moisture. If you choose to house your orchid or staghorn fern in a pot, use a soil specifically made for them and add some sphagnum moss to keep the roots aerated. Mist your plant every couple days and provide the leaves with a more thorough watering once a week to achieve the level of moisture they would receive in the rainforest while allowing the roots to breathe. You can also mount your epiphyte on a wood panel, as some orchid collectors do. True enthusiasts are very careful to match the wood with the type of tree the plant would grow on in the natural world, but driftwood, cork, and large pieces of bark work well too.
Caring for your epiphyte properly will help your plant thrive and allow you to enjoy the tropical beauty of these unique organisms.
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