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JUNE 2019
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THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM The Career Changes That Brought Me to Financial Architects
As a senior advisor here at Financial Architects, I can’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and regret when I reflect on my past 26 years with the firm. I’m grateful for being allowed to
career. One company that chose to work with me operated several automotive aftermarket franchises. The owner liked my work ethic, and I guess my talent, and offered me a partnership in his rapidly expanding business as long as I could come up with $10,000. My wife and I had to sell our house to make this happen, but we did. This was a tough decision. I loved the advertising business, but it certainly didn’t pay the kind of money this franchise owner was making. Over the next 14 years, we grew that business, opening multiple locations and making a tidy profit. In fact, it got to the point where, as a business owner, I would regularly get cold calls from financial advisors offering their services. I wasn’t much of a fan of this pestering, but I remember feeling bad for the people on the other end of the line. Talking to people about their finances? That’s got to be a hard way to go. Looking back, I’m grateful for these phone calls. They taught me to recognize the kind of financial planner I didn’t want to be. After many years of success, my time in the aftermarket industry was cut short, almost overnight. Our franchises specialized in rustproofing cars, and on Jan. 1, 1988, manufacturers like Ford, Chrysler, and GM started using galvanized, rust-resistant metal to make their automobiles. And just like that, my once-booming business was headed down the drain. Now what?
become a regular customer at one of our franchises. I knew he worked in finance, but he seemed different from the advisors I spoke with over the phone in the past. He founded a firm that took a unique approach to wealth building — Financial Architecture. In my hour of need, I called Ken Grace and asked what it would take to become a Financial Architect. Here we are about 26 years later, and I can say this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I struggled at the beginning; getting your start in the finance industry is tough sledding. But I stuck with it and found that my old creative juices started to flow freely again. I’d found a career that gave me the best of both worlds, allowing for outside-the-box thinking while also drawing on my experience as a business owner. With the help of Ken and the rest of the team at Financial Architects, I was able to build the most rewarding career of my life. I love helping people make their financial dreams a reality. So, after nearly 50 years in the workforce, my advice is to seek the counsel of your family and friends before you make a career choice or change. Get an outside perspective on what your talents and skills are. Then ask yourself: “What work would I love to do using those talents?” And when you find that love, go for it. Never look back.
help people make wise decisions with their money each day, and I’m regretful I didn’t begin this opportunity sooner. You see, this is my third career. People change careers all the time, whether by choice or by force. I’ve done both and learned some important lessons along the way. If you’re considering — or anticipating — a change in career, my advice is to find a profession you love. The money will come in time. I had to figure this out the hard way. As a student at Michigan State University, I discovered a passion and talent in the graphic design department. Soon enough, I was developing logos and artwork for various advertising brochures and having fun doing it. After graduating in 1970, I landed my first career job at a small advertising agency, where I quickly learned the most important commodity I had to market was myself. The owner had taken me under his wing, having me make calls to businesses that might buy my designs. Making these calls was awkward at first, but with some success, I soon learned to love it.
–Jim Linenger
It was through making these calls that I discovered what would become my second
This led to career opportunity No. 3. A friend I met through my church had since
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The Right Way to Donate After Spring-Cleaning DONATE WITH CARE
CELEBRATE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY DAY Tips for Capturing the Best Outdoor Photo!
Nature Photography Day is June 15, and it continues to garner enthusiasm with each passing year. It’s been designated by the North America Nature Photography Association as a day to promote the enjoyment of outdoor photography and to explain how nature photography can advance conservation efforts locally and worldwide. Almost everyone has access to a sufficient camera with smartphones, but not everyone knows how to best capture a beautiful nature scene. Here are some tips to help! FIND THE ANGLES Landscape photography isn’t about appealing to someone else’s sense of style; it’s about shooting what makes you happy. Take some time to study the work of other nature photographers you enjoy. What angles do they use? What colors do they coordinate within the frame? How close do they get to their subject? Try something different. Go against the grain, use a different angle, shoot a close-up where others would shoot wide angle. Find a good starting place and experiment a little. HARNESS THE LIGHT Nature photos often look great in the morning or evening light, but the type of lighting you use is often dictated by the scene you are trying to capture. It’s generally accepted that side-lighting, where the sun is coming from either side of the camera, is the most desirable for landscapes because the contrasts between light and shadow can add depth to your photos. However, front- and back-lighting — where you shoot away from or into the sun — can also produce nice photos. Similar to angles, try experimenting until you find something that looks good to you. CROP FOR TEXTURE Sometimes the difference between an amazing shot and a mediocre one is distance. When photographing nature, try zooming in or moving geographically closer and cropping close on your subject. This could be tree bark, a leaf, the forest floor, or a lizard’s skin. The fine details of your subject can often create stunning images. In your quest to snap the most Instagram-worthy shots, the most important thing to remember is to respect the animals and the environment. Be sure to bring bags with you to take any garbage or other waste with you, and stay on designated trails while exploring. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be taking incredible nature photos in no time.
Spring is in the air, and it’s time to celebrate with another round of spring-cleaning. Banish the clutter and make room in your life for something new! Many charities see a sharp increase in donations as spring-cleaning season starts. Donating your used books, kids’ toys, and gently worn clothing allows your old items to have a second life. However, when filling that donation box, make sure you’re donating each item because it can do good and not just because you feel bad about throwing it away. Charities have a big problem with well-meaning citizens dropping off items that are better left in the trash. There are many items charities simply cannot handle. Most charities will have lists of items they can and cannot accept on their websites. Some items that you should not donate include: • Expired medications • Old TVs • Cribs • Loose remote controls • Personal care items, like soap, shampoo, or makeup • Mattresses • Carpets • Tangled cords or phone chargers • Any broken, damaged, or dirty items These items may be unsafe to sell, costly to ship, or impossible to refurbish effectively. When a charity regularly receives items they cannot use, they have to spend hours of manpower sorting through things that end up in the trash anyway. This process can be expensive for organizations with already-strained resources. Some local charities spend over $1,000 a year on dumpster and trash removal fees for unusable donations. While charities will have no choice but to throw unusable donations in the trash, there are services you can use to make your spring- cleaning eco-friendly, even for items you can’t donate. For example, if you have torn or stained blue jeans, reach out to Blue Jeans Go Green. This program keeps denim out of landfills by turning it into insulation. And while Goodwill can’t take your batteries or old flip phone, you can check out Call2Recycle.org to learn how to safely recycle your electronic-waste. Your donations can be a big help to local charities. Just don’t “donate” your garbage.
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., and FAI Advisors, Inc. 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, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
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Take a Break
AMental Reset How Our Brains Handle Life Events
Jim Linenger shared some insights this month about experiencing a substantial career change. What he was describing is a life event, something that disrupts normal life, and the struggle to find order. Changing careers is an example of a life event. WHAT WE NEED As human beings, we need to feel a sense of purpose. We need to feel like we’re contributing members of society and others depend on us. Society has wired us to define ourselves based on our performance, rank, and accomplishments in a work environment. When a sudden career change happens, our identity and personal value sometimes come into question — even in our own minds.
When we have this kind of reset, it makes sense to assess a few things.
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• Your future is bigger and more impactful than your past. Do you believe that? • What kind of work would make you feel more fulfilled? • What are your areas of effectiveness? • Do you know yourself? • Do you have trusted relationships in your life that can provide some context at this time?
ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH TOASTED HAZELNUTS
All of these questions provide a strong foundation for finding clarity in times of confusion and insecurity.
With raw zucchini, toasted hazelnuts, and a robust Parmigiano-Reggiano, this early summer salad is a delight of different textures and flavors that will make a great side at your next cookout.
REROUTING YOUR (NEURO) PATHWAY As the most cognitively advanced creatures on Earth, it’s funny how easily humans can get stuck in their ways. John Bell, B.S. Bio-Psychology Neuroscience Cognition, University of Michigan, and co-founder of The LifeMethod ™ Process, tells us that our behavior is driven by thoughts and emotions processed through neuropathways formed by our experiences. “Years of experience in a certain line of work create very strong neural bonds through a process called long-term potentiation. The culmination of these experiences establishes what we ‘know.’” When we experience significant life events, such as a change in the direction of our career, we may find ourselves feeling a high degree of anxiety or low confidence as we face an unfamiliar future. All this works against what we “know,” creating a sense of anxiety, frustration, and maybe even fear. The good news is that our brains have a high degree of plasticity, meaning we can alter the neural pathways by learning new things and adapt to the changes in our environment. Like a muscle, if we exercise our brains by being intentional about experiencing and learning something, new neuropathways begin to form, and eventually, fresh ways of thinking and behaviors arise. Changing careers can be challenging and exciting as you increase what you “know,” and your long-term potentiation can be completely shifted into a new direction by consciously making small changes. By rerouting your path, over time, you can develop more-effective and beneficial behaviors to get the most out of your next career.
INGREDIENTS • 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped • Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese, preferably
Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.
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Inside This Issue 1 | Third Time’s the Charm 2 | Tips for Capturing the Best Outdoor Photo! 2 | Why Charities Hate Spring Cleaning 3 | Rerouting Your Pathway 3 | Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts 4 | Exploring the River of No Return
Journey Down a River of No Return THE UNSPOILED BEAUTY OF CENTRAL IDAHO
There’s more to Idaho than potatoes. Sitting square in the center of the Gem State is one of the largest contiguous areas of protected wilderness in the U.S. While the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area may not roll off the tongue as easy as Yellowstone or Yosemite, this 2 million-acre swath of mountains, gorges, and alpine lakes offers something for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The name of the wilderness may sound a little ominous at first — who wants to travel down a river of no return? — but in truth, it’s a title from times gone by when canoes and small watercraft could travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River swiftly but couldn’t fight the current going back up. Today, those same rapids make the Middle Fork a wildly RIVER OF NO WHAT, NOW?
popular whitewater rafting destination, with plenty of local and out-of-state enthusiasts making a return journey every summer.
RAFTING ISN’T FOR ME. WHAT ELSE YOU GOT?
LODGES? I JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL.
If crashing down 300 Class III rapids isn’t your speed, the Frank Church Wilderness has plenty of other ways to enjoy the wild mountain country. There are several lodges that were grandfathered in to the wilderness area, most of which are only accessible by jet boat, light aircraft, or good old-fashioned hiking. Some, like the Middle Fork Lodge, offer five-star accommodations, located conveniently close to one of the area’s many natural hot springs. Those with the right permits will find the rivers and lakes full of fishing opportunities, and the surrounding pine forests are teeming with game.
For those looking for a truly unplugged experience, backpacking to the many campsites scattered throughout the region can be an incredible journey. If you spend a night beside the crystal-clear waters of Langer Lake, hundreds of miles away from any light pollution, you’ll find peace, quiet, and a sky bursting with stars. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a truly untamed part of the United States, Idaho is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.
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