Financial Architects - April 2019

Take a look at our newsletter this month.

APRIL 2019

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LEARNING WHAT MATTERS Nick Sanchez Celebrates the Past and Future

High school was the first time I dipped my toe into the world of finance. My economics teacher ran a simulated stock market for the class, letting us make mock investments,

very nervous. After all, it was just going to be me and the president of the company I wanted to work for. Ken invited me into his office, and after I’d sat down, he got up from behind his desk and sat next to me as though we were equals. I immediately felt at ease; it was unlike any job interview I’d had in my life. I didn’t get hired on the spot. At the time, the firm only had seven advisors, and as Ken explained, there just wasn’t anyone available to train a planner who was fresh out of school. So I put my head down and stuck with the company I’d interned with. Four years later, I made the leap to Financial Architects, and I haven’t looked back. While the firm may be much larger than it was when I first walked through its doors, the friendly, down-to-earth attitude hasn’t changed. Ken and the rest of the leadership team are very much in the trenches with us, day in and day out. Meanwhile, our support team works incredibly hard to support us behind the scenes. The work me and my fellow Financial Architects do each day simply wouldn’t be possible without the diligent work of these professionals. The ways all levels of our team come together to collaborate sets Financial Architects apart as a firm. Thanks to this unique culture, I’ve been able to grow a lot over my 8 years at the firm. While I was able to learn the technical aspects of financial planning in college, it

was Financial Architects that showed me how much developing personal relationships matters. Our people-first approach didn’t just help me as a professional; it also helped me prepare for fatherhood. Just as I’d dreamed of in the career counselor’s office at CMU, I’ve married and started a family. My wife, Diana, and I have a 9-month-old son named Leo, and he certainly keeps us busy! As badly as I wanted kids before he was born, I was still blindsided by the amount of love I feel for this little bundle of joy. The happiest part of my day is hearing his excited laughter as I get home from work. As a new parent, I’ve noticed that everyone is quick to tell you how fast kids grow up. I can certainly see what they mean. It feels like we only brought Leo home from the hospital yesterday. When I began to feel the pressure between being there for my son and getting to work, Ken once again stepped in to put me at ease. “You’re a father and a husband first and an advisor second,” he told me, smiling. As he pointed out, how could I serve my clients if I was stressed about my home life? It’s this holistic approach to business that makes Financial Architects so special.

and tracked how our decisions would pan out in the real market over the course of the school year. Looking at my imaginary returns at the end of the experiment, my one regret was not investing real money. So, when I went off to Central Michigan University, I went straight to the career counselors to learn about jobs in finance. I quickly learned that the nine-to-five office work of a general financier was not in the cards for me. As someone who knew he wanted to start a family one day, the more flexible hours kept by financial planners excited me. Thankfully, the college had just added a financial planning program. Jumping into my studies, I soon found that the technical aspects of the field came easy to me. I knew I’d found my field. Toward the end of my schooling, I was working as an intern at a large company but wasn’t sure if I wanted to be there long term. After graduating, I sent my resume to a small but promising firm, Financial Architects. That’s when Ken Grace invited me to interview.

Here’s to the things that matter most,

–Nick Sanchez

I still vividly remember that meeting. It was 2007, I was just 21 years old, and I was

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Rated E for Everyone What Do Ratings Mean, and How Should You Use Them? Despite guidance from ratings systems, it can be difficult for parents to discern what digital content is appropriate for their children. Learn more about ratings guidelines for common entertainment media and how to decipher that information so you can make educated decisions that work for your family. MOVIES: G-rated movies are considered suitable for all ages, whereas PG, PG-13, and R-rated movies are progressively less appropriate for kids because of violence, nudity, and language. Some ratings come with age limits; children who are under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult at R-rated movies. TV SHOWS: Due to laws that limit inappropriate content on public airwaves, TV rating systems follow unique codes. In the U.S., shows that are rated as TV-14 (content that is suitable for those ages 14 and older) can only air after 5 p.m. Meanwhile, TV-MA (content that is appropriate for mature audiences) can only air between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Most shows airing between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. are rated TV-G or TV-PG. These are similar in content to their movie counterparts. Some television children’s shows will also be rated as TV-Y or TV-Y7, and their only distinction is that TV-Y7 has been deemed appropriate for young children ages 7 and older. TV ratings can also have additional descriptors attached to them to explain what kind of content earned the rating. VIDEO GAMES: There are seven video game ratings: Early Childhood (EC), Everyone (E), Everyone 10+ (E10), Teen (T), Mature (M), Adults Only (AO), or Rating Pending (RP). These ratings provide consumers with more information about content. Again, as the age of the intended user increases, content progresses from allowing mild violence or suggestive content to adult themes. When choosing family entertainment, experts suggest using both the rating and the description of the media to make your decision since the rating system may not fully explain media content. For example, studies have found that a PG-13 movie can sometimes have just as much violence as an R-rated movie. Additionally, you may be fine with the content in a T-rated video game for a more developmentally advanced 11-year-old. Once you get past all the combinations of numbers and letters, you as a parent might find that ratings for video games, movies, and TV shows provide helpful information. Couple the ratings with your own research and your own values, and put an end to worrying about what surprises may lurk in your children’s media.

SHHHHHHH! It’s National Library Workers Day!

Whether you have a card or not, libraries are an important part of our community. They serve as meeting places, research stations, employment centers, and local historical archives. They help kids and adults alike explore vast literary worlds and immense databases of knowledge — all for free! Behind every library is a dedicated staff of librarians, catalogers, assistants, and administrators who keep the system running smoothly. While it may not be the most well-known holiday, April 9 is National Library Workers Day (NLWD). As part of National Library Week, NLWD recognizes and celebrates the vital work performed by library staff. Librarians and their team do far more than simply place books on the shelf and shush noisy teenagers, after all. Library science is a multidisciplinary field that takes years of study to master. Today’s librarians have the skills of managers, IT specialists, documentarians, archivists, and educators — equipping them to help anyone from elementary students to doctoral researchers. These professionals can be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to delve into a particular topic, even if they don’t know where to begin. Just tell your local library worker what subject you’re interested in, and they can help you track down books, databases, magazine articles, and more. How should you celebrate National Library Workers Day? Some groups, such as the students at the University of Arizona, go above and beyond by delivering balloons and signs to library branches across Tucson. More commonly, however, library branches ask their community members to vote for a “star” staffer. If a library worker has made a difference in your life, you can submit their name to the American Library Association by visiting Ala-Apa.org and clicking “Submit A Star!” Lastly, you can show your appreciation by visiting your local library and thanking these professionals. These important community centers only work because they do!

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

What Defines a Financial Architect SHARING OUR CORE PRINCIPLES

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The value creation principles are a set of 9 universal values that guide our team. Last month, we introduced readers to the first 3 of our principles: “Clients At The Center,” “Always Creating Value,” and “Continuous Improvement.” This month, we’re diving into the middle third of our list and exploring the traits that set our Architects apart from your average financial planner.

ROASTED RADISHES WITH RADISH GREENS

IDEAL TEAM PLAYERS — HUMBLE, HUNGRY AND PEOPLE-SMART

Focus: Our culture. The ideal team members have a foundation of humility, a hunger to be better, and the ability to care about others on the team. All three are important. Humble people share credit, emphasize team over self, and define success collectively. Hungry people are self- motivated and constantly thinking about the next step and opportunity. Finally, those with people smarts have good intuition about the impact of their words and actions. For some, this comes naturally. For others, it is learned. For all, it must be honored and embraced. Leadership is influence. Influence is being effective with people. In contrast, management has to do with being efficient with our time, resources, and talent. We manage or manipulate our resources to gain efficiency. We influence people in order to be effective. Effective relationships require time and investment; the objective is to not minimize these inputs. Focus: Integrity. Leverage the Five Foundations in your personal finances. As a firm, our commitment is to our clients. We know that we cannot lead people farther than we have been. Integrity requires that we follow the principles and sequence of the Model, The 5 Foundations, and the Macro Manager. Most importantly, it clearly communicates to us that we know the value and benefit of following Financial Architecture. It is a reminder to us all that each client can rely on a Financial Architect who is constantly making progress in this area. BE OUR OWN BEST CLIENT EFFECTIVE WITH PEOPLE AND EFFICIENT WITH RESOURCES Focus: Influence people, manage resources.

Radishes start showing up in droves during the spring and summer months, but all too often we only eat the bulbs raw on salads and discard the greens. This recipes bucks both of those trends, with the radishes being roasted alongside their green tops. INGREDIENTS

• 3 bunches radishes with greens attached • 2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 500 F. While heating, trim radishes and wash greens. Pat both dry using a paper towel. 2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Season radishes with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer entire skillet to oven rack and roast for 15 minutes. 3. Once removed from oven, return skillet to stove. Over medium heat, stir in butter and add greens. Cook until they are wilted, about 2 minutes. 4. Finish with lemon juice and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

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Inside This Issue 1 | Learning What Matters

2 | Read Up on National Library Workers Day

2 | Understanding Media Ratings

3 | Sharing Our Core Principles

3 | Roasted Radishes With Radish Greens

4 | 3 Travel Myths Debunked

Paris on a Budget? 3 TRAVEL MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING

MYTH: TRAVELING IS DANGEROUS.

Traveling has many social and educational benefits, but some people have hesitations that prevent them from jetting off on new adventures. Below are three debunked travel myths to give you some ease as you plan your summer vacation!

Fact: If you’re smart about what you do and where you go, traveling can be safe. Go with your gut and only stay somewhere that is approved by travel guides. Visit places you feel comfortable in, and do your research by reading travel blogs, websites, and books to find places that have been vetted by others. Traveling in groups can also be a great way to lower your risk of danger. As long as you plan ahead, you will have a safe trip.

MYTH: VACATIONS ARE EXPENSIVE.

outside forces, such as your job, time zone, and diet. Travel can disrupt this rhythm and routine, which leaves you lethargic during and after your vacation. Sticking to water before and during your flights and staying physically active during and after traveling are great ways to fight jet lag and get back into your normal rhythm. Don’t let these travel myths keep you from seeing the world. Set a budget, go with your gut, and prepare for a shifting rhythm to make your next adventure the best one yet.

Fact: You can travel anywhere on a budget. Tracking flights to score the best deal, setting spending limits, and packing meals are a few ways to save money. Hostels and Airbnbs are great alternatives to spendy hotel stays. Additionally, you don’t have to cross the country to have a great trip. Every state has museums, unique roadside attractions, historical sites, and a booming nightlife. When you know your price limits and what you want to do, traveling can be a fun and inexpensive venture.

MYTH: JET LAG IS CAUSED BY A LACK OF SLEEP.

Fact: While jet lag can make you sleepy, it’s actually caused by a disruption in your circadian rhythm. Our bodies are cyclical, and the circadian rhythm is set by both a natural need for your body to reset and

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