Financial Architects - August 2021

Financial Architects - August 2021

AUGUST 2021

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AFTER A TRAGEDY, AN FAI ARCHITECT PAYS IT FORWARD How Jon Hans Gives Back

This year I’m celebrating a full decade working at Financial Architects. I can’t believe it has already been 10 years! In that time, the company has brought me a lot of joy, and it also got me through one of the hardest moments of my life.

Since that tough time, I’ve worked with Roger to pay it forward through what we call Wisdom for the Workplace. In coordination with my role as a financial architect, I spend time visiting other companies and help them build a corporate culture based on loving and caring for others. Some lessons

In 2018, my mom passed away after struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic car crash. I was devastated, especially

focus on finances, while others revolve around personal development and Christian values like honesty, integrity, and putting others first. I’ve visited small businesses, corporations, and even non-profits.

because I lost other people in my family at around the same time. I felt lost, overwhelmed, and afraid. I wasn’t sure how to find my way, but FAI came through for me by connecting me with an incredible friend, mentor, and counselor: Roger. Roger has a financial background just like me, and he has been visiting FAI on a monthly basis for the last 18 years. He helps our team of advisors manage the difficulties of life. The hope is that when we feel and act our best, that joy will

I’ll always be grateful to FAI for introducing me to Roger and my passion for Wisdom for the Workplace. I’ve never been happier in my professional or personal life (my wife, Annette, and I have a second baby on the way!). I think taking that time to pay it forward has made me a better mentor for my FAI clients, too.

I truly love analyzing my clients’ finances from a holistic perspective

flow over into our clients. This is part of what we call investing in the whole person. Roger keeps us on the right path, and in 2018 when he saw that I was struggling, he went out of his way to help.

and helping them reach their goals. I do my best to be there for everyone I work with in every way I can. If I can help with something, I will because I don’t just want to help my clients add money to their bank accounts — I want

them to lead happy, fulfilling lives.

Roger made time to sit down with me in the mornings and buy me breakfast. We talked about the difficulties of life and read the Bible together. His counsel helped me ground myself and learn more about the faith I was raised with. I felt so fulfilled after talking with him that I was inspired to help other people in the same way.

If you’re one of my clients, I hope I’ve been able to do that for you!

– Jon Hans

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GOT A LAWYER ON THAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL LIST?

Book Reviews With Chris Ball EYE ON THE BALL

‘THE CHARISMA MYTH: HOW ANYONE CAN MASTER THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PERSONAL MAGNETISM’

Many people believe that charisma is a quality others are born with. Author Olivia Fox Cabane helps smash this myth and shows that practice makes perfect. Her argument is that anyone can adopt charismatic behavior and put into practice. Why do people want to have more charisma? It is part of human nature. All of us want to be liked and appreciated

The kids are going back to school soon, and it may feel too soon, even rushed. Back-to-school season is a perfect excuse to slow down and take care of business, though. Once you get this stuff taken care of, you might feel a little better about summer ending and the kids heading off to new adventures. The first thing to consider is going to be helping any new adults in your household get on top of the “adult stuff” that comes with turning 18. You might be thinking of setting up accounts for them to pay into retirement or savings, and that’s a good idea, but don’t forget to help them get an estate plan and a will in order, too. They may still be dependents who are on your health care plan, but when a person turns 18, they’re no longer a child, and having the legal documents in order is a part of that transition. Other legal considerations for kids on their way to college are medical care documents, such as do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and other health care directives. It’s a hard, sometimes scary talk to have, but that’s part of being an adult, and your child will likely appreciate being treated as such. For younger children, nothing is more important than figuring out guardianship in case you end up incapacitated or otherwise unable to continue being their guardian. For teenage minors, make sure they’re included in these decisions. Would they prefer to live with an aunt or uncle, their grandparents, or maybe even an older sibling? Finally, make sure the potential guardian is okay with the arrangement and understands their potential responsibilities. Send the kids back to school the right way, which is with the security in knowing their futures are planned for. It’s a great example to set as well as a massive weight off everybody’s shoulders. How often do you get to do that? Your attorney will know more and help you out with any questions you may have.

by others. We may work in a profession where it is important to influence others and to inspire devotion. Charismatic people have that unique ability to make someone feel important and appreciated. They are so good at it that we assume it must come naturally. There are similar beliefs about athletic ability and skill development. While some people naturally have physical advantages, the reality is that they put in a tremendous amount of work to perfect their craft. It turns out developing the art of charisma works much the same. Some people may naturally be outgoing and extroverted, but they still must practice attracting and influencing others. “The Charisma Myth” is full of practical exercises on how to build power, warmth, and presence when dealing with others. There are great tips you can use in today’s world of technology, where your first impression may be over a virtual meeting. Whether virtual or in person, our needs as humans are still the same. We want to work with people we are drawn to and like. Whether we want to influence others professionally, or simply improve our relationships, “The Charisma Myth” has excellent tips and advice. I found it to be a fascinating and enlightening book.

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

Chat With a Client Pete and Shirley Kowalski

HOW DID THE TWO OF YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS?

Through a connection with The Faces Foundation, we met Chris Cousins who introduced us to Financial Architects. We realized we were not cohesive with our savings, insurance, 401(k), etc. Chris worked with us to manage all aspects of our finances with the goal of a secure “life enjoyment.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESSES AND WHAT EXCITES BOTH OF YOU AT WORK?

Solution on Page 4

Pete is the director of sales for a radio company, Audacy, and has been in the radio business for well over 30 years. He still loves the people interaction aspect of the business, even though sales has changed over the years. Pete used to work with FAI’s Matt Dery at both WDFN and 97.1 The Ticket. Shirley retired when the kids were born and fills her days looking after the house and two small neighbor girls and tries to remain the calm for Pete’s stressful job!

TOMATO AND WATERMELON SALAD (YES, REALLY!)

WHAT DOES SUMMER IN MICHIGAN MEAN TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?

Summer in our great state means a lot of things to us. We love to golf, take bike rides, go running outdoors, grill, and enjoy the sun, heat, and long summer days.

Bon Appétit magazine calls tomato and watermelon “soul mates,” and they’re right! This surprising gourmet salad will be a hit at your next barbecue.

INGREDIENTS • 1 tsp peppercorns, coarsely crushed • 1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds • 1/2 tsp turmeric • 1/4 cup coconut oil • 4 cups seedless watermelon, rind

removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 8 oz feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • Sea salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, sauté spices and herbs in the coconut oil for 3 minutes over medium heat to create turmeric oil. Take the pan off of the heat, then let it cool. 2. Combine the watermelon, tomatoes, and feta on a large platter or in a bowl. Drizzle with cooled turmeric oil. Now, simply sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!

Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com

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Inside This Issue 1 | After a Tragedy, an FAI Advisor Pays It Forward

2 | Got a Lawyer on That Back-to-School List?

2 | Eye on the Ball: A Book Review by Chris Ball

3 | Chat With a Client

3 | Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)

4 | Want to Save on Your Next Vacation?

5 Tips for Your Next Affordable Getaway Want to Save on Your Next Vacation?

Are you excited to explore the world again? Or maybe you’ve just gotten back from your latest vacation! In either case, the economic challenges of the pandemic might require travelers to plan their trips a little smarter. Here are five tricks to do just that.

— renting a swanky cabin at $200 a night will only cost around $33 per person. Plus, you will create some amazing memories together!

1. CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET WHILE CHOOSING YOUR DESTINATION.

4. PLAN YOUR MEAL BUDGET AHEAD OF TIME. Looking forward to eating certain dishes? Find local menus and prices to ensure you don’t spend more than you planned. If you want an authentic and homestyle culinary experience, consider signing up for a peer-to-peer dining experience through Traveling Spoon or Bon Appetour, which is tax-free as well! 5. CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING FOR VACATION. Want to go on a self-discovery trip? Why not cut your expenses in half by volunteering? For example, Habitat for Humanity offers a nine-day Mexico trip for $1,200 with lodging, food, and activities included. You’ll get to build structures and create something permanent for the local community.

Any destination heavily impacted by tourists is going to be more expensive to visit. So, consider taking a tour through various French countryside towns instead of Paris! Not only could it be more culturally immersing, but it may even be more relaxing and less stressful than visiting a dense area. 2. SIGN UP FOR SCOTT’S CHEAP FLIGHTS. One of the most important parts of booking an affordable vacation is booking it at the right time. Scott’s Cheap Flights will track all the cheapest flights at an airport of your choice — you’ll get over 50%–75% savings on highly rated airlines. This will get you stress-free travel for a much lower price! 3. TRAVEL IN A GROUP. If you travel with friends, your expenses become a lot more manageable. Let’s say you and a partner travel with two other couples

Traveling on a dime is no sweat with the right tools. Best of luck, traveler!

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