Financial Architects - March 2022

Financial Architects - March 2022

MARCH 2022

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Love of People Inspires Career in Finance MEET OUR FINANCIAL DESIGN STRATEGIST, CAT!

Hello, friends! My name is Catherine Toone, and I’m a financial design strategist with the firm Gina Wells + Cat Toone, Financial Design Strategies*, an affiliate of FAI. In my early 20s if you’d asked me to predict my future, a career in finance would have been the furthest thing from my mind. After college, I spent a decade in the hospitality industry. My longest tenure was as the hospitality catering manager at The Palace of Auburn Hills & DTE Energy Music Theatre. In that role, I organized catering services for the touring acts and their crews — and, yes, I have lots of stories! Even though I truly loved my career, my role as “mom” led me to seek a different path.

That’s when the lightbulb went on in my head; what if I could help prepare people to weather the next economic storm before it hit? If I could help them plan earlier in their lives, perhaps people would be more financially secure. That’s where I felt I could be of real value to others. Shortly after my epiphany, I obtained my Life and Heath License and was lucky enough to have Financial Architects take me on as a producer. They were so welcoming and generous with their knowledge. They truly made me love the business. In fact, it was at a Financial Architects training event two years ago that I met my current associate, Gina Wells. Gina and I instantly hit it off and found that our goals and values aligned. She willingly mentored me in a way that I hadn’t been mentored before and I felt thrilled to hitch my wagon to her star. In 2021 we rebranded to Gina Wells + Cat Toone, Financial Design Strategies and have been working diligently to shed light on financial truths and make our clients feel empowered to make the best decisions about their assets. I’m grateful I chose a career that capitalizes on my strengths. I thrive in social environments, and I wanted to be in an industry where people are the sole focus. Contrary to popular belief, I find the financial services industry to be entirely about people. Money is emotional, and there are a lot of feelings wrapped up in the business of money; it represents dreams, realities, and freedoms. I love to discover the “nitty gritty” of people — and there is no better conduit than a discussion about personal finance. People place their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted. It’s essential I create a foundation

of openness and transparency for the clients I represent. Speaking of “people,” I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some of my favorites. My husband, Kelly, is a chef by trade and the vice

Clockwise from Cat, Kelly Toone (husband), Owen Wright, 15, Liam Toone, 9

president of Plum Market Food Service. It was no accident that I chose to marry a chef! We’ve been together for 10 years and have an 8-year-old son, Liam, who loves chess, dragons, and basketball. My oldest son, Owen, is a high school freshman and a proud member of the marching band. We are actively trying to keep him away from the moody teenage years with moderate success so far. March is International Women’s Month, and I want to thank my friend and mentor, Gina, for providing me with hours upon hours of invaluable knowledge. It’s an honor to be working with such a talented, motivated, and driven woman. I want to thank all of my colleagues at Financial Architects for supporting me on this journey. I’m excited about what will come next!

“That’s when the lightbulb went on in my head; what if I could help prepare people to weather the next economic storm before it hit?”

I actively sought out a position with a less chaotic schedule and a better work-life balance for my young family. I parlayed my promotional and organizational skills into a position as the marketing and events director for a local registered investment advisory firm. My entry into the financial services industry came just four years after the financial crisis of 2008, and many families were still reeling from the effect it had on their portfolios. Numerous clients had experienced significant losses to their retirement savings and wished they had sought financial guidance years earlier. I often spoke to people who said, “Had I only known what I know now, I would have done things differently.”

*Cat Toone and Financial Design Strategies are not affiliated with The O.N. Equity Sales Company or O.N. Investment Management Company. 1 888-466-5453

One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good- luck charms, and what can you do with them? HOW TO FIND A 4-LEAF CLOVER Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby. CLOVER CRAFT Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! BUT FIND THE ELUSIVE GOOD-LUCK CHARM FIRST Make a 4-Leaf Clover Keepsake

INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS

Thinking about selling your business? Have you mapped an effective succession plan for the future? Here at Financial Architects, we continue

to grow and offer that service to you

through the formation of the Q5 Experience*. Over a year ago, this collaboration of professionals was formed, including our

own Chris Cousins and Patrick Marody, to come together to help guide business owners to build their ultimate transferable value by optimizing the business, the people, and their finances. The name Q5? It is called that because it really is the “fifth quarter” of their business. An opportunity to exit the business on your terms. Chris and Pat have teamed up with transition planning advisor John Carter of Absolute Succession, behavioral neuroscientist John Bell and Danette Bell of Empowering Futures, Certified Valuation Analyst Sarah Greifenberger of Arbor Valuation, and experienced business owner and founder of T-Rex Advisory Chris Meso to form the Q5 team. Meso is a huge asset to the Q5 team because he has been through the succession planning process before, having sold his previous company, Mobile Air, years ago. As Chris said on our “Succession Success” podcast episode 3, he wishes the Q5 Experience team was created back in 2014 when he was ready to sell his company. “I didn’t have the best life inside the business. There are a lot of mental things going on, physical and emotional, and it is a driver. Why wouldn’t you want to work with a guiding hand to eliminate those drivers and help you determine strategies to increase the value of your company so you can eventually leave when you want, get the money you want, and transfer the business to whom you choose.” You can listen to that episode and all of the podcast shows and get more information on Q5 at Q5Experience.com.

*Q5 is not affiliated with The O.N. Equity Sales Company or O.N. Investment Management Company.

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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Chat With a Client TimHaggerty and Associates HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS? My wife, Patty, and I worked with a bigger-name firm at first (a revolving door of advisors). Nick Sanchez of FAI was a past client of mine, and I just decided it was time to call Nick and let him help us with our financial planning. I wanted to choose who I wanted to work with and end the revolving-door process at the other place. Nick built trust with me just by being a respectable, sharp, young man. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, TIM HAGGERTY AND ASSOCIATES. I am a 32-year veteran of residential real estate. We specialize in helping people meet their goals, whether it be selling their home or buying their first house. We touch so many families, and we believe in the small-team approach. Our team has a combined 70 years of experience, and that allows us to help typically between 45–60 families every year. For more information, you can check us out at www.TimHaggerty.com.

Take a Break

Solution on Page 4

Simple Bok Choy Chicken Soup Inspired by TheSpruceEats.com

WHAT ARE YOU AND YOUR WIFE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR? This year is our 30th wedding anniversary. Hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to take a trip to Spain — it’s been high on our radar. Five years ago, we went to Europe for our 25th anniversary and visited Italy. We are just so excited to explore that fabulous continent again.

Is the chill of winter lingering? A hot bowl of this Asian-inspired soup will warm you right up! Our recipe makes 4–5 servings.

INGREDIENTS • 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 garlic clove, chopped

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• 10 leaves bok choy, thinly sliced

• 2 tsp soy sauce

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• 2 tsp sesame oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.

2. Stir in red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.

3. Add bok choy leaves and rotisserie chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the bok choy is dark green and tender.

4. Enjoy with slices of your favorite whole-wheat bread!

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Inside This Issue 1 | Meet Our Financial Design Strategist, Cat! 2 | Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round

2 | Inside Financial Architects

3 | An Interview With Tim Haggerty and Associates

3 | Simple Bok Choy Chicken Soup

4 | Packing Tips to Save Your Back, Wallet, and Sanity

Leaving on a Jet Plane? 3 Essential Packing Tips

Many people are considering traveling this spring for the first time since the pandemic started. A lot has changed since 2020, but packing for vacation remains a hassle, and

the general rule of thumb is that the personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Don’t bring a small purse or a laptop

bag when you can take a large tote or backpack. With the extra room, you can avoid checking another bag.

baggage fees haven’t gone anywhere. Here are some essential tips to keep your load as light as possible — physically and mentally. MAKE A LIST. It’s just as easy to forget things as it is to overpack. Solve both problems at once by creating a packing list in advance. Consider in detail what you’ll need, and put it in writing. As each item gets added to the suitcase, check it off. Writing everything down creates a system to prevent leaving anything behind. And when it’s all on paper, you’re more likely to notice that you probably don’t need that many pairs of sandals.

NEVER CHECK ESSENTIAL ITEMS . Lost luggage is the worst way to start a vacation, but it happens. If your luggage is misplaced, you probably won’t get it back that same day. So, you need to pack all essential items, like prescription medications or glasses, in your carry-on bag. Some experts even recommend tossing an extra shirt or pair of underwear in your carry-on in case your bag gets lost. You’ll be glad to have them if something goes awry.

Packing smart will make for a less stressful journey. You can kick back, relax, and enjoy the trip knowing that everything you need is right there in your suitcase, and everything you don’t need is safe at home.

USE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM FOR EXTRA STORAGE. Airlines generally allow travelers one carry-on bag and one personal item. The dimensions allowed vary by airline, but

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