Financial Architects - September 2021

Financial Architects - September 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021

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MEET CARSON MAMO AND HIS CRAZY SCHEDULE Our Favorite Intern Is Here to Stay!

Hey there! I’m Carson, and I’ve been a client relations coordinator for Michael Kucera and Chris Ball for about four months now. You might have talked to me on the phone if you’ve called recently to schedule a meeting, set up a monthly deposit into your account, withdraw funds, etc. I’m the guy who handles that paperwork and keeps people notified on the status of their requests. The longer I’m in this role the more people I meet, and I’ve really enjoyed that part of the job! I may be new to the position of client relations coordinator, but I’ve worked with FAI for more than three years now. I started out as an intern right after graduating high school. It was a bit of a lucky break for me. My dad introduced me to the firm while I was still a teenager. He knew I was interested in finance and the business world — I’ve always loved numbers, charts, spreadsheets, and all of that nerdy stuff — so he asked FAI Advisor Mike Kucera if I could tag along to one of their meetings. It went well, and about a month later, Mike emailed my dad to ask if I wanted an internship. I’m really glad I get to introduce myself to you in the month of September. This is Self-Improvement Month and I’ve been on a self- improvement journey for the last few years. It all started back in high school when I realized I wasn’t happy with the way I was living. I didn’t enjoy what I was doing on a day-to-day basis. I was just following the crowd instead of living my life with intention. If a friend wanted to go out on a particular night, for example, I’d go even if I didn’t feel like it. Then I’d be miserable the whole time. When I realized I was locked into this pattern, I started taking steps to change things. First, I sat down and asked myself, “What do you want to be doing? What are you doing for yourself, and what are you doing just to make other people happy?” I came up with a list of hobbies I truly enjoy, like running, watching movies, playing video games, hiking, tuning in to NBA and NFL games, and playing basketball. Then, I made it a priority to dedicate time to those things. One of my first discoveries was running. It turns out exercise makes my day 100 times better!

I’ve been doing a pretty good job of pursuing my hobbies over the last few years and really taking time for myself. This wasn’t too hard to do once I made it a priority, because I was only working part-time at FAI while pursuing my finance degree at the University of Michigan- Dearborn. Now that I’m a full-time client relations coordinator, though, balancing everything has gotten harder. On a lot of days, I go straight from work to class. When class ends at 8:30 p.m., I go home, sleep, and start all over again the next day. This schedule is an entirely new animal and has added another layer of complexity to my self- improvement project. That said, I don’t think I’ll ever fall back into my high school rut. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to fit relaxation time into my day over the last four years. I also love my job, so even though it’s not quite the same as a hobby, it doesn’t drain me like school sometimes can. I look forward to working in finance every day and helping people like you.

Are you working on a self-improvement project this month? If you are, good luck! I did it, so I know you can, too.

– Carson Mamo

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INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS

ANEWDIRECTION FORMELISSA One of the mainstays at our firm for many years has decided to chart a new path for herself. CFO Melissa Scheib has left FAI on a full-time basis to start her own bookkeeping business. Melissa absolutely loves numbers and helping businesses with their finances and balances. Her first client? Us! Melissa will remain working for the firm, just not with the firm as part of the Leadership Team anymore. Whether it is the financial reporting, bill paying, accounts receivable, agent billing, rent reporting, co- op tracking, or even payroll, FAI is pleased to still have Melissa handle those very important tasks. Melissa had spent over 23 years at FAI. Her father, co-founder of the company Ken Grace, hired her back in 1990 to help with filing. She has been here ever since and has been a key cog in the growth and direction of Financial Architects. As she told our staff, “This was not a decision I made lightly, but I felt that the time was right in my life to make a shift and I’m grateful to Chris, Pat, and the Leadership Team for helping to make this work!” Family is so important to the Grace crew, and we are grateful Melissa will remain part of our family at FAI. Melissa has always had our support as she has navigated very difficult times as the mom to a son with leukemia. For the past six years, she has been such a rock for Jameson, and you wouldn’t know working alongside her every day that she was going through this struggle. Thank you, Melissa, for everything and the light you have shined on this firm.

Less sunlight can have a negative impact on your mental well-being, and as you head into the darker, chillier months, worsening weather and shorter days can make staying in shape more of a chore than a joy. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With a few tricks, you can thrive through the cold season. Finding ways to stay active while cooped up inside has never been easier. Thanks to the pandemic, online exercise courses, at-home workouts, and remote Zumba classes grew in popularity and are still going strong. If you embraced these for your summer workouts to avoid the heat, you can continue that routine this fall and winter and keep up your exercise, mixing it up if one course gets stale. Similarly, winter provides a great time to focus on a new type of fitness goal, like building muscle in an indoor facility or taking martial arts classes at the gym. It doesn’t matter what you do; what matters is that you do it. Stay active! While it’s a bummer that you can’t go trail running or biking, any exercise is better than none. And don’t wait to get started: Add that “winter workout” into your weekly routine now. Not only will it help make the transition a little easier when you can’t go for your morning run, but also, if you’re trying a new sport, activity, or exercise, it gives you a buffer in case you decide it’s not for you after all. Don’t let bad weather or fewer daylight hours be an excuse for less exercise. Your brain will thank you, and who knows? You might actually have fun, too! Get a Jump on Winter Blues And Exercise Through the Fall

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 Damon and Kaia Dickens

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

Damon’s mother and father were first involved with Turner Thompson at your firm. They have done business with you guys for years, decades actually, and he picked up on it when he got older and wanted to follow in his parents’ footsteps. It is important to think about the future, and we decided to go the same route with FAI. We thank Chavez Vincent as well for all he has done for us.

WHY START UP A BRAND-NEW BUSINESS IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT? WHAT WAS THE MOTIVATOR THERE?

Solution on Page 4

We have seen the GEST Carts franchise working in Cincinnati and we thought, “Hey ... why not bring something like that to the downtown area here in our hometown of Detroit.” We knew it would work. We bought into the franchise and wanted to be a part of the growth here in the city. This is a transportation tool that really can help the community and be a positive factor in the city of Detroit. GEST carts can take you wherever you need to go downtown. GEST stands for Green Easy Safe Transportation. For more information, you can go to GESTCarts.com. The rides are absolutely free!

ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN Inspired by WellPlated.com

Bring the taste of fall into your kitchen with this sizzling skillet meal.

INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided • 1/2 cup apple cider

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 4 tsp olive oil, divided • 3 sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch slices • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider and mustard. Set aside. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken thighs top-side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean. 4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, then add sliced apples, remaining salt and pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes. 5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add apple cider-mustard mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve sprinkled with rosemary!

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?

We have been married five years and have two kids. We are residents of the city of Detroit, born and raised, and a lot of what we learned dates back to our time in Detroit Public Schools. Our work backgrounds include finance, and also we are involved in some different real estate in and around the Metro Detroit area. GEST Carts is obviously our newest venture, and we are excited to continue to grow the business.

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39395 W. 12 Mile Road Suite 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48331

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Inside This Issue 1 | Our Favorite Intern Is Here to Stay!

2 | Get a Jump on Winter Blues With Fall Exercise

2 | Inside Financial Architects

3 | Chat With a Client

3 | One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken

4 | The Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Your Next Affordable Vacation Spot! The Best Places to Visit in Croatia

SPLIT

This gorgeous coastal nation will absolutely blow you away with its beautiful architecture, landscapes, and delicious blend of Mediterranean and Slavic cuisine. Even better, it’s a fairly affordable place to visit! While many travelers land in Zagreb, the beautiful capital city and cultural hub, you wouldn’t want to miss these destinations.

to explore many historic structures nearby. Nature also has plenty to offer, with secluded coves and beaches nearby for exploration.

The second largest city in Croatia (the first being Zagreb) is Split, founded by a Greek colony in the second or third century B.C. Historically, Split enjoyed being an independent city-state many times, and that free spirit is very tangible, as Split is very different from any other city in Croatia. With well-preserved Roman architecture and a multitude of museums, it’s no wonder Split is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although Croatia was among the first UN countries to open its doors to Americans, always be safe and check the newest regulations before booking your travel. Hopefully you enjoyed learning about this unique, wonderful country!

PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

Near the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina, you’ll find one of Croatia’s oldest and most beautiful national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it’s quite the drive, you won’t regret it — the park has an outstanding and picturesque series of tufa lakes and caves, all connected by waterfalls. With over 16 interconnected cascading lakes, it’s unlike anything else you’ll see. If you get hungry, you’ll love the nearby National Restaurant Licka Kuca, which is famous for its traditional Croatian preparation of lamb under a cast-iron bell.

DUBROVNIK

As the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this coastal city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adriatic Sea. It’s a beautiful city, featuring 13th century walls, marble stone streets, Gothic palaces, breathtaking churches, and an imposing fortress. There’s so much to do in the town square — one of Croatia’s largest and most beautiful — and you’ll be able

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