Financial Architects, Inc. - August 2022

Financial Architects, Inc. - August 2022

AUGUST 2022

www.financialarch.com

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Is What I Enjoy Most About My Job THE FAMILY BOND AT FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS

Hey newsletter friends! My name is Armand Cartwright, and I am a Client Relationship Coordinator (CRC) at Financial Architects. I help our clients in a variety of different ways, including assisting them with new insurance applications. I started here this past May, and although I’m still in the process of training and understanding my role better, I love what I’m doing thus far.

the tasks and roles I have at Financial Architects. My job as a CRC will not only help me take care of our clients, but it will also provide me with skills I can use in my personal life. I’ve always wanted to have my own business, and Financial Architects is providing me with the tools I need to understand how finances work to prepare me for the future. Right now, I have an ATM business, and it’s a great stepping stone for what I want to do next.

I look forward to interacting with our clients and helping them create a better future for themselves and their families. I’m a family man, and I empathize

“If I didn’t have the support of my coworkers, my experience here would be vastly different. Everyone welcomed me into the family and pushed me to become a better man, employee, and businessman each day.”

with others attempting to establish the best path for their loved ones. Working with our clients as they follow the Financial Architecture process is both motivating and rewarding. I am continuing to develop my knowledge and understanding of the process so I can further assist and serve our clients to the best of my ability. Before coming to Financial Architects, I played basketball at Rochester University and majored in business management and entrepreneurship, with a minor in accounting. My experience in college prepared me for my role because basketball taught me the value of teamwork. Even though we aren’t on the court, my colleagues and I at Financial Architects are making game plays to help our clients. On top of that, we build each other up and support one another daily. If I didn’t have the support of my coworkers, my experience here would be vastly different. Everyone welcomed me into the family and pushed me to become a better man, employee, and businessman each day. Being in business management and accounting courses in college also provided me with the resources I need to properly communicate with others and understand numbers and money. It laid the foundation for

My favorite things about working at Financial Architects are the skills I’m learning and improving to help me in my future, the clients I get to talk to, and the people I work with. Since I am looking to develop several of my own businesses, talking to other individuals about their career paths and what they want to accomplish inspires me. Being able to assist them with their needs and learn from them provides me with insight that can help me in the future. Likewise, I learn a lot from my team. They’ve made my transition into this role comfortable and welcoming. I worked at a wholesale mortgage company with 9,000 employees before coming to Financial Architects. Working with a smaller firm brings more of a community aspect and bond and is something I cherish. Without them, I wouldn’t have a path to go on. I can’t thank the team at Financial Architects enough for the love and support they’ve given me so far, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me here.

– Armand Cartwright

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Golf is an enjoyable sport that anyone can participate in regardless of experience, ability, and age. There’s nothing quite like teeing off on the first hole after a difficult week of work. Though it can certainly be frustrating at times, golf is a fun sport with many amazing perks. Reading the following benefits will make you want to head to your local course, even if you’re not a regular golfer. IT’S GREAT EXERCISE Playing a full 18 holes of golf can be exhausting and for good reason. Swinging a golf club works your forearms, core, shoulders, and back muscles. If you choose to walk the course, you’ll be getting in a great workout as the average course length is about 4 miles. You can also carry your golf bag for an even better workout. IT BUILDS CHARACTER It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned golfer or on the course for the first time, you are not going to have a perfect round. You may miss a putt or end up in the sand trap, but you decide how you react to the situation. You can get mad and potentially play worse or understand that everything is not always going to work out in golf. That lesson can even be applied to your everyday life. IT DRAWS YOU OUTSIDE Most of us can use some additional time outdoors, and golf provides the perfect opportunity. Between rolling hills, picturesque ponds, and lush trees, the golf course is a beautiful setting. Even if you’re playing poorly, you can still enjoy being outside for a few hours out of your day. IT’S FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Golf isn’t just for businessmen. Anyone can find enjoyment in the game. It can be a great weekend activity for the entire family or the perfect bonding experience between relatives. There are par 3 courses 4 GREAT BENEFITS OF GOLF Tee Off This Summer

INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS

If you stroll through the offices at 39395 West 12 Mile, one thing stands out: culture. Financial Architects prides itself on having a team-first approach each and every day as we work with you, our clients. As we recruit new advisors and support team, Pat Marody and Chris Cousins always ask: “Are they a culture fit?” This has never changed, going back to 1985. Earlier this year, the FAI staff was introduced to a new system called CultureWise, where the group would participate on an app going over each week’s FAI Fundamental Behavior. We have 30 of them. Some examples include “Do the Right Thing, Always” and “Honor Commitments.” The app has interactive opportunities to keep the staff reminded of our fundamentals and to be motivated to follow them daily. Recently, five members of our team achieved the badge level of Bronze by accumulating 2,000 points in our competition. Colleen Bouton, Chelsea Wampler, Chrissy Wright, Matt Dery, and Sherry Hanford were recognized by the Leadership Team with gift cards.

across the country that offer an easier experience for new golfers, and you can always play nine holes instead of 18 to cut down on time and conserve energy.

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. Investment Advisory Services offered through FAI Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.

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Take a Break

EYE ON THE BALL Book Reviews With Chris Ball

‘LE FREAK’ BY NILE RODGERS

Nile Rodgers is one of the biggest forces in music over the last 50 years. From his pioneering work with the band Chic, to becoming the hottest producer in the business, his influence is incalculable. Rodgers has written, produced, or performed on records that have sold upward of 500 million copies. His life story is just as remarkable as his music career. Born into a family situation that was very unconventional, he survived his dysfunctional childhood and found his calling through playing his guitar.

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Rodgers’ memoir, “Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco, and Destiny,” was named one of the best rock memoirs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. Rodgers and bass player Bernard Edwards became friends in the early 1970s and founded the band Chic. Drummer Tony Thompson joined the band in 1977, and they went on to create some of the most popular songs of the decade. Their meteoric rise came to a crashing halt at the end of the 1970s when the anti-disco movement went into full swing. I still clearly remember watching the Detroit Tigers / Chicago White Sox game on television in July of 1979. The Tigers and Sox were playing a doubleheader, which was also “Disco Demolition Night” at Comiskey Park in Chicago. As the second game was about to begin, disco records were exploded in center field, which set off bedlam throughout the stadium. The field was so damaged that Chicago had to forfeit the second game. Right as disco was ending, Rodgers went on to produce some of the biggest hits of the early 1980s. His remarkable ear along with his creativity among different genres of music earned him the nickname “Hit Maker.” Throughout the book, Rodgers provides a candid view into a party lifestyle that included lots of drugs and rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in entertainment. There’s a story of a chance encounter with Jimi Hendrix in New York City that was particularly fascinating. Nile Rodgers, Bernard Edwards, and Tony Thompson have long been three of my favorite musicians. Sadly, Edwards and Thompson died way too young, leaving behind a legacy of incredible music. One fun fact: Tony Thompson was strongly considered to be a replacement for John Bonham in Led Zeppelin. He was certainly not just a disco drummer! I really recommend reading “Le Freak” — a candid and entertaining portrayal of a musical icon.

Tasty Bruschetta Chicken Inspired by Delish.com Fresh tomatoes and basil abound in August, practically begging to become bruschetta! This recipe turns that appetizer into a main dish.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 boneless and skinless chicken

• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped • Salt and pepper, to taste • 4 slices mozzarella cheese • Parmesan cheese, grated

breasts, pounded to even thickness

• 4 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 3 tomatoes, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. Add chicken to a large resealable bag. 2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour over chicken and seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Turn a grill to medium-high heat and add the chicken. Discard the marinade. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. 4. Combine the remaining lemon juice, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add salt and pepper, to taste. 5. Before taking the chicken off the grill, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes, then serve topped with the tomato mixture and grated Parmesan cheese.

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

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

888-466-5453 www.financialarch.com

Inside This Issue 1 | Meet Our CRC Specialist, Armand!

2 | 4 Reasons to Start Golfing This Summer

2 | Inside Financial Architects

3 | Book Review: ‘Le Freak’

3 | Tasty Bruschetta Chicken

4 | Siri, What’s the Prettiest U.S. Restaurant?

3 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America Where the View Is Part of the Menu …

When you go to a nice restaurant, you’re not just paying for food — you’re also paying for an experience. Decor might be the last thing on a guest’s mind, but with the right design, some restaurants are absolutely breathtaking. Here are a few of our favorites.

your table might have dramatic views of the bridge or a waterfront view of the Manhattan skyline. It’s the best possible pairing with their classic Italian menu, complete with handmade pasta and high-end ingredients from Italy.

THE FRENCH LAUNDRY — YOUNTVILLE, CALIFORNIA If there’s a contest for the best food and views offered by a restaurant in America, this three-star Michelin restaurant just might place first. Run by Thomas Keller, its rustic, cottage-like setting in Napa Valley always turns heads with its surprisingly sophisticated design (as well as its exclusive tasting menus!). The restaurant’s gardens are beautifully lit and dotted with Japanese maple trees — a sight that will blow you away.

PINK CADILLAC DINER — NATURAL BRIDGE, VIRGINIA Taking a step into this restaurant feels like stepping straight into the 1950s … in all the best ways possible. The diner’s bold, beautiful shades of bubblegum pink — including a vintage pink Cadillac parked in front — prompt nostalgia and delight. Accompanied with a classic burger and ice cream diner menu, this East Coast gem is a destination you won’t want to miss.

CECCONI’S DUMBO — NEW YORK CITY There are plenty of gorgeous restaurants in the Big Apple, but you’ll always hear Cecconi’s Dumbo mentioned among the best. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park,

Most people can have a good meal at home, so if you have the time and money, why not pay a little extra for a nice view? Go ahead and indulge. We won’t

judge — we’ll even be a little jealous!

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