Financial Architects, Inc. - July 2022

Financial Architects, Inc. - July 2022

JULY 2022

www.financialarch.com

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Plays A Vital Role in My Work THE ACT OF LISTENING

Hi, newsletter friends! It’s Sherry Hanford, and you may remember me from one of Financial Architect’s previous newsletters. My primary role here at Financial Architects is New Business for all Investment accounts and support for all advisors when they are helping meet their client’s needs and goals. I’ve been in the financial industry for more than 30 years, and during my time in the industry, I’ve noticed that the one skill I use on a daily basis is the act of listening.

the process and that there are no gray areas. If something is confusing, I am the first one to set up a meeting for everyone so we can all get on the same page. When dealing with people’s finances, I would rather overcommunicate than undercommunicate with my colleagues regarding these projects and transitions. We want to complete items correctly the first time and ensure that our clients are happy.

Listening is an essential skill in my line of work — especially because we handle our client’s finances. I want to make sure that I

“I’ve been in the financial industry for more than 30 years, and during my time in the industry, I’ve noticed that the one skill I use on a daily basis is the act of listening.”

provide our advisors with the best information and resources I can so they can serve their clients better. But in order for me to do that, I need to have excellent listening skills. If I don’t listen to what others are saying, I may not fully understand what our advisors are trying to do for their clients. I might miss something important if I’m not giving them my undivided attention. The advisors I work closely with are involved with various types of projects, so it’s vital that I pay attention to their needs and ask many questions. Then, to ensure everything is clear and understood, I will recite and summarize the provided information so we will all be on the same page. Right now, I am working with some advisors on a huge transition project, and what we are working on is all new to me. We’ve had many conversations; there’s lots of learning and making sure we understand what’s going to happen moving forward.

I don’t listen just to respond when my family, friends, or colleagues come to talk to me. I understand that sometimes people want you to listen so they can vent or voice their opinion. That’s why I don’t try to jump in and solve an issue if they have not asked me to do so. Instead, I’m happy to be a listening ear to the ones around me and hear their entire story. I want people to feel comfortable around me and be able to come to me if they need anything. It feels good when people come and talk to me. I enjoy being a sounding board for others because I will never judge or criticize them. My coworkers thank me and appreciate that they can come to me when they need to talk to someone. All I want to do is be there for them and our clients in any way I can. Sometimes, all it takes is the act of listening.

– Sherry Hanford

When learning something new, it’s crucial that I pay attention closely to the conversations at hand. I want to make sure I fully understand

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Kids look forward to summer vacation all year long, but it often only takes a few days before the “I’m bored” whines begin. It gets worse; many kids will happily spend months staring at their devices, wasting time they’ll never get back. So, how do you get children active and keep them entertained? MAKE A SUMMER BUCKET LIST. It even happens to adults: We blink, and the season is over. All those things we “meant” to do somehow end up having to wait another year (or more). Don’t let that happen to you or your kids this year. Make sure everyone gets their fill of summer fun by making a list of can’t-miss activities. Include staples like visiting the pool or the zoo — but also entertain ideas about backyard crafts and water balloon fights. Don’t forget to incorporate plenty of things the kids can do at or near home. The next time they’re bored, point them to the list and urge them to complete one of their activities. LEARN SOMETHING NEW. Hear us out — this is designed to be fun. The goal here isn’t to make your kid memorize multiplication tables over summer break. (Though, if you suggest it, they might find something else to do very quickly!) What interests do your kids have? Whether it’s firetrucks, dinosaurs, fashion, or something else entirely, they have countless opportunities to learn more through your local library or the World Wide Web. You don’t have to restrict them to book learning, either. Your kid might love the opportunity to try countless hobbies like sewing, sculpting, or even gardening. CAMP CLOSE TO HOME. Most kids love the outdoors, and they’re easily distracted by a bit of novelty. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy nature — you just need a backyard, a tent, and some sleeping bags. The prospect of spending the night outside will sound thrilling to most kids. If you have young children, make it a family affair with a campfire, roasted marshmallows, and songs. Let older kids invite some friends for a unique sleepover, complete with flashlight tag and scary stories. Summer will be over before you know it, but you and your kids can have more to show for those months — and great memories, too! Forget about “I’m bored,” and prepare yourself for a new mantra: “When can we do that again?” KEEPING KIDS ENTERTAINED THROUGH SUMMER ‘Mom, Dad, There’s Nothing to Do!’

WELCOME ARMAND!!!

Financial Architects has added a new client relations coordinator to our team. Armand Cartwright joined the Support Team in May, coming over from United Wholesale Mortgage. Armand has always wanted to mix client services with finance and is getting that opportunity with us at FAI. Armand grew up in Detroit but moved to Bloomfield Hills for his high school years. At BHHS, he was a star on the basketball team and went on to play for Klint Pleasant at Rochester College where he was team captain. Armand even played professionally overseas and still helps coach teams to this day. Armand has already commented to his fellow FAI teammates how much he has enjoyed the camaraderie and culture here. “Everybody here is so personable and they care about your well-being. It is definitely different from my past jobs, and I’m embracing it,” Armand added. Armand’s degree from Rochester is business management, and he is already putting it to good use at our firm. Welcome Armand!

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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We’re Hiring

Take a Break

Solution on Page 4

Usually every month in this space, we profile an FAI client. Financial Architects would not be where we are today without YOU! Since 1985, established by Ken Grace, FAI has always had the goal of being your most trusted advisor. Today, we want you to know that we are looking for more of those trusted professionals in our office. FAI is absolutely hiring! Do you know of any financial professionals that are looking to make a change? As you know, at FAI we really do offer a fresh approach. What makes us unique? Three things:

Mouthwatering Southern BBQ Inspired by JustAPinch.com

Summer isn’t complete without some Southern BBQ!

INGREDIENTS

1. Applying the Science of Money 2. A Whole-listic™ Approach — Macro over Micro 3. Verification over Opinion

• 3 lbs boneless pork loin roast, trimmed

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp hot pepper sauce • 10 hamburger buns, split • Deli coleslaw (optional)

• 1 cup water • 1/2 tsp salt • 1 tbsp pepper

In addition, we are also offering advisors (Financial Architects) an opportunity to access our Business Succession Planning team at the Q5 Experience. A chance to work with business owners to help them build value in their business. We are looking for asset managers as well. Do you want to be in the RIA space with us as we grow as an organization? Would you like to take on a book of business and help on the investment side? If you know anybody who might want to have a conversation about joining our team, we would love to talk to them. Speaking of the Q5 Experience, FAI is also looking for affiliate advisors, both on the financial side and on the Q5 side. Collaboration is something we are very open to, and if you know of any firms looking to grow and possibly work with us, especially on the Q5 Experience side, we’d love to talk to them. Any of these conversations in regards to business development and recruiting start at the desk of Matt Dery, our marketing coordinator. His email is [email protected]. We thank you for keeping an eye out for us!

• 1/4 cup brown sugar • 18 oz barbecue sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. In a 4-quart slow cooker, add the roast and 1 cup of water. 2. Cover and cook the roast on high for 7 hours or until tender. 3. Once tender, shred the meat. 4. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker. Stir in salt, pepper, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and hot pepper sauce. 5. Cover and cook on the lowest setting for an hour. 6. When finished, serve barbecue on buns with coleslaw (optional).

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Inside This Issue 1 | Don’t Listen Just to Give a Response

2 | Beating Summer Vacation Boredom

2 | Welcome Armand!!!

3 | Come Join Our Team

3 | Mouthwatering Southern BBQ

4 | 3 Summer Food Festivals Worth the Trip

Traveling for the Food? Don’t Miss These 3 Festivals

KEY WEST LOBSTERFEST (FLORIDA) Aug. 11–14, KeyWestLobsterfest.com

According to AAA, millions of Americans take “culinary-focused vacations” every year. We’ll travel to Philadelphia for cheesesteaks, Texas for barbecue, Louisiana for gumbo … you get the idea. Our culture loves to eat! If you’re a traveling foodie, you are in luck: Add these three summer festivals to your must-visit list for this summer or future food-finding trips.

also a beer garden, because as the organizers put it, “Beer and pierogies go together as well as peanut butter and jelly.” GRACE JAMAICAN JERK FESTIVAL (NEW YORK) July 31; JerkFestivalNY.com Yes, New York City is home to fantastic pizza and bagels, but it’s also a Caribbean food hub! At this festival, visitors can stuff themselves with jerk chicken, enjoy whole fish, and drink icies straight from hollowed-out pineapples. Six celebrity chefs will make appearances this year to compete in food contests and show off their Jamaican roots and/or dishes. When attendees aren’t eating, they can relax at a musical or cultural performance.

This year is the 25th annual Key West Lobsterfest! Seafood lovers come

from all corners to enjoy the crustacean-crazed festival, which includes a cinematic

lobster boil at sunset, a lobsterfest pool party, a pub crawl, and an all-you- can-eat-and-drink lobster brunch. Head to the website to learn more and score delicious lobster recipes — even if you can’t attend!

PIEROGI FEST (INDIANA) July 29–31; PierogiFest.net

The Polish pierogi is a humble food: mashed potatoes and cheese wrapped in soft dough and either fried, baked, or grilled to perfection. But simplicity should be celebrated! In Whiting, Indiana, Pierogi Fest is a three-day affair that brings in more than 300,000 people for events like a Polka Parade, a pierogi toss, and, of course, pierogies stuffed with everything from cheese to alligator meat. Of course, there’s

Want more food festival intel? We’ve got you. Visit Insider.com and search “food and drink festivals” for a list of 28 top food attractions, ranked by Yelp reviews.

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