Financial Architects - July 2020

Financial Architects - July 2020

JULY 2020

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A NEW WORLD FOR COMPLIANCE As Chris and Pat related in last month’s newsletter, the coronavirus pandemic has had a big impact on the way we work here at Financial Architects. We’ve made a lot of successful pivots in the last few months,

struggled to work from home because of the distraction of kids, pets, or shared workplaces, I’ve lucked out. My family is healthy and safe, and my 16-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son are pretty self-sufficient, so they give me the time and space I need to work. If anything, I’m even more productive away from the office! That said, I do still miss my colleagues and my day-to-day routines. Travel is my biggest passion, and of course, that isn’t really an option right now. Before I came to work for Financial Architects, my family lived in Germany for several years because of my husband’s work. I loved traveling through Europe so much that ever since, if I go longer than three or four months between trips, I start to get stir crazy. Warm places are my favorite, and I’ll treasure my family’s February vacation in Jamaica until we can hop on a plane again. For the last 10 years, my husband and I have been meaning to take our kids back to Germany so they can see where we lived. When this pandemic passes, that will be our first stop! Whatever life looks like for you right now, I hope you’re healthy, safe, and finding new ways to do the work you love, just like I am.

and one of the departments that has changed and adapted the most is mine!

My name is Kim Keith, and I wear two hats: I’m our company compliance officer, and I’m also assistant to founder Ken Grace. Like the rest of our support team, I’ve been working remotely from my home office during the pandemic. The ways I help Ken haven’t changed too much. Just as I did when I started at Financial Architects 12 years ago, l help him with client files and interactions and field inquiries from across the firm. The only difference is that now that work is done almost exclusively via email! It’s the compliance side of my job that has really shifted procedurally. As the compliance officer, I keep abreast of all of the rules and regulations we’re supposed to follow as a firm and communicate those rules to our Architects and support team. I’m also responsible for ensuring they adhere to those guidelines. For example, it’s up to me to make sure everyone is licensed appropriately, to approve new account paperwork for clients, and to review files. Two months ago, if you’d told me that in just a few weeks I’d be working entirely from home, I would have told you it wasn’t possible! Finding out ways to continue

my work remotely has been an incredible experience. Since the pandemic, several of our compliance procedures have changed because we’ve had to come up with new ways to process paperwork and get it from point A to point B. Until this crisis, I’ve always waded through piles of paper, but now our company has rapidly transitioned to using electronics — as have the companies we work with. Before, for example, many companies wouldn’t allow us to use electronic signatures from clients, but now they’re coming forward with procedures that will eventually make it the new norm. I wouldn’t be surprised if six months from now, instead of mailing paperwork to clients and having them hand-sign, almost everything will be done online.

Wishing you the best,

– Kim Keith

I’m happy to say I’ve adapted quickly to the new normal. While a lot of people have

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What Does ‘Empowering Financial Freedom’ ReallyMean? THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TAGLINE

CELEBRATE NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY

Whether you’re a fan of mint chocolate chip or just plain vanilla, nothing cools you down on a hot summer day quite like ice cream. It’s only fitting then that National Ice Cream Day lands on July 19 — right in the middle of the hottest month in the U.S. Ice cream’s history stretches as far back as 500 B.C. when Middle Eastern royalty combined sweet flavors with ice for a cool treat. Ice cream made its way to North America in the 1700s, and it remained a dessert for the wealthy and famous for years. George Washington even spent $200 on ice cream throughout the summer of 1790. (That would be $5,611.20 in today’s dollars!) Thankfully, these days you don’t have to be rich to enjoy ice cream. In fact, you can even save money by making it yourself! Celebrate National Ice Cream Day by creating this everyday treat using these tips. MAKE IT HOW YOU WANT IT. You can flavor your ice cream however you’d like, but there are a few basic ingredients that are necessary for most batches: milk, sugar, gelatin, and eggs. Dairy-based products like milk are the most common foundation for ice cream. Sugar adds the sweet, scrumptious flavor we all love, and gelatin aids in thickening the mixture. The eggs happen to be one of the most important ingredients because they give ice cream its classic texture while reducing the rate at which it melts. This ensures your ice cream remains in near “mint” condition as you enjoy it. Healthy Alternatives: Use bananas or almond milk for dairy-free ice cream. For vegan ice cream, use agar powder instead of gelatin and eggs. For those looking to avoid sugar, honey is a naturally sweet substitute. GET TO WORK! You’ll need to heat your ingredients on the stove prior to churning and cooling your ice cream. An ice-cream churner is the easiest way to create a perfectly smooth texture, but if you’re looking for an activity to wear out the kids, then have them shake their own ice cream! Simply place all your ingredients in a small baggie, close it up, and place that baggie in a larger one with ice cubes. Shake firmly for at least 15 minutes for homemade creamy goodness.

If you look beneath our company name on the front page of this newsletter, you’ll find the words “Empowering Financial Freedom.” That phrase is our tagline, but it’s also a code we live by here at Financial Architects. And right now in these difficult times, it’s more important than ever. When we talk about empowering financial freedom, we’re talking about clients like you. We want to give you the tools and guidance to take control of your own financial destiny. When you do that, you’ll feel empowered to build wealth and reduce risk while maintaining your current lifestyle. Nothing matters more to us than seeing that happen. Right now, with this pandemic gripping our country, taking control of your finances might seem daunting, but we’re not backing down from our goals, and more importantly, neither should you! See, the beautiful thing about empowerment is that it begins internally, inside each of us. We can give you tools, guidance, and encouragement, but ultimately, you are the source of your own empowerment. Your mind is where the magic happens. The best we can do here at Financial Architects is to empower our team and let them lead by example. As Chris and Pat discussed in last month’s newsletter, during times like these we have two options: We can either freeze in fear or empower ourselves through action. Choosing the latter means using our fear as energy to retake control. That, in turn, empowers those around us to do the same. Here at Financial Architects, we use this strategy every day to empower our clients — or more accurately, to inspire them — to empower themselves. Next time you’re faced with a financial challenge, try to remember the true nature of empowerment. Instead of freezing in fear, take a moment to think, and then act quickly to achieve your dreams. You’ll come away from the experience feeling free, empowered, and ready to tackle your financial future.

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

A Chat With a Client Q&A With Tom Riley

Q. HOW DID YOU DISCOVER FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH US. A. I was first introduced to Financial Architects over 20 years ago when I became friends with Ken Grace, who impressed me as a man of integrity. We went to lunch one day, and he explained what he does for a living, so later my wife and I worked with him to lay out an integrated asset protection plan, a diversified investment strategy, and an estate plan. When our sons started college, our wealth management plan accommodated this expensive season of life without sacrificing risk.

Solution on Page 4

NO-CHURN S'MORES ICE CREAM

Chris Cousins soon became my Architect when our cash flow, and our risks, increased. We discussed how to manage any financial disruptions, and we’re glad we did. About three years ago, my job was unexpectedly eliminated. Ken and Chris helped us rearchitect our wealth management strategy and Chavez Vincent also became our Architect. He and Chris executed a seamless transition for us. Later, my wife and I went through The LifeMethod™ program with FAI and came out with a fresh, positive outlook on our lives. I even became a coach and have been working with The LifeMethod™ team ever since. Q. YOUR CAREER PATH AND LIFE TOOK AN INTERESTING TURN YEARS AGO. WHAT DID YOU DISCOVER ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW HAS IT MADE YOU BETTER? A. I was three years shy of retiring and maintaining my standard of living when my job was eliminated. I interviewed with about 20 different companies and made the final cut a few times, but I was never chosen. Even though it was frustrating, I believed God was at work in my life. So, when I was introduced to The LifeMethod™, I felt God opened a door. The LifeMethod™ makes a real difference in people’s lives, and a bright future awaits if you look for opportunities instead of become a victim.

INGREDIENTS

• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 10 graham crackers, crushed • 1 chocolate bar, chopped • 2 cups whipping cream, chilled

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, graham crackers, and chocolate.

Q. HOW DID YOU AND YOUR WIFE DEAL WITH THE PANDEMIC THIS SPRING?

2. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat whipping cream until peaks form, about 3 minutes.

A. We recently moved to Pennsylvania, so we’ve been settling in. Now we’re closer to my wife’s family, and we’ve even had social distancing picnics! We drive separately to a restaurant, order carryout, and then park in the lot and visit from our cars or sit apart in chairs while we eat. We’ve played virtual games with our grandchildren, and my wife and I decided to not watch the news nearly as much and avoid divisive conversation. We also planted a garden. I tell people if my survival is dependent on our garden, then I will see them in eternity! But having a garden is a new learning adventure … all good!

3. Fold whipping cream into the condensed milk mixture. Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for at least 8 hours.

4. Serve and enjoy on a hot summer day. It’s especially delicious in a waffle cone!

Inspired by GrainChanger.com

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Inside This Issue 1 | A New World for Compliance 2 | National Ice Cream Day Prompts Homemade Creations 2 | The Truth Behind the Tagline 3 | A Chat With a Client 3 | Homemade S’mores Ice Cream 4 | 3 Travel Destinations Where Photos Are a No-Go

No Photos Allowed

What is traveling without taking photos? With the excellent cameras on our smartphones and endless platforms to share our snapshots on, we’re taking more pictures than ever. But did you know there are certain destinations where visitors are not allowed to take photos? Here are three places where you must put the camera away. THE EIFFEL TOWER Right now, you’re probably thinking about all the pictures of the Eiffel Tower you’ve seen or even taken yourself. After all, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist spots in the world, but under French law, taking a photo of the Eiffel Tower at night — and then distributing that photo — is illegal. That includes posting the picture to social media. French officials can send you a cease-and-desist order if they find your night photo because the tower’s nighttime light display is copyrighted. It was installed by French artist Pierre Bideau who owns the rights to the display. Do French officials search the web for your vacation photos? No, but they can take action if it’s brought to their attention.

also a place of worship, and the Vatican considers it disrespectful to photograph such a holy place.

However, there’s more to the story. In 1980, Japan’s Nippon Television Network Corporation bought exclusive rights to all photos and videos of the interior of the chapel because they funded the renovation of the chapel. While the Japanese corporation no longer holds these rights, the Vatican maintains the “no photos” rule. ULURU Also known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is one of the largest sandstone rock formations in the world. Located in the middle of Australia, Uluru is highly regarded by the Anangu Aboriginal people who call the region home. Photography around parts of the rock is forbidden out of respect for the An angu people’s beliefs, specifically Tjukurpa , or the time when the world was created. Certain areas around Uluru are used for gender-specific rituals, and as a result, members of the opposite sex must never see these locales, including in photos. The A nangu say the restriction of photography ensures they adhere to their beliefs and never lay eyes on these sacred spots, even accidentally through a photograph.

THE SISTINE CHAPEL While the Sistine Chapel may be home to incredible works of art originally painted by Michelangelo, it is

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