Financial Architects - November 2021

Financial Architects - November 2021

NOVEMBER 2021

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FAI’S PAT MARODY SHARES THE WISDOM OF SUCCESSION PLANNING Thankful for the Next Generation! My oldest son, Cooper, recently proposed to the love of his life on Mackinac Island — and she said yes! That was a huge moment for our family and for me as a father. They’ve set a date to get married in Nashville next summer, and we are looking forward to seeing them tie the knot. To me, weddings are beautiful partly because they signal a transition to the next generation. My wife and I won’t be here forever, but our family and our legacy will carry on through Cooper, his soon-to-be-wife Kaylee, and our other two children, McKenna and Easton. They give us hope for (and peace of mind about) the future. The vision I have for my family is similar to the one our team holds for Financial Architects. Businesses need to have succession plans (vision for the future) just like families do in order to continue growing, scaling, and succeeding into the future. Up until a number of years ago, that was one of FAI’s vulnerable spots. We realized this during a Client Advisory Meeting. In one of our meetings, the entire board asked us how we were preparing for a world beyond our founder. This is an issue for many companies, and quite frankly, this was not something we thought about at the time. They were concerned about the future financial security of their kids and grandkids, not just theirs. “Will FAI still be here caring for us and our family longer than the founder?” This question set off the development of FAI’s succession plan. As you’ve read in past newsletters, Chris Cousins and I, now co-owners, actualized the first transition, beginning the second generation of FAI. We are focused on restructuring FAI to ensure it will build and transfer value for future generations. The process was so inspiring that we even expanded our sister company, Empowering Futures, LLC., to include a business exit-planning initiative that we call the Q5 Experience. This program helps business owners

and entrepreneurs plan for the “fifth quarter” of their leadership, create and build transferable value, and pass their companies smoothly and successfully into new hands, on their own terms. I see the Q5 Experience as the missing link in the chain FAI has been building for 35 years. Through it, we can help business owners identify and address not only their own wealth gaps but also the wealth gaps of their potential successors. If you’re an entrepreneur, this will help ensure your company will continue your legacy and that you will have the income you want and need to maintain your lifestyle in retirement. Additionally, our company helps people identify their better future. In other words, life after the transition of the company doesn’t have to mean loss of identity or self-worth. We believe one deserves to live a life of significance as well as one of success. We have found that these two things are not always inclusive. Empowering Futures, LLC helps guide our clients on their new and even better journey. Looking back on all of the events of this year, I have many things to be thankful for — both professionally and personally. I’m grateful, for example, that FAI’s Client Advisory Committee holds us in high enough regard to encourage us to plan for the future and that we’ve taken steps to secure the company’s legacy. I’m also grateful that so many professionals and entrepreneurs have trusted me, Chris, and our team to help them through the Q5 Experience. That has been amazing and humbling!

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It has been a busy summer and fall for FAI and its team members. Our exit-planning business, Q5 Experience™, held three networking events to introduce the concepts to local centers of influence. These gatherings enabled the Q5 team of FAI’s Chris Cousins, Absolute Succession’s John Carter, and Empowering Futures’ John Bell to explain how the business, financial, and personal/people side are combined to help business owners. How can they get the money they deserve from their business, sell or transition their company on their terms, and choose their successor? That is where Q5 comes in to assist in this process. For more information, visit Q5Experience.com. Also this summer, Financial Architects’ Jon Hans and his mentor, Roger VanNoord (pictured below), brought back Life Lessons over Lunch at the FAI offices. A staple for the past few years, Life Lessons is an opportunity for advisors and support team to gather in the large conference room and watch a video tutorial or speech that revolves around personal development and caring for others. The Support Team meetings are quarterbacked by FAI’s Janice Reynolds. Inside Financial Architects

The holidays are right around the corner, and while many people can’t wait to eat turkey and swap presents, others only see stress on the horizon. Especially for those hosting parties, between decorations, big dinners, excited kids, and visiting family, it can all feel overwhelming. If celebrations are happening at your house this year, here are three tips to lessen the strain and keep up the holiday cheer. RECHARGE FIRST Ensure you’re rested and recharged before the holidays by taking time to relax, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that make you feel good. When you’re rushing to get everything done, it can be tempting to skip self-care routines, but that will cost you in the long run. Your daily exercise and other health activities keep you balanced and ready to face challenges head-on. GET STARTED EARLY Holidays always arrive faster than we expect, so begin preparing early. If shopping for presents is a pain point, don’t wait until the last minute. Decorate earlier than you need to — or better yet, get the kids to do it for you. There’s only so much cooking you can do ahead of time, but ensuring you have all of the equipment and nonperishable ingredients you need a few weeks in advance will reduce both your workload and anxiety. DON’T EXPECT PERFECTION The sooner you let go of the idea of a “perfect” holiday, the sooner you’ll be able to have a happy one. Face it: Something will go wrong. Whether it’s an overcooked dish, a child throwing a temper tantrum, or your uncle talking politics at the dinner table, nothing will ever go just how you planned. So, embrace the imperfections. Whether you’re celebrating this year with a group of two or 20, holidays can be a stressful time — but they don’t have to be. With these tips, your festivities may not be picture-perfect, but they will be a lot of fun. 3 TIPS FOR AMERRIER TIME HAVE A LOW- STRESS HOLIDAY

After the video and some food, a discussion led by Jon and Roger or Janice ensues. The culture at FAI is very important, and this gives the group an opportunity once every few months to take part in a little wisdom in the workplace. It was great to bring this back in person after what we all had to endure over the past 16 months. Finally, back in August, Financial Architects’ Asalyn Coachman was the keynote speaker for the Connecticut Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. This was in conjunction with Black Philanthropy Month. If you know Asalyn, you know that she loves to give back and also share her experiences with others as a mentor. In her speech, she discussed the history of philanthropy among African Americans dating back to pre-colonial West Africa, through the period of slavery and segregation to present day. Great job Asalyn!

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 Empowering Futures, LLC. 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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Chat With a Client Colleen Egan

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On the personal side, I’m thankful to have gained an amazing soon-to-be daughter-in-law. I’m also grateful that my incredible wife, Lisa, and I have been married for 31 years and that she and our children are healthy and well. All three of them are pursuing their passions. Cooper is playing professional hockey and making music; McKenna is studying to be a barn manager, horse trainer, and riding coach; and Easton is finishing up high school with the goal of one day producing music in Nashville. As a father and husband, I am humbled by God’s guidance and his blessing! From my family to yours, happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in our entire team!

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTRODUCED TO FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS? Well, my father used to go hunting with Ken Grace. Ken has known my dad since the 1970s, and I knew Ken a little bit. Ken’s mother and my mother were very good friends. My mom told me I should talk to Ken, and they were clients first, so it was a no-brainer.

–Pat Marody

Baked Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

WHAT CHARITIES OR ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU A SUPPORTER OF? Quite a few. I actually created a donor- advised fund at the recommendation of Chris Cousins, and this is through Donors Trust. Through the DAF, some of the charities I support include Junior Achievement, PACE For Girls, Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Wounded Warriors. I love to give back because I am so blessed.

Spicy, savory, and sweet, this unique stuffing will level up your Thanksgiving table.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb Mexican chorizo • 1 white onion, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped • 1 celery rib, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 cups premade cornbread, crumbled

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped • 1/2 cup chicken stock • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, for greasing • Cilantro, for garnish • Cotija cheese, for garnish

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SUMMER? My new WaveRunner. I love running around in it around the Intercoastal and the Gulf of Mexico. I also had a great time traveling, and my favorite trip was to St. Augustine, Florida.

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo for 5 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for 10 additional minutes. Stir in the cornbread and cilantro. 3. While stirring, slowly add the chicken stock. Stir until absorbed. 4. Butter a small casserole dish, then add the stuffing in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, garnish as desired, and serve!

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Inside This Issue 1 | FAI’s Pat Marody Shares the Wisdom of Succession Planning

2 | Lowering Holiday Stress

2 | Inside Financial Architects

3 | Chat With a Client

3 | Baked Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing

4 | Why You Should Visit New England for Thanksgiving

Why You Should Visit New England During Your Thanksgiving Weekend Last year, travel restrictions kept many families from gathering

Other fun destinations in that immediate area also include wandering the quaint historic downtowns of Ipswich, Sturbridge, or several other colonial era towns. You can also find tons of fun shopping destinations

together in their homes for Thanksgiving dinner. This year, it appears that people will be able to travel freely to most locations. While a “destination Thanksgiving” might not be something you’ve ever considered, for some families, it can mean the perfect blend of quality fun and family time in an exciting new city. So, why not take advantage and bring your family to visit New England, the part of the country where Thanksgiving began? If you need more reasons than just the origin of a famous holiday, consider the scenery. If you’ve never visited New England in the fall, it’s something that every person should do at least once in their lives. The variety of colors on display in the trees throughout the quaint downtowns and nearby forests is completely unique to that part of the country. There’s a reason that “visiting Boston in the fall” has become not only a popular vacation but also part of the American lexicon as well. As for what you could do when you’re in New England for your Thanksgiving weekend, there are a few popular destinations you just have to see for yourself. First and foremost among these are the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. When you visit, you’ll be transported back in time to one of the earliest settlements in the United States, where the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared the first Thanksgiving dinner.

in Beverly, Massachusetts. If you want your experience to be a little more rural, you can travel out to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, or Woodstock, Vermont, to experience a true traditional Thanksgiving celebration at Billings Farm and Museum. Even though your family might not be used to traveling for Thanksgiving, how many opportunities will you have to visit Thanksgiving’s birthplace during the season? It’s the kind of vacation you don’t want to miss!

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