NEWS spring 2016 volume 17 issue 2

2MEMBER UPDATE

3CHAIR’S MESSAGE

4CAP

5CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SPONSORS

FPA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

6-7COUNCIL NEWS

9MEMBERSHIP

10NEW MEMBERS

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN

11MONEY SMART WEEK RECAP

NEXGEN

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEJORIE PITT, CFP®President

It is an exciting time to be a Financial Planner. As an industry, we are still quite young, and it is not surprising that we’ll experience some growing pains as we mature.

April brought the release of the new Department of Labor (DOL) revised Fiduciary Rule. I’m sure you didn’t miss it. If you are like me, then your inbox has been full of information regarding the new rule and tips for implementation. Not surprisingly, there are mixed reactions within the industry regarding the merits of the new rules. However, personal feelings on the rule aside, we

all need to spend time determining how the DOL regulations impact our business and our processes.

Now, more than ever, it is important that you be an active participant in our organization and our industry! The Financial Planning Association of Illinois works hard to make sure that we are able to offer quality education, opportunities to have your voice heard by policy makers and opportunities to give back to our local communities.

The educational events being offered in 2016 are top notch! In May we had our annual Spring Forum which was hosted by Morningstar. All of the presentations were geared towards showing us how to add value to our client relationships above just offering investment advice. This idea of adding value to our relationships is so important in light of the new DOL regulations. As investment advice becomes more commoditized, we need to be able to show our clients the non-investment value that we as Financial Planners bring to the table.

Our next large educational event will be our Conference for Advanced Planning (CAP) this November 3 and 4 in Oakbrook, IL. This conference will allow you to hear from some of the top thinkers and innovators in our industry! Presenters that have already committed include Michael Kitces, Jonathon Guyton, Robert Keebler and David Blanchett. There will be many more high quality speakers announced over the next couple of months. Make sure to sign up for this conference early to get the early bird rate!

I encourage you to also become involved in the FPA Advocacy outreach. Make sure our lawmakers and regulators hear your voice and your concerns. FPA National is planning a trip to speak with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in June. You can find information about joining that coalition on the National FPA website. Also keep an eye on upcoming communications from FPA of IL. We’ll have a team working to organize advocacy meetings with our state representatives and senators over the summer.

Finally, take advantage of the opportunities that FPA of IL offers to give back to our communities. Financial Literacy is not being given high priority in our educational systems. It is up to us, as an industry, to try and help educate the public about healthy money habits. Each April we participate in Money Smart Week and each October we participate in Financial Planning Day. If you haven’t volunteered your time at one of these events in the past, I encourage you to give it a try. It is highly rewarding to give back to our students, senior citizens and low-income communities.

2 SPRING 2016

MEMBER UPDATE

Mission Statement

Inclusion: We will serve a broad, diverse membership

Member Development: Enhance the professional Development of our members through networking, education, and service opportunities

Vision Statement

To be the community that fosters the value of financial planning services.

To be the primary resource of support and information for our members, the public and the media.

Values

We demonstrate leadership by:

• Listening to each other and being fair and impartial;• Involving communities and respecting their input and opinions;• Treating each other with dignity and respect;• Broadening our cultural and social horizons beyond

our usual experiences;• Treating others with compassion and responsibility;• Fostering teamwork within and outside the Association;• Taking responsibility and accountability for our actions;• Producing timely and reliable data and information;• Encouraging innovation and recognizing contributions;• Creating a work environment that encourages input

and feedback;

• Embracing the idea of continual learning and training.

FPA OF ILLINOIS MISSION STATEMENT

BIG NEWS! THE ALL-NEW FPA PLANNERSEARCH® IS NOW LIVE AND MAKING YOU MORE VISIBLE!

The newly redesigned, re-engineered FPA PlannerSearch® is now LIVE and better meets the needs of our CFP® members and the public. The significant overhaul of the site and search functionality was to shift the primary focus of the platform to driving member visibility online, which will lead to new business opportunities. If you are a CFP® professional member on the site, please be sure to update your profile. Keeping it fresh will help in driving relevance in Google searches. Check out the new site at www.PlannerSearch.org!

FPA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY NOW AVAILABLE… AND EXPANDED!

FPA has launched a new member benefit—the FPA Professional Services Directory—to provide members with even more resources and tools to support their professional and business success. The Directory, accessible on FPA Connect, lists all Allied Professional and CFP® Professional members of FPA and serves as a resource to connect members who seek support in the financial planning process.

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR – 2016Linda Weinrib, CFP®(312) 263-5235l_weinrib@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT – 2016Jorie Pitt, CFP®(630) 762-8185joriepitt@ahcadvisors.com

PRESIDENT ELECT – 2016Valerie Janke, CFP®(630) 245-1156vjanke@wradvisors.com

SECRETARY/TREASURERRandall Bruns, CFP®(630) 719-9222randy.bruns@hiptpartners.com

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AWARENESSTammy Wener, CFP®(847) 777-0272twener@rwfinancialplanning.com

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIPJennifer Gould, CFP®, CRPC(847) 224-6078jenqgouldfpa@outlook.com

DIRECTOR – EDUCATION, ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDSBrad Rosley, CFP®(630) 942-9007brad@fortunefinancialgroup.com

DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPShara Fessler(949) 554-4913sfessler1980@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT – CHICAGO LOOP COUNCILLance Eaton(312) 265-3136lance.eaton@etrade.com

PRESIDENT – NORTHWEST COUNCILThomas Howard, CFP®(847) 742-7360thoward@danoyes.com

PRESIDENT – NORTH SHORE COUNCILTad Gray, CFP®(312) 953-8990tadgray@me.com

PRESIDENT – OAK BROOK COUNCILLori Miller, CFP®(630) 690-0000ljmiller@lpl.com

PRESIDENT – SOUTH SUBURBAN COUNCILPaul Lechner, CPA(708) 460-6686paul@lechnerlaw.com

CHAPTER EXECUTIVEDee Farris(847) 244-3691dee.farris@fpaillinois.org

COUNCIL EXECUTIVE – NORTH SHORE AND OAK BROOKKelly Zupan(312) 318-6412kzupan@fpailinois.org

CHAIR’S MESSAGELINDA WEINRIB, CFP®CHAIR

Spring Forum 2016 was held at Morningstar headquarters in the Loop on May 12. This year’s theme about finding ways to add value for your clients and your practice was nicely summarized in a chart I recently saw which had Relationship on the left axis and Relevance on the bottom axis. To keep clients for the long term, you need to have strong Relationship and

Relevance. For your clients and you to be successful, you have to stay in the top right quartile of the chart. If you have no Relevance and no Relationship, you do not have a Client.

Our top tier line up of speakers covered multiple practice areas and ways attendees could add client Relevance and build client Relationships.

– Daniel Needham from Morningstar helped with identifying and better understanding clients’ risk tolerance in more substantive ways by using empathy and market situations to pinpoint comfort levels. The infamous client risk questionnaire is only a part of what we need to review in order to help clients realize that their preferences may only be what they think they need.

– Lionel Lee of Chubb, identified personal risk exposures that target the client portfolios that they have spent years building. Social networking has one of the largest exposures, though telling your teenagers they can’t go on Facebook might not work very well. He explored various ways to help reduce these risks.

– Sean Dranfield of Performance Trust discussed non-traditional ways to look at bond investing that take into account portfolio exposure to up and down interest rate moves. He also discussed various bond alternatives to plain vanilla municipal and corporate bonds.

– Markets are volatile. How many of you have clients questioning the fees they pay for the mediocre returns they are getting lately on a diversified portfolio? John Anderson from SEI assessed the current landscape and explored pricing trends and strategies to help implement a model that reflects your value proposition.

– J. Patrick Fleming of Caldwell & Orkin reviewed the unintended consequences of quantitative easing and potential impacts to markets and client portfolios.

– To wrap up the day, John Nersesian of Nuveen ran an interactive high net worth case study. Attendees used information from the day and their personal knowledge in a discussion of what should be addressed for the sample client situation. John highlighted ways to present these issues and alternative solutions to clients in a manner that highlights your value by optimizing the advice you provide.

Attendees used the day to identify ways to increase their Relevance and to communicate this to clients in order to build Relationship.

Use this coming year as a way to demonstrate that you offer more than just investment returns. Our November CAP conference will provide additional high level client and personal planning techniques. Make time to network with peers and glean information from world class speakers so you can stay in the top right hand Quartile!

FPAILLINOIS.ORG 3

Attendess at the annual FPA of Illinois Spring Financial Forum held on May 12, 2016

Attendess at the annual FPA of Illinois Conference for Advanced Planning held on September 1-2, 2015

Building upon two very successful conferences in 2014 and 2015, FPA of Illinois is again holding the Conference for Advanced Planning (CAP). CAP is a financial planning event that focuses on advanced topics and the needs of the professional planner. It was designed to offer superior value to our members by providing top-quality educational content and speakers.

The CAP Conference will take place on November 3 and 4 at the Doubletree Hilton in Oak Brook. There will also be a pre-conference opportunity to obtain your CFP and Illinois Insurance ethics CE on November 2. Registration will open on or about June 30. Watch your emails!

CAP will again offer three tracks to choose from throughout two days. The conference will offer CFP, IL Insurance, IMCA and CPA continuing education credits. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn 15 hours of CE.

The CAP Conference is geared toward those who are interested in expanding their knowledge of advanced planning topics. This conference is committed to bring only high level topics to attendees. All conference presentations are screened by a committee to ensure that the topics are both advanced in nature and relevant to financial planners. Presentations are also vetted to be sure they aren’t commercials for the presenter.

In addition to being packed with new and cutting edge content, CAP offers an opportunity for you to network with your peers and visit

CAP IS BACK FOR THE THIRD YEAR!!

with our sponsors whose support help make this event possible. You’ll also find that many sponsors can help you manage and improve your practice.

We’re bringing back several very popular speakers who received rave reviews last year: – David Blanchett, Morningstar– Jonathan Guyton, Cornerstone Wealth Advisors, Inc.– Bob Keebler, Keebler & Associates– Michael Kitces, Pinnacle Advisory Group

We hope you take advantage of this conference and all that it has to offer you. With the strongest lineup of speakers found anywhere, and two days available to network extensively with your peers, we believe that it will be time well spent for you. If you only attend one more event in 2016, this is the event to attend. You will not be disappointed!

Hotel accommodations for those wishing to stay overnight are available for the discounted rate of $ 125.00.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW and watch for registration to open around June 30. The FPA member early bird rate of $595 will save you $100 but will end on September 16.

Word is that CAP is better than some national conferences. Watch your emails and mail for more details which will also be posted to our website, www.fpaillinois.org, as they become available.

4 SPRING 2016

FPAILLINOIS.ORG 5

2016 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

DAY AND TIME COUNCIL DESCRIPTION SPEAKER LOCATION

AUGUST F 26 7:30 - 10 A.M. Oak Brook Insurance Panel/Estate Planning Naperville Country Club

SEPTEMBER W 14 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. Chicago Loop Morningstar - Special Guest Speaker Morningstar, 22 W.

Washington, Chicago W 28 8:00 - 10:30 A.M. North Shore Health Care Planning: “Get Ready for Open Highland Park Country Club Enrollment” and “Dealing with Dementia and Alzheimers”

W 28 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Northwest Sale + Purchase of Planning Practices Giovanni’s, Rockford

OCTOBER F 21 7:30 - 10 A.M. Oak Brook Fiscal Policy Naperville Country Club

NOVEMBER TH 3 8:00 A.M. - 5 P.M. Chapter CAP Day One F 4 8:00 A.M. - 5 P.M. Chapter CAP Day Two M 7 11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Chicago Loop Economic Update with the Fed Bill Strauss W 16 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Northwest TBA

FPA OF ILLINOIS 2016 SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORSCharles Schwab Advisor ServicesLinda StruckLinda.Struck@schwab.com(312) 517-4019

ChubbTara Harmontharmon@chubb.com(630) 875-6070

GOLD SPONSORSMorningstar, Inc.Bradley Andreatta bradley.andreatta@morningstar.com(312) 696-6245

Performance TrustPatt Longplong@performancetrust.com(312) 521-1639

Scottrade Advisor ServicesCorey Winterscwinters@scottrade.com(314) 315-1871

SEISteven Millersrmiller@SEIC.com(610) 676-3884

A. J. Wayne & AssociatesAlex Waynealexwayne@ajwayne.com(773) 305-7686

FPA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEERepresenting financial planners and issues affecting planner practices are primary objectives of the Financial Planning Association®. To enhance our efforts, the FPA-PAC was created as the federally registered political action committee of FPA, the only registered PAC on Capitol Hill representing the interests of the financial planning profession.

By contributing to the FPA-PAC fund, you’re helping support candidates for the United States Senate and House of Representatives—primarily incumbents, regardless of political party—who have demonstrated previous support of issues FPA believes critical to advancing the profession.

MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TODAY!Visit https://www.onefpa.org/advocacy/Pages/FPA-PAC-Contribution.aspx

requirements and more flexible options can make today’s HECM more attractive to anyone age 62 or older with equity in their home and a need for cash–or even a desire for the “safety net” of an additional credit line in their retirement years. Mr. Bivens covered the numerous benefits and features of HECMs, including the way an HECM’s credit line typically increases over time independently of the market value of the home. He also presented some of the many ways an HECM can solve cash flow issues, when purchasing a new home, when postponing social security payments, and when avoiding the sale of investments in a market downturn. To thank Mr. Bivins for providing the educational content at this meeting the North Shore Council provided an honorarium in his name to the charity of his choice, The American Cancer Society.

A three-member panel spoke to the council on Long-Term Housing Needs for Seniors. Panel members were Lynn Johnson, Business Development Director at Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes; Lauren A. Weldon, an attorney at Margolis Weldon, LLC; and Katie Monahan, Director of Marketing at Dimensions Home Health Care. The conversation was wide-ranging and addressed topics including Medicaid rules and spend-down issues, guidelines that clients can use to help aging parents transition to new housing options—and suggestions for conversations surrounding long-term care, the pitfalls of “informally” hiring home health care providers, strategies for finding area housing options best-suited to the needs of clients and their parents, and more. To thank the panel for providing the educational content at this meeting the North Shore Council provided an honorarium in their name to The Walk to End Alzheimers.

The North Shore Council held a breakfast on April 20 with a focus on Technology Trends. In the first hour, council member Garnet Sherman moderated a four-member panel exploring the current landscape of financial planning software. The panelists represented five widely-used software packages: FPA Past-President Sharon Egan of North Stare spoke on eMoney, Kate Leippbrandt of

REPORT FROM

CHICAGO LOOP COUNCILLANCE P. EATON, CFP®

The Chicago Loop Council has been off to a busy start in the first half of the year. The Council has all collectively and eagerly worked on trying some new programming by attempting different meeting times as well as various topics. We still have much work to do to keep bringing you fresh topics and at dates/times that work best for you to attend.

I request that you please feel free to email me with any suggestions or even any contacts of resources you feel others might benefit in hearing. We are in constant pursuit to break outside what the past norms have been in programing and to be more innovative in providing you content.

We started the first half of the year with events in Tax Updates (Feb), Social Security, Unique Estate Planning and Ethics. Summer will be quiet as we all enjoy what looks like will be a warm one and also to build up and prepare for a strong and impactful event on Wednesday 9/14 at Morningstar after work at 5:30 p.m. with drinks to follow—more details to follow but save the date! We will wrap up our year with one of our most exciting events as we hear from the Federal Reserve over lunch in November.

One big item we are working on is a Chapter wide CE event we want to make annually recurring. This would be a Saturday all day event with significant CE titled “Keeping Current” and will serve as an annual update for the various pillars of financial planning. This will not be until next year. While we all get our updates in various manners I cannot think of a better, more concise and assured way to get many updates at once than an in-person live one day conference to cover any changes.

I, and the Loop Council, look forward to working with you more closely as we continue to make strategic changes to better serve your needs. Again, please reach out to me with any thoughts and suggestions. Go Cubs Go!!

REPORT FROM

NORTH SHORE COUNCILCHARLES SIKOROVSKY CHAIR, NORTH SHORE COUNCIL

The North Shore Council held a luncheon on February 17 to take an in-depth look at financing planning relating to housing for seniors from two very different perspectives. In the first hour, the program covered Reverse Mortgages and Cash Flow Planning for Seniors; in the second hour, the program was about Long-Term Housing Needs for Seniors. The event was sponsored by Janus Funds represented by Spencer Page, Regional Sales Director, Advisor Solutions Group, and also by Russell Investments, represented by Investment Advisor Representative Tim Halverson.

Terry Bivins, Senior Vice President at The Federal Savings Bank, spoke to the council on Reverse Mortgages. Terry showed how the Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) of today have evolved from the reverse mortgages of only a few years ago. Lower beginning mortgage balance

6 SPRING 2016

COUNCIL NEWS

L to r: Garnet Sherman, CFP®, Sharon Egan, CFP®, Kate Leipprandt, CFP®, Doug Morton, CFP®, Charles Sikorovsky

Lauren A. Weldon, Elder Law Attorney, Partner, Margolis Weldon LLC, Lynn Johnson, Business Development Director, Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes, Katie Monahan, Director of Marketing, Dimensions Home Health Care, David Hatton, CFP®, Director, FPA-IL North Shore Council

Baldwin Financial spoke on MoneyGuidePro, Council Past-President Doug Morton of United Capital spoke on Financeware, and Council Chair Charles Sikorovsky spoke on Naviplan, as well as eFinPlan (a package related to MoneyTree). The ways in which clients interacted with the various “client portals” available in the software packages was a topic that came up throughout the session; and other speaking points included ease of data entry, integration with related software such as CRMs, and the appearance and the value of printed plans in general.

The second half of the program featured Robert and Karla Zehnder of Hodgson Consulting Solutions. Robert and Karla addressed various categories of software of interest business owners in general, and to planners in particular. CRM packages, Voice Over Internet Protocol (“VOIP”) software, Backup and Recovery Options, Encryption, as well as Marketing Technology (web design, social media and e-mail communications to clients) were all addressed during Robert’s presentation, which included time for questions from attendees.

The breakfast event was sponsored by returning North Shore Council sponsors Lord Abbett represented by Kevin Bosco, Regional Manager, and Performance Trust Asset Management (“PTAM”) represented by Neal Loftus, Regional Sales Director.

As we go to press, the North Shore Council met for their annual social event on Thursday, June 9 at Pinstripes in Northbrook. The event is a great way to mingle with planners from the North Shore, enjoy drinks and appetizers with colleagues and vendors, and for those who enjoy a little friendly competition, the bocce courts were available to us.

REPORT FROM

NORTHWEST COUNCILTOM HOWARD, CFP®PRESIDENT, NORTHWEST COUNCIL

The Northwest Council met at Giovanni’s Restaurant in Rockford on May 4 and had an informative Vicki Beard, an expert on Senior Care as we explored the issue of possible cognitive dysfunction in our clients. Valuable experiences and protocols were shared over another tasty meal. Our thanks to our sponsor, SEI and their representative, Steve Miller. Our next meeting is September 28 at Giovanni’s with Advisor Successions, a practice valuation group who will help us explore the sale and purchase of planning practices.

REPORT FROM

OAK BROOK COUNCIL LORI MILLER, CFP®PRESIDENT, OAK BROOK COUNCIL

Summer Greetings, fellow FPA of IL members! Protracted April showers have continued to leave our lawns and landscape a refreshing green, so do make time to get outside and “think green”

beyond the money. Speaking of money, if you weren’t there, you missed excellent content at our FPA Oakbrook’s spring session discussing the latest new transparency and legal changes in our financial industry. FINRA 1502, the DOL Fiduciary Standard, and the VIX/Volatility topics were represented well by our excellent industry speakers. We had lengthy but healthy discussion that will continue as I believe the train has left the station and those not onboard will face business and client challenges that could be irreversible.

As we go to press, we’re looking forward to our networking gathering on Wed., June 8. We’ve appropriately titled our social gathering a “Town Hall Style Advisor Networking Meeting” since rubbing elbows with our colleagues is a tested method to learn from each other how this is impacting and what we’re doing about it. No speakers, just delicious food, premium beverages, and fun in a relaxed old-school former bank redone with class, and two local sponsors, Lord Abbett (Mike Welshimer) and MetLife (Paul Manning) willing to share their company updates.

Plan ahead for Friday, August 26 Breakfast CEU educational session that will be an insurance panel and topics in Estate Planning, and for October 21 discussing Federal Reserve Monetary and Fiscal policies with the Presidential Election drawing near. These final 2016 sessions are held with a hot delicious breakfast starting at 7:30 am at the Naperville Country Club, and you’ll be en route to your office by 10 am ready to solve your clients’ problems. Since we’re planners, it’s never too early to start thinking of 2017 and our leadership team, we would love to have you join us and keep us relevant moving forward. All the best, and looking forward to seeing you soon!

REPORT FROM

SOUTH SUBURBAN COUNCILPAUL LECHNER, CPA PRESIDENT, SOUTH SUBURBAN COUNCIL

South Suburban Council held a co-sponsored ‘Ethics’ breakfast presentation with the South Suburban Estate Planning Council, May 16, 2016. Fourteen people attended (planners, attorneys and CPAs). This was our first effort delivering a ‘networking’ approach to South Suburban Council Membership meetings.

Our next event will be an evening spent with CPA’s, July 22, 2016 at the Standard Bank Stadium, located in Crestwood, Illinois at 14011 S. Kenton, Crestwood, Illinois. The Windy City ThunderBolts are a professional minor league baseball team entering their 18th season in the Frontier League in 2016. Visit wcthunderbolts.com/team/aboutus for additional information. Game starts at 7:05 pm. After the game stay for live music featuring ‘Chicago’s Dueling Pianos.’ Call Paul Lechner at (708) 460-6686 for additional information.

7FPAILLINOIS.ORG

Andrew Dornbusch and Larissa J. Miller, and Sponsors Timothy Halverson of Russell Investments and Theodore Yeo, NorthStar Asset Management Group, Inc.

FPA LinkedIn GroupFace to Face Events & TrainingTwitter & Facebook CommunitiesFPA Connect™ Online Community

$

24,000+PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS

AWARD-WINNING

JOURNALOF FINANCIAL PLANNING®

SAVINGS THROUGH THE MEMBER

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DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FPA EVENTS, CONFERENCES & WEBINARS

HARNESS THE COLLECTIVE WISDOM OF CFP® PROFESSIONALS THROUGH FPA

KNOWLEDGE CIRCLES

Enhance your professional knowledge, grow your business, advocate for your profession and connect with your peers.

FPA has everything you need to succeed.

FPA ISFPA ISFPA ISFPA ISFPA ISFPA IS

YOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTIONYOUR ONE CONNECTION™™™ TO TO TO TO TO TO

Welcome to YOUR professional home.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP & VIEW ALL BENEFITS AT

ONEFPA.ORG/MEMBERSHIP/BENEFITS

FPAILLINOIS.ORG

- Exposure to industry, keep current- Training- Belong to a professional association, be part of the solution- Marketing Opportunities- Practice Management- Best Practices- Journal of Financial Planning- FPA Smart Brief- Financial Services Review- FPA Knowledge Circles- Member Advantage Program- Research and Practice Institute- Media Training- Job Board- Advocacy Days- FPA-PAC

If you are unsure about what one of the items on the list is referring to, or need guidance where to find more information on one of these items, email me at jenqgouldfpa@outlook.com. I would be happy to do a short web tutorial. Enjoy your summer…and don’t forget to respond to that survey! Cheers!!

MEMBERSHIPJENNIFER GOULD, CFP®DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

When I was just an obnoxious youngster, I remember many times tugging on my mother’s pants or skirt while she was on the phone. Even though I knew I was not supposed to interrupt her, sometimes I just had to know if it was a problem that my brother was dangling from a chain link fence next door when he hopped it and his pants ripped and were caught on the edge. Other times I had to know something much more important, like if I could have a snack or some kool-aid. Each time, her initial reaction to my inquiries were met with a stern and loud WHAT. DO. YOU. WANT?!! Sometimes I shook in my shoes when I realized that I could have cozied up to the sink and had some water and prevented that glaring look I was receiving.

Well, we at FPA are certainly not your mom, but we really, really, really want to know WHAT DO YOU WANT? You can count on a survey coming soon if you haven’t seen it already that focuses on what is important to you and if you are getting it from your membership. We urge you to be candid and let us know where we are failing and what you enjoy and see value in through FPA.

You pay a lot of money for your membership. We on the Board have made it our mission to find out what specifically you find to be lacking in your membership or conversely, what you are using and benefitting from… and we vow to try and make it better. We only want to keep the programs that are wanted and make changes in the direction the survey results might take us. Use your voice. If you have strayed from FPA functions, let us know why. If you are an active participant, what is working for you? What’s missing? What do you find beneficial?

In the meantime, I wanted to discuss some great benefits of FPA membership…many of which may have been forgotten by our long time members. Here are just a few reasons to be a member and be active in FPA:

- Meet people/network- Network with other planners and allied professionals- Learn from Other Practitioners- Continuing Education Credits

9

MEMBERS ANNIVERSARIES

NEW MEMBERS

Congratulations to members celebrating membership anniversaries

January 1 – April 30, 2016

30 YEARSDonna M. Cainkar, CFP®, MBADwight R. Erskine, II, CFP®

25 YEARSJames J. Azzarello, CFP®, CLU, ChFCSteven J. Newell, CFP®, LLC

20 YEARSLee Ciardella, CFP®Roger J. Hannan, CFP®, CPAMichael J. Nicolini, CFP®, CTFARobert F. Papierniak, CFP®James L. Quinlivan, CFP®Gerald A. Seibert, CFP®, CLU, ChFCPhilip J. Watson, CRPC

15 YEARSBrian J. Henderson, CFP®David J. Klintworth, CFP®Timothy P. McGrath, CFP®, CLU, ChFCAmy H. Ost, CFP®Mark E. Rice, CFP®, CTFAThomas E. Royce, CFP®Alan Tucker, CFP®Robert A. Watson, CFP®Donald L. Wettstein, CFP®Meade A C Whitaker, CFP®Betty J. Zeedyk, CFP®

10 YEARSMichael J. Boyce, CFP®Julie L. Bucaro, CFP®Christopher W. Dilts, CFP®Joseph Feldmann, CFP®,James D. Forcucci, CFP®, ChFC, CRPCSusanne M. FullerGarry Good, CFP®Andrew J. Higney, CFP®Edward J. Kelly, Jr., CFP®Henry Kurzawski, CFP®Allen I. KutchinsThomas J. Manzardo, CFP®Mark Pierce, CFP®, ChFC, MBAGarnet M. Sherman, CFP®Kelly A. Shikany, CFP®Mark R. Smith, CFP®Jimmy Stewart, AAMS, CFP®Robin Stone, CFP®Lawrence P. Strzelecki, MBA, CFP®, AIF®Frank N. Szafranski, CFP®Vivian J. Villers, CFP®Paul Weers, CFP®Peter Wilmot, CFP®Emily L. Yetter, CFP®

Welcome to the 28 new members of FPA of Illinois

January 1 – April 30, 2016

CENTRAL ILLINOISEric Schaefer

CHICAGO LOOPMadeleine BurtonAnina DeTommasoTobias EngDonal Brendan Falls, CFP®Brett GraffySusan Herrick, CFP®Christopher LakumbBrian J. LorberKevin E. Willoughby

GREATER OAK BROOKKatherine ByrneMark EssenfeldStephanie C. Fuller, CFP®Daniel J. KellermeyerMichael ShukisDavid Woodbridge

NORTH SHOREAdam Blonsky, CFP®Trish EricksonRebecca FragassiRichard FurmanskiDustin ObhasSiree Sandberg Bakakos

NORTHWESTNed Burns, CFP®Michael ChattertonAmy L. HarrisLori Melling, CFP®Matt PowellJames Dougals Wolfe, MBA

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKENSTEVE O’HARA, CFP®

After years of dwindling attendance at the FPA of IL Chapter meetings that were held at Café La Cave, a new, fresh approach was put together for 2015 and beyond. Brad Rosley and I developed what was intended to be a deeper dive into unconventional speakers and topics, in an effort to gather the wide swath of planner-participants that the Chapter has brought in the past, and continues to bring to our two symposiums.

However, six presentations over 18 months into the program, the results have not been worthwhile. About 20 participants came out for nationally known coach to financial advisors, Tracy Beckes, on how to transform your office and its mission. Meetings on the finer points of insurance within a financial plan, on the emergence of different financial planning models, and others have failed to assemble 30 participants. And so, with regret, we respect the reaction of our membership that there is not adequate interest to support these programs, and the June 2 program on Retirement Planning for Business Owners, was the final program. The previously announced programs on marketing and business succession are hereby canceled.

Brad and I regret our inability to design a program that would bring together the best minds and hearts in the greater Chicago planning community on a regular basis. Our failure to tap into this resource is a personal disappointment, and probably the same for a few of you readers. We wish you the best and look forward to crossing paths with you at future events.

10 SPRING 2016

5 YEARSTerry BivinsDaniel CoilHolly DanzigerLauren DeSantoRaymond Giese, CFP®Jacob J. Gronewold, CFP®Craig Janus, CFP®Jon M Knapp, CFP®Willie MackScott M. Norris, CFP®, AIF®Tim Obendorf, CFP®Alan J. Richmond, CFP®Laura K. Rossi, CFP®Andrew SkibaJames S. SmithMark Soehn

NEXGENDUSTIN OBHAS, CFP®, AIF®CHAIR, NEXGEN

We’ve had a few programs this year that have focused on business development and bringing together our fellow young planners in the area.

Our first event focused on Effective Networking, with Tim Barry from Sandler Training. Tim helped us think strategically about networking and explore how to break out of our comfort zone with a 30 second pitch that will help make an impact on our prospects and grow our business.

Networking often time can be the last thing someone wants to do. Tim aims to help create a purpose there. One thing that Tim suggests is to go into every networking event and aim to get 3 business cards, from 3 business owners, that can give you 15 minutes of their time within 3 business days.

Our next presenter is Robb Zbierski, and a personal development coach that will present “Train your Brain for Success” where we will learn to harness the incredible creative capacity of your mind and achieve your personal best – professionally, financially and personally.

Train your Brain for SuccessJune 22 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2600Chicago

We hope you can join us for what is going to be an excellent event.

On another note, we want to announce to the FPA community that we are looking for new leadership starting in 2017. I’ve been President for the last two years, and a board member two years prior to that. I’ve had an incredible group help put together some quality events the past two years, so I thank you Elissa Lovell, Mike Karmin, and Eric Billimoria for all of your efforts. The four of us will be stepping down, effective December 31 of this year. We believe it’s time for a new group of young planners to lead this growing NexGen community. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the board, or learning more about what goes into the board, please do not hesitate to contact me (dobhas@clafa.net).

MONEY SMART WEEK® RECAPTAMMY WENER, CFP® DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AWARENESS

On April 25, 16 FPA members participated in the 2016 Money Smart Week® – Terry Savage event at the Harold Washing Library. This well-attended event attracted approximately 165 individuals to hear Terry speak about a variety of financial planning topics, including the recent Department of Labor rule regarding fiduciary standards with respect to financial advice on tax-preferred retirement plans and assets. This year, in addition to being introduced on stage, each planner responded to questions from Terry about his or her area of expertise. After Terry’s presentation, program attendees had the opportunity to sit with an FPA member to ask specific questions about their particular situation at no charge. I had a number of attendees approach me after meeting with a planner to tell me how much they appreciated the opportunity!

There is no doubt it is difficult to carve out time for volunteer opportunities, however, I think those FPA members who attended felt it was time well spent and provided a great service to attendees who might not otherwise ever meet with a planner. We will have another opportunity in October to provide free financial planning guidance to members of the community. Keep an eye out for details later this summer. We look forward to increasing our volunteer base and hope you will consider getting involved!

11FPAILLINOIS.ORG

Terry Savage introduces FPA member, Tom Nolan.

Terry Savage speaks at Money Smart Week.

5250 Grand Avenue, Suite 14PMB 205Gurnee, Illinois 60031

Phone: (847) 244-3691Toll free in Illinois: (800) 430-4237Fax: (866) 307-9665

fpaillinois.org

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PERMIT NO. 11

SPRING GROVE, IL

November 3-4 November 2 (Preconference)

Doubletree Hilton, Oak brookCAP2016CONFERENCE FOR ADVANCED PLANNING

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMUNITY.