The Center Ranked #1 Award-Winning Workplace

Contributed by: Lauren Adams, CFA®, CFP®

At The Center, we focus heavily on workplace culture to make our firm a wonderful place to work. We think happy employees translate into a better experience for our clients, and an award-winning workplace also allows us to attract top talent to our firm.

In November, InvestmentNews named us the #1 Best Place to Work for Financial Advisors in the USA for companies our size. This marks the seventh consecutive year we've won this national award and the first time we've taken home the top spot.

Then, in August, Crain's Detroit Business recognized us as a Best Place to Work in Southeast Michigan. This marks the 8th consecutive year that we have been named by Crain's as a "Best Place to Work," and the first year we've been recognized as the #1 employer in southeastern Michigan for companies our size (and #4 across all companies regardless of size). Our team was thrilled to accept our award in person at the celebration luncheon. Also, Partner Lauren Adams was invited to speak on a panel of winners, discussing how treating employees right is a win/win/win for our clients, team, and firm.

 The Center's mission is to strive to improve lives through financial planning done right. It is our joy to do this work each day to improve the lives of our clients and our team.

Lauren Adams, CFA®, CFP®, is a Partner, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and Director of Operations at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She works with clients and their families to achieve their financial planning goals.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Center for Financial Planning, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Any opinions are those of Lauren Adams, CFA®, CFP® and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Investment News “2024 Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors”. The Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers program is a national program managed by Best Companies Group. The survey and recognition program are dedicated to identifying and recognizing the best employers in the financial advice/wealth management industry. The final list is based on the following criteria: must be a registered investment adviser (RIA), affiliated with an independent broker-dealer (IBD), or a hybrid doing business through an RIA and must be in business for a minimum of one year and must have a minimum of 15 full-time/part-time employees. The assessment process is compiled in a two-part process based on the findings of the employer benefits & policies questionnaire and the employee engagement & satisfaction survey. The results are analyzed and categorized according to 8 Core Focus Areas: Leadership and Planning, Corporate Culture and Communications, Role Satisfaction, Work Environment, Relationship with Supervisor, Training, Development and Resources, Pay and Benefits and Overall Engagement. Best Companies Group will survey up to 400 randomly selected employees in a company depending on company size. The two data sets are combined and analyzed to determine the rankings. A total of 75 employers won . The ranking is based on fiscal year 2023 and was released on 02/28/2024. The award is not representative of any one client's experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of an advisor's future performance. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. Investment News and/or Best Companies Group is not affiliated with Raymond James.

Crain's 2024 Detroit Business Best Places to Work in Southeast Michigan, developed by Best Companies Group, is based on evaluating employee surveys and the organizations benefits package. To be considered, the organization must: be a publicly or privately held business, be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity, have a facility in Southeast Michigan, have at least 15 full or part-time employees working in Southeast Michigan, be in business for a minimum of one year, and pay a fee to be considered. 93 of the self-nominated applicants won the award. This ranking was released on 8/22/2024, This recognition is neither an evaluation of services offered, nor a ranking of the Center for Financial Planning associates as investment adviser representatives. This award is not representative of any one client's experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of an advisor's past or future performance. Crain's Detroit Business and/or Best Companies Group is not affiliated with Raymond James.

Unlocking Future Success: The Center for Financial Planning’s Internship Program

Contributed by: Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA

Contributed by: Nick Errer and Ryan O'Neal

In the fast-paced world of finance, theoretical knowledge is only one piece of the puzzle. True mastery comes from hands-on experience, which is why the Center for Financial Planning's internship program is a transformative opportunity for aspiring financial professionals. This program offers more than just a foot in the door; it provides a robust foundation for a successful career through experiential learning and real-world application.

The Power of Experiential Learning

Experience is the greatest teacher, and this is especially true in finance, where understanding theory and practice are equally crucial. The Center for Financial Planning's internship program bridges this gap by immersing interns in the day-to-day operations of financial planning, including work related to client service, marketing, and investments. This practical exposure allows interns to apply classroom concepts in real-world scenarios, deepening their understanding and honing their skills.

Hands-On Training with Industry Professionals

Interns at the Center for Financial Planning benefit from working closely with seasoned financial planners who bring years of experience and expertise to the table. This mentorship is invaluable, offering interns direct insights into the intricacies of financial planning, from client interactions to complex financial strategies. The opportunity to learn from professionals at the top of their field equips interns with a nuanced understanding of industry practices and standards.

Building Real-World Skills

One of the most significant advantages of the internship program is the development of practical skills. Interns gain experience in key areas such as financial analysis, client relationship management, and portfolio management. They engage in tasks ranging from preparing financial reports to assisting advisors with investment strategies, providing a comprehensive view of what a career in financial planning entails.

Networking and Professional Growth

The internship program also serves as a valuable networking platform. Interns connect with industry professionals, fellow interns, and potential employers or future collaborators, which can open doors to future job opportunities and professional collaborations. Additionally, interns receive and provide constructive feedback and guidance, which is crucial for personal and professional development.

Real Experiences from This Summer's Interns

Nick Errer, one of this summer's interns, shares his positive experience: "My time at The Center has been a truly great experience. Being placed in a corporate environment for the first time, I wasn't sure what to expect. Since my first day, everyone at The Center has shown me how great it is to work for a company where everyone is aligned with a unified belief. It's obvious that the core values translate from basic words on the wall to everyday practice. During my time here, I've had the pleasure of working and learning alongside tenured financial professionals. Being in an environment with so many advisors, each with a unique background has helped me better determine the path I'd like to take. The structure of the internship allowed me the freedom to work on projects that interested me while making meaningful contributions to The Center and its clients. I want to thank Kelsey Arvai and everyone at The Center for an amazing summer and for coordinating such a fulfilling internship."

Ryan O'Neal reflects on his journey: "During my internship at The Center for Financial Planning, I engaged in various aspects of financial planning, including tax and estate planning, compliance, client servicing, and investment management. Initially, I had reservations about whether I belonged in this field and questioned the impact of financial planning on clients' lives. However, working closely with clients and observing the team's efforts, I came to appreciate financial planners' significant role in helping enhance clients' financial well-being. This experience not only dispelled my doubts but also reinforced my decision to pursue a career in financial planning."

A Pathway to Future Employment

The Center for Financial Planning's internship program is not just a learning experience; it is often a gateway to future career opportunities. By providing interns with hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and networking opportunities, the program equips them with the tools they need to succeed in the financial planning industry. For those looking to make a meaningful impact in finance, this internship is a critical steppingstone toward a successful career.

In summary, the Center for Financial Planning's internship program offers a comprehensive and enriching experience that prepares interns for the challenges and opportunities of the financial planning profession and beyond. Through practical experience, professional mentorship, and valuable networking, interns are well-positioned to succeed in their future careers.

Kelsey Arvai, MBA, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She facilitates back office functions for clients.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Kelsey Arvai, Nick Errer, and Ryan O’Neal and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc® Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

The Center Participates in Money Smart Week!

Contributed by: Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA

Contributed by: Jeanette LoPiccolo, CFP®

This year, Money Smart Week was observed in April (the 15th to the 21st)! In honor of this campaign, The Center was delighted to co-sponsor the Michigan Council on Economic Education's 2024 Personal Finance Challenge on April 15th. The event is an exciting competition between local high school students who are all about personal finance. The teams are provided with a case study of a typical family and their financial situation, then asked to provide their recommendations in a 10-minute presentation. The students take turns explaining different areas for improvement, the options, and the benefits. The experience highlights the importance of making smart personal financial choices and career opportunities in the financial planning industry.

Our team was pleased to provide coaching to the teams, judges to the competition, and a lively quiz bowl announcer to the event. We enjoyed the opportunity to participate and have been delighted to see improvement in the team's presentations since last year. 

In addition to Money Smart Week – The Center Summer Internship Program is a valuable gateway for young individuals aspiring to enter the financial planning industry. We offer a dynamic platform where theoretical knowledge meets real-world application. Our program provides hands-on experience for college-aged students to discover a deeper understanding of the significance of making astute financial decisions through mentorship and practical exposure. Through case studies – interns can grapple with the nuances of financial planning and begin to understand the complexities of each comprehensive financial plan. Our program's goal is to shed light on the diverse roles and pathways within the Financial Industry, help inspire young professionals by refining their skills, and give clarity on their career trajectory to allow them to make informed decisions about their future in the financial realm and beyond (both personally and professionally). 

Michael Brocavich, CFP®, MBA, Matt Trujillo, CFP®, and Jeanette LoPiccolo, CFP® attending the Michigan Council on Economic Education's 2024 Personal Finance Challenge on April 15th.

Kelsey Arvai, MBA, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She facilitates back office functions for clients.

Jeanette LoPiccolo, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She is a 2018 Raymond James Outstanding Branch Professional, one of three recognized nationwide.

Opinions expressed in the attached article are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

The Center was a sponsor of the Michigan Council on Economic Education (MCEE) Personal Finance Competition. MCEE is not affiliated with and does not endorse the people, products or services of Raymond James or The Center.

DTE Announces Buyout Offer

Contributed by: Michael Brocavich, CFP®, MBA

DTE has recently offered buyouts to 3,000 employees’, which is about 30% of its total workforce.  Employees that are eligible will receive an offer and be under a deadline to determine if they will accept the offer.

If you, friends, family members, or colleagues have recently received a buy-out offer from DTE or any other company and would like to discuss the details with one of our team’s Certified Financial Planners, please feel free to reach out, and we’d be happy to arrange a time to chat. Our team has nearly four decades of experience helping clients navigate significant life transitions such as this – we’d be honored to serve as a resource for you. 

Also, if you would like to attend a live seminar about this buyout and what you should consider when making this decision, please look out for an invitation to a live event at the end of February. 

Office Line: 248-948-7900

Website Contact Inquiry: https://www.centerfinplan.com/contact 

If you’d like to receive a copy of our “Should I roll over my 401k to an IRA?” checklist, please click HERE! 

Source: https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2024/01/10/dte-energy-buyout-offer-voluntary-separation-incentive-employees/72173895007/

CENTER FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING, INC is not affiliated with DTE Energy.

Michael Brocavich, CFP®, MBA is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® He has an extensive background in both personal and corporate finance.

The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Please note, changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact upon each person's situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Toyota Announces Buyout Offer

Contributed by: Michael Brocavich, CFP®, MBA

Toyota North America recently offered some employees a voluntary severance package. Employees received offers dated December 11th, 2023, and must apply for the offer and have received an acceptance or rejection by January 25th. Not all employees will be able to qualify, and the offer is very limited compared to other recent offers from the Detroit Big Three. 

Employees who are approved for the severance offer will receive payments based on salary and years of service. Employees with 15 years or greater of service could receive up to two times their salary. Employees with years of service between 10 and 14 years could receive up to a year and a half of salary, while employees with five years of service to nine years could get up to one full year of salary.  

Over the past several years, the ‘Big Three’ have all offered similar buyouts, and many of our clients have come to us for guidance to ensure they make an informed decision. Above is a webinar recently hosted by partner and Senior Financial Planner Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®. During this educational session, Nick discusses five important considerations when going through a layoff or a recent job transition: 

Timestamps:

• Cash Flow Planning - 6:01

• Health Care & Insurance Guidance - 11:49

• Tax Considerations - 18:19

• Retirement Account & Pension Decisions - 23:41

• Putting It All Together - 35:21

If you, friends, family members, or colleagues have recently received a buy-out offer from Toyota North America and would like to discuss the details with one of our team’s Certified Financial Planners, please feel free to reach out, and we’d be happy to arrange a time to chat. Our team has nearly four decades of experience helping clients navigate significant life transitions such as this – we’d be honored to serve as a resource for you. 

Office Line: 248-948-7900

Website Contact Inquiry: https://www.centerfinplan.com/contact 

If you’d like to receive a copy of our “Should I roll over my 401k to an IRA?” checklist, please click HERE!

CENTER FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING, INC is not affiliated with Toyota North America.

Michael Brocavich, CFP®, MBA is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® He has an extensive background in both personal and corporate finance.

The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Please note, changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact upon each person's situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount may be subject to its own five-year holding period. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion.

Stellantis Announces Buyout Offer

Contributed by: Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®

Stellanits, the European automaker that builds vehicles for the US market under Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler brands, recently announced that it is offering buyouts to half of its salaried US staff in a cost-cutting move. Over the past several years, the ‘Big 3’ have all offered similar buyouts, and many of our clients have come to us for guidance to ensure they make an informed decision. Above is a webinar recently hosted by partner and Senior Financial Planner Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®. During this educational session, Nick discusses five important considerations when going through a layoff or a recent job transition: 

Timestamps:

• Cash Flow Planning - 6:01

• Health Care & Insurance Guidance - 11:49

• Tax Considerations - 18:19

• Retirement Account & Pension Decisions - 23:41

• Putting It All Together - 35:21

If you, friends, family members, or colleagues have recently received a buy-out offer from Stellantis and would like to discuss the details with one of our team’s Certified Financial Planners, please feel free to reach out, and we’d be happy to arrange a time to chat. Our team has nearly four decades of experience helping clients navigate significant life transitions such as this – we’d be honored to serve as a resource for you. 

Office Line: 248-948-7900

Website Contact Inquiry: https://www.centerfinplan.com/contact 

If you’d like to receive a copy of our “Should I roll over my 401k to an IRA?” checklist, please click HERE! 

Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® Nick specializes in tax-efficient retirement income and distribution planning for clients and serves as a trusted source for local and national media publications, including WXYZ, PBS, CNBC, MSN Money, Financial Planning Magazine and OnWallStreet.com.

The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Please note, changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact upon each person's situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount may be subject to its own five-year holding period. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion.

Nick Boguth Achieves CFA Designation

Contributed by: Angela Palacios, CFP®, AIF®

This summer, Nick completed his journey to obtain his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation.  Nick started as an intern with the Center in May 2014, eventually joining us full time after graduating from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) with a degree in Economics and Statistics.  Almost immediately after starting full-time, he began the long road to achieving his CFA® designation over five years ago.

Nicholas Boguth, newly minted Chartered Financial Analyst

What is the CFA® Designation?

The curriculum builds a strong educational foundation of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills.  Upon completion, the average designation holder has spent roughly 1,000 hours studying! 

There are three levels that Nick will have to pass and several other hurdles before he can utilize the designation:

• CFA level 1 – tests your basic knowledge and comprehension focused on investment tools and ethics.

• CFA level 2 – tests more complex analysis along with a focus on valuing assets

• CFA level 3 – requires a synthesis of all the concepts and analytical methods in various applications for effective portfolio management and wealth planning.

Along with passing the courses and the exams, Nick must have four years of work experience in investment decision-making, which he has earned with his role as Portfolio Administrator here at the Center.  He must also agree to follow a rigorous Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct and become a member of the CFA Institute. 

Is this Easy?

While Nick may have made it seem easy to the rest of us, it is far from easy.  It is a popular designation to seek out.  Each year nearly 200,000 people from all over the world register to take one of the exams offered only once per year!  The pass rate for each level is usually only around 40%.

As with everything else, the examinations were set back due to COVID.  Nick persevered through COVID delays, planning a wedding, newborn twins, and two home purchases and renovations. When I asked Nick his thoughts on the program, he said:

The entire process was incredibly rewarding. I learned more than I ever thought I would over the past few years. It was a challenging road to pass the final level, and I was absolutely thrilled to complete it, but it feels like just the beginning. I’m looking forward to putting this knowledge to good use here at The Center in a constant effort to provide clients with the best investment experience possible.

Nick’s education and passion for research already adds more depth to The Center’s Investment Department and Committee in helping us shape portfolios for clients!  Look for many more great things to come from Nick!  Way to go, Nick!

Angela Palacios, CFP®, AIF®, is a partner and Director of Investments at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She chairs The Center Investment Committee and pens a quarterly Investment Commentary.

Senior Financial Planner Joins Center Team: Meet Michael!

Welcome to the team!

The Center proudly welcomes Michael Brocavich, CFP®, MBA to our team. With nearly 13 years of experience in the profession, Michael is thrilled to join a team where he can collaborate with other professionals to further enhance his career as a financial planner. 

Background

His extensive background includes both personal and corporate finance. After earning a BA in Economics and Management from Albion College, he launched his career in finance with Federal Mogul in Southfield, Michigan. He then went on to earn an MBA from Wayne State University and relocated to Chicago, where he worked as a senior financial analyst, first for Federal Mogul and later Barton, Inc.

Michael entered the personal finance field in 2007 when he joined MetLife Investors' Marketing and Distribution division. In 2013, he opened an Edward Jones office in Northville, Michigan, helping individual investors and small business owners with financial goal planning and wealth management.

Specialties

He joined Raymond James Financial Services in May of 2017 as a financial advisor specializing in financial planning, wealth management, and estate planning. 

Personal Life

Michael and his wife live in nearby Plymouth. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, the company of friends and family, and everything Detroit Sports.

Center Welcomes New Partner Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®

Contributed by: Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

We are excited to announce Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP® as the newest Partner at The Center! He will continue to lead the firm’s Financial Planning Department and contribute to the Operations Committee in addition to his primary role as Senior Financial Planner. We look forward to working with Nick in his new leadership role.

Growing with the Firm

Nick has been involved in the financial planning profession for over 12 years and joined The Center in 2013. In addition to being a Senior Financial Planner, he is Director of The Center’s Financial Planning Department and a member of the firm’s Investment and Operations Committees. Now, he takes on even more duties as he advances to Partner.

“Soon after joining The Center, I knew that I wanted to be a partner one day. The Center walks the walk when it comes to comprehensive financial planning”.

An Offer of Partnership

The current leadership team invited Nick to become a Partner. Managing Partner Tim Wyman CFP®, JD says that Nick is a tremendous leader at The Center.

“He is a highly technical practitioner who cares about the success of our clients and team members. But most importantly, Nick is a model for our Center Values. Nick’s energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the financial planning process for the benefit of our clients and the entire Center team is inspiring.”

A Bright Future

Over the firm’s 35 year history, Defenthaler is the tenth employee to advance to Partner. He is a role model for The Center’s mission and values. As we begin our 35th year in business, the partnership couldn’t come at a more exciting time.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® Named to 2019 Forbes Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors.

Contributed by: Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® has been named to Forbes 2019 list of "Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors" in Michigan, where he ranked 35 in the state. Each advisor—selected by SHOOK Research—is chosen based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria, including in-person interviews, industry experience, compliance records, revenue produced, and assets under management.

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SHOOK Research considered advisors born in 1980 or later with a minimum 4 years relevant experience. Advisors have built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures derived from telephone and in-person interviews and surveys: service models, investing process, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, etc.; and quantitative criteria, such as assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criteria because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC. Neither SHOOK nor Forbes receives compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. This ranking is not indicative of advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. Out of 6,389 advisors considered, 1,489 made the final list in 2019. For more information see www.SHOOKresearch.com.