It’s Hot Out There!

Great news! The hot weather is upon us. My wife says it is hotter here in the summer than in her home country in South America which sits on the equator. How is that possible? The hours of sunshine we have here in the summer really heats us up!

Here in Michigan we go from cold to hot. A few weeks of more temperate weather thrown in just to increase the cost of our wardrobe. The reality here is that you need two or three different wardrobes just to get by. You need thick warm winter clothing to survive our long winters, fashionable summer wear such as shorts and sandals to survive our hot summers, and then, of course, nice stuff for in between. So my wife is correct, there is always more shopping to do!

I hope this newsletter finds you and your families doing well. These times are so very special in Michigan as we all break out of our habituation mode and try to accomplish everything in 100 days of nice weather. Hmm… reminds me of road construction here! l winter we have to put up with potholes, and then in the hot weather we have to wait in line as they tryto repair all of them at the same time. Seriously, due to our short summers, we try and make our gardens perfect, work on our bodies hoping to get into that bathing suit that has been sitting in our dresser for the last ten years, and tend to explore our state and country in too short of a time frame. Sometimes I need a vacation from taking my vacation! Many smiles.

Recent market volatility is a concern to all of us. See my article describing my thoughts on this matter. Also, we will be sending a special middle of the year tax newsletter soon, since there have been so many important changes. As you know, almost all investment decisions have tax implications. So we need to take those into account sooner rather than later.

I give thanks every day for the wonderful clients we have. You have given us the highest compliment possible by remaining our client and referring others to us. We are in the process of preparing a new brochure on our firm explaining our philosophy and how we are different than most financial firms.

However, I feel it is incomplete without real life client testimonies. In that light, I am announcing a small contest. I would like to know what you like best about us and about your experience with us over the years. The top three endorsements will be rewarded with dinner tickets to Red Lobster. (Has this man no shame!) Really, it will help us express to others what we are about and give me real feedback on how we are doing. So if you are in the mood please let us know your thoughts with a kind word or two! I will announce the winners by first name and last initial in our next newsletter. Of course we want to hear about that but don’t expect that to get into the brochure! Hah, Many thanks!

My daughter returns to visit me from Israel next month. I will be glad to have her back even if it is just for a month. I understand her attachment to that country. It is an ancient land but a young country. That makes for a strong feeling when younger people visit there. they are very easily able to be swept up in the strong emotion of nation building. Israel has only been in existence since 1948. Hard to believe but true!

Many of you are aware that my mother Edith has been ill and I appreciate your concern. As you may remember my mother worked in our office for many years doing our filing, so she is aware of all of our clients by name and many she knows quite well since clients come in for reviews several times a year. She loved the job since she is a people person. She has set an example for me by showing how important people are in our lives. She sincerely likes everybody! To her, the real purpose in life is getting to know people and sharing with them the small things tht make life interesting, fun, and worth living. Just to update you , she is growing crazy with her garden at this time of year. While many retirees are moving from a home to a condo she did the opposite. As she said, “A garden may not add years to my life, but it will add life to my years.” I really appreciate that thought, and feel good knowing that I will be getting fresh organically grown vegetables over the summer!

Many clients tell us how they miss Sandy so I want to update you on her doings. She did taxes for many of our clients and will continue to do so in future years. Sandy has a strong accounting background and is enjoying using those skills in auditing companies in her new position. She is unique in that she has an accounting mind but is not introverted like many accountants. As you know she is an exceptional person in that she is outgoing and loves people. She is doing great in her new position and making new friends all over the country. She looks more relaxed than ever and is involved in exciting work every day. Her only complaint is she misses working and spending time with our clients. She will be at many of our company functions if you wish to catch up with her.

Mike completed his annual bike ride for the American Diabetes Association known as the Tour de Cure. Mike rode 50 miles on Sunday, June 10, 2007 raiding funds for the association. I appreciate our clients who contributed to Mike’s efforts. As you may be aware, my company matched all donations made by our clients. I sincerely want to thank clients who made Mike’s cause their cause. I am aware that many of you give to your own charities, organizations, and churches, so it was appreciated that you were able to spread some funds to others.

Mike stands ready to assist any client that desires to communicate with any of their investment holdings websites. The best example I can give is the client that wishes to check the status of their investment holdings with such companies as National Financial Services, Fiserv, Calamos, Franklin, MetLife Investors, etc. Please be aware that Mike also handles our website www.CenterForWealth.com and our client software department which allows him to prepare reports for client’s holding from Morningstar and Thomson Financial. These software programs would cost the individual client thousands a year in fees. You can however, obtain an analysis of your holdings from us for free. If you wish an updated summary of your investment holdings please contact our office and Mike will get one out to you. Or better yet, make an appointment for a financial review and let’s cover your investment questions, estate planning needs, and lfe financial matters in detail.

-Terry