Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in many things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations.
In this issue, we explore financial investing that helps to create wealth, meets long-term financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact not only on ourselves but on the people closest to us.
But just to keep it fun, we’ve highlighted opportunities outside of stocks and bonds. Take art for example. Most of us decorate our homes with art, antiques, collectibles, heirlooms and such. But did you consider the value monetarily in addition to the beauty? Don’t get me started on Antiques Roadshow.
Another fun, but obscure, investment might just surprise you. Sneakers…AKA “kicks”! Discover how collectors known as “sneakerheads” have created over a 2 billion dollar industry. In 2020 a pair of Air Jordon’s hammered at auction for a staggering $560,000. And we’ve found a source just around the corner in the Springfield Mall of all places.
I use the term “Social Butterfly” all the time. My networking calendar serves not only as the fuel for my business, but also my opportunity to help my community. By connecting with others, we create resources well beyond business. We open ourselves up to support countless people in immeasurable ways. Be sure to take a look at the networking opportunities we’ve shared and go meet someone new.
Taxes…I will say no more. Just that it pays to hire professionals (in any industry), thank you, Jonathan Fiorelli. I sleep better at night.
And lastly, according to Warren Buffet, “The best investment you can make is in yourself”
Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com
Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com
Toohey | Jayne@jayne2e.com
SCOTT DAVIDSON, PUBLISHER @MEDIACITYLIFESTYLE
“ WE CAN’T EXPECT ANYTHING TO THRIVE AND GROW WITHOUT ATTENTION AND CARE.”
From trees planted nearly 200 years ago to showcase lilacs to varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas found nowhere else, the collections at Tyler Arboretum have thrived for generations under the care of expert horticulturists.
A healthy portfolio requires the same oversight and, sometimes, pruning.
MEMBERS’ WEALTH, LLC can help. Like passionate gardeners, our team of professionals in investment strategy, financial and estate planning, taxation, and law work together to shape a comprehensive wealth management solution, with personal service, regular reviews and recommendations for healthy growth.
Experience a refreshing level of responsiveness and attention to your needs and goals. As long-time Delaware County residents, we’re focused on helping our community’s individuals, families, and institutions thrive.
Talk to us when you’re ready to grow.
Call 267-367-5453 or scan here to get started.
1: Chinese New Year, also called “Lunar New Year,” is an annual festival in Chinese communities around the world. 2: Children loved being able to get close and touch a Lion 3: The Buddha is the comedic interaction with attendees, teasing the lions and leading them with his fan 4: Rick, Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy. The drum represents the heartbeat of the lion 5: Lions are symbolic of wisdom in Chinese culture and bringing fortune in the upcoming year 6: Chinese string firecrackers represent warding off evil spirits and scaring them away with the noise 7: Demonstrating the New Year promise, a Lion interacts and dances for Media attendees. Thanks to Michael Cheung and sponsors for bringing this demonstration to State Street.
This year, maybe you want to learn about...
Riddle Village was recently ranked as a top 10 Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) in PA by Newsweek magazine for 2024. Newsweek enlisted global research firm Statista to rank 250 facilities nationwide by surveying industry professionals, families, and residents. Ranking criteria included (but not limited to) overall accommodations, care, food, safety, staffing, financial factors, and community services. Riddle placed 117 nationally. riddlevillage.org
Media Cat Hospital was one of only 5 national Merit winners for showcasing veterinary hospital design from DVM360 magazine. DVM360 covers the latest news, insights, products, research and regulations for veterinary professionals. The hospital took a mid-1800s era home and transformed it into a modern facility while maintaining its original charm. “The biggest design aspect was thinking of it from a cat’s point of view”, according to owner and medical director, Christine Kronos, VMD, CVA. thecathospitalofmedia.com
Family Support Line (FSL) recently celebrated the completion of its new 13,000 sq. ft. facility in Chester Heights. An advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse in Delaware County, FSL provides services and resources for children and their families to get the help they need to be safe, heal, break the cycle of abuse, and thrive. The new larger facility provides capacity to serve children affected, while also adding additional co-located services to ensure they receive the best care locally. www.FamilySupportLine.org
ARTICLE BY DANE CZAPLICKI, CFA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARIN DAVISON AND EVAN MADER
In Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," we learn that often the greatest treasures lie closest to home. This lesson resonates deeply with the charm and allure of retiring in Media[i], Pennsylvania. Like the journey of Santiago, Media presents a tapestry of experiences and a sense of belonging that makes it a quintessential retirement haven.
Nestled in the heart of Delaware County, Media harmoniously blends historical richness with community warmth and modern conveniences. Its streets, a mosaic of diverse local businesses, each tell a unique story. This isn’t just a place to reside; it’s a community to be a part of, a place where every corner has a narrative, and every face is familiar.
Media's appeal extends beyond its idyllic setting. The town is adorned with a multitude of retirement communities, each offering living options that cater to various preferences. Whether it’s the vibrancy of a bustling community you seek or the tranquility of a serene retreat, Media ensures a match for every taste.
A significant aspect of choosing a retirement destination is ease of access, and here Media shines. Its proximity to the Jersey Shore means picturesque weekend escapes are just a drive away. For those bitten by the wanderlust bug, the convenience of nearby airports and train stations opens the door to endless adventures.
In retirement, healthcare becomes paramount. Media's closeness to renowned medical facilities and universities ensures top-tier healthcare is always within reach. This assurance of quality medical attention provides a sense of security that is priceless.
The town's spirit is further enlivened by its sports culture. Philadelphia's beloved teams, the Phillies and the Eagles, are more than just teams;
they are a source of community pride and unity. Attending these games transcends the mere act of watching a sport; it becomes a communal event, a celebration of belonging.
As we delve into the realm of retirement planning, the shift in Media’s residents’ preferences is evident. Moving away from the Gordon Gekko-style "greed is good" mindset, or even a single financial advisor, more and more people in Delaware County seek a more holistic teambased approach to personal financial planning. They favor comprehensive, client-first, fiduciary-driven financial advice, a move from traditional commission-based stock broking and financial advisement to a more inclusive financial planning: Multi-Family Office Services.
Multi-Family office services epitomize this new era in financial planning. For the residents of Media, multi-family office services offer a synchronized approach to managing taxes, estate planning, family objectives, and investments. This model can be helpful to DELCO families, providing a customized strategy that addresses all aspects of financial well-being.
Multi-family office services take a broad and sophisticated approach to wealth management. These services cater to the growing intertwined financial needs of families, offering a wide array of financial planning and advisory solutions. Their goal is to help preserve, grow, and perpetuate family wealth across generations. This includes investment management, estate planning, tax strategies, risk management, and financial education.
The cornerstone of multi-family office services is their holistic perspective. They don’t merely focus on investments or isolated financial transactions; they integrate various financial disciplines into a unified strategy. This approach is deeply
rooted in finance, tax, and law, enhanced with behavioral analysis, and is meticulously tailored to each family's distinctive circumstances. This personalized strategy is pivotal in navigating the complexities inherent in managing family wealth.
Investment management in this context transcends the conventional realm of stocks and bonds. It involves the creation of portfolios that align with the family's goals and risk tolerance, while also being optimized for tax efficiency. Strategies such as opportunistic rebalancing and asset location optimization are employed to ensure that investments are situated in the most tax-advantageous accounts.
Risk management, a crucial aspect often overlooked in traditional wealth management, plays a significant role. It's about more than just wealth accumulation; it's about wealth preservation. This involves an exhaustive analysis of potential risks and liabilities, including detailed insurance reviews, asset titling, and creditor protection analysis, all aimed at safeguarding the family's wealth from various unexpected challenges.
The service model of multi-family offices typically includes a team of dedicated financial planners, including: a financial advisor (CFP®), investment research specialist (CFA Charterholder), planning expert with tax and legal expertise (CPA,JD), and a relationship/service manager. Each member fulfills a specific role, from developing the overarching financial plan to conducting in-depth tax and estate document reviews.
Beyond these core services, they often offer additional bespoke services like family governance, charity and philanthropy planning, healthcare and insurance review, and concierge services. These offerings are designed to
support the broader lifestyle and legacy objectives of the family, ensuring that their wealth is not just preserved but also utilized in a manner that resonates with their values and aspirations.
In Media, retiring is more than just a change in lifestyle; it's embarking on an enriching journey. It’s about recognizing, akin to Santiago, that our most sought-after treasures might be right where we are. In Media, you not only thrive surrounded by the familiar but are also constantly discovering new facets of life.
Thus, as we contemplate our retirement plans, let’s find inspiration in Santiago’s story. It encourages us to appreciate the beauty and value inherent in our immediate surroundings. Media is not merely a location; it's a living, breathing community waiting to be fully appreciated and enjoyed. It’s an ideal backdrop for starting a new chapter of life. Here, the progressive nature of retirement planning, embodied in multi-family office services, merges with the charm of a community that feels like home. Welcome to Media, where your retirement is not just a phase of life, but a vibrant continuation of living in a community that values each moment and every individual.
Investment advisory services are offered through Members’ Wealth, LLC., a Registered Investment Advisory Firm.
Media named one of the best places in the U.S. to retire - www.parealtors.org/blog/media-named-one-of-thebest-places-in-the-u-s-to-retire
In a world inundated with dietary trends, the Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet stands out as a sustainable lifestyle choice with profound implications for personal well-being. This approach recommends eating minimally processed plant foods while minimizing animal products and highly processed foods. Numerous studies have demonstrated the remarkable benefits of a WFPB diet in preventing and even reversing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
ARTICLE BY DR. KATHRYN HALL
3 high impact WFPB diet changes:
• Eat green leafy vegetables every day (kale, spinach)
• Start your day with hearty oatmeal and top with nuts and berries
• Snack on hummus with cut vegetables
As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Kathryn Hall witnessed
the impact of chronic disease on patients undergoing surgery and childbirth. She has now devoted her clinical practice to the prevention and treatment of chronic disease using Lifestyle Medicine in Media.
fellfoot.com
legumes, nuts, and seeds, individuals can nourish their bodies with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, while avoiding the detrimental effects of saturated fats, cholesterol, and excess sodium commonly found in animal products and processed foods.
A WFPB diet offers numerous health benefits supported by scientific research:
• Heart Health: lower levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation
• Weight Management: aids in weight loss/management
• Diabetes Management: improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control
• Cancer Prevention: including colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer
• Improved Mental Health: positively impacts mood and mental health
• Longevity
• Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: such as stroke, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
Art investment is a great way to diversify your portfolio and a reliable way to invest. According to Deloitte’s 2023 Art & Finance Report, there were great upward trends regarding art’s role and importance in wealth management between December 2011 and November 2023.
According to that same report, 78% of wealth managers in 2015 believed art and collectibles should be part of an overall wealth management strategy. Statista.com reported that in 2022, the global art market generated almost 68 billion U.S. dollars. It surpassed the figures reported prior to the coronavirus pandemic, reaching the second-highest value in the last 15 years.
Bonnie Brennan, president for American Art, on the topic of art being a good investment, stated in a PBS NewsHour interview, “We really see it as an expansion of the market and it’s an innovative way to broaden our market.”
Peter Max artworks (one pictured) have sold on auction sites like Heritage Auctions for over 30 thousand dollars.
There is also fractionalized art investing. In this shared ownership scenario, you own and trade your portion of a highly-priced art piece.
While lucrative, investing in art takes experience. Artelier, an art consultant company, suggests that those who are new to art investment set a goal as to what they’d like to accomplish, research the type of art they’d like to invest in, and seek out professional help. There are scammers who sell counterfeit works of art. Artelier stated that a professional could be an art dealer, gallery owner or even a private collector.
The most important things to know as a beginner are to do your research and invest in art that you also find beautiful.
Statista.com reported that in 2022, the global art market generated almost 68 billion U.S. dollarsARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARIN DAVIDSON
Sneakers are one of the great ways to express an individual’s style and fashion. Everyone is different when it comes to their preferred style, so here at Reup Sneakers, we do our best to provide a huge variety of sneakers and clothing.
When customers come to our store, some might be looking for the latest and greatest, and some trying to track down a pair of shoes that they remember having years back. And many buy and sell sneakers for profit. Sneaker resale has become a multibillion-dollar industry and Reup is here to help. We try to provide whatever you may be looking for and everything in between. If we don’t have it, we try our best to locate it for you.
Reup Sneakers’ grand opening was in 2015. We quickly grew and ran out of room. At the time, we had kiosks located in a couple of malls between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 2016 we came to the consensus that our best option was to move inside the Deptford Mall located in South Jersey. We were worried that our Philly customers who supported us from the beginning would not follow us to Jersey, but sure enough, they did. After a year, we yet again grew out of that location and relocated inside the Deptford Mall to a slightly bigger store.
Over the next 5 years, we made great long-term customer relationships by just being a place you can go to buy, sell and trade sneakers. Most importantly, we are a place where you can go to talk and connect with others who share the same passion as you.
In 2021, we opened our second location in the Springfield Mall. And in 2022, we opened our third location in the Cumberland Mall. We also have a location in Deptford Mall dedicated to kids sizes 7.5 and below.
Nate Herko is the owner of Reup Sneakers, growing up in the 80s and 90s, getting to experience the original releases of the Air Jordans. Starting Reup Sneakers, his goal was to have a store where people can go to find their favorite sneaker, whether it was to buy, sell, trade or just come to the store to meet people who have the same passion.
Julian started working for the company in 2018 and Josh started working for the company in 2016. Since then, they are now both Managers and Social Media content creators at our Springfield Mall location. They found a passion for sneakers and decided to make a career out of it.
Jonathan Fiorelli
The IRS makes changes to the tax code every year. Jon Fiorelli, president of Be Prepared Tax Service, shares some of these new adjustments.
The standard deductions have increased for 2023 and will do so again in 2024. “Those amounts are going to go up even more, which is a good thing,” says Jon. “The government is finally indexing these deductions for inflation, which they haven’t done for many years. These numbers were static.”
Jon believes this to be a nice change of pace because the cost of living has been rising significantly, noting that the gift tax annual exclusion also increased to $18,000 for 2024.
Another change is Secure Act 2.0, which mainly deals with retirement income and retirement accounts.
“The required minimum distribution is a requirement that the IRS put in place that says if you have a retirement account, you must distribute income out of that retirement account starting at a given age,” explains Jon. That
given age has increased from 70 and a half to 73.
The mileage deduction rate for business purposes increased to 65.5 cents per mile. Jon suggests getting an app to help keep track because it’s easier to assist in getting your taxes in order.
“What’s really nice about these apps is they print out a nice, what we call an accountless copy, which gives me the totals, which is all I need at the end of the year,” says Jon.
“You need to keep in your files detailed data in case of an audit. This is a hot topic by the IRS, by the way, they know that a lot of people take advantage of the mileage because it’s a very nice deduction,” says Jon.
With tax laws changing constantly, Jon believes that turning to a professional is the way to go. “I know there’s the do-it-yourselfers out there with Turbo Tax and things like that. If you have any professional, it’s going to be better than doing it yourself.”
It literally pays to hire an expert.
Say you’re having lunch when someone behind you yells over the phone, “I can’t believe this guy didn’t show up again! That’s it, go get me a new sign company!” Most people would think, “Well, that was loud... and rude.”
Not John Durso, CEO of Brilliant Business Strategies. It’s an opportunity, “I know a guy who can help with that.” John called the person right then and connected them.
“The guy [who yelled on the phone] turned out to be a strip mall developer and Lou got that business for the next 10 or 15 years and it was over a million dollars in business,” John says. “Every time I tell that story, people say, ‘Gosh, talk about being in the right place at the right time.’”
When one becomes a member of an intentional networking organization like Business Network International (BNI), they’ll find that they’re always in the right place at the right time.
The Columbia University Center for Career Education defines networking as “...the process of making connections and building relationships… Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs/internships.”
Blair Johnson, current president of BNI Hungry Dogs Chapter, says that networking is something we do every day, “At the grocer’s, dry cleaners, restaurant—It’s just communication. In your business, if you do not communicate with potential partners, someone else will. It is essential to growth on all levels.”
CONTINUED >
ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARIN DAVIDSON AND HOI MICHAEL CHEUNGThere are also networking events. Often people find them to be overwhelming. John offers three tips.
1. Make friends with the person sitting at the front desk. They probably know everybody in the room.
2. Have a plan. When walking into a room, the questions on your mind should be, “Who’s the single person I need to meet? What is their industry?”
3. Put your back against the wall and read the room. Usually, you’ll find that the most popular people have a line of people waiting to talk to them. Those popular people are master connectors who are great at introducing people to each other.
Blair adds, “A room of new faces can always be intimidating, that is human nature, everyone there is feeling that. I like to go in with the mindset of being thankful that these people are here and how can I help them? What issue can I assist with, what problem can I solve? Just say “hi”, be thankful that they came and just be human. If you truly listen and are present in any conversation or introduction, people will say what they want or need. Chances are YOU are that resource, or you know someone who can be of help. Be a human and be present. Salesy people are usually discovered quickly so go in with a positive and grateful attitude. If you go in with the mindset that you want to help or solve someone’s problem, you are now a resource and not a vendor. Best case scenario, you make a friend.”
The most important part of networking is remembering that the opportunities are after the event is over. It’s not about exchanging business cards and waiting. John explains, “It’s the one-on-one time after the fact, when you start to build relationships with people and do things for them.”
There are many networking event opportunities. Most of the possibilities welcome guests and newcomers. Search websites and call the ones you are interested in. Let them know where you stand in your comfortability to network if you are a networking newcomer or would like guidance. Some organizations (like Rotary) are opportunities to meet people but aren't directed specifically to networking.
• BNI CHAPTERS bni.com/find-a-chapter
• CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: delcochamber.org
• LETIP letip.com
ROTARY CLUBS rotary.org
• OPTIMIST INTL. CLUBS optimist.org
• TOASTMASTERS INTL. toastmasters.org
• KIWANIS INTL. kiwanis.org
• LIONS INTL. CLUBS lionsclubs.org
• MEETUP meetup.com
• VFW (The Veterans of Foreign Wars) vfw.org
• DELCO BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB Facebook.com/DelcoBPW
BNI "Hungry Dogs" Chapter
Tom Clark, Tom Levy, and LeeAnn Sullivan Networking Event at Tavola
Christine Rizzo, Shevlin Family Foundation Meets with Jamee Niles, HR Executive
APRIL 2024
APRIL 12TH – 14TH
MEDIA BOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTER, 301 N. JACKSON ST., MEDIA, PA 19063
The Great Media Comic Con is bigger than ever, spanning three days! Boasting celebrity guests, movie screenings, vendors, photo ops, a costume contest, raffles, and much more! Expected attendance is 1500+ people. Held at the Media Community Center with special opening night movie screening of Back to the Future at the Media Theatre. greatmediacomiccon.com
APRIL 13TH
The Riddle HealthCare Foundation - 2024 Man O'War Gala
SPRINGFIELD COUNTRY CLUB, 400 W. SPROUL RD., SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064
Enjoy an evening at the races benefiting Riddle Hospital's Meet the Moment Campaign. Join the celebration honoring the 2024 The Riddle Healthcare Foundation honorees William H. Ayers, Jr., MD, Mike Boungiorno, and P. Agnes, Inc. For tickets - one.bidpal.net
APRIL 19TH
TYLER ARBORETUM, 515 PAINTER RD., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 5:00 PM
Join friends and family as Tyler Arboretum ushers in spring 2024. Experience a magnificent display of native spring blooms at the peak of their glory. Enjoy live music, local food trucks, sample beer & wine, and participate at dedicated education stations during the Earth Day Celebration. 5:00p pm – 8:00pm tylerarboretum.org
APRIL 20TH
THE LEWIS 'JUMBO' JOHNSON MEDIA YOUTH CENTER, 1 YOUTH WAY, MEDIA, PA 19063
Founded in 1955 as the Media's Boys Club, the Media Youth Center is a nonprofit organization located in the heart of the Media. MYC has always been focused on serving the youth of Media and the surrounding area. Enjoy an evening of memories and celebration honoring past Media Youth Center presidents. Proceeds benefit Media Youth Center Programs. mediayouthcenter.com
Opened with DiFabio's in 2015
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KARIN DAVIDSONOrdering an Espresso Martini instantly exudes an air of sophistication. It’s also the perfect after-work drink. It’s a reward, dispels the stress of the day, helps you unwind, and is still a pick-me-up. The usual three espresso beans floating on top are said to represent health, wealth and happiness.
The Espresso Martini was introduced by cocktail-creating king, British bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in the late 1980s. Bradsell reports it was a request from a model who wanted something “to wake me up and get me [tipsy.]”
The addition of 2 marshmallows dipped in chocolate and toasted marshmallow liqueur brings a delightful twist. I asked a DiFabio’s patron, “Why would you put a marshmallow dipped in chocolate in a drink?” His answer was, “Why wouldn’t you?!”
In the photo, Kris Urdaneta and Gina Langeland enjoy these specialty martinis at DiFabio’s. And you can make them at home!
Ingredients by bartender Dan Brown in the Sky Bar at DiFabio’s:
• 1.5 oz Vanilla Vodka
• .75 oz Baileys Irish Cream (optional for creaminess)
• .75 oz Kahlua
• 1 oz Espresso
• .5oz Le Sirop de Monin Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
Mix in a shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a marshmallow dipped in chocolate.
Education, business meetings, maintaining a home, raising a family, making sacrifices…you spent a lifetime doing it all to get where you are today.
Now it’s time to think about your future!
With amenities and services that include weekly housekeeping, home maintenance, a dining plan that gives you access to four restaurants and a full-service bar, state-of-the-art fitness center, transportation, our Lifecare contract and so much more; Riddle Village may be the perfect fit for your next chapter in life.
You give us 60 days; we give you the future you deserve!
Reach out today to learn more about our apartment renovation program and how we can have you living your best life in just 60 days.
