South Dayton, OH February 2022

F E B R UA RY 2 022 | TH E LO C A L LOV E I S S U E

P R O F E S S I O N A L S E RV I C E S

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Compassionate Care, Comfort, and Support.

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At Pavilion, your loved one will enjoy: ~ Soothing, secure environment with modern suites and spaces ~ Music, art, and pet therapy programs to encourage self-expression, including the Scripps Opening Minds through Art which provides opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement for people with dementia ~ Conversation programs to prompt communication and connection ~ Movement-based activities to exercise the body and mind ~ Resident turn down service to promote relaxation at bedtime ~ Dedicated nurse on site 24/7 and a social worker to support residents and families

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We’re proud to offer respite care, enabling your loved one to experience life in our beautiful community and access the same personal care, services, and support as our full-time assisted living and memory care residents.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Think Local

February 2022 PUBLISHER

Greg Scott | greg.scott@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

We are living in some challenging times, to be sure. Even in the midst of these obstacles, there have been some positive developments. Now more than ever, it seems that consumers have a greater appreciation for local business. And certainly this publication is community based and enjoys showcasing businesses and people that set Dayton apart.

In this issue we continue to celebrate unique efforts right here in our backyard. You will read about three community partners that offer Daytonians outstanding options. This includes Busy Bee Real Meals, which offers a convenient way for busy people in South Dayton to eat healthy— with minimal effort on their part. Also, find out how Garage Concrete Coatings can give your garage flooring an enhanced look. And our editor, Jennifer Lorenzetti, sat down with our friends at Bethany Village, to hear about their future plans.

Of course, part of community is coordinating efforts to support others who are in need. A story about Fundraising Flamingos epitomizes the impact that we can have on the lives of so many.

I hope you enjoy the February “Love Local” issue of South Dayton Lifestyle!

Jennifer Lorenzetti jennifer.lorenzetti@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Zane Smith CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Lori Balster, Jennifer Lorenzetti, Ally Straczek CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Cassidy Alaine Photography, Daniel Van Duinan, Fundraising Flamingos, Dayton Art Institute, Bethany Village, Ghostlight Coffee

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

G R E G S C O T T, P U B L I S H E R @ S O U T H D AY TO N L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E .C O M / S O U T H D AY TO N |

Proverbs 3:5-6 South Dayton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Dayton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in South Dayton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

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24

26

14

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Fundraising Flamingos!

4

Lifestyle Letter

10

Business Monthly

12

Local Experiences

14

Giving Back

22

Artist’s Palette

24

Trend Setter

PR O FES S I O NA L S E RV IC E S

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Open House

HO ME + DES I GN

28

Culinary Creations

30

Financial Buzz

How Pink Plastic Birds Raise Thousands of Dollars for Organizations

22 Dayton Art Institute Announces 2022 Schedule New Exhibits Begin in February

24 Busy Bee

Delicious, Healthy Meals for On-the-Go Families

26 Bethany Village

A Dayton Tradition Remodels for Modern Needs

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Cassidy Alane Photography Brandy Skelton, owner and creator of Busy Bee Real Meals, makes eating healthy, delicious food easy.

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LI FE + C U LT U R E A RTS + C U LT U R E

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

New Roof for Victoria Theatre Victoria Theatre in Dayton is receiving its first fully new roof in 32 years. The new roof is being paid for through endowment funds and ongoing fundraising efforts, according to Ty Sutton, president and CEO of Dayton Live (owners and operators of Victoria Theatre, as well as the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, the Metropolitan Arts Center with The Loft Theatre, and the PNC Arts Annex).

Sutton also said that efforts are underway to fund a new roof for the Schuster Center, which will hit its 20-year anniversary in 2023. You can follow Dayton Live on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @daytonlive365 for updates about these projects.

Susan Schaurer Named Vice President for Enrollment Management and Chief Recruitment Officer of Wright State Susan Schaurer, a veteran in higher education recruitment and admissions, has been named vice president for enrollment management and chief recruitment officer of Wright State University.

As vice president for enrollment management and chief recruitment officer, she will be responsible for growing enrollment that aligns with and reflects the university’s mission and strategic plan. She is tasked with executing a strategic recruitment process that capitalizes on building strong relationships throughout Raider Country.

If you want to be included, send us a message!

Visit CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton to get in touch.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

local experiences Local Recommendations for the Best Places and Things to Do in the City

Celebrate the ones you love this Valentine’s Day by treating them to a night out at one of your favorite restaurants, or experience something new and find a hidden gem around town. Whatever you are looking for, we have you covered.

Romantic Date Ideas BR ANDEBER R Y WINER Y: Sample locally made wines, enjoy a variety of

appetizers, and listen to live music at this hidden Dayton gem. 5118 W. Jackson Rd., Enon, OH HIDDEN VALLEY OR CHAR DS: Great food, craft beers, and live music during warmer months make this a great date year round. 5474 N. SR 48, Lebanon, OH EL MESON: Take your date on a tour of Latin America without leaving home, at the area’s favorite place for tapas, meals, and beverages. 903 E. Dixie Dr., Dayton, OH SPEAKEASY R AMEN: Speakeasy Ramen is worth the drive to Springfield for Asian food made with local ingredients; vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. 365 Ludlow Ave., Springfield, OH DLM CULINAR Y CENTER : Take your sweetie to a cooking class at Dorothy Lane Market. Classes are offered regularly, including a lunch class on Valentine’s Day. 6161 Far Hills Ave., Washington Twp., OH

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

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LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

Fundraising Flamingos!

HOW PINK PLASTIC BIRDS RAISE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR ORGANIZATIONS ARTICLE BY LORI BALSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FUNDRAISING FLAMINGOS

One day about a year and a half ago, 13-year-old Rebecca Johnson bought 500 pink plastic flamingos. With her own money. On purpose.

Was she planning the world’s greatest prank? Maybe that’s what some other teen would have done with the extremely large number of iconic plastic birds, but not Johnson. Instead, she started a business.

“In 2020, I knew of a lot of organizations that had their fundraisers shut down, due to COVID,” Johnson recalled. “Those events are what allow organizations like International Order of Rainbow Girls, churches, schools, and many others to fund their activities and ministries. I was trying to think of what I could do to help.”

Johnson came up with Fundraising Flamingos, a company that “Helps Plan & Manage Fun Fundraising Events Today Making Tomorrow’s Activities Possible,” while keeping COVID-19 risk to a minimum, and with the startup cost and effort usually needed for fundraisers already done. Her program includes incentives to motivate both youth and adults. She designed door hangers, to encourage others in the community to join in, and created customizable “You’ve Been Flocked” signs, to promote awareness of her clients’ groups.

Then, with help from her mother, Lisa Johnson, Johnson designed the website for Fundraising Flamingos, providing a unique sales portal for each organization.

Next she found an app that she could provide, to help save time and gas with flamingo drop-offs. Any organization using Fundraising Flamingos gets its own sales portal, custom signs, and access to the app at no charge. Finally she purchased 500 flamingos and turned her parents’ third car garage into her own office and Flamingo Care Center!

HOW IT WORKS An organization contacts Fundraising Flamingos, by going to www.

FundraisingFlamingos.com and clicking on Contact Us. Johnson or one of her Fundraising Flamingos specialists will work with them to schedule dates and plan the target area, kickoff party, incentives, etc.

Next is the kickoff party. A flamingo specialist motivates members by introducing them to the incentive program, teaches them about the sales portal, and leads them in fun games, resulting in a contact list. Members use their list to contact family and friends, inviting them to send “Flocks of Love” or “Sneaky Flamingos” to people who might need a smile for a few days. “It’s a great way to let people in the community know that someone is thinking about them!” said Lisa.

On flocking day Johnson and her team drop off bags, one for each order that was placed. Each bag contains flamingos; a door hanger, with a personal message from CONTINUED >

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the person who placed the order and the pickup date; and a customized yard sign. Members, using the routing app provided by Johnson, take the bags to their unwitting victims and quickly put the birds and sign into the yard, hang the door hanger, and move on to the next house. “People of all ages have a lot of fun with this!” Lisa laughed.

After three to five days, the members collect the flamingos and signs, and take them back to the pickup point.

Johnson takes everything back to her Flamingo Care Center, where she cleans and sanitizes each bird, repacking the bags for the next round of orders.

What if someone doesn’t want the flamingos in their yard? “This is meant to be a fun event,” reassured Lisa.

“At the bottom of every door hanger is a note telling the homeowner that they can call Fundraising Flamingos directly, and we will immediately send out our Flamingo Extraction Team and give them free insurance, so that no one flocks them again.”

Tips: Flock in groups of two or more. Encourage revenge flocking. Don’t leave anyone out: Some people get disappointed if they DON’T get flocked!

A great way to make a lot of money is to pick a leader in the organization and encourage people to purchase flocks to be sent to them on the same day. Imagine 500 or more flamingos appearing on a lawn at one time—a sight that is truly impressive!

Flocking occurs year round; but most groups prefer spring through fall, when it’s not too cold. Seasonal specials include Buzzard Blitzing in Oct.; and in Dec. 2022, there will be Santa-mingos for Christmas!

Fundraising Flamingos has been very successful raising funds for organizations, even in this time of COVID-19. The business shows no signs of slowing down. Currently serving central and southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky, Fundraising Flamingos hopes to expand further, to get others teenagers involved in entrepreneurship.

Contact Fundraising Flamingos at www.FundraisingFlamingos.com.

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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

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The Eight Things Your Master Closet Is

Missing

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F E AT U R E | HOM E + D ESIGN

Deciding what to wear is more fun with a fabulous and functional closet. And the right organization solutions transform an ordinary closet space into an elegant retreat that displays your clothes with style. Here are eight things you should consider adding to your master closet.

1.

SYMPHONY WALL

This innovative, low profile storage solution is ideal for narrow spaces. Not only is it more efficient than hooks, but it provides a stunning, contemporary look that allows for versatile storage of shoes, hats, scarves, handbags, and jewelry.

2.

JEWELRY DRAWER

Some people cram their jewelry into their top dresser drawer, in little boxes and bags; however, it can often be chaotic and time consuming to find what you need. Having a lockable jewelry drawer keeps often expensive or sentimental items not only safe, but well organized, in a protective velvet lined tray.

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ARTICLE BY RACHAEL FAHNCKE, DAYTON DESIGNER CLOSETS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL VAN DUINEN FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SO UT HDAY TO N

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“These eight features can dramatically improve the flexibility and functionality of your master closet! Get these ideas and more for your closet with a free design consultation from Dayton Designer Closets, where every detail matters.”

3.

PULL-OUT MIRROR

This space efficient closet design keeps a panel with a full-length retractable dressing mirror handy or hidden neatly out of sight.

4.

WARDROBE LIFTS

Most of us are totally neglecting the vertical space in our closets, because it is simply uncomfortable to reach. Thankfully wardrobe lifts can help you rethink this approach and double your hanging space.

5.

PULL-OUT ACCESSORIES

Belts, ties, and scarves are very susceptible to wrinkles and crinkles, when buried in the depths of your closet.

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F E AT U R E | HOM E + D ESIGN

Custom pull-out accessories in your closet can keep them in good shape and bring a level of order that’s hard to hide behind closed doors.

6.

VALETS

Some people might think of valets as a rather old-fashioned item, but they are making a big comeback. Valets are practical and can be great when planning for a date night or long weekend away.

7.

SHOE STORAGE

Are your shoes on the floor, hidden under hanging clothes, or in shoeboxes under the bed, hard to see and often hard to reach? Having dedicated shoe storage

means no more smushed or creased dress shoes. Clean up your floor and maximize the vertical space in your closet with a gorgeous “shoe shrine” that can be adjusted to the perfect height to fit your flats, heels, and boots.

8.

LIGHTING

Take advantage of integrated lighting to illuminate any space. Create the ambiance you are looking for in your custom closet.

These eight features can dramatically improve the flexibility and functionality of your master closet! Get these ideas and more for your closet with a free design consultation from Dayton Designer Closets, where every detail matters.

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Dayton Art Institute

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAYTON ART INSTITUTE

Announces 2022

NEW EXHIBITS BEGIN IN FEBRUARY

Schedule

Looking for something to do during the chilly February days? Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced its schedule for 2022, with something to interest every artistic taste.

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS • The Special Exhibition season kicks off in Feb., with the DAI exclusive Black Heritage Through Visual Rhythms, on view Feb. 26–May 22. Presented in collaboration with Dayton’s own African American Visual Artists Guild, this juried exhibition will feature exceptional contemporary art by African American artists from across the United States. This will mark the seventh annual presentation of Black Heritage Through Visual Rhythms and its first time being hosted at DAI. The exhibition’s Best in Show winner will be featured in a 2023 Focus Exhibition at DAI. • A close look at how conservation protects artworks for future generations will be the subject of DAI’s summer exhibition, Art for the Ages: Conservation at DAI, on view June 25–Sept. 11. Organized by DAI, the museum will be the exclusive venue for this exhibition.

Presenting rarely displayed works, as well as favorites seen in a new light, it includes examples from a variety of time periods, cultures, and materials.

• The 2022 Special Exhibition season concludes in the fall with American Myth and Memory: David Levinthal Photographs, on view Oct. 15-Jan. 15, 2023. This touring exhibition, organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, brings together highlights from Levinthal’s fascinating photographs of toys as a way to examine American stories.

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

FOCUS EXHIBITIONS • The 2022 Focus Exhibition season will be highlighted by the work of the world’s most famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh. In Van Gogh and European Landscapes, on view March 5–Sept. 4, a remarkable pair of Van Gogh paintings, on loan to DAI, will be at the center of this look at European landscape painting.

• Fired Imagination: Ancient Chinese Ceramics from the Nancy and Ed Rosenthal Family Collection, on view Feb. 5–July 24, presents a private collection of ceramics, ranging from figures to vessels and spanning more than 3,000 years of Chinese history.

• Mysteries abound in Something Unknown, on view March 12–June 5, a display of photographs and works on paper in which details about the work, such as the identity of the artist, the subject matter, the location, etc., are unknown to the museum. Maybe you can help DAI solve a mystery!

• Netsuke and the Art of Little Wonders, on view Aug. 27-Feb. 12, 2023, features netsuke, which are delicately carved personal accessories that depict subjects from popular culture—such as heroes, monsters, and folk tales—in Japan during the Edo period (1615–1868). For more information and updates about both Special and Focus Exhibitions at DAI, go to www.DaytonArtInstitute.org/Exhibitions.

Black Heritage Through Visual Rhythms Feb. 26-May 22, 2022 Bryane Broadie Mind Growth, 2021 Digital art on stretched canvas, #11 Edition 25 39" x 29" x 2.5" Courtesy of the artist

Black Heritage Through Visual Rhythms Feb. 26-May 22, 2022 Barbara McCraw Oya ll, 2010 Quilt of fabrics, crystals, beads 85" x 83" Courtesy of the artist

Netsuke and the Art of Little Wonders Aug. 27, 2022-Feb. 12, 2023 Japan (Edo period, 1615-1868) Family of Musicians, mid-19th century Ivory Collection of Dayton Art Institute, gift of Mrs. Dorothy Stroop, 1979.12.9

Black Heritage Through Visual Rhythms Feb. 26-May 22, 2022 Derrick Carter Art of a Vigilante, 2021 Sand, glue, and acrylic paint 36" x 36" x 2" Courtesy of the artist

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DELICIOUS, HEALTHY MEALS FOR ON-THE-GO FAMILIES

Cassidy Alane Photography

Brandy Skelton, owner and creator of Busy Bee Real Meals, wanted to create a healthy meal service that allowed busy families to eat healthy and enjoy their time together.

Based in Springboro, Ohio, Busy Bee Real Meals is a personal chef service that provides balanced and healthy meals for busy households and families. “Everyone has to eat,” explained Skelton. “Our goal is to help take the stress out of meal preparation and provide healthy, tasty options.

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T R E N D SE T T E R | PR OFES S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

ARTICLE BY ALLY STRACZEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIDY ALANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Busy Bee

Cassidy Alane Photography

“I started cooking in college and loved it!” continued Skelton. “After my son was born, I wanted more organic, healthier meals and found the best way was to cook them for my family. After doing meal trains at church, several people reached out to me and said that this could be a business.”

After working with the Small Business Development Center, Busy Bee Real Meals launched in 2016. Today the company employs 11 part-time employees and is looking to expand with its own kitchen.

“This group of chefs provides a fun melting pot of ideas for healthy food selections and preparation.”

As a mom, Skelton loves that Busy Bee Real Meals has piqued the interest of her two children, who work with her at farmers markets.

A unique aspect to the Busy Bee Real Meals service is that there is no long-term commitment. Customers can go week to week or pick up meals. And, as a small business, it’s Skelton who takes the time to confirm menu choices and delivery times.

This attention to detail is appreciated by customers. “One of the best things about being a small business is listening to our customers and meeting their needs.”

Customer favorites include its signature mason jar salads (which stay fresh for a week), buffalo chicken tacos, and cabbage lasagna.

For more information on how to try Busy Bee Real Meals, visit www.BusyBeeRealMeals.com.

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Bethany Village A DAYTON TRADITION REMODELS FOR MODERN NEEDS

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LORENZETTI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETHANY VILLAGE For almost 50 years, Bethany Village and its iconic apartment building known as “The Tower” have been a landmark in the South Dayton area.

Now this building, properly known as Vista Place, is getting a remodeling update, to bring it to the level of luxury that characterizes the rest of the continuing care retirement community.

The project is the result of the changing needs of older adults, said Dana Lynch, director of sales, independent living, and assisted living.

“Originally the apartments were very small,” she explained, noting that they typically ran less than 1,000 square feet. This was typical and expected in the 1970s, when overall sizes of living spaces were smaller than they are now; however, “couples are wanting larger spaces,” Lynch said, driving the need for a fresh look at how Vista Place is organized.

Bethany Village knew that the larger floor plans would be popular, from its experience with Park Ridge Place, another apartment building on campus. This three-story building offers apartments that run 1,100 to 1,400 square feet, and there is always a waiting list for apartment openings.

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O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

With that knowledge and an understanding of its target population, Bethany Village undertook the project of remodeling Vista Place. The project involved turning blocks of five apartments into two. One floor plan will include one bedroom and a den, in a total of 1,200 square feet; another unit will have two bedrooms and a total of 1,600 square feet.

“We want it to be luxurious,” Lynch said. Overall 20 new apartments will be created.

One unique feature of the new Vista Place apartments will be the views. As the building is a highrise, many of the units will have unobstructed views of the skyline and the features of the Bethany Village campus.

Apartment units are not the only changes at Vista Place. The lobby will also be redone, and all residents of the building will have access to upgraded common spaces. Vista Place will also maintain one of the most enjoyed features of Bethany Village: the connected walkways between buildings that allow

residents to move from one building to another without the need to go outside.

Not so long ago, most people thought of retirement communities as “homes,” characterized by cramped rooms and a hospital-like environment. Nothing could be further from the truth today. Residents at Bethany Village often move in as a way to continue living independently, while enjoying amenities like fitness facilities, dining areas, classrooms, and an art center. Bethany Village is also characterized by a strong sense of community, so residents get to know one another and have a social support network.

Additionally, should the need for more assisted living arrive, Bethany Village has a continuum of services that allows residents to get the help they need without leaving their community.

A model of the new Vista Place units will be available for tours in May, and move-in to the new units is expected in the fall. For more information on the community, visit www.BethanyLutheranVillage.org.

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C O F F E E G H O S T L I G H T

G HO S T L IG H T C OF F E E A N NOU NC E S OH IO’ S F I R S T NONA L C OHOL IC B OT T L E S HOP 28

C ULIN A RY CR E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GHOSTLIGHT COFFEE

Ghostlight Coffee started selling zero-proof spirits in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shane Anderson, owner of Ghostlight Coffee, and his wife, Lezley Pisone, had been diving into the world of nonalcoholic spirits at home and wanted to share the opportunity with the Dayton community. What started as a single shelf of products has transformed into a full-fledged bottle shop, located inside the historic coffeehouse on Wayne Avenue.

The Bottle Shop by Ghostlight boasts a varied selection of zero-proof spirits and “social beverages,” as the shop calls them. Customers can choose from familiar spirits, such as gin, whiskey, tequila, and rum (all with no alcohol), as well as pre-mixed “cocktails” and unique herbal elixirs.

A variety of sparkling beverages and “clean” wines, nonalcoholic craft beer, cocktail syrups, aperitifs, aromatic bitters, and more, all crafted without alcohol, open up wonderful tasting experiences for any palate.

“I have been more than pleasantly surprised to experience some bar cart staples and unique herbal elixirs that are now a part of my evening ‘unwind’ ritual,” said Pisone, who chooses an alcohol-free lifestyle but has experienced the taste of popular cocktails in the past.

The demand for better nonalcoholic beverages has been growing rapidly since the start of the pandemic.

Prior to recent years, those abstaining from alcohol for any reason often had few choices. Water, soda, or (if you were lucky) a tonic with lime was probably the best you’d find at a party or bar. “Sober bars” and nonalcoholic cocktails have been popping up with greater frequency nationwide, but The Bottle Shop by Ghostlight will be the first of its kind in Ohio.

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creative planning for your future ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Creative Planning believes there’s a richer way to wealth. Their team of CFP professionals, CPAs and attorneys work together to create clear customized plans to maximize your wealth, all in one place. Their award-winning in-house services span a variety of financial d isciplines, i ncluding c omprehensive wealth and investment management, insurance, tax prep, trusts, estate, financial and retirement planning. Founded in Overland Park, they have since branched out across the globe, gaining a national reputation that has earned them numerous prestigious awards, including #1 wealth management firm i n America by Barron’s, CNBC and Forbes.

President and CEO Peter Mallouk shares his wealth of knowledge with approachable financial advice. Two issues coming together at once inspired the creation of Mallouk’s business.

“My dad was a physician frustrated with his financial advisor who sold him products and didn’t really explain things well, and I was an estate attorney that saw a full view of the advisory world and thought there was a better way to deliver

the all around experience. Ultimately, that led to Creative Planning offering investments and planning as well as legal and tax advice in a very approachable, consultative way.”

Mallouk has written several books, including 5 Mistakes Every Investor Makes and How to Avoid Them, and has cowritten Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook and The Path: Accelerating Your Journey to Financial Freedom with Tony Robbins.

“People are generally fearful of investment and feel the market is too low or too high at any given time. When there is a correction (a drop of 10% or more), people generally stay on the sidelines or sell their stocks, fearing the market may collapse and stay lower—there have been over 100 corrections, usually about one per year, and they have all ended with a full recovery. Some of these corrections turn into bear markets, a drop of 20% or more, and all have ended with a full recovery. On the other end of the spectrum, many are worried about investing when the market is at an CONTINUED >

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all time high. This is actually completely normal and happens about once every nineteen days—in other words, all the time! We aren’t surprised when a Hershey’s bar, box of cereal or ticket to Disney World costs more, but somehow are shocked when the market hits an all time high.

It’s normal, and inflation has a lot to do with it.”

For those with a 401(k), Mallouk says to do everything you can to contribute.

“Some 401(k) plans have an employer match, meaning for every dollar you put into the 401(k), the company will match—it usually applies to the first 3%. It’s a guaranteed 100% rate of return, and there is just nothing else you can do that is going to be as good as that. If you have the ability to contribute the max do that as well, but for sure take advantage of the match.”

When faced with the choice to either invest or pay off debts first, Mallouk says to start with focusing on the interest rate.

“All debts aren’t created equal—if you have credit card debt where you are paying 10% or more in interest, then paying off the debt before doing anything else other than a 401(k) match is the way to go. If your only debt is a home mortgage at 2-4% or so, then investing over a long period of time is very likely to yield you a far better outcome than making extra debt payments.”

When planning an estate, it’s crucial to have a healthcare and financial power of attorney and a will or trust.

“A healthcare power of attorney names someone to make healthcare decisions for you in the event you can’t make them for yourself. A financial power of attorney names someone to make financial decisions for you if you can’t for yourself. Lastly a will or a trust both name who will handle things for you in the event of your death, and who will oversee and inherit your assets.

Trusts tend to make more sense for wealthier individuals as it can bypass the probate court system, which keeps things private, allows for a faster transfer of assets after death, and because it skips the court system, settling the estate is much less expensive.”

When looking for a financial advisor, find the right one by asking the right questions.

“Most don’t realize that the vast majority of financial advisors don’t have to act in the client’s best interests. A minority of financial advisors

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“We are planning led, meaning we get to know our clients very well prior to giving them advice. All our portfolios are customized to help clients accomplish their goals, rather than being constructed based on age or risk tolerance.”

are fiduciaries and operate under laws that share similarities with doctors and lawyers, meaning they do have to act in their client’s best interests. First, ask your advisor if they are registered as a broker or are dually registered. If they say yes to either, that means that part or all of the time, they don’t have to act in your best interests.

There are thousands of advisors that will act in your best interest, so take the time to find one. Second, ask your advisor if their parent company, or the ownership of their parent company, own investment vehicles. If the answer is yes, don’t be surprised if some of those investment vehicles find their way into your portfolio.

Essentially you may find yourself paying an advisor to then put you in a fund where the company collects another fee. There is no need to accept this conflict. Find a fiduciary that is not dually registered and that does not own their own investment products. At that point, you at least have someone that is incented to act on your behalf all the time. From there, look for education, credentials and experience with people like you.”

As for the future, it’s never looked brighter at Creative Planning.

“It’s an exciting time—we can do more for our clients today than at any point in our history. In many ways, it feels like we are just at the starting line.”

For more information, visit CreativePlanning.com.

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