Nathan Morales, AIF, CSLP

By definition, life-long learning is never about a finish line or prize to be won. However, there are a few times where milestones are to be celebrated and I'm excited to share a recent one of my own.

After a lot of dollars and hours invested, I've successfully obtained my CFP® certification. I'm proud to continue servicing my clients to the best of my ability under the standards and expectations that such a certification brings.

Thanks for everyone, including my team at Watermark Advisory Group for supporting me during my journey! 😊

Ancora Imparo 📚

It’s official: The Watermark Advisory Group March Madness Client Appreciation event has become an annual thing after yet another awesome time was had this past Friday! 🏀

What a time we had hanging out with our clients and partners who, without them, we would not be able to do what we do.

Thank you again to all who came to hang out, share some laughs, and watch some basketball. We hope you had as much fun as we did!

Zac Woodward
Kristen Woodward
Bill Jaconette

I don’t condone bullying.

That being said, the public bullying BCBS into reversing what would have been the most ludicrous health insurance policy change in our lifetime was society’s biggest win this week.

Shame on whoever was in that board room when this policy was decided on.

Facing criticism, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said it will not proceed with a policy to put time limits on coverage for anesthesia during surgery. https://cnn.it/3ZfktEI

Quick congratulations to my beautiful and way-smarter-than-me wife, Ariel, on matching with a Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship in beautiful Madison, Wisconsin!

Your dedication to your profession and thirst for knowledge is infectious. I can’t think of a more deserving candidate and I’m excited to be by your side as you take on another fun life challenge😊

My wife and I spent some time in beautiful Savannah, GA

Here’s what it taught me about B2B sales:

Absolutely nothing. I’ve never been a part of B2B sales in my life. Here’s an awesome picture of our sunset rooftop view of a massive cargo ship making its way out of port though.

Happy Monday!

Once in a while, when in a review meeting with a client, I'll run into a situation when they've experienced a sudden/unforeseen expense that resulted in them having to use a large portion of their cash savings/emergency fund.

When this happens, I find that they tend to deliver that update to me with almost a regretful or apologetic tone. As if they messed up the financial plan we had in place or set themselves back.

Never apologize or feel bad for the airbags working.

Control what you can control. If the expense was unforeseen and/or unavoidable, just be thankful for that "airbag". Just be sure to re-install it 😁

Send a message to learn more

Me putting together the puzzle of a new client’s financial plan VS. me putting together an actual puzzle

What a day yesterday.

We at Watermark Advisory Group got to hang out with 50+ of our clients and referral partners and show them our appreciation for being the reason we do what we do. Spent the afternoon enjoying food, drinks, and basketball 🏀 on one of the best sports days of the year!

Like most great events, you look back wishing you took more photos, but happy you were having so much fun you didn’t even think about pictures.

Thanks to everyone who came out! What a great memory!

Zac Woodward

Should only professional athletes hire personal trainers? Of course not. Being healthy and fit something anyone can strive for.

Then why do so many feel that financial advisors and planners are only for those who are already wealthy?

Signs that hiring an advisor may add value to your financial life:
1. You have excess income above your typical expenses
2. You have financial goals, short and long term
3. You have areas of financial concern like debt, self control, or dependents
4. You have benefits through employer you don't fully understand
5. You are running your own business
6. You don't want to work until you die
7. You don't have the time or desire to dig deep into your finances
8. You have knowledge of what needs to be done, but no accountability
9. You are going through changes in life such as a new job, marriage/divorce, kid, or recently moved

Yes, some advisors have asset minimums. Others, like myself, enjoy helping those on a flat-fee basis, regardless of what you have saved up already. Our goal is to help you build wealth efficiently.

We are excited to announce we've moved our office from Grandville to Cascade!

Our new location is 3196 Kraft Ave., SE, Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.

Medical and Financial Professionals are more similar than you might think (no we did not not go through 11+years of schooling and Residency/Fellowship, but hear me out).

Not all doctors are the same. While all share the same fundamental experience of medical school, they later become experts in a specific field: Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Anesthesia, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, etc.

Financial Professionals are not all that different. I've come across Life Insurance agents, investment portfolio managers, business transition specialists, 401k/Retirement Plan specialists, Ultra-high-net-worth wealth advisors, holistic planners amongst many others that all operate under the role of a "Financial Advisor". The problem is our title as "Financial Advisors" doesn't exactly give the general public much information on what our area of expertise is in - *Acknowledges Compliance*. It's also quite possible that a financial professional's areas of expertise are in many categories, not just one.

When choosing an advisor to work with, what matters most is your relationship with them. After that, it's making sure their areas of focus are in line with what you are needing most, much like a physician. Your experience and financial future will ultimately be much more fruitful.

My fellow service-providers and numbers-people will relate to this post. During my annual analysis of my practice's year, I found some numbers that I thought were worth sharing:

During a year of 23% growth, about 75% of that came from both current clients and from current clients. This told me that not only was 2023 a year of deepening relationships with my current clients, but also a confirmation of the value they are receiving while working with me that they are confident in sending others my way.

The greatest compliment any service-provider can receive is an unexpected call/email saying "I got your contact information from _______". A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who contributed to our organic growth this year 😄.

A very Happy New Year to everyone from myself and my team at Watermark Advisory Group 🎉