Branding Your New Year

Contributed by: Kimberly Wyman

*Originally posted December 30, 2015

A New Year is traditionally a time to set resolutions you hope to accomplish over the coming year. At The Center, we encourage you to Live YOUR Plan™ every day, but what a better time of the year to reinforce and embrace all that you wish to be, do and have.

Identifying the lifestyle that best suits you is similar to crafting a personal brand and crafting a personal brand can be greatly supported by setting goals a.k.a. setting New Year’s resolutions.

A personal brand is about:

• Realizing you already have a personal brand – everyone does. Your existing personal brand is someone’s gut feeling about you and your existing perception of yourself. Does your brand say what you want it to say?

• Acknowledging where you currently are. What is your gut feeling about yourself? What do others say?

• Recognizing where you want to be. How do you want to be perceived, by yourself and by others?

• Bridging the gap between the two points. This is your personal brand journey and an excellent lead-in to your desired lifestyle.

5 Ways to Brand Your New Year

1. What are you passionate about? Most of us know what gets us up in the morning. If you don’t, consider spending time exploring this. If you truly aren’t passionate about anything, how about if you pick something and stick with it for 3 months? By eliminating things that you’re not passionate about, it just may lead you to what you are passionate about. Knowing this passion will help you set a resolution that is sure to make you proud of yourself.

2. Where do your strengths lie? Sometimes we’re good at things that don’t interest us. But, understanding what we’re good at can help us leverage what we truly want by taking some of the extra legwork out of the equation.

3. What do you want to learn about? Are there a million things that come to mind? Just pick one to focus on. If you have nothing that comes to mind, then just pick something and stick with learning all about it for a designated period of time. Eventually, you’ll discover things you truly want to learn about via process of elimination.

4. Where do you want to explore? Your neighborhood? You community? Your state? Your country? The world? Pick a place. Read about it, learn about it, visit…even if only virtually. This world is pretty big and pretty small at the same time. Take time to learn about another tiny corner besides that in which you live.

5. Be consistent. As with any type of branding – personal or professional – branding relies on consistency. Be faithful. Be reliable. Be steadfast. 

Having a clear vision of your desired lifestyle can help you make very good decisions about which paths you follow and which you choose to decline. Having a clear vision of your desired lifestyle will also make planning for your everyday and your future easier. Make life count. Live YOUR Plan™ and Happy New Year!

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Any opinions are those of Kimberly Wyman and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

2016: Branding Your New Year

Contributed by: Kimberly Wyman

A New Year is traditionally a time to set resolutions you hope to accomplish over the coming year. At The Center, we encourage you to Live YOUR Plan™ every day, but what a better time of the year to reinforce and embrace all that you wish to be, do and have.

Identifying the lifestyle that best suits you is similar to crafting a personal brand and crafting a personal brand can be greatly supported by setting goals a.k.a. setting New Year’s resolutions.

A personal brand is about:

• Realizing you already have a personal brand – everyone does. Your existing personal brand is someone’s gut feeling about you and your existing perception of yourself. Does your brand say what you want it to say?
• Acknowledging where you currently are. What is your gut feeling about yourself? What do others say?
• Recognizing where you want to be. How do you want to be perceived, by yourself and by others?
• Bridging the gap between the two points. This is your personal brand journey and an excellent lead-in to your desired lifestyle.

5 Ways to Brand Your New Year

1. What are you passionate about? Most of us know what gets us up in the morning. If you don’t, consider spending time exploring this. If you truly aren’t passionate about anything, how about if you pick something and stick with it for 3 months? By eliminating things that you’re not passionate about, it just may lead you to what you are passionate about. Knowing this passion will help you set a resolution that is sure to make you proud of yourself.
2. Where do your strengths lie? Sometimes we’re good at things that don’t interest us. But, understanding what we’re good at can help us leverage what we truly want by taking someone of the extra legwork out of the equation.
3. What do you want to learn about? Are there a million things that come to mind? Just pick one to focus on. If you have nothing that comes to mind, then just pick something and stick with learning all about it for a designated period of time. Eventually, you’ll discover things you truly want to learn about via process of elimination.
4. Where do you want to explore? Your neighborhood? You community? Your state? Your country? The world? Pick a place for 2016. Read about it, learn about it, visit…even if only virtually. This world is pretty big and pretty small at the same time. Take time to learn about another tiny corner besides that in which you live.
5. Be consistent. As with any type of branding – personal or professional – branding relies on consistency. Be faithful. Be reliable. Be steadfast. 

Having a clear vision of your desired lifestyle can help you make very good decisions about which paths you follow and which you choose to decline. Having a clear vision of your desired lifestyle will also make planning for your everyday and your future easier. Make life count. Live YOUR Plan™ and Happy New Year!

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Any opinions are those of Kimberly Wyman and note necessarily those of Raymond James. 2016: Branding Your New Year

Slightly Off-Center: Any hidden talents?

There’s a lot you know about our team at The Center … but we’ve dug up answers to some questions you might have never thought to ask.

I’m a serious amateur musician –Dan Boyce

Master chess player –Matt Trujillo

I’m actually a pretty good cook – I really enjoy trying out new recipes and cooking on the grill –Nick Defenthaler

Our New Office Design Attracts Attention

Moving offices last summer meant a lot more than packing up our desks and remembering which way to turn in the morning on our way to work. Taking over a new space turned into a major remodel. We seized the opportunity to reinvent the atmosphere of The Center to reflect our approach and values. We ditched the traditional cream and beige and embraced the colors you see on our website. Natural light and an open floor plan now welcome our clients. The changes were so dramatic we were recently featured in The Wall Street Journal.

It helped that we brought in the design team from dPOPculture. The Detroit company helps clients by, “Breaking out of the cubicle and redefining the workplace.” Without their encouragement, we might not have taken as many risks. From the colors to the quotes on the walls, our new office is designed to make everyone feel comfortable, with particular appeal to our younger clients. Partner Melissa Joy explains:

"With a lot of firms today looking to recruit a younger demographic, I think it’s important not to overlook the power that your office space has to tell your story.”

By now, you’ve probably toured our new space. If not, we invite you to stop by or take this virtual tour.

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Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed web sites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any web site or the collection or use of information regarding any web site’s users and/or members.

Slightly Off-Center: What can you simply not resist?

There’s a lot you know about our team at The Center … but we’ve dug up answers to some questions you might have never thought to ask.

Sweets especially Chocolate cake –Angela Palacios

Coca Cola –Amanda Toia

My kids’ faces when they smile –Gerri Harmer

Listening to good music –Jaclyn Jackson

Warm Showers –Jennifer Hackmann

Chocolate chip cookies –Jennie Bauder

Baked by Melissa Cupcakes from NYC –Kali Hassinger

A bowl of popcorn drizzled with butter and finished off with a touch of salt –Laurie Renchik

Cheesecake –Matt Trujillo

It’s a good thing I don’t live in Texas where I was born b/c I love Whataburger. Yummy. –Melissa Joy

Junk food and Mexican!  If it’s in the house, it won’t be there for long… -Nick Defenthaler

Slightly Off-Center: Your best beauty secret?

There’s a lot you know about our team at The Center … but we’ve dug up answers to some questions you might have never thought to ask.

Exercise is the Fountain of Youth! –Angela Palacios

Stay Out of the Sun –Amanda Toia

Stay optimistic, stay fit, have fun –Dan Boyce

Don’t stress and be happy –Gerri Harmer

Drink tons of water –Jaclyn Jackson

Clean ears is a must –Jennifer Hackmann

Less is more –Jennie Bauder

Fanny Packs are always in style and can complement any outfit –Kali Hassinger

7 hours of consistent sleep every night –Matt Chope

I have to shower twice a day – once in the morning to help myself wake up and once at night to relax and unwind –Nick Defenthaler

Don’t try too hard! –Sandy Adams

This is all natural – bam! –Tim Wyman

Embrace yourself – you are beautiful no matter what –Melissa Parkins

Happy Centerversary!

Bringing a combined 37 years of experience to The Center, we are grateful for the contributions of Tim Wyman, Matthew Chope and Amanda Toia. While we wanted to give them a little recognition as they reach their Centerversaries, we also wanted to know what the anniversaries meant to them.

Fifteen years ago now Managing Partner Tim Wyman joined our team. He not only brings leadership to The Center, but he keeps our team laughing. When we asked him about hitting the 15 year mark, he called it a wonderful milestone:

Joining The Center in 1999 was clearly the best professional decision I have made. I am very grateful and thankful for what we have collectively built here at The Center for the benefit of clients and the great team that serves them. My work is extremely rewarding and important in my life and it is a true pleasure and privileged to be a member of The Center!  

Center partner Matthew Chope joined Center for Financial Planning, Inc. in 1996. Of his 18 years with The Center he says:

“It’s been like a dream career for the most part. The only thing better than these choices, as I look back, was the staff that found a home here over that time and the clients that gave us an opportunity to serve them.  I feel lucky and privileged each and every day.”

And 4 years ago, Client Service Manager Amanda Toia joined our team. Now that we have her, we can’t imagine how we ever managed without her!

“I work at the greatest firm with the greatest co-workers and clients! I have learned somuch in the last four years.”

Important Information for Tax Season 2014

As you prepare for the 2014 tax season, here is some information that you may find beneficial.

Our team is available to assist you with your tax reporting needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. We are also happy to coordinate with your CPA or tax preparer on your behalf if you make this request.

2014 Raymond James Form 1099 mailing schedule

• 2/17- Mailing of original Form 1099s
• 3/2 - Begin mailing delayed and amended Form 1099s
• 3/16 - Final mailing of any remaining delayed original Form 1099s

Please note the exceptions immediately below:

Delayed Form 1099s

In an effort to capture delayed data on original Form 1099s, the IRS allows us to extend the mailing date until March 16, 2014 for clients who hold particular investments or who have had specific taxable events occur. Examples of delayed information include:

• Income reallocation related to mutual funds, real estate investment, unit investment, grantor and royalty trusts; as well as holding company depositary receipts
• Processing of Original Issue Discount and Mortgage Backed bonds
• Cost basis adjustments

Amended Form 1099s

Even after delaying your Form 1099, please be aware that adjustments to your Form 1099 are still possible. Raymond James is required by the IRS to produce an amended Form 1099 if notice of such an adjustment is received after the original Form 1099 has been produced. There is no cutoff or deadline for amended Form 1099 statements. The following are some examples of reasons for amended Form 1099s:

• Income reallocation
• Adjustments to cost basis (due to the Economic Stabilization Act of 2008)
• Changes made by mutual fund companies related to foreign withholding
• Tax-exempt payments subject to alternative minimum tax
• Any portion of distributions derived from U.S. Treasury obligations

What can you do?

You should consider talking to your tax advisor about whether it makes sense to file an extension with the IRS to give you additional time to file your tax return, particularly if you held any of the aforementioned securities during 2014.

If you receive an amended Form 1099 after you have already filed your tax return, you should consult with your tax advisor about the requirements to re-file based on your individual tax circumstances.

Additional information can be found at http://www.raymondjames.com/taxreporting.htm.

We hope you find this additional information helpful. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns during tax season.

Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Slightly Off-Center: TV show you never miss?

There’s a lot you know about our team at The Center … but we’ve dug up answers to some questions you might have never thought to ask.

The Biggest Loser and Game of Thrones –Angela Palacios

This season of The Voice –Jaclyn Jackson

Criminal Minds –Jennifer Hackmann

Parenthood –Jennie Bauder

Parks & Rec –Kali Hassinger

The Good Wife, Downton Abbey, The Blacklist –Laurie Renchik

Homeland –Matt Trujillo

Outlander, Game of Thrones, Mad Men –Melissa Joy

This surprises me too, but it’s “The Walking Dead” –Nancy Sechrist

I’m a huge fan of Showtime – Homeland, Ray Donovan, old episodes of Dexter, etc. – And as I mentioned earlier, those mind numbing reality shows that I’m a sucker for! –Nick Defenthaler

Detroit Tigers or Michigan State games (football and basketball) Go Spartans! –Sandy Adams

I don’t watch TV programs very much.  My wife Jen and I do periodically get obsessed and watch shows like House of Cards, The Good Wife, and Homeland via Netflix in a very short amount of time. –Tim Wyman

The Center Supports Gleaners’ Vine and Dine Fundraiser

2014 marks the third year Center for Financial Planning has helped sponsor the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s Vine and Dine event to benefit Gleaners Community Food Bank.  Vine and Dine allows guests to experience music, wine, and food from some of the best artists, caterers, and restaurants in metropolitan Detroit.This year’s event was held at the Cranbrook Institute of Science where guests were treated to a special “behind the scenes” tour of the museum as well as see National Geographic’s touring exhibition, Women of Vision.

As a part of The Center’s 2020 Vision, we are deeply committed to community service and aim for our combined sweat equity and financial contributions to create $100,000 of community support each year.  The Vine and Dine event is one on the ways we are building up to our 2020 Vision goal.  This year, The Center team has also volunteered with Gleaners to donate and assemble food packages because we are moved by their commitment to fight against hunger in southeastern Michigan.  Gleaners has successfully collaborated with the Feeding America network, member agencies, and program partners to deliver millions of pounds of food to the people who need it most.  

Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed web sites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any web site or the collection or use of information regarding any web site’s users and/or members.