Our very own Matt Trujillo crowned 2019 Chess Champion!

Contributed by: Gerri Harmer

The Center’s own Matt Trujillo has added chess champion to his list of accomplishments! Client Service Manager Gerri Harmer recently sat down with Matt to talk about his road to victory at the Michigan Bottom Half Class Championships.

Gerri Harmer: Congratulations on your recent victory! Let me ask you some clarifying questions so the folks at home know what this is all about! First, can you tell us a little bit more about the tournament you just played in and how the championship is decided?

Matt Trujillo: Sure I would be happy to. The tournament is held annually in Lansing, Michigan and is divided into five sections or classes. The lowest section is either for people without a rating (brand new to tournament chess) or a rating lower than 900, and then each section after that is 200 points higher than the previous section.

Gerri Harmer: So were you in the section with the beginners?

Matt Trujillo: No, my section was Class A, which is for players rated between 1800 – 1999. This is considered the top class, so it was definitely stiff competition.

Gerri Harmer: Wow that does sound like some pretty stiff competition. So was it just bragging rights or did you win anything to go with your title?

Matt Trujillo: There is no money in chess unless you are ranked in the top 10 in the world. At my level, it’s a few hundred dollars and a big trophy, but what really motivates me is the bragging rights. It’s a game of strategy and tactics, and I want to be the best.

A ‘Swiss style’ tournament

Gerri Harmer: What was the tournament format like? Was it round robin style, where everyone plays everyone, or a bracket format?

Matt Trujillo: It’s actually neither of those. The way these tournaments work is called a “Swiss Style” tournament. In round one, your section is divided by your rating coming into the tournament. So if there is 50 people in the section, the highest rated player will be paired against the 26th rated player and the 2nd highest rated player will be paired against the 27th highest rated player, and so on and so forth. After round one, winners play winners and losers play losers.

Gerri Harmer: So how many games do you have to win to be crowned the champion?

Matt Trujillo: Every win you get is worth one point, a loss is worth zero points, and a tie (draw) is worth half a point. I finished the event with three wins, two draws, and zero losses, which means I had four total points out of a possible five.

Gerri Harmer: So if you keep winning every round, do you play against someone else that won every round as well?

Matt Trujillo: Yes, that is exactly right. There was a total of five rounds, and going into the fifth round, I had two wins and two draws for a total of three points; however, my opponent had three wins and one draw, so he was actually in first place going into the final round.

Gerri Harmer: Wow! So if you had lost or got a draw, what place would you have taken?

Matt Trujillo: If I had drawn I would have taken 3rd, and if I had lost, I wouldn’t even have had a spot in the winner’s circle. It was truly a must-win situation going into the final round.

Sticking to his game

Gerri Harmer: Did you change your strategy at all given that it was a must-win?

Matt Trujillo: No, I didn’t. Some players will do that and play a more aggressive style when they know they have to win, but I prefer just to stick to my game. I play a certain style that I know really well, and I have found through past experience that if I deviate from that, it usually doesn’t end well!

Gerri Harmer: Good idea to stick to your guns! Did the game last a long time since there was so much on the line?

Matt Trujillo: Every game of the tournament lasted a long time, and the final round was no different. Every game I played was right around four hours long.

Gerri Harmer: Four hours long? I don’t know if I could sit still for that long! So when is your next tournament?

Matt Trujillo: Ya, it definitely takes a high level of patience and mental discipline to compete at this level! Good question about my next tournament…I’m not really sure. I was planning on playing in the Michigan Open on August 30th, but that is labor day weekend, and Diane and the kids want to go up north, so that tournament is off the table! I might play in a few small, one-day tournaments, but the next big one will probably be in January 2020.

Gerri Harmer: Well congratulations again on this accomplishment, and best of luck to you in January!

Gerri Harmer is a Client Service Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She specializes in client service, event planning, and marketing.

The Center Feels Honored to be Considered One of the Healthiest in the State

Contributed by: Gerri Harmer

The room was buzzing all night. We felt blessed to be invited to the Governor’s Fitness Award Gala and very humbled by our fellow nominees. We were excited to attend as one of the three nominees in the Healthy Workplace – small business category.

Al Kaline and Senator Stabenow were honored for the Vern Seefeldt Lifetime Achievement and the John Dingell Outstanding Public Official. They did not compare to a 20-year-old boy who pitches with one hand, a female army pilot who is making it her mission to help veterans coming home, and a 102-year-old veteran who challenged Lila Lazarus and Lt. Governor Brian Pauley to a pushup challenge onstage and won.

There were many amazing and courageous stories of overcoming obstacles, accomplishing great feats and positively influencing others. Race directors, communities and people coming together for the purpose of living healthier lives. We learned Michigan is ranked 35th in the health and wellness arena. We can do better. Those honored are leading the way to get us moving again.  We left ready to put on our tennies and bring everyone with us. We hope you’ll join the movement.

Read more about the winners and their inspiring stories here.

Gerri Harmer is a Client Service Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

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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 websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members. Raymond James is not affiliated with the Governor's Fitness Award Gala.

A New Voice on the Phone

Contributed by: Gerri Harmer

You may have heard a new voice on the phone lately. Andrea Tomaszewski joined The Center team as Client Service Administrator – Receptionist in January. She settled in quickly with a natural interest in meeting people and a passion for improving people’s lives. She has been a valuable asset with our increased phone volume. Not to worry though, Gerri Harmer is not far away focusing on events and other projects. Please give a warm welcome to Andrea when you call and a friendly hello when you come to visit.

Gerri Harmer is a Client Service Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

Giving Thanks

Contributed by: Gerri Harmer

Most of us give thanks on Thanksgiving. Some have started listing what they’re thankful for every day of November on social media which I think is absolutely fantastic. It’s how I start my day, not on social media but some kind of affirmation to myself. Most of the things they mention are big things they are most grateful for such as people like family and friends. While I know those are indeed the most important things, I’ve found that the little things about those big things are the things I remember most.  When I think back about some of the best times with family, I don’t always remember the gift I got my son for his birthday but I do remember that big mega-watt smile that spread over his face and the feeling of joy in my heart knowing his day was filled with excitement and bliss. I don’t recall the jokes my dad told or his bigger than life stories but I do remember his voice and the way his eyes lit up when he laughed. I recall my grandmother’s advice and her listening to my latest adventures with excitement as if it were the greatest story she’d ever heard or the hugs I received from grandpa or Mom putting the special spice in the recipe. These small moments fill us. They are what we hold in our hearts. I think Maya Angelo said it best, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

It may sound corny but how we make clients feel is what we hold dear here at The Center. We consider our clients to be part of our extended family. It’s important to us to we take care of their needs, spoken or unspoken, to the best of our ability. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll research it. When our clients call, we do our best to respond as quickly and thoroughly as possible and if we can put a smile on their face or a more peaceful feeling in their hearts then we’re content. When clients go through a joyful occasion, we cheer, when they’re going through a rough time, we feel it and do what we can to make it easier. We prepare in advance for possible emergencies whether it’s economic or situational. We try to get to know clients’ families, in case anything should happen we know who to contact and how to help. We take time to think about how we can do better for our clients even if we’re doing great. We want our client families to create the best lives they can possibly imagine and we feel incredibly thankful they have chosen us to share time and those moments.

Happy Thanksgiving from your Center Family!

Gerri Harmer is a Client Service Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

The Center is taking on a 21 Day Challenge

Contributed by: Gerri Harmer

Not all of us have the same goals in health and wellness. So when it comes to putting together a work place program, we try to keep everyone in mind. It’s been said to permanently change a habit, you need to do it for 21 days. So starting on January 19th, The Center staff committed to making at least one new healthy habit for 21 days. Each person’s individual goal had to be a bit of a stretch but ultimately doable, with some effort! If we miss a day, we start again. We found quite a few were similar, a few very unique and some had more than one.

Our goals were gathered and posted in the kitchen. 

• Drink 64 oz. of water a day

• At least 15 minutes of exercise /workout at least 3x per week

• Listen to relaxing music in the car on the way in

• No bread products

• No snacking between work and dinner

• No stress eating

• No candy/reducing sugar

• Take vitamins

• Pack a lunch

• Eat less than 1,000 calories for lunch

• Meditate 5 minutes a day

• Make someone laugh

Maybe you can identify with one of these, or maybe they’ll inspire you to come up with your own challenge. We are having so much fun keeping each other on track or calling each other out; we’d love for you to join in, too. What habit do you want to work on for 21 days?

Gerri Harmer is a Client Service Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

Exercising (and Saving Money) Without Realizing It

Contributed by: Gerri Harmer

Exercise without realizing it? Really?  Really! I know it sounds too good to be true but let’s think about this whole exercise thing in a new way.  We can have fun and save money while getting a good workout!

Spending 20-30 minutes a day on aerobic activity does not mean you have to be sweating to the oldies in front of the TV or forking over your hard-earned money to a personal trainer.  While exercise videos and personal trainers are fabulous and very effective, they might not be your favorite things to do, which means you probably are not very motivated to jump in and may find excuses to put it off.

Why not opt for a less stressed, enjoyable exercise option once in a while? Take a 30-minute bike ride through your favorite neighborhood. Increase your heart rate, take in nature, say “hi” to the neighbors, and let the wind blow through your hair. Better yet, put a basket on the front and bike to the store for that bread you needed to pick up.  Or, load your bike on the back of the car, park and ride your bike through your favorite metro park or sightsee in a new town.  It’s the best way to see the city, stopping whenever you like to get a better look without holding up traffic while getting access to areas you couldn’t get to with a vehicle.  You are now stress free, you have endorphins flowing, and you didn’t spend a dime.

How about having a hula hoop contest or playing catch with your kids or grandkids? Water balloons? Bowling?  I’ve never been as sore as the day after I’ve gone bowling -- it kicks my tail! Taking a new dance or martial class are fantastic ways to move and learn something interesting. You get toned and your friends are amazed with your new skills.  It feels like cheating because it’s so much fun and it didn’t cost any more than your normal recreational activity. 

More ways to save AND get a workout?  

1. Go for a hike. Meet up with friends or fly solo for a respite. Clean out those mental cobwebs.

2. Try gardening. Make your yard the envy of the neighborhood or grow an organic garden.

3. Join a recreation league. Make some new friends by joining a softball, soccer, horseshoes, or bocce ball team.

4. Play a game with your kids or grandkids.  A good game of capture the flag, tag or kickball gets the adrenaline going while spending time with your family. 

5. Play an interactive video game.  They have tons of games that get you running, jumping, dancing, chopping, and shuffling. Your kids and/or grandkids will think you are so cool.

6. Try new things.  Ever heard of LARPing (live action role playing) or Geocaching?

You get the idea. What are you going to do first?

Gerri Harmer is a Client Service Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

6 Ways to Get Healthy AND Spend Less

Contributed by: Gerri Harmer

If you could choose one of these items in retirement, which would you pick?

1. A vacation home

2. Shiny red convertible

3. Good health

A younger version of yourself would have probably gone for option 1 or 2. But many of us find when we get to retirement, our priorities change.  Without good health, all the other choices are irrelevant if you can’t enjoy them. Many of us dream of living a very active lifestyle when we retire with some money in our pockets.  Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could have all the options? Wouldn’t it be even more amazing if it only took adapting just a few new habits to improve our long-term health?

Here are 6 ways to lean into better health while spending less:

1.     Start giving up that bad habit.  Most things that are bad for your health are bad for your wallet.  Smoking, junk food, fast food and pop can all be eliminated, adding money to your bottom line.

2.     Go outside.  Breathe the air and get fit by walking, gardening or bike riding.  Better yet, head to the park to toss a Frisbee, join in on a sport, or hit a trail. No need to pay fees for gym memberships during the summer.

3.     Buy local or grow your own.  Farmers markets usually have a great variety of organic fruits and vegetables.  You support your community and pay a fraction of the grocery store prices.  Better yet, start your own garden and save even more.

4.     Sleep 15 minutes more.  Give your body a little more time to repair itself.  Go to bed early or prep for your morning the night before so you can sleep an extra 15 minutes. 

5.     Drink water.  Experts recommend drinking 8 glasses a day. Before you allow yourself even a drop of anything else, drink a glass of water first. You’ll be surprised how much energy you gain while flushing all the bad stuff. Water is one of the least expensive beverage options especially when it comes from your filtered fridge instead of a bottle.

6.     Sit with nature.  Reset your stress levels by simply listening to the birds, taking in the scenery or feeling the breeze on your face.  It costs nothing and gives you peace and calm.

It might be difficult to change radically overnight, but leaning toward better habits may lead to a smoother, more permanent change in your health. And it doesn’t hurt that you’ll be saving money along the way!

Gerri Harmer is a Client Service Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

Center Wins Governor’s Healthy Workplace Award

 Financial health isn’t the only health our Center team focuses on every day.  One of our core values is living a balanced life which means keeping all areas of our lives healthy and balanced.  Part of that balance includes dipping into some physical activity and good nutrition.  We find it keeps our energy up, our minds focused and our creativity flowing allowing us to better serve our clients, our family, each other and our community.  That’s why we are so excited to announce winning the Healthy Workplace Award in the small business category presented by the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. 

You may see some of our posts from time to time talking about what we’re doing in the health and wellness area.  Don’t be surprised if you see us on the ball (balanced ball that is) at our computer or eating a healthy snack.  We share in the Governor’s passion for promote fitness and health. So next time you stop in to see us at The Center, feel free to share some of the things you’re doing to lead a healthier, more balanced life. We’re always looking for great new ideas!

To see other companies on the list, click here.

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Newest Team Member Already Calling Us Family

 There are a lot of things that wouldn’t get done around here without an Office Manager. That’s why we’re more than thrilled to welcome our newest staff member Nancy Sechrist to The Center team. Nancy joined us on February 3^rd and after a few weeks, we’re happy to report that it looks like she’ll stick around for a while! In fact, when asked how it’s going so far, Nancy replied,

Everyone at The Center is great! It truly feels like an extended family.”  

Nancy comes with vast experience in human resources, finances and personnel management, making her a perfect fit for our team. Nancy and her husband reside in Macomb with their two daughters. So, the next time you stop by The Center, make sure to track her down and welcome her to the family.

Health and Wellness in April

With April showers in mind, The Center held a Parking Spot Raffle the last week in March.  The winner of the raffle received the right to park in the reserved (and very close) spots for the rainy month of April. And those lucky winners were….Brenda Spencer and Tim Wyman!  Proceeds from the raffle went to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

Tuesday Tennies continue to roll as we lace up our tennis in our quest for a healthier lifestyle.  It’s a fantastic way to smell the flowers and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.   You’ll find our business neighbors circling the grounds as well! 

Strawberry Shortcake for everyone!  For the price of a small donation we gobbled up this delicious goodie for our Thursday Treat this past week.   In our effort to strive for a healthier version we used angel food cake, fresh cut strawberries and fat-free whip cream…Yum!   Donations went to the Cystinosis Research Network.  

Our Center initiatives and efforts have been noticed recently.  Look hard and you'll find a few Center team members pictured throughout Blue Cross Blue Shield's Annual Report.

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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 websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members. Links are being provided for informationpurposes only. Raymond James is notaffiliated with and does not endorse,authorize or sponsor any of the listedwebsites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for thecontent of any website or the collection oruse of information regarding any website'susers and/or members.