January 2017

We hope 2017 is off to a great start! The beginning of a new year can be a good time to reflect on our goals and dreams for the future and reset our focus. If you plan to make changes professionally, personally, or financially, take a look at our online calculators.  Home Budget, College Savings, Life Insurance, 401(k) and Social Security are a few financial calculators we have available. As always, your advisor team is here to help you if you have any questions or concerns.


It's  Your Year
It's Your Year

Do you know someone who has made a resolution to get their financial affairs in order this year? We'd love the opportunity to help them find financial clarity. Simply forward this newsletter to them or have them reach out to your advisor team. If you're not quite sure what their needs are  This link will guide them through a short survey and from here we can contact them directly. 

Investment News
from the desk of Clay Keeley

December Market Recap:

Major U.S equity markets 

continued the "Trump rally" in December, leading to positive gains across all asset classes in 2016. The S&P 500 increased by...


ARTICLE: Could You Improve Your Personal Finances Today?
Simple decisions & new habits
 might  lead you  toward a better financial future.
 
In life, there are times when simple decisions can have a profound impact. The same holds true when it comes to personal finance. Here are some simple choices you could make that may leave you...


GET TO KNOW THE ARGI TEAM
Katie E. Pfeifer, CFP®
Financial Advisor

Describe your role at ARGI in less than two sentences: Helping clients achieve their financial goals by developing a strategy tailored to their needs.  Additionally, I mentor those around me to better them individually, better myself, and better our team.  

What's your favorite song?  I've had Sturgill Simpson's last few albums on repeat lately, so "Breakers Roar" would definitely be a contender.  The song that will always put a smile on my face, regardless of timeframe is "To Be With You" by Mr. Big.  
 
Hometown: Evansville, IN
 
Motto/mantra/favorite quote? "Stay hungry. Stay foolish." -Steve Jobs                                         
 
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?   Letting go of situations I cannot change is tough for me.  Many thought I was foolish to walk away from my previous opportunity, but I knew I was capable of so much more.  It took longer than it should for me to realize that the circumstances were not going to change, and walking away was not easy.  Having said that, it is evident I made the right choice.    
 
Where is your favorite place to vacation? This has to be answered in two ways... with kids and without kids.  Without kids, NYC.  With kids, my boys love the Gulf Coast.  And let's just clarify - when young kids are in tow... it's a trip, not a vacation.
 
What is your favorite hobby? I have always loved being active.  Exercise is something my mind needs just as much as my body.  Which is a good thing because my second favorite hobby is eating J  Whether it's cooking in my own kitchen or enjoying Louisville's local restaurant scene - I love food!
 
What is the best advice you've received?  
I'll never forget the advice my husband and I received in our pre-marital class.  Our mentor told us to never enter into marriage expecting to do 50% of the work.  Many times you will feel you are doing more than your share and at other times your spouse will feel the same. It's rarely an equal split, and if that is your expectation, you will seldom be satisfied.  If both partners are willing to do 100%, you can be an unstoppable team. 
It resonated with me because it's applicable to every relationship I have - as a wife, a mother, a friend, and teammate.    
 
Are you involved with any charities or non-profits? Those who know me well know my passion for Scarlet Hope.  This Louisville-based ministry reaches women trapped in the adult entertainment business by providing counseling, mental health services, and vocational training.  When I realized 85% of women in the sex industry were abused as little girls, there was no way I could not get involved.  I have such a heart for these women and Scarlet Hope offers a way to be tangibly involved in making a difference in their lives.      
 
Number one thing on your bucket list?  Long-term overseas mission trip to help mothers and children. 

What would you do (for a career) if you weren't doing this? As an avid sports fan, I sometimes wonder if I missed my calling as an ESPN sideline reporter.
 
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? Oreo taste tester!
 
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? Pay attention to your intuition.  You will realize later you are usually right about people and situations.  
 
How do you define success? For me, success is very personal.  It will never be based on someone else's opinion of me or be relative to another individual.  Money is not the barometer for success.  It's important that I enjoy what I do and that I am invested in developing those around me. If I'm doing right by my clients and those around me.....and am happy, then I am succeeding.   
HEALTHY HABITS
Many of us start the new year with hopes of sticking to the resolutions we've set. We often have the urge to revert back to old habits once we've settled into the year. The American Heart Association has a few tips for staying on track.



CONGRATULATIONS
CORNER
  Do you have a milestone or announcement you'd like to share with our readers? Email info and photo to us!

ARGI GIVES
ARGI Gives was founded by ARGI employees in 2015, bringing together their time, talents, and resources through a corporate giving program. Its mission focuses on improving the lives of other members of our local communities. ARGI Gives is overseen by a committee comprised of a diverse team of ARGI employees with different charitable interests and a common focus on impacting the community.
ARGI Gives is employee governed, employee guided, and employee funded.
In alignment with our Core Values, ARGI Gives focuses on supporting local charities, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic endeavors in education, environment, health, and youth. All employee donations to ARGI Gives support employee-selected charitable activities and the ARGI Gives community grant program.


Do you know an organization that may benefit from an ARGI Gives grant? Send them this link or let us know! Contact [email protected] for more information.