News from FPA of Minnesota

Your Partner in Planning

November 7, 2023

November Chapter Meeting: Tax talk 2023 - understanding the SECURE 2.0 Act and more

Tuesday, Nov. 21, from 7-10 a.m.

Chapter meetings are held at Golden Valley's beautiful

Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom.

Chapter Update

Board President Bruce Lorenz

Happy November!

Town Hall Meeting Recap

Thanks to everyone who came to the town hall meetings. I appreciated your questions, suggestions and ideas.

The following is a brief recap for those unable to attend the sessions.

Budget - Executive Director/Chapter Administration

• Coming out of the pandemic and a 2022 operating loss, the board was challenged with getting the budget in line.
• As fiduciaries, the board developed a request for proposal for the Executive Director/Chapter Administration role – one of our larger expenses.
• We terminated the current contract with Office Connection, anticipating that they would submit a proposal for 2024.
• Ultimately, Office Connection decided not to submit a proposal. We acknowledge and thank Jessica Hawthorne and the entire Office Connection team for their dedication over many years and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
• With the remaining candidates, the board moved forward with Ewald Consulting for 2024 as their base contract significantly lowered our chapter administration costs.
• The board believes the Ewald sales team will increase FPA MN membership.

Programming

For several months, a task force has worked to develop next year's programming; we'll provide additional details in the December newsletter. 

Items of focus:

• Introduce new events
• Simplify offerings
• In general, offer one event per month
• Drive member attendance
• Bring together split audiences
• Highlight our annual conference
• Maintain CFP® CE credits offered

Partners

Chapter programming is linked closely with our partners, and a new à la carte pricing option has been developed and reviewed individually with partners and at group meetings. Please let us know if you'd like to learn more about the options and we'll send you the details.

I hope to see you at an upcoming meeting.

Bruce Lorenz, President

FPA Learning Center: Elevate your presence with Media Mastery 2.0

Online Training

Media serves the purpose of educating, informing and entertaining. While many find media relations valuable for sharing their expertise, they're often uncomfortable in the spotlight.

FPA understands the unique needs of financial planners and offers guidance on interview practices, PR strategies, and more through the on-demand virtual Media Mastery 2.0.

The program includes:

• Module 0: Master FPA MediaSource platform and its 11 key components.
• Module 1: Establish media basics, identify opportunities and set clear objectives.
• Module 2: Develop professional media materials, understand research and leverage media attention.
• Module 3: Learn best interview practices for different media, compliance and handling unexpected scenarios.
• Module 4: Explore advanced PR strategies, DIY versus professional PR and fast-tracking media exposure.

Access this valuable information anytime and anywhere through the FPA Learning Center. The first module is free for FPA members and a prerequisite for CFP® professionals using FPA MediaSource. Modules 1-4 cost $99 for members and $199 for non-members.

The modules are more than just a beginner's course; they represent an in-depth media process for financial planners who strive to excel in media relations and speak confidently with authority.

Learn more.

Member shoutout: Jeanna Fifer

Each month, FPA MN recognizes the outstanding members who give their time and expertise. 

Jeanna Fifer, partner and planner at Cordis Financial, is a dedicated and long-standing FPA MN member. She joined the organization in November 2008, which marks 15 years of active participation. Jeanna's financial planning journey began with a college internship that exposed her to the intricacies of fee-only financial planning and the value of personal client relationships.

"The combination of technical knowledge required, teamwork and personal relationships with clients inspired me. After those few months, I knew financial planning was my career path. I've been fortunate to work with teams that have held my idea of impactful work with interesting people. I enjoy the educational components of what we do as financial planners; it's rewarding to help people sort through information to feel confident in their decisions and live a fulfilling life where money supports what is most important to them."

Throughout her tenure with FPA MN, Jeanna's been deeply involved in various capacities, including volunteering with the financial education committee, serving as the NexGen director and holding the position of president in 2016. In recognition of her commitment to the organization, she received 2019's Distinguished Service Award. Currently, Jeanna is our Programs Committee director and an integral part of the Financial Planning Days task force.

"My most valued FPA MN experiences revolve around connections with other financial planners. I've gotten to know many Chapter members through volunteer work, educational sessions and networking. At events I feel like I'm among friends. I’ve learned so much by having conversations with fantastic people."

Jeanna's passion for financial planning shines through her resolve to help clients make informed decisions and lead fulfilling lives. Her steadfast involvement with FPA MN is a testament to her dedication to the profession.

Learn more about FPA MN's Programs Committee.

Upcoming events and deadlines

• 2023 ASCEND Conference - Nov. 7-8
• Chapter Meeting - Nov. 21
• December FPA Meeting & Networking Social - December 19

Partner spotlight: November 2023

At Jensen, we believe that enduring wealth comes from owning great companies for a long time.

For more than three decades, Jensen has demonstrated a long-term perspective, an unwavering commitment to quality companies, and a deep focus for the benefit of our clients and their families. Investing only in quality companies that have produced a long-term record of persistently high returns on shareholder equity, Jensen manages three mutual funds (other vehicles also available): the Jensen Quality Growth Fund, Jensen Quality Value Fund and Jensen Global Quality Growth Fund.

We welcome the opportunity to learn more about your business and invite you start a conversation with us. Please contact Richard Clark at [email protected] or visit jenseninvestment.com to learn more about how we might work together to meet the investment goals of your clients.