In this Issue:

  • President's Message
  • Upcoming FPA MI Events
  • FALL SYMPOSIUM - Registration Opens June 1st!
  • Members Only: Apply to Present at the Symposium
  • FPA of Indiana Crossroads Event - Early Bird Ends TODAY
  • Journal of Financial Planning

President's Message:

In a profession built on trust, the most powerful tool we have isn’t a new piece of technology—it’s our ability to connect with the people we serve.


There’s no question that artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping financial planning. From portfolio construction to data analysis to client communication, the tools available to us today would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. And while these advancements can make us more efficient and insightful, they also present an important challenge: ensuring that technology enhances—not replaces—the human element of our work.


At its core, financial planning is deeply personal. It’s about helping clients navigate life transitions, make difficult decisions, and align their resources with what matters most. No algorithm can fully replicate the empathy required to guide a widow through financial uncertainty, the listening skills needed to understand a client’s fears about retirement, or the judgment that comes from years of experience sitting across the table from real people with real lives.


As planners, our value isn’t diminished by AI—it’s clarified by it. The more technology handles the technical, the more important it becomes for us to lead with emotional intelligence, curiosity, and authentic connection. The future of our profession will belong to those who can combine technical excellence with genuine human understanding.


That spirit of connection is exactly what makes our FPA of Michigan community so strong, and it’s something we’re excited to continue building together.


I hope you’ll join us for our upcoming pickleball event—an opportunity to step away from the office, connect with fellow members, and have some fun. Whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a paddle for the first time, it’s a great chance to get to know each other a little better outside of our day-to-day work.


As we move through a time of rapid change in our profession, I’m encouraged by the relationships we continue to build with our clients and with each other. Technology will keep evolving, but the connections we create are what truly make this work meaningful.



Thanks for being part of this community—I look forward to seeing many of you soon.


Warm regards,

Nick Nauta, CFP®

President, FPA of Michigan

FPA MI | NexGen Happy Hour with Samantha Russell

Wednesday, May 13th | 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm | Virtual through Zoom

Don't miss out! Please join us for our next virtual Happy Hour with guest speaker Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG. Known as one of the top marketing voices in the financial planning profession, Samantha will share the latest strategies advisors can use to grow their influence—covering digital marketing, social media, and authentic client engagement. Expect practical tips you can put into action right away. Register here!


FPA MI | Lunch & Learn Workshop: Navigating Concentration Concerns in a Top-Heavy Market

Thursday, May 14th | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | Virtual through Zoom

As the US stock market has become increasingly concentrated in a small group of mega cap companies, investors may be wondering what this means for their asset allocations. Join Wes Crill, Senior Client Solutions Director & VP, as he discusses the challenges and opportunities investors face when it comes to rising market concentration and elevated valuations. Learn More


FPA MI | Rally & Returns Pickleball Social

Thursday, May 14th | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Wolverine Pickleball | Ann Arbor

Grab a paddle and join us for a fun evening with your FPA Michigan community! Rally & Returns is all about mixing a little friendly competition with great conversation, whether you’re a pickleball pro or trying it out for the first time.

Learn More


FPA MI | Lunch & Learn Workshop: Unlocking Hidden Value - What Financial Professionals Need to Know About Reverse Mortgages

Thursday, June 11th | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | Virtual through Zoom

Elderly homeowners own close to $15 Trillion in home equity, and many are struggling with a financial plan that fully funds their lifetime expenses, yet financial advisors often overlook this hidden wealth. Why? In this one-hour presentation, we take a deep dive into the FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and new attractive and low-cost proprietary products to understand how it can improve the retirement plans of clients, protect against longevity risk, be optimized to fit with client goals, and do so in an ethical and compliant manner. Learn More


FPA MI | Lunch & Learn Workshop: HNW Specialist

Thursday, June 25th | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | Virtual through Zoom

Join Capital Group for insights on trends and opportunities in the high-net-worth space. More details to come. Check back soon on our Upcoming Events page.


FPA MI | 6th Annual Student Success Scholarship Fundraiser

Wednesday, October 7th | 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm | St. John's G.C. | Plymouth

Join us the evening before our Annual Symposium at The Cardinal Putting Course at St. John's Resort for some friendly competition on the green, including hors d'oeuvres, hosted bar, networking, and prizes. More details to come. Check back soon on our Upcoming Events page.

Present at the Symposium!

The Symposium Committee is seeking submissions from our members for consideration to present a breakout session on October 8th at this year’s Symposium. Our theme is Energize! Do you have something to share that you think our members would find new, interesting, informative, and engaging? If so, please CLICK HERE to apply by June 30, 2026. Those selected will receive free registration to the Symposium!


Women & Finance

Thanks so much to those who made it to our barre3 Move & Mingle event in April. A fun time was had by all!


Our next Women & Finance event is being planned for September, in partnership with CFA Society Detroit. Details to come soon!

The Indiana Chapter of the FPA is excited to introduce a new event:



FPA Crossroads

August 11-13, 2026 | French Lick Resort | French Lick, IN


Where Financial Planners Step Away, Think Bigger, and Build Meaningful Connections

Join financial planners for a three-day experience designed to elevate your thinking and expand your network. Step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with peers who understand the work you do.


Early Bird Rates end today, 5/8. Click Here for more information!

Journal of Financial Planning


The May 2026 issue of the Journal of Financial Planning is now available! Read this month's issue to get caught up on the latest trends and cutting edge research in financial planning. 



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FPA of Michigan

Email: info@fpami.com | Phone: 734.678.7898 | www.fpami.com



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