Benchmark Financial Design

Presents Mi Smart Moment

 
bbowhuis@ mibenchmark.com
cbowhuis@ mibenchmark.com
 
2358 S. Garden Ct,
Jenison, MI 49428
 
616.667.8834
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Greetings!,


Are you concerned about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on your job or career?


It seems to dominate many of the publications and news feeds I review. This is also a question I am asked from time to time; will what I do be replaced by AI? To be truthful, this is a fair question.


One of the ways I like to address this is asking if accountants have been replaced by TurboTax? Has LegalZoom.com replaced the need for an attorney? Yes, there are certain functions that an online bot or AI research will be able to do. In fact, we use AI research now and have recently begun to use an AI transcription service. We see these as tools, not replacements.


AI will not understand your fears and wants. It will not be there to talk you through moments you don't understand and help prevent decisions made in haste or fear rather than sound judgement. It will not understand who you are as a person, but only give analytical answers. For these reasons I do not fear AI.


Part of what we state in our creed (available here if you have not seen it) is that "If our only measure to you is your rate of return, we have failed you as a leader." Being a trusted advisor is so much more than a rate of return.


We have always been grateful for your confidence in us as Servant Leaders. We do not take this lightly.


If you would like to see in action some of the technology and tools we use, let us know. We are always happy to show off a little.


As always, thanks for reading.


Bernie & Chad


Smart Moments: 8/7/26

GOING BACK - Back to school is shaping up to be the most expensive one on record. The National Retail Federation says families with K through 12 students plan to spend an average of $863.86 this year, pushing total spending to a record $43.3 billion nationwide. - National Retail Federation, July 14, 2026

KEEP ADDING - Here's a stat that might surprise you. Average 401(k) balances actually dipped 4% during a rocky first quarter this year, yet the number of 401(k) millionaires still climbed 26% year over year. So yet again, it seems the people who kept contributing through the volatility came out ahead of the people who panicked. Said another way, consistency beats timing… again. Yahoo Finance, May 28, 2026


"AI won't replace humans, but humans who use AI will replace those who don't."

  • Sam Altman
Investment Advisor Representative of and Securities offered through Founders Financial Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor.