1 | Week In Review

GDP Goes Negative As Inflation Takes Its Toll

Corporate earnings rose – and the nominal GDP increased. But when calculated including inflation, GDP was down in Q1, and recent FAANG earnings led the markets downwards. Annex Wealth Management’s Dave Spano and Derek Felske discuss.

2 | Poll

Money Questions To Ask Your Adult Children:

How often do you plan on updating your will and/or estate plan?

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3 | Client Exclusive

Who’s On Your Team?

In this week’s edition of Who’s On Your Team? we talk to Brandon Lehman, CFP®, AIF®, our Director of Branch Development. In addition to his role at Annex, Brandon also dedicates his time to the Army National Guard.

How long have you been in the Army National Guard? Why did you decide to join?

I have been in the Guard since 2015, originally enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 2005. I decided to join as I missed being part of something bigger than myself and I went the Guard route because I would also be able to help my state and my country.

What is your current rank? What kind of testing/requirements are/is needed to achieve that rank?

I am currently a First Lieutenant that commissioned in 2018 through Federal Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA. I currently serve as the Company Commander for A Co, 173 Brigade Engineer Battalion of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of being in the Army?

I love the Army and the Guard because I can give back to my nation and my state. I love my soldiers and spending time with them, watching them grow, and mentoring them. Plus, the younger soldiers are hilarious.

Best story?

While I have a lot, one really stands out. During the civil disturbance in Kenosha, we worked 12 on 12 off for over 14 days. One day, my soldiers asked me if I wanted to go fishing in Lake Michigan. Instead of sleeping on our 12 hours off, we charted a boat and spent the whole day on the lake, just me and some of my soldiers. Then went right back on shift, without ever going to sleep. It was the greatest day of fishing I have ever had.

How do you apply what you’ve learned in the Guard to what you do at Annex?

Servant Leadership. I take how I lead soldiers in the Guard and apply that to my leadership role here at Annex. Lead from the front, never ask others to do what you wouldn’t do, serve those you lead, and people always come first.

Have feedback, an idea you’d like us to write about, or a story to share? Send us an email at cl************@*********th.com.

4 | Did You Know?

NOW AVAILABLE – Annex Has A Mobile App

The Annex Wealth Management App is now available in both Apple and Android app stores. Search for “Annex Wealth Management” to download.

With this app you will have secure access to view your account(s) and quarterly reports on your mobile device.

In order to access the mobile app, you’ll need your Black Diamond username and password that is used to access your account information from our Client Center. When you first log in on the Annex mobile app you’ll be prompted to complete a multi-factor authentication.

After you have logged in, you will experience an easy-to-navigate platform that mirrors what you would see online.

If you have questions about access, send an email to an*********@*********th.com.

5 | Ask Annex

“Hello, Annex. I hope you can help. I’m freaking out. My company is making the news with coverage about a possible change in ownership that makes me uneasy.

I’ve been here almost 20 years, and have been involved in the company 401(k), the HSA, as well as being involved with ownership of company stock. I might have the opportunity within a month to make a move to another company, but I have zero idea on what I should do with my current investments here.

Are there steps I should follow? What might I be missing? Did I mention I’m freaking out about this?”

– Anonymous

Annex Wealth Management’s Financial Planning Manager, Eric Strom, CFP®, EA and Director of Client Learning & Development, Deanne Phillips, CFP®, CDFA®, ABFPsm respond:

6 | Quote of the Week

7 | Annex Radio

Events & Webinars

Annex Wealth Management has always been committed to client growth and education. Planning and saving can be demanding. We’ve found that when our clients master key concepts, it often enhances working together to reach their goals. Because these are not sales presentations, our clients benefit from a truly informative experience.