1 | Week In Review

Markets Try To Decide If The Fed Can Be Trusted

While many factors – from political to global to financial – play a part in creating our current financial circumstance, the financial markets seem to be questioning whether the Fed is the source or the solution of inflation – or both. Annex Wealth Management’s Dave Spano and Derek Felske discuss.

2 | Poll Recap

Money Questions To Ask Your Adult Children

In our recent poll, we asked readers to get their children involved. “Money Questions To Ask Your Adult Children” featured several discussion points including:

• “Are you saving for retirement? If so, are you saving enough?”
• “Will you need financial help in the next 5 years?”
• “Do you have a will and estate plan?”
• “How often do you plan on updating your will and/or estate plan?”

Annex Wealth Management’s Financial Planning Manager, Eric Strom, CFP®, EA dives into reader responses.

3 | Client Exclusive

Who’s On Your Team?

This week we hear from Project & Data Analysis Specialist, David Fono. During the Christmas season, David takes on the role of the beloved character that wears a red suit and appears in many places around the Milwaukee area, including company gatherings and family parties.

How long have you been playing Santa Claus?

My first Christmas playing Santa Claus was in 1999 for my grandchildren.

I have always loved acting; throughout high school I was in all the plays and musicals and took acting classes in college. My wife, Linda, knew this. After Christmas in 1998, we were shopping at JC Penny, and they were selling Santa Suits for $20 or $30. Linda said why don’t you buy a Santa Suit, and you can be Santa for the grandkids. The first few years it was for the grandchildren and for a few neighbors and friends. Then for a few years I was in Madison for an event at Pet Smart and an animal shelter where people could bring in their pets and take pictures with Santa. I have taken pictures with dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, but drew the line when asked to take a picture with a snake.

Do you have to take a Santa class or anything like that?

I have never gone to Santa school, but I have thought about attending the Charles W Howard (CHW) Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan. This school was established in 1937 and Santa’s and Mrs. Claus’ come from all over to attend. The school has one weekend of classes in the fall. In 2022 the school will be in session from September 29-October 1. You can read more about the school here, https://www.santaclausschool.com/about.

The one thing to know is the base story of Santa and the North Pole is the same. However, each Santa has nuances to their story and their North Pole. Somewhat of an example, I drive a red truck and use it as part of my visits. The kids ask, “Where is the sleigh?” I tell them the elves were angry with Santa using the sleigh for my visits prior to Christmas because they have to scramble Christmas Eve to get it ready for the long 24-hour ride delivering presents. So, they decided to give me the truck to use for the visits and drop it off for me to use instead of the sleigh. I have magnets on the truck during Christmas season. The kids love taking pictures with Santa and his red “Santa” truck.

What kind of appearances do you do?

My appearances are mainly people who ask me to come to their house for their family Christmas. However, I have played Santa for various employee holiday parties, including my previous employers. I also attended the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Showhouse.

I usually have 30-35 events/visits each year. In 2020, I had 37 visits, and these were to individual residences and driving around neighborhoods visiting families outside of their homes, due to the pandemic. It was the busiest but most enjoyable season.

Interestingly, Santa has a Christmas in July event in 2022.

What has been a memorable moment for you as Santa?

There have been a ton of memorable times. Some of these moments were visiting a few families in 2020 which had a disabled child. While the visits were outside, the smile and excitement on their faces were priceless! It was so cool for them because Santa was at their house, and they were meeting him one on one. Honestly, there is something memorable every year. Seeing kids get excited and be happy along with families being together is always memorable.

One other memorable period in the years playing Santa is when one of my grandchildren played my elf, Tinsel. He did this for 4 years. He was included in all visits. The families loved him. When his time came to retire (he went to high school), the families asked about Tinsel the first Christmas without him.

Are you able to apply anything you’ve learned/done as Santa to your role at Annex?

The importance of patience and understanding the needs of different kids and families based on who they are and what they expect. As with any client contact or just working with different people, everyone has a different idea of how things should be or how they should be treated/cared for. Each child I encounter feels differently about Santa, including those who scream. Yes, this happens, and this is where patience is required. Care and attention are different for each person, family, and/or relationship.

I have met so many people in my 28+ years in the financial services along with the many children and families I have encountered and relationships I have maintained playing Santa for 22 years. This has helped me work with people from all walks of life.

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?

Annex Wealth Management has a podcast!

Radio & TV personality Dan O’Donnell and President & CEO of AWM Dave Spano discuss current events at the intersection of wealth and policy. Enjoy light-hearted conversation and insightful opinion centered around investing, current events, consumer trends, and much more.

Listen to “The Difference with Dan O’Donnell & Dave Spano” on the following platforms:

· Amazon

· Spotify

· Google

· Audible

· Podcast Addict

· Deezer

· Player FM

· Podcast Index

· Podchaser

5 | Ask Annex

Ask Us A Question!

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.