PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Parker Trasborg, CFP®

As I sit down to write this (on 2/27), the S&P, Dow and Nasdaq are all down about 10% from their very recent record highs. Panic has set in among the media and in the markets about the Coronavirus making its way to the US and fears of slower worldwide earnings growth because of the virus. I heard an analogy that when there is turbulence on a plane, we as passengers look to the flight attendants for reassurance that everything will be ok. Similarly, when there is turbulence in the market, our clients look to us for that same reassurance. At times like these, it’s important for us as financial planners to remind our clients that corrections are normal, markets don’t always go up and we need to stick to the plan that we have set in place to help them reach their goals. Long-term investors should not let emotions drive their decisions during turbulent times.

This spring we have several exciting events lined up. NexGen’s 2020 quarterly study groups kick off on March 10th at the office of Cassaday & Co. in Tysons Corner. While it is a NexGen sponsored event, all chapter members are welcome to attend.

On March 19th at Kenwood Country Club in Bethesda, we have one of our long-time Platinum Sponsors, Gary Altman, discussing the SECURE Act. One CFP® and 1 CIMA credit is approved. Following Gary’s presentation, one of our fellow planners, Lisa Kirchenbauer, will be presenting about “Becoming an Intentional Business Owner”.

I am very excited to announce that we are trying something new on April 23rd. We will be hosting Happy Hour at Right Proper Brewing Company in DC. The event will feature CFP® trivia and has 1 CFP® CE credit pending. Come out for some good craft beer, light food and to earn CE credit in a new and engaging format. We have limited space available at the brewery, so please register early.

On May 13th, we will be hosting our 27th annual charity golf event. The event will be held at 1757 Golf Club – proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation for Financial Planning and other FPA NCA Pro Bono Activities such as our scholarship fund and Metro Washington Financial Planning Day. Registration is open and you can enjoy the early bird rate until April 1st.

As always, we appreciate any and all feedback on how we can make the chapter better. I have heard from a few people already - thank you for your ideas and thoughts. You are welcome to e-mail me directly at TrasborgP@cjmltd.com. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.

Best Regards,

Parker Trasborg, CFP®
2020 FPA NCA President
TrasborgP@CJMLTD.com