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Dear Clients and Friends, We are excited to share with you our new and enhanced newsletter! Going forward, we plan to release it semi- annually, but you will continue to find our updated market commentary at the beginning of your quarterly reports. I am equally excited about the next stage at Sailer Financial. The winds of change have blown since March, when Amy and I shared the news that we were concluding our partnership of the previous four years, and that she would ultimately retire at the end of this year. As you all know, we love it when a good plan comes together – and that has certainly been the case for us! I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you, and the team here at Sailer Financial, for it would not have been possible without you all. Over the last six months we have experienced strong growth in our business, and your referrals of friends and colleagues continue to be the primary driver of that growth. Thank you so much! To accommodate the growth, we have expanded our team at Sailer Financial. We have a new Office Manager out front, April James. April’s ten year career in office management and administration includes five years within the financial planning industry. But she is also a very talented fine artist, bringing a new creative gift to the company which you are seeing first-hand as the driving force behind our new semi-annual newsletter! In fact, her artistic talents have been profiled in several homes featured in Nashville’s Luxury Home Magazine. Additionally, we created a couple new positions. Jamie Young joined Sailer Financial as Operations Manager with over twenty years of industry experience. In addition to being a Registered Paraplanner, Jamie has direct experience previously working with Amy before the founding of Sailer Financial! A Nashville native (is that rare these days or what!?), she knows our city as well as she knows the behind- the-scenes aspects of our business. I have no doubt Jamie’s expertise will only enhance our tradition of providing an outstanding client experience. CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS By: Jeremy Hutzel

CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - Sailer Financial...the recommendation. The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential

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Page 1: CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - Sailer Financial...the recommendation. The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential

Dear Clients and Friends,

We are excited to share with you our new and enhanced newsletter! Going forward, we plan to release it semi- annually, but you will continue to find our updated market commentary at the beginning of your quarterly reports.

I am equally excited about the next stage at Sailer Financial. The winds of change have blown since March, when Amy and I shared the news that we were concluding our partnership of the previous four years, and that she would ultimately retire at the end of this year. As you all know, we love it when a good plan comes together – and that has certainly been the case for us! I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you, and the team here at Sailer Financial, for it would not have been possible without you all.

Over the last six months we have experienced strong growth in our business, and your referrals of friends and colleagues continue to be the primary driver of that growth. Thank you so much! To accommodate the growth, we have expanded our team at Sailer Financial.

We have a new Office Manager out front, April James. April’s ten year career in office management and administration includes five years within the financial planning industry. But she is also a very talented fine artist, bringing a new creative gift to the company which you are seeing first-hand as the driving force behind our new semi-annual newsletter! In fact, her artistic talents have been profiled in several homes featured in Nashville’s Luxury Home Magazine.

Additionally, we created a couple new positions. Jamie Young joined Sailer Financial as Operations Manager with over twenty years of industry experience. In addition to being a Registered Paraplanner, Jamie has direct experience previously working with Amy before the founding of Sailer Financial! A Nashville native (is that rare these days or what!?), she knows our city as well as she knows the behind- the-scenes aspects of our business. I have no doubt Jamie’s expertise will only enhance our tradition of providing an outstanding client experience.

CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS By: Jeremy Hutzel

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We also welcomed Pamela Talley as Client Service Specialist. Pamela is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and graduate of University of Georgia with Bachelors of Science in Family Financial Planning. As people increasingly recognize the need for sound financial planning, not just investment management, schools around the country have introduced financial planning programs. UGA’s program consistently ranks as one of the best in the nation, and I’m thrilled to have Pamela join us and bring a fresh perspective to our planning process.

I know many of you have exciting things going on in your families and lives right now! But I also want to recognize that several of our clients lost loved ones this year, and they remain in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers. In fact, the loss of a client last fall served as the inspiration for a new section in our newsletter – The Client Chronicles. I am delighted that our dear friend and client, Helen Logvinov accepted our invitation to be the topic of our first client chronicle, Stepping into Gratitude. Helen’s story has always inspired me. Her arrival as a refugee, entrepreneurial success, and lifelong love with her husband Vadim, is the epitome of the classic ‘American Dream.’ But more than that, what sticks with me is her profound sense of gratitude for family, friends, freedom,

and the simple things in life. I am sure you will enjoy reading her incredible journey.

One of the frequent questions we receive about retirement is “where is best place to retire, from a financial perspective?” In this issue, Pamela shares our thoughts in Anchoring Down: Where to Retire. And with one of the most contentious elections in modern history in just a few weeks, Andy dives into the portfolio implications in Helm’s View: Election Impact on the Market. Lastly, Jenny Wilson has taken over the Ask and Advisor section called “Our two Cents”, and this issue focuses on rising premium costs in long term care insurance policies.

I earnestly hope you will take a few moments to read our latest newsletter and share your feedback on the new format! It’s a full issue – for you, our cherished friends and clients.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Jeremy Hutzel, CFA,

CFP®

Securities offered through Securities Service Network, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Fee based advisory services offered through Sailer Financial, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. If a recommendation is included in the above email, please contact me for additional investment information supporting the recommendation. The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination and/or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information

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OUR TWO CENTS: ASK AN ADVISOR By: Jenny Wilson

I received a letter regarding a premium increase on my long-term care policy. What does this mean and do I need to do anything?

While no one wants to be subject to a premium increase it can be helpful to understand the why behind these events. It’s important to note that insurance companies cannot single out policyholders for rate increases based on individual factors such as changes in health or marital status. What they can do, however, is evaluate the need for a rate hike based on groups of policyholders whose premiums may be inadequate. If a determination is made that premiums for a group of policies are insufficient the insurer can submit a rate increase request to the various state departments of insurance for approval.

According to the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance there are several factors related to the recent rate hikes. First, insurers have been negatively impacted by a sustained period of low interest rates. Many older policies were issued using return assumptions which have not been met putting more pressure on premiums in order to pay claims. Additionally, the cost of care has continued to rise. The cost of long-term care services has not only outpaced the consumer price index, but some claimants are receiving care for longer periods of time due to an increase in cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

When a policy increase has been approved by a state’s department of insurance, policyholders will typically be given several options in order to keep coverage in place. If you receive a rate increase notice regarding your long-term care policy, please contact Sailer Financial to discuss. We will work with you to determine the best course of action based on your unique financial situation.

How much cash do I need to keep in my emergency fund?

This is often one of the first questions clients pose when they begin working with Sailer Financial, and for good reason. There’s quite a bit of conflicting information regarding the “right” amount to have liquid in order to tackle unforeseen expenses. While we strongly encourage everyone to establish an emergency fund, the amount needed can vary significantly based on risk tolerance, age, health, and stage of life. Because Sailer Financial’s focus is on comprehensive financial planning, we work with each client to determine what the right amount of cash savings is for them personally and how it connects with the various components of their financial plan. As life unfolds your needs change; it’s our goal to collaborate with you to understand those needs and make adjustments along the way.

I don’t remember getting my Social Security statement in the mail. How can I request a copy?

The Social Security Administration no longer mails paper Social Security statements to workers in certain age groups as part of their cost saving measures which began back in 2011. You can, however, access your statement along with other helpful Social Security information on demand through the SSA’s online portal at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount. In order to create an online account you will need to provide some personal information to verify your identity then create a username and password. If you would like assistance in setting up your online account please contact Sailer Financial. We’re happy to help!

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CLIENT CHRONICLES: STEPPING INTO GRATITUDE

Paul F. Spite

What could just as well have been described as a Trail of Tears, was instead a tale of kindnesses received. Helen Logvinov’s enduring gratitude for those around her has shaped her character, and her life.

We walk with Helen as she retraces some of her steps as a Russian refugee coming to America.

There is a knock at the door.

It was 1941 during World War II. The Germans had invaded the Soviet Union and soldiers arrived at Helen’s home in Peterhof. In an ugly world of war, chivalry was displayed by these soldiers, obviously more comfortable in their roles as gentlemen than as killers. They told the women and children to leave immediately before the fighting began, and assured them they could come home soon. Just enough time is given for four-year-old Helen, her ten-year-old sister, Nina, her mother, and her grandmother to pack pillows, a few pictures, and food into a suitcase. Then they started walking. They walked away from everything they knew. But their lives were spared.

That small child with her suitcase, which she still owns, and a group of about 12 women and children walked, until they were behind enemy lines.

There was still a long way to go in A journey that had just begun.

The years spent behind the German lines, while not easy, were marked with kind-heartedness and compassion. Upon arriving, Helen’s mother worked as a cook and laundress for the soldiers. In exchange, they gave her scraps of food for the 13 people living in their small quarters. There were times of great hunger, and war loomed outside their doorstep. But there were also times that kindness flourished. Despite the language barrier, and her family’s military history (her grandfather having served as a general in the army of the Czar), Helen’s mother was given a good job with wonderful soldiers at the German headquarters.

In 1943 tragedy descended yet again on Helen and her family. Her grandmother was hit by shrapnel while

enfolding herself over the girls in a corner as bombs went off around them. She was killed shielding them.

Shortly thereafter, the family moved out of Soviet range to Estonia. Life seemed almost normal there as a kind, older refugee woman housed Helen, now 6, her mother, and Nina, who is now 12, in a large house. Life in Estonia, however, was short-lived.

In 1944 Helen’s mother and the two girls were hidden under a tarp on a freight boat headed to Germany. Once again, in an unknown land, the family found solace and refuge in the kindness of strangers. Helen’s mother secured work ironing German uniforms, and the family took up residence with a nice German lady. Russian families were being sent back to the Soviet Union where they were treated as traitors. Helen’s small family maintained a low profile during this time; they did not want to risk being sent back to the Soviet Union.

It was 1945 and the war ended. The family made a home in Germany, and were grateful for the incredible blessings along the way - a good school, caring friends, and American troops that offered supplies for summer Scout camps for all the refugee children.

In 1950, after a long wait,

Helen’s family was among twenty families sponsored for immigration to the United States by a church in ohio.

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The congregation of the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, Ohio was sponsoring the refugee family. Helen and her family once again found themselves in a new country and a new culture surrounded by kindness. They did not speak English, yet through the compassion of strangers, Helen’s amiable refugee family was provided with a place to live, and her mother was given employment for a year while they adjusted to their new life. Her mother obtained work in a leather factory, followed by employment as a bookkeeper with Chrysler. The family was also enrolled by their sponsor in night school to learn English.

After settling in, her family discovered another group of Russian immigrants in the area had organized the Russian Cultural Society. It was through this society that Helen came to meet a young, Russian immigrant from Yugoslavia named Vadim.

He was destined to become her husband.

Vadim worked odd jobs until one day he read an ad in the classifieds; Arthur Murray Dance School was accepting applications for a training program. He was accepted! It was a chance to pursue his passion and make a living doing something he loved. A few short years later, Helen and Vadim were married.

In 1961 Helen and Vadim, both dancer s, both Russian, and both relentlessly pursuing the life they had imagined, acquired their own Arthur Murray franchise. With scarcely an idea what they are doing, the young couple seized the chance.

Their dance business, and their family grew over the years, eventually encompassing ownership of franchises in two cities, and several buildings. Their sons, Victor and George were born into a home they could call their own.

Helen and Vadim felt rich. And, they were, in more ways than most can conceive.

It was the late 1990’s when the maturing couple, with a still growing franchise, turned to Sailer Financial for help setting up a college fund for their grandchildren, help and advice with investment choices, a structured retirement plan, and consultation on the management of their properties. They wanted to focus on their business, and do so with peace of mind and someone in whom they had confidence.

Where should we take our leave of Helen on this journey? On the front steps of her home, where callers are greeted by a large American flag? One that she uses to honor a country that gave her a home, love, a future, and so much more.

On the morning of our interview, Helen expressed her gratitude that she was able to shower using hot water. Such a small thing to focus on, particularly against the backdrop of her incredible story. But perhaps that is why the fabric of her life is so rich; it is infused with the recognition of many moments, large and small, where grace and love and hope are present.

Let that be one of the memories with which we leave. Not the hardships, but opportunities given. Not the losses, but the blessings received. Not the difficulty of the journey taken, but the overwhelming gratitude of this woman who colored it beautiful.

For these memories, and this example, what can we say to this magnificent illustration of the American Dream? Only two words seem appropriate for what she has given us.

“Thank you!”

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ANCHORING DOWN: A NEW HOME IN RETIREMENT Pamela Talley

Where do you want to retire? It’s not such a cut and dry question anymore. Roots that are grown while working and raising a family, can be dug up and replanted at retirement. Numerous retirees are choosing to find a pleasurable new city to unwind in. Many are seeking places that offer an array of lifestyle options, including a lower cost of living, recreational activities and volunteer opportunities. We looked at some of the top cities in the U.S. and added a few of our own requirements including home prices, state and local taxes, low unemployment rates (for those seeking part-time work), a healthy economy, low crime rates and health care accessibility. Since Florida has been an obvious choice for many, we also wanted to take a look at some cities that are great options for those looking to reside outside of the Sunshine State.

Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville offers a variety of attractions including city parks, music concerts, art galleries, and shopping. If you are interested in further development and education, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville offers educational programs in arts and humanities, civic engagement, wellness, life transition, retirement relocation planning, and more.

Boise, Idaho

Boise is a great place to live if you are looking for an active lifestyle. It has median weather year-round, and affordable housing on top of having a low cost of living. There are heaps of outdoor activities to participate in, including hunting and fishing. If you prefer to stay in the city, Downtown Boise offers a wide arrangement of shops and dining experiences.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Another great city for those who enjoy the outdoors, Wyoming residents relish mild temperatures with four distinct seasons. Overall health and wellness abound here. It is a tax friendly state with Cheyenne’s total tax burden at a low 3.9%. In addition, it also has low crime rates as one of the safest states in the US. To top it off, it has a low cost of living. What’s not to love about Cheyenne?

Franklin, Tennessee

The New York Times called Franklin a "...southern gem hiding in the shadow of Nashville". No state income tax and superior health-care are obvious draws, nonetheless, Franklin has a crime rate of less than half of the national average, and small town feel, but is located less than 20 miles from Nashville making this area rich in the cultural scene. There is a large historic district, cute stores and independent businesses. The extensively renovated Franklin Theatre is the pride of the town. The biggest challenge for seniors here is finding enough time to enjoy all the available activities, from the quiet of nature to exciting concerts. And don’t be surprised to run into celebrities while sipping your coffee at the local coffee shop!

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Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish allows retirees to live in town, on the lake, or in the mountains. Chilly nights all year offer the occasion to relax by a fire and read a book- even if it’s August. Montana’s residents of all ages love to ski on the slopes of the Whitefish Mountain Resort. Almost everyone is a member of the Wave, a fitness and aquatic center that provides exercise classes, nutritional services, and basketball and racquetball courts. There are also many volunteer opportunities, including the Ambassador on the Mountain program where retirees serve as guides to help people navigate the Whitefish Mountain Resort and the BackPack program that aims to meet the needs of chronically hungry children.

Lexington, Kentucky

If you’re looking for a city with a bit of country charm, Lexington is a wonderful option. Visiting the lovely historic downtown can keep you busy all day. But if you want to escape to the countryside, it is just minutes away. You will also find ample events to attend at the Rupp Arena from music concerts to University of Kentucky basketball games. For the horse lovers, Churchill Downs, home to the famous Kentucky Derby, is only a ninety minute drive. As an added bonus, if you’re age 65 or older and looking to expand your knowledge, you can register for classes at the University of Kentucky for free! This is probably one of the reasons that residents have such high levels of personal and social well-being.

Winchester, Virginia

Close to Washington D.C., Winchester is a city with a history that goes back to the French and Indian War, the Revolution and the Civil War. There are more than a dozen places listed on the National Register of Historic Plans, including the Winchester Historic District and Shenandoah National Park. It is known for its slower pace of life, but don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of things to do with its many shops and restaurants.

Rapid City, South Dakota

Many people may not consider South Dakota due to its harsh winters, but being in the “banana belt” region makes Rapid City a nice option. There are plenty of amenities to keep you active, from the Badlands to Mount Rushmore. This city not only offers an outdoor lifestyle but plenty of indoor entertainment choices, such as the Art Alley Gallery, the Dahl Arts Center and the Black Hills Playhouse. An Array of wineries and local pubs can help keep you warm during the winter months.

All of our choices propose beautiful landscapes and an enjoyable environment for sitting back, taking a deep breath, and relishing the fruits of years of labor. Happy retirement.

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HELM’S VIEW Election Impact on Markets

By: Andy Michael

Every four years we experience exciting events like the summer Olympics, The Winter Olympics, Leap Day, and of course the presidential election. It feels like every election season is the same; no matter how good or bad the economy, current administration, or social events are unfolding, the message from the candidates is the same- our current situation is bad, but if elected to office, they will make everything better. This year, the candidates are more polarizing than ever. Perhaps this speaks truth to Winston Churchill’s famous quote, “The best argument against Democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” Rather than trying to make predictions about who will be elected, which party will have majority in Congress, or dissect future political agendas, let’s take a step back to examine past election’s impact on markets from a historical perspective.

According to BlackRock over the past 14 years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index has returned an average of 9% a year when a Democrat occupies the White House compared to 6% for a Republican White House. However, the annual volatility during this time is over 20%, dwarfing the annual returns. This simply means that markets fluctuate substantially any given year regardless of the party in office. Likewise, which party has control of Congress has little impact on market outcomes. You may recall the booming 1990’s with a Bill Clinton administration and Republican Congress. That era led many to believe a divided government is better for market performance. However, BlackRock found over the same 14 year span, when the White House and control of Congress are the same party, the market has actually delivered higher average returns of 9%, compared to 5% returns under divided government. In summary, there is virtually zero relation between election results and how the market performs. The data shows that Washington D.C. gets both too much credit and too much blame for how the market performs.

While which elected party in office has little to do with market performance, there are financial implications that can impact a family’s bottom line. For example, you may remember the payroll holiday tax cut in 2011 and 2012. Congress approved to cut Social Security taxes temporarily by 2%. This felt like a nice pay raise to Americans at the time, but then just as quick felt like a pay cut when the tax break expired in 2013. Tax rates in general have fluctuated

Sources:

substantially under the government’s watch over the past 40 years. While there are 7 tax brackets now with the highest bracket at 39.6%, it has ranged from just 2 brackets with the highest at 28% in the beginning of the George H.W. Bush presidency all the way to 16 brackets and top rate of 70% at the end of the Carter presidency. To this day, it is hard for me to imagine a time where earning $1 of income could mean the government gets $0.70 and you keep $0.30! Likewise, the capital gains tax on the sale of stocks has fluctuated significantly over the years. Estate tax exemptions have also varied significantly from no estate tax in 2010 all the way to estate taxes starting after $1 million. Currently the estate tax exemption is $5.43 million per individual. If you don’t think this is important, just ask George Steinbrenner’s family. The former owner of the New York Yankees passed away in 2010, which was the only year with no estate taxes. According to Forbes, it is estimated to have saved the Steinbrenner heirs between $500 million to $600 million in estate taxes! All to say, changes in tax rates may not impact the stated returns of the stock market, but they do have a real implication to your income and bottom line wealth.

As the election comes and goes and all the noise of promises for change fall silent, we will continue to stay on top of the latest developments from Capitol Hill that impact our clients. In the meantime, we recommend you vote passionately, plan for your financial future passionately, but don’t mix the two.

Blackrock Up in The Air: Guaging the Potential Impact of the 2016 Election, January 2016 Goldman Sachs: Market Know-How Insights and Implementation, Q2 2016 http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/20/yankees-estate-tax-intelligent-investing-steinbrenner.html

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SAILER FINANCIAL CLIENT ACCOUNT PORTAL

Sailer Financial has partnered with Black Diamond to provide a Client Account Access Portal. This means, that you can look at your accounts and portfolio information any time you wish. A few key features of the site include: 24/7 access, mobile device compatibility, document storage and sharing, and alerts and notifications.

If you are not already using the Client Portal, we would like to walk you through the steps to set it up. Your first step would be to request a Set Up Email be sent to you. You can email anyone here at our office for help. Then, once you’ve established your User ID and password, you can access the Portal by visiting the Sailer Financial Website (www.SailerFinancial.com). You will then click the Red Tab named “Client Log-in”.

(The picture below shows what the red tab on our website looks like).

Once logged in you will be at the Home Page or Dash Board. The Dash Board is divided into sections which are designed to give you snapshots of specific information. You can sort by portfolio name (if you have more than one) or by date. You can also select a custom time frame.

• Portfolio Overview – Shows you the total Portfolio Value as well as individual Account Values. Can be sorted by Account/Asset, Account/Class or Classes.

• Portfolio Reports – We began with the 3rd Quarter 2015 reports posting all your Quarterly reports here.

• Activity Summary – This card has information on net additions and distributions as well as gain/loss information.

• Transactions – Shows all the transactions for the time frame you selected and the accounts in the portfolio you selected.

• Performance – Performance information is available at the Portfolio Level or the Account Level. The system allows you

to drill down by account, by class and then by security level.

• Notifications – A new message or report.

• Document Vault – Is customizable to each person. The vault will provide secure file sharing and on-demand access to financial planning information.

If you’d like more information or would prefer a one on one tutorial please contact us. We’re happy to help. The client portal is just one of the ways in which Sailer Financial can provide information to you. We always welcome your phone calls, your emails, and we are available to discuss any questions you have at your convenience.