Thursday, May 4, 2017

NAIFA Praises Trump Administration’s Call for Rule Review


Michael Sordyl, a financial advisor with The Ashley Group, has been working in the finance industry for more than a decade. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Michael Sordyl maintains membership with professional organizations such as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).

In response to the recent memorandum calling for a review of the Department of Labor’s Conflict of Interest Rule, NAIFA, an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the role of insurance in financial plans, praised the Trump administration’s action. This new memorandum calls for an economic and legal analysis of the rule to ensure it is not harmful to individuals as they prepare for retirement.

NAIFA has previously brought up concerns about how the rule has been implemented, suggesting that the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule increases the cost of receiving retirement services and advice and increases the legal liability of advisors. Further, the rule may limit middle-market consumer access to these types of services.

Due to NAIFA’s previous work to regulate the rule and its efforts to raise awareness of the rule’s potential drawbacks, the organization is open to working with the Trump administration to provide help in its review. NAIFA also plans on keeping the fiduciary rule as a top priority to ensure that Americans receive the help they need building and maintaining financial security.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Everything You Need to Know about Membership with TEPC


Michael Sordyl has served the Maumee, Ohio-based Ashley Group as a financial advisor for more than a decade. Complementing his professional work, Michael Sordyl maintains a seat on the board of the Toledo Estate Planning Council (TEPC). 

A nonprofit organization, TEPC upholds the goal of educating both industry professionals and the general public about the creation of and need for estate planning. To best support the needs of those in the industry, the council allows local professionals to join as members. Those who want to join TEPC’s ranks may apply in one or more membership categories that designate professional certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Trust Officer, and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).

After earning their TEPC membership, professionals receive a number of career benefits. In addition to complimentary use of the TEPC logo, they gain the chance to network and work with some of the top estate planning leaders in the Toledo region. The organization also hosts a number of continuing education courses and other special events at discounted rates for its members.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Mobile Meals Offers Individual Meals on Wheels Plan


Michael Sordyl is a financial advisor who has worked with companies such as The Ashley Group. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Michael Sordyl is co-chair for the Mobile Meals Wine Gala.

Mobile Meals assists those who are homebound and who cannot make it out of their house to get food. They may be unable to cook their own meals and require assistance. The organization uses volunteers to deliver meals. This provides the opportunity to check up on clients and make sure they are doing well.

Mobile Meals offers a Meals on Wheels program that provides numerous options. These can include one or two meals a day by delivery five times a week. There is a five-day meal pack option for individuals who would prefer one delivery. Weekend meals are also available. 

Clients are also served on the holidays, which are included in the program. They can even pick a main dish of their choosing. Additionally, they can obtain food that meats their dietary needs, such as diabetic or low sodium.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Distinctive Wines of the Andean Foothills in Ecuador


A member of The Ashley Group, Michael Sordyl provides clients in Maumee, Ohio with dedicated advisory services that enable them to build secure financial futures. Michael Sordyl has a longstanding interest in travel, and enjoys sampling local food and wines in the regions he visits, from the Mediterranean to South America. 

One country that Mr. Sordyl visited that surprises many as a wine producer is Ecuador, which has a half-dozen producers centered in the foothills of the Andes. Prominent among these is Chaupi Estancia Winery, situated in the Yaruqui Valley, less than 10 miles from the Equator, in the vicinity of the capital city, Quito.

The climate of the region, situated at an elevation of 2,400 meters, has been described as one of “perpetual spring.” Despite a lack of seasons, significant temperature variations exist between daytime and nighttime. The grapes grown represent sustained experiments, encompassing more than two dozen varieties, to determine which do best in this specific locale. 

The resulting wines include a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meritage, with the latter featuring unique tropical flavors. The Alyce Grand Reserve combines a dozen types of grapes and is aged for more than a year in French oak barrels.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Healthy Mediterranean Culinary Traditions


An advisor with the John Hancock Financial Network, Michael Sordyl engages with Ohio individuals and business owners in helping them meet financial planning objectives. A world traveler, he has a passion for culinary endeavors and enjoys pairing wines with the meals he cooks. Michael Sordyl has traveled to a number of destinations throughout the Mediterranean, which is popular for its food and wine traditions. 

Known as being healthy and flavorful, the classic Mediterranean diet features seasonal vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Rather than solid fats such as lard and butter that are high in saturated fats, olive oil is used as a primary cooking ingredient. Other sources of fat include heart-healthy seeds and nuts, as well as cheeses from cows and goats. 

Animal protein is primarily provided by fish, including tuna and salmon that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. With regard to alcohol consumption moderation is emphasized, with a glass of wine often taken with dinner. Italy is known for its Chiantis and Pinots, while Greece features premier grape varieties such as Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro. Within his local community, Mr. Sordyl cooks gourmet meals and procures wines for an annual Mobile Meals Wine Gala charity event.