Spring’s Best Investments: It’s in the Bag!
Spring’s Best Investments: It’s in the Bag!
Spring is in the air, and here at Mount Clemens City Lifestyle, we’re embracing fresh starts, smart choices, and joyful investments—both financial and personal. This month, we’re diving into the many ways to invest in yourself, your future, and your happiness.
Our Investment Issue explores the evolving world of financial freedom with Jon Furest of First Financial Coaching: Jon shares how cutting-edge app technology is making money management easier than ever. We also highlight the power of investing in your well-being—whether it’s nourishing your body with healthy greens, upgrading your wardrobe with a statement handbag, or expanding your financial knowledge with our top six investment book picks.
The theme “It's in the Bag” is more than just a nod to our stylish cover—it’s a reminder that the best investments are the ones that bring long-term value, whether it’s wealth, health, or confidence. As Mount Clemens welcomes the vibrancy of spring, it’s the perfect time to refresh, renew, and rethink where we put our time, energy, and money.
Here’s to smart choices and stylish rewards—happy spring!
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Marshall Zweig, Angela Brockerd, Susan Lanier-Graham, Kristy Belley, Kimberly Janowicz
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Tine Hofmann
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn
OPENING 4/4/2025
Relax, Recharge, and Breathe Easy at Salt Spa
OFFERING ALL-NATURAL HEALTH BENEFITS IN A HEALING ENVIRONMENT
We invite you to reap the health benefits of Halo Therapy in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the Salt Spa.
Now taking appointments for opening day. Call us to save your spot! (586) 803-3922
Mention code: CITYLIFESTYLE to get an introductory special: 45 mins for $38
saltspascs.com | (586) 488-1276 | 45923 Hayes Rd, Shelby Township, MI (Hayes + North of Hall)
city scene
1: The Anton Art Center celebrated its 55th Emerald Anniversary with a stunning night glow. 2: State Representative Denise Mentzer presented the Anton Art Center with a proclamation from Governor Whitmer. 3: Barbara Clay 4: Junia Querio, and daughter Meribeth BrockerQuerio 5: Emerald Anniversary cake by Clementine’s Pastries. 6: Wendy Carmack, Public Works Commissioner, Candice Miller, David Gagnon 7: Jennifer Meech, Vicki Wolber
8: Lead vocalist Kathy Kosins, Michael Malis (Piano), Marion Hayden (Bass), and Tariq Gardner (Drums) 9: Sandra Tornberg, Executive Chef Alex Lozovoj, Executive Chef Mauro Querio, Stefano Pecoraro 10: Zoey Carmack 11: Kathy Sleboda, Marc Reneau, First State Bank 12: Ice sculpture created by Finesse Ice 13: Stephanie Hazzard, AAC Exhibition Manager, Patricia Woodstock, AAC Board Member, AAC Volunteer Barb Schroder 14: Lia Adelfi, Daniela D’Amico-Henderson, Allegra Baistrocci Photography by Michael Pfaendtner
Opportunity.
reFIND YOURS
Interest rates are dropping and you may be wondering if refinancing your mortgage could save you money.
Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique Celebrates 20 Years!
First State Bank is here to help you crunch the numbers. We’ll prepare a customized savings plan for you so that you know at what rate you’ll start achieving savings on your loan, so you know when the time is right to refinance.
Scan the code or visit fsb.bank/refi to get started.
Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique, a downtown Mount Clemens gem, is celebrating 20 years of bringing nostalgia and charm to the community. Owner Diane Kubik has grown the shop into a beloved destination for vintage lovers. With thoughtfully curated finds and a welcoming atmosphere, Max & Ollie’s remains a fun and unforgettable shopping experience. Stop by 65 Macomb Place in downtown Mount Clemens and celebrate two decades of vintage treasures!
Photography by Max & Ollie’s
The Made in Michigan arts and crafts fair returns to downtown Mount Clemens on May 10–11, and vendor applications are now open! This popular event showcases Michiganmade products and features a Kids’ Business Fair for young entrepreneurs. Spaces fill quickly, so early registration is recommended. Contact Michelle Weiss at (586) 4316788 for more details. Don’t miss this chance to share your creations
30th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast & Famous Bake Sale
Join the Mount Clemens Kiwanis Club and Trinity’s Scout Troop #157 for their 30th Annual Pancake Breakfast on Palm Sunday, April 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of plain, blueberry, chocolate chip, or gluten-free pancakes. Fun with Rosco the Clown , and support local organizations! 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Tickets: $10 adults / $6 kids under 12. Advance tickets are available at Printing By Johnson or contact Steve (586) 469-3555.
BUILD
ROCK SOLID KIDS
If you’re a parent who wants your child to have:
• rock solid confidence
• lifelong self-discipline • top level fitness
• and be safe from bullying and peer pressure
Sensei Romanelli has a passion for his craft. He takes his practice seriously and extends the belief of respect, attention, and focus to his students. He is wonderful with children, not intimidating, and empowers the kids. Since this is a lifestyle choice, sensei gives a few free intro courses to gauge your child’s interest before committing to the program. They give call and text reminders for the classes (great for busy families). Romanelli’s will leave your child with a lasting impression.
Leslee Siefert, Teacher - L’Anse Creuse Public Schools Mother of Black Belt Graduate
Photography by Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority
INVEST IN
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
YOUR GREENS
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
Financial Freedom, Reinvented
TECH AND MINDSET SHIFTS THAT’LL CHANGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
TINE HOFMANN
Jon's grandfather, company founder Bill Furest
Left to right: Michael Sarcheck, Jonathan Furest, Jeffrey Furest
For many of us, financial planning is a source of stress, confusion, even avoidance. But for Jon Furest of First Financial Coaching, money is about mindset, structure, and long-term transformation.
The youngest of a four-generation family of financial advisors, Jon is modernizing the field with two groundbreaking financial tech tools—Pocketnest™ and Currence™—while also offering the belief-changing American Dream Experience™, a personal growth seminar that gives families an opportunity to discover what academic investing science is, how it works, and how it can help fulfill your life’s purpose.
Jon didn’t grow up dreaming of a career in finance. “I never had that ‘this is what I want to do’ feeling growing up,” he admits. Instead, at 24, while working at a sandwich shop, Jon began to feel the pull toward something bigger. “I knew I wanted to make a difference. I was good with people, I liked talking to them, but I couldn’t make a difference behind the counter the way I could by helping people with their money and their dreams,” he recalls. Jon decided to join the family business in 2014—not to continue a legacy, but to help reinvent the way people interact with their finances. Over the past decade, he’s done just that. For example, Jon recognized that traditional financial planning often feels like an avalanche of spreadsheets and fine print. So he added Pocketnest, an app that simplifies financial planning, to his clients’ financial toolkit.
“Pocketnest covers ten areas of financial planning,” Jon notes, “but instead of overwhelming people, it gives you bite-sized, actionable steps based on your goals.”
Users answer a few key questions, link their accounts, and receive customized financial to-dos, from checking insurance rates to planning for retirement.
Conventional financial advising caters to the top three percent of clients ready to invest immediately. Pocketnest is different: it’s designed for the 97
percent who need guidance but aren’t ready to take action yet. “It helps us coach clients on their timeline, instead of pushing them into decisions they’re not ready for,” Jon says.
Featured in Forbes and Fast Company, Pocketnest leverages psychological insights to drive financial wellness. It's designed to resonate with digitalage communities like Millennials and Gen X-ers. Roughly 85 percent of financial advisors ignore both demographics—even though together, they represent $46 trillion in assets.
And the disengagement works both ways: for example, 98 percent of Millennials will fire their parents' financial advisor upon inheritance—and two-thirds of them get their financial advice from Facebook and Twitter.
Pocketnest's AI-enabled personalized financial journeys are tailored for touchscreen-friendly lives.
Jon also uses the Currence app ( livecurrence.com/ jonathanfurest) to help clients. Where Pocketnest helps with financial planning, Currence is a game-changer for cash flow management. It tackles a major financial hurdle: the traditional paycheck-to-checking-account cycle that facilitates what Jon calls “lifestyle creep.” Currence flips the system on its head—by making savings the default position of all new inflows.
“Most people, when they make more, they spend more. Saving is an afterthought—if it happens at all,” Jon explains. Currence ends lifestyle creep by introducing a ‘reservoir’ account: a high-interest checking account where users’ income gets deposited. Then Currence helps users create structured spending for necessities, fun expenses, and building wealth.
“You don’t even notice when you get an extra paycheck or bonus,” Jon says. “That extra money just stays in your reservoir. So saving no longer takes willpower—it just becomes a built-in habit.” Over time, the
CONTINUED >
“Financial empowerment…starts with understanding ourselves and discovering how investing actually works, without the need to pick the best stocks, time the market, or other speculative strategies.”
“We want [people] to have agency over their money…not be dependent on a financial advisor. We give them tools and coaching to build the life they want.”
The American Dream Experience
Currence, the cash flow management app.
Currence structure can help people save significantly more, without putting in effort or focus on a budget.
The impact has been remarkable. “Instead of worrying about saving and spending, you now have a structure for it, and a professional to help you make good choices with the excess,” Jon shares.
I looked on the site (livecurrence.com), and the average Currence user saves 23 percent of their income. The change of direction in cash flow drives savings accumulation: Currence’s savings rates are six times higher than the national average. By putting savings first, and focusing on net cash flow, Currence helps build financial confidence, and implements the protection and growth strategies necessary to achieve financial freedom faster. The app currently has a 4.9 rating on the App Store.
First Financial Coaching believes there's a transformative power in having clarity and purpose in your financial journey. That's why Jon believes in harnessing the power of fintech to make investing more effective. “Whether you’re building wealth or enjoying retirement, I think everyone can benefit from being purposeful with their money,” Jon observes.
While these tech tools help, true financial transformation requires a mindset shift. First Financial Coaching helps families fundamentally alter their relationship with money—starting with their powerful and belief-changing “The American Dream Experience” (first.adxleader.com).
“It’s not just about investing,” Furest says. “It’s about uncovering the beliefs you inherited about money— things like ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ or ‘we don’t talk about finances.’”
The seminar, which First Financial leads both in-person and virtually, is based on the book Experiencing the American Dream by award-winning entrepreneur and author Mark Matson. Matson’s book is endorsed by such luminaries as Rob Lowe, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steve Forbes, and Stanford neuroscientist Dr. David Eagleman.
“The American Dream Experience” focuses on breaking generational cycles around financial stress. “Many people grow up with a ‘no-talk’ rule around money,” Jon notes. “We help them realize they can break that cycle and create an empowered relationship with money.”
Though “The American Dream Experience” usually costs $1,000 per couple, First Financial Coaching offers the seminar complimentary. “We offer it at no cost because we believe everyone deserves access to financial empowerment,” Jon emphasizes, “It starts with understanding ourselves and discovering how investing actually works, without the need to pick the best stocks, time the market, or other speculative strategies. Money is simply a tool for the fulfillment of your purpose in life."
One participant’s story stands out to Jon. “She always thought she’d be just scraping by for the rest of her life,” Jon tells me. But after going through the program, “she stayed up until 4:00 a.m. researching colleges and career paths. Now, she’s finished community college and made the dean’s list—when in high school, she wasn’t recognized for academics at all. She’s created a whole new future for herself.”
First Financial Coaching utilizes Nobel Prizewinning, empirically tested investing principles that have been applied to help investors improve their long-term investment results. With Pocketnest guiding financial planning education, Currence transforming cash flow, and “The American Dream Experience” reshaping mindsets, Jon and First Financial Coaching are pioneering a new way of financial planning that aims to move their clients toward real financial freedom.
“We want them to have agency over their money,” he says. “We’re not here to make people dependent on a financial advisor. We’re here to give them the tools, structure, and coaching to build the life they want—on their terms.”
To sign up for the American Dream Experience, or to work with Jon and First Financial Coaching, visit firstfinancialcoach.com or call 586.463.1880
LEARN MORE: For three decades, Jon and First Financial Coaching have helped clarify investing and money misconceptions for thousands of families. They want a world where all generations have the experience of the American Dream.
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY JANOWICZ
In The Bag
9 PUBLISHER PICKS TO INVEST IN FOR YOUR SPRING COLLECTION
For me, Easter has always signified rebirth—a time to pack away winter clothes and embrace fresh, spring colors. I swap my staple black purse for soft neutrals and bold hues. A few years ago, I found my perfect spring neutral: an orchid bag with a gold zipper and leather tassel. Though practical doubts swirled, it was love at first sight! Today, it still brings me joy. This year, emerald is calling my name. Here are nine picks to inspire your spring collection:
6BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital— whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement— doing some of your own research is often helpful. We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
ONE UP ON WALL STREET
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
THE WEALTH DECISION THE WOLF OF INVESTING
The Wolf of Investing: My Insider’s Playbook for Making a Fortune on Wall Street by Jordan Belfort. From the investment guru and author of The Wolf of Wall Street, this is a witty and clear-eyed guide for anyone who wants to play the stock market to their advantage and learn the secrets of a top Wall Street investor.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1. Squeeze your OJ.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
3. Shake.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
6. Garnish.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies. The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
APRIL 5TH
Totally Awesome 80’s Party for a Purpose!
Emerald Theatre, 31 N. Walnut St, Mount Clemens, MI | 6:30 PM
Bust out the neon and leg warmers for the ultimate 80s charity bash! Enjoy live music, epic raffles, a best-dressed contest, and special guests like Ghostbusters & MoonMan! Dance to Los Gringos, 80s Gone Wild, and Video DJ CHOOCH, all while supporting Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids, Blue Star Mothers Chapter #180, and Mount Clemens Turning Point. Tickets: 80sparty4apurpose.org
APRIL 5TH
For Ladies Who Lunch: 2025 Pottery Luncheon Fundraiser
Zuccaro’s Banquets & Catering, 46601 N. Gratiot, Chesterfield Twp, MI | 11:00 AM
Join us for a vibrant celebration honoring Yvonne Leslie. Marvel at stunning tablescapes competition inspired by designers’ favorite things, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and try your luck with raffles, door prizes, and a grand prize getaway! Tickets: $55 – All proceeds from this event support the Crocker House Museum and Gardens. Call 586-465-2488 or visit crockerhousemuseum.org
APRIL 12TH
Spin into Record Store Day at Weirdsville
Weirdsville Records, 61 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, MI | 8:00 AM
Dive into exclusive RSD titles, score 10% off used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, and DVDs, and grab a free Chocolate 45 by Champagne Chocolates with a $100 purchase (while supplies last)! Enjoy live music from The Banana Stand Band, The Slot Rods, and more. Don’t miss the ultimate vinyl celebration! Follow Weirdsville Records on Facebook for more event details.
T&T Tuesdays
Enjoy House Tequila Margaritas & Tacos at a special price!
Import Wednesdays
Sip on your favorite import beers with a loaded plate of Nachos.
Signature Thursdays
We’re shaking things up with featured Signature Cocktails!
APRIL 19TH
Pot it Up!
Crocker House Museum & Gardens, 15 Union St, Mt Clemens, MI | 1:00 PM
Paint, Pots, and Good Vibes! Join us for a lighthearted and creative afternoon as we celebrate spring with a delightful flowerpot decorating event! We’ll provide the pots, paint, and fun—you bring your creativity. Whether you’re a budding artist or just want to chill and craft, this event will surely be a hit! Visit crockerhousemuseum.org to purchase tickets.
APRIL 25TH
Step Out for a Cause
The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, MI | 6:00 PM
Join us for the 9th Annual Stepping Out With the Stars Gala, where local community members train with pros to compete for the top dancer title—all to support Turning Point! For 45 years, Turning Point has empowered and uplifted women in need, providing safe shelter, resources, and support. Enjoy dinner, premium open bar, auctions, raffles, and more! Tickets: turningpointmacomb.org
APRIL 25TH - 27TH
Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Macomb Ballet Company
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI
Follow the yellow brick road with the Macomb Ballet Company as they bring The Wizard of Oz to life through the magic of ballet. Featuring stunning choreography, breathtaking costumes, and a captivating score, this enchanting production follows Dorothy and her friends on an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss this spellbinding performance, perfect for all ages. Ticket Box Office: 586-286-2222 or macombcenter.com
WHERE YOUNG MINDS BLOSSOM
At Mount Clemens Montessori Academy, we believe every child is born to be a learner.
Our Montessori Preschool Program nurtures curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in a hands-on, engaging environment.
Hands-on Learning
Personalized Growth
Creativity & Confidence
To register, please contact the Academy directly at (586) 465-5545 or school@mtclemensmontessori.com mtclemensmontessori.com | 586-465-5545
1070 Hampton Road, Mount Clemens, Michigan 48043 mt.clemensmontessoriacademy mcma_koalas
A Fusion Between Nature and Creative Design
Coco Song eyewear, known for its exclusive Italian craftsmanship and precious inserts like silk, feathers and dehydrated flowers, unveils its Spring/Summer, 2025 campaign inspired by the art of Kabuki. This theatrical form, a Japanese cultural heritage since the 17th century, becomes the brand’s latest muse.
Vibrant colors and bold contrasts turn each frame into a celebration of Oriental aesthetics reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Coco Song invites you to explore a world of elegance, art and symbolism.
Discover the colorful world of Coco Song at LaCroix Eye Care…your designer eyewear destination!
lacroixeyecare.com (586) 468-4211