The Chateau de Chenonceau in France

The owner of an accounting firm in Houston, Texas, Sue Ann Ma also takes time off from work and enjoys traveling. One of the countries that Sue Ann Ma has visited is France. 

A popular tourist destination in France is Chateau de Chenonceau located in the Loire Valley. It is the most visited castle in France, right after the famed Versailles in Paris. The castle sits atop an exquisitely arched bridge spanning the River Cher, and boats can pass through below. 

It is often called “the ladies' chateau” as women were influential in its design and construction. The chateau had a series of owners beginning with the Marques family in the 11th century. Normandy nobleman Thomas Bohier bought the property in 1513, building a new castle whose construction was overseen by his wife, Katherine Briconnet. 

Later King Henri II granted it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, whose contribution was constructing the bridge over the Cher river. The death of Henri II saw the Queen, Catherine de Medici, forcibly taking over the chateau from mistress Diane. Queen Catherine then added the grand ballroom and gallery atop the bridge, giving the chateau its now distinctive image.

Hosting Blood Drives with the American Red Cross

CPA Sue Ann Ma has led Seminal Financial Group, Inc., in Houston, Texas, as president since 2001. With nearly two decades of leadership experience, Sue Ann Ma enjoys sharing her knowledge with newcomers to her field. Away from work, she spends time supporting the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross provides a number of global disaster relief and emergency services. The organization’s many worldwide efforts would not be possible without the help of charitable donations and a vast network of volunteers. One of the easiest, most effective ways to help the organization involves donating blood or hosting an American Red Cross blood drive.

Individuals who make regular or one-time donations allow the Red Cross to maintain one of the world’s most reliable blood supplies. Any person interested in becoming more involved in blood donation should visit www.redcross.org to learn about hosting a blood drive. Hosts are tasked with securing a location for the drive, recruiting and scheduling donors, and promoting the drive as much as possible. The Red Cross takes care of everything else, including providing medical equipment and screening donors.

The American Red Cross Supports Military and Veteran Families

A certified public accountant with more than 25 years of experience, Sue Ann Ma serves as president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc., in Houston, Texas. Alongside her professional activities, Sue Ann Ma gives back to the community through her support of the American Red Cross.

In addition to providing a variety of assistance services to people affected by disasters, the American Red Cross oversees various programs and activities for military families. Through its Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) program, the American Red Cross offers services on military bases and in veterans' hospitals, provides support for military families with deployed loved ones, and assists veterans in obtaining benefits. 

The American Red Cross also delivers messages to military families during emergencies and provides on-the-ground support for active-duty service members. The organization has assisted more than a million military families since 9/11 and continues to serve hundreds more each day. To learn about the American Red Cross and its work with military families, visit www.redcrosss.org.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Red Cross

A graduate of Lamar University with a master of business administration, Sue Ann Ma leads as president of Houston, Texas-based Seminal Financial Group. Outside of work, Sue Ann Ma contributes to the American Red Cross.

While the American Red Cross accepts donations of all amounts to support its humanitarian work, the organization also provides a plethora of ways for individuals to volunteer, with volunteers at the Red Cross carrying out 90 percent of the organization’s efforts.

One way to volunteer is to work with the Red Cross Blood Team by serving as a recruiter to bring in more donors, as a driver to transport donated blood to the laboratory, or as a blood drive assistant to register and greet donors. 

Volunteers can also choose to help with disaster relief by providing food and shelter for victims of disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Further, those with a passion for education can teach classes on disaster preparedness, CPR and first aid, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

For more information on ways to volunteer with the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities.

NICEP - CEP Professional Training Program

 



As the current president of the Seminal Financial Group, Inc., Sue Ann Ma provides certified estate planning services for companies and individuals. Sue Ann Ma holds certificates as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Master Certified Estate Planner (MCEP), working for more than 20 years in the financial services industry. She has also been named as a Super Banker in 1986 by Texas Commerce Bank as well as being a recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award in 1995 by Chase Bank.

The National Institute of Certified Estate Planners (NICEP) has created the CEP Professional training program to help those in the financial services industry who would like to become certified estate planners. The CEP Professional training program includes topics such as defining estate planning, planning for death, estate planning documents, and advanced medical directives. Classes are conducted online for the students convenience, providing a more flexible schedule for completing the course.

Bauer College of Business - Certified Financial Planner

Prior to entering the professional field of financial services, Sue Ann Ma attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where she received an MBA in major accounting in 1986. Sue Ann Ma also attended the University of Houston Center for Executive Development, where she completed a program to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

The University of Houston Center for Executive Development includes the Bauer College of Business with several different business programs, including the Personal Financial Planning track, where students can qualify to become a Certified Financial Planner. The Personal Financial Planning track provides students with structured options that guide them to financial service industry careers.

Completion of the Personal Financial Planning track meets the CFP Certification established by the CFP Board of Standards Education Requirement. The Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that personal financial advisory careers will grow by up to 30 percent by 2018, exceeding the growth rate of the average for all occupation projections.

When to Visit China

Sue Ann Ma oversees a full-service accounting firm in Houston, Texas as the sole owner and CPA. In this capacity, she provides clients with a wide rangeof accounting and financial services and maintains a strong reputation for excellence. Outside of work, Sue Ann Ma enjoys traveling. She has been to countries including China and hopes to visit again in the future.

Due to its vast size, there are benefits to visiting China at almost all times of the year. July and August are the country’s busiest season. It is also its hottest. Summertime brings temperatures that average above 95 degrees during the day; however, the northeastern and mountain areas may be cooler. Large cities are particularly uncomfortable due to the combination of high heat and crowds. The monsoons also occur during these months in most areas.

As it moves into September, weather starts dropping. Southern China experiences some lingering heat, but the north becomes more comfortable. By October, weather around the country tends to be at its best. Summer rains and heat are typically gone and most major attractions are still open. With the exception of the Chinese National Day Holiday, the month is also fairly calm in terms of crowds. From November to March, China has its low season. Crowds and prices are at their lowest, but weather is also extremely cold. Some attractions may also close due to the snow.

By springtime, weather and crowds begin warming up again. Prices are still relatively low and temperatures are comfortable. Unfortunately, China experiences quite a bit of rain between April and May. Further, the country hosts a few events and holidays during the season that can drive prices and crowds up significantly.