Financial Advisors

Articles and resources related to Financial Advisors.

Financial Checklist for Young Adults: Essential Tips for College Students

Valerie Thomas, CTFA
Senior Integrated Wealth Advisor
Published September 16, 2019

One of the most meaningful gifts a young person can receive as they strike out on their own after high school is wise counsel on financial matters. As a new school year begins, we wanted to share the following guidelines and important actions to help young adults in our clients' lives to build a strong foundation and get a sound start on their financial journey. Avoid Consumer Debt and Be Careful With Student Loans The fastest way to financial success is to avoid debt, because not having ... [Continue Reading]

Have You Considered a Family Meeting?

Katy Vermeer, CFP^®
Senior Integrated Wealth Advisor
Published July 18, 2019

What image does a “family meeting” conjure up for you? Do you think of your childhood when your parents would ominously announce, “It’s time for a family meeting!” or maybe it’s your spouse asking, “Does this incident warrant a family meeting?” In our home, one form of a family meeting occurred when my husband and I had casual discussions with our three kids over dinner when we would say something along the lines of, “We have something important to talk about.” I recently asked our young adult ... [Continue Reading]

Financial Plan for One, Please

Kim Diemer
Associate Integrated Wealth Advisor
Published June 28, 2019

Looking around, whether in a restaurant, an airport or even on the beach, you may be observing more and more people out on their own—or perhaps with a group of friends. There are many ways one might be taking note that one of the largest growing demographics globally is single people. 1 This shift in demographics can also be seen here in Minnesota. In 2017, whether by choice or circumstance, 41% of women in the state over age 29 were widowed, divorced, or not married. 2 A single status may ... [Continue Reading]

Investment Insight: A Ten-Year Look Back

Gregory Carlson, CFP^®
CEO and Founder
Published May 2, 2019

March 9, 2009, is an important day in our shared history. We didn’t necessarily know it at the time as it took a few months for the significance of the day to reveal itself, but it was on this date when the financial markets hit rock bottom during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). From that day forward the markets stopped their painful retreat and began to recover. That was ten years ago now, and as we reflect on those ten years, of course there are countless learnings and insights that could ... [Continue Reading]

Reading the Fine Print — Optimizing Your Employer’s Retirement Plan

Matthew Rich, CFP^®, J.D.
Integrated Wealth Advisor
Published April 17, 2019

When new office employees are starting a new job, they often go through the same routine. The first few days are spent locating the break room, finding a good parking spot, and orienting to the cultural norms. Then there’s the meeting with human resources—you get a key card, complete payroll deduction paperwork, and review compliance documents. Dental insurance? Extra life insurance? How much should the company take out for 401(k) contributions? Pre-tax or after tax? Most people go with the ... [Continue Reading]