Hi there,
We're expecting our first child in November and are now experiencing the inevitable "financial freak-out" thinking about how we are going to pay for day care, etc. We've never been particularly good with money and my dh and I frequently disagree about how to best handle it. We have a "financial advisor" from Northwestern Mutual, but I feel like he's more interested in selling us insurance and investment products than helping us develop a day-to-day financial strategy. What we really need is an objective third party who can counsel us about reducing debt, sticking to a budget and developing reasonable savings targets/plans. I thought about a credit counseling service, but I think they are more focused on debt consolidation, which is not necessarily what we need either. Any recommendations in the Minneapolis area?
Thanks!
Lisa Brula is very good and helpful.
Leclaire Financial Services Inc
8030 Old Cedar Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425-1213
###-###-####
My aunt is a Financial advisor who I know would treat you with Complete Respect.
Elizabeth A. Shaw
Financial Advisor
Ameriprise Financial
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
900 Long Lake Road, Suite 300 | New Brighton, MN� 55112
Office ###-###-#### | Fax: ###-###-#### ____@____.com ameriprise.com
My husband and I have been working with Nicole Middendorf of Strategic Financial for a number of years - she is very down-to-earth - and makes money matters easy to understand - no matter how much/little you may have. Each year she sits down with us to discuss our financial plan and helps us make changes as our jobs, salaries, and family size changes. You can find her at www.helpingyouinvest.com - then click on Minnestoa- she will be the first name on the contact list. Besides being a great financial adviser, she is also very active in the local community - which is a nice plus.
You might also try picking up the book, Smart Couples Finish Rich - to help you and your husband with budgeting, goal setting, prioritizing, etc. - it is really helpful when you are starting from scratch.
Scott Beers at Lottsa Tax and Accounting Services, Lottsa.com, helps us with our taxes and helps me with payroll tax filings for our childcare provider. They also provide financial planning services. Lottsa is located near the U in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. They are progressive and definitely family oriented. I am sure he can help you sort through your finances, set up a budget and plan for your financial future without trying to sell you products you may not feel you are ready for or need.
T.
Congratulations on you baby! We just had our first 4 months ago and went through the same thing with worrying about our finances, wills, and etc. We've been really happy with our Ameriprise agent. Unfortunately, he is in San Diego because that's where we lived when we started with Ameriprise. I think he can work with you long-distance, or at least recommend someone here in Minnesota. His name is Jeffrey Lockway ###-###-#### and his email is ____@____.com
He did sell us insurance, but I think it was because we were interested already, not because he pushed it on us. Good luck!
J.
K. -
I know a guy that my family has used since I was a kid and my husband and I use him from time to time as well. He is really good and understands needing to get through the day to day before getting ready for the future. His name is Jeff Wells and he is in Eagan. He can be reached at ###-###-####. Tell him T. Hildman gave you his name and number.
I was really happy with Lutheran Social Services. While they do have programs to consolidate debt, they educate you on how to reduce debt, stick to a budget how to save and what to save. (They are a non-profit company)
Some books I have read that have really helped me were written by SUZE ORMAN, DAVE RAMSEY.. and a book called DEBT FREE AND PROSPEROUS LIVING.
DAVE RAMSEY would be especially helpful for your situation. I would highly reccommend reading his book with your husband!
K.,
I see you got a lot of responses,but I have to recommend mine. His name is Christopher Pancratz. He is very kind, and very understanding. Just telll him what you want and he'll honor that. when my dad died, he helped us with what to do with the life insurance money without being pressuring and was okay with my crying in front of him (if that matters to you, it does to me, as I cry a lot).
Christopher Pankratz, CFP
Financial Dimensions Group, Inc
###-###-####
____@____.com
HI K.!
Here's someone that has come highly recommended to me by my parents:
Buzz Moen
Creative Financial
7900 Xerxes Ave
Bloomington, MN 55431
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I have not personally worked with this man but my parents have and I have spoken to him briefly. My parents said he really helped them out a lot with pretty much the same thing you're talking about. My father is in the financial services industry and said Buzz is very well respected. Good Luck!
My husband and I have gone to this woman for 2 years. She is very professional, down to earth, and has a mind for detail. She also has a sense of humor, which makes the meetings with her that much more palatable! :-) She has recommended to us some products that are not from her company, which have saved us hundreds so far this year, making her fee seem very reasonable. We would highly recommend her - good luck!
Elizabeth Owens
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc
Suite 300
900 Long Lake Road
New Brighton, MN 55112
###-###-####
____@____.com
Hi K.!
Check our Dave Ramseys book "Total Money Makeover". (There is also a website that is not nearly as helpful as the book www.totalmoneymakeover.com). It really helped me put together a budget and savings plan. I'm well on my way to becoming debt free and happily living on a realistic budget.
L.
My husband and I have been working with Daniel Boyer, Ameriprise Financial. He is wonderful, comprehensive, and understanding of your particular needs. His focus is your financial health, not the sale of products.
My husband and I developed our own plan that works for us using a book titled, All Your Worth, The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan, by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi. My husband never even read the book. I read it and outlined it for him, then we did the worksheets, set our priorities and set a plan that we are both able to stick to. I checked it out from the library. Nothing like free advice as long as it is good.
