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My Cash is Earning Zero. Should I Change My Approach? Dan Sinnen, Vantage Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor With interest rates historically low, you are probably asking yourself, “How can I get more yield out of my bond and cash investments?” There are many alternatives that come to mind. Should we move safe bonds into blue chip stocks that are paying higher dividends? What about alternatives like Real Estate or gold? Although these alternatives can bring higher yield and interest payments, we need to focus on the reason we keep a portion of our money safe. We know the

What Can the Pandemic Can Teach Us About Risk? Dan Sinnen, Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor Morgan Housel, leading finance author and one of my favorites, is recognized in our industry for his insight into investing and behavior. Having grown up a competitive skier, Morgan was asked during a conference what skiing had taught him about investing. Initially, he didn't think very much, but as he started to respond to the question, a painful memory came to mind. While at a ski resort with his high school team, two of Morgan’s teammates were killed on the slopes by an

Wealth Advisor (Part 4 of 4) Jesse Niederbaumer, Managing Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor  As a firm, we strongly believe that everyone needs to work with someone like us. “Why do I need you?” you might ask. There are very few “one person shows” who achieve ultimate success. How can you be expected, with everything that you juggle in your normal life (kids, grandkids, work, church, volunteering, COVID-19, etc.) to stay on top of all financial topics from work benefits, taxes, investments, and everything in between? We are your partner. You are our partner. It is mutual. Think of

Wealth Advisor (Part 3 of 4) Andy Meyer, Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor As fee-based Wealth Advisors, we consistently meet and talk with new people every day. Some interactions are simply surface level that start and end in the same sentence. Others are icebreakers that end up being the beginning of a long-term relationship. Meeting new people is an important part of our routine; it’s how we got started in this relationship business and it’s why we are one of the fastest growing Registered Investment Advisors in the Midwest. First and foremost, we have the best clients that not

Wealth Advisor (Part 2 of 4) Jesse Niederbaumer, Managing Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor  Our role as wealth advisors is unique. No two meetings or clients are the same. I think people outside of our “Vantage world” perceive us as money/investment managers. While this is a part of what we do, it doesn’t fully capture the scope of our job. The roles I’ve played in the last 60 days include: mortgage broker, accountant, marriage counselor, college planner, banker, estate planner, real estate consultant, benefit coordinator, business consultant, financial concierge, charitable giving expert & yes, money manager. The truth is,

Wealth Advisor (part 1 of 4) Andy Meyer, Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor  Wealth Advisor is what you will find at the end of my email signature block or on my LinkedIn page. What does it mean? What is it supposed to tell you about me and what I do? Depending on who you are and how much attention you pay to titles it might tell you everything you need to know while answering all your questions. Or it might be too vague and only confuse you wanting to ask a follow-up question. For this reason, I dislike having