I spent over 10 years helping corporations, hedge funds and institutional investors squeeze every last dollar out of their investments before I finally asked myself: what is most important in life, and what's keeping me from getting there? So, what's important to me: spending time with my family, pursuing a career I'm passionate about and running a business that allows me to partner with like-minded individuals. My dad passed away at age 58 and I constantly remind myself that life is short, and I better not regret how I live it. I am now lucky enough to say I work in a field that brings me happiness and fosters my personal values. A perfectionist by nature and self-proclaimed finance/tax nerd, I genuinely love helping individuals simplify their financial lives so they too can focus on what's most important to them.

The Work Stuff– My name is Ben Smith, and I am the Founder of Cove Financial Planning, a Certified B Corporation focused on comprehensive financial planning and Socially Responsible Investing. I believe that everyone, regardless of age, occupation, net worth, and investment experience, deserves a customized financial plan and the peace of mind that comes with it. Before starting Cove, I worked for several investment companies, and saw just how boring, complex and off-putting investing can be for many people. Traditional advisors also have a reputation for specifically catering to high-net-worth individuals with a singular focus on account size. My mission is to provide access to high-quality advice to a broader range of people who want to take control of their financial lives (and maybe have some fun in the process!) I also passionately believe in helping people blend Socially Responsible Investing into their long-term financial plans. I’m here to prove that you can Do Well While Doing Good! The Fun Stuff– I’m originally from Minneapolis and have since lived in Chicago and Milwaukee. My wife Kotryna works in investment banking, and while we aren’t at the office, you can find us hanging with our newborn daughter Frances (Francie) or debating nerdy investment topics over a home-cooked meal and a glass of wine. We are big believers in learning new things and staying active. Currently, she’s teaching me how to salsa dance (not going well) and speak Lithuanian (where she’s from), while we both sharpen our tennis skills. We’re proud owners of Apple Watches for the sole purpose of beating each other’s daily fitness activity (feel free to join the competition!) We also travel as often as we can, and we’re always looking for suggestions on places to check out in Europe when visiting her family. Above all else, we both believe that life is about balance. I hope that I can help you find your balance with money, and maybe make the world a little better place in the process. Visit www.coveplanning.com to learn more and get in touch!

I specialize in helping women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the people who love them manage the financial side of living a more fulfilling life. I stumbled into the financial services industry more than 25 years ago and I fell in love with transforming lives instead of equations. I’ve been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional since 2006, a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) since 2008, an Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (ADPA®) since 2011, and a National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)-Registered Financial Advisor since 2014.

Hi, I’m Scott, the founder of Renovate Financial Planning, where we specialize in working with Real Estate Investors. I get to wake up every day excited to get to work because I combined the career I love (financial planning) with my hobby, side-gig of real estate investing! It’s hard as a Real Estate Investor to find an advisor who understands real estate or who won’t advise you against it! As a Real Estate Investor myself and an avid researcher on all things real estate and financial planning, I am here to help you reach all your financial and real estate goals. Our comprehensive financial planning includes real estate consulting, investment management, long-term tax planning, insurance and risk management, estate planning, and retirement planning. We’re here to make sure you have everything you need to live your best life now and into retirement. When I’m not meeting with clients, nerding out on real estate or researching tax strategies for financial planning, I can be found adventuring outside with my wife and three daughters or by the fireplace drinking coffee. If you would like to know more about Renovate Financial Planning and how we could help you, please reach out! We would love to have a free phone consultation with you to see if we would be a good fit!

I’m a financial planner who helps business professionals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—especially those with equity compensation—take control of their finances and design a life that feels truly authentic. Life isn’t just about numbers or following a traditional path. It’s about figuring out what you really want and building a plan to get there. That’s why I started Authentic Life Financial Planning—to help people align their finances with their goals, whether that means retiring early, launching a new career, or simply feeling more confident about their future. I offer personalized, one-time financial plans and ongoing planning services, helping clients navigate the complexities of equity compensation, tax strategies, cash flow, and more—all with the goal of creating a life they love. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll probably find me sailing, checking out live music, or planning my next travel adventure with my wife Annie. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible with your finances, I’d love to chat!

Located in the Minneapolis area and serving clients nationwide, Anne Ward offers wealth management services to individuals and couples who want to live life to the fullest, as well as those navigating the journey of rebuilding after the loss of a spouse. She partners with you at every stage of life - strategizing, proactively advising, and helping execute sound recommendations - so you can live abundantly in both your finances and your life. She is passionate about helping you achieve your definition of success. Advisory services are offered through Wisdom Wealth Management, LLC, an investment adviser registered in Minnesota. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Wisdom Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly registered or exempt from registration.

Hello! I’m Laura Seymour, the founder of TorchLight Financial. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and truly enjoy working with clients transitioning into retirement or already retired. I’ve been working in the financial planning industry since 2007 and founded TorchLight in 2011. I have worked with hundreds of clients over the last 15 years to navigate the path to retirement as well as general financial considerations. It is my goal to use clear language versus “financial terms” to help people understand concepts and considerations related to financial choices. By offering comprehensive advice as well as ongoing investment management, I can truly know you and become a trusted partner in your decisions and journey. I grew up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota (near Willmar) with loving parents who may not have had a lot of money but really stressed personal responsibility and integrity. I value authentic, genuine relationships with people and am grateful for clients who have trusted me to help them with their financial decisions. Travel and cycling are my non-work passions. Shannon, my life partner, and I traveled to Ireland (he’s 100% Irish!) in March 2023. We have experienced Maui, Puerto Vallarta, and Turks & Caicos. Up next: Europe in the fall (2024) and a Tour de France trip in 2025. Leading a weekly women’s cycling group and logging as many miles on my Bianchi Infinito as possible is one of my favorite summertime activities in Minnesota.

My name is Dana Menard, and I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Registered Life Planner® (RLP®), Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®), Certified in Blockchain and Digital Assets (CBDA), Certified Digital Asset Advisor® (CDAA®), a fee-only fiduciary, and the Founder and Lead Financial Planner of Twin Cities Wealth Strategies, Inc. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, I pride myself on providing trusted financial advice and guidance to busy professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, and families so they can concentrate on the things that matter most to them. I genuinely believe everyone’s financial situation is unique, and they have a right to a trusted advisor who puts their interests first. When working with my clients, I focus on creating long-term relationships. Together, we collaborate to create a financial life plan that addresses their immediate and long-term financial concerns and empowers them to live a lifestyle they love. Twin Cities Wealth Strategies, Inc. is a tax-focused comprehensive financial life planning firm that offers tax prep and filing, as well as estate plan construction, all under one roof. When I’m not working, I spend as much time as possible with my closest friends and family, as they are the most important things to me. My wife, Sonja, our three daughters, and I enjoy reading books, watching movies, binge-watching Netflix, exercising, partaking in various family games and activities, and appreciating the outdoors and all that nature has to offer at the family cabin. I also volunteer my time between a couple of local non-profits. The first is the Maple Grove Lions Club, a service organization that sponsors many programs and events that raise money for our local community. The second is BestPrep, a Minnesota-based non-profit that prepares students with business, career, and financial literacy skills through hands-on experiences that inspire success in both work and life.

How we help - ✔️Equity Compensation Planning (Maximizing the potential of RSUs, ISOs, NQSOs, ESPP, SARs, etc.) ✔️Tax Planning (It's not what you make, it's what you keep) ✔️Investment management (Create & grow wealth by optimizing your portfolio) ✔️Dynamic Life Planning (Build optionality into your financial plan) ✔️Cash Flow Planning (We dig into cash flow so you don't have to) ✔️Financial Independence Planning (Prepare for a future where your assets support your lifestyle) ✔️Risk Management (Protect your loved ones and assets) ✔️Education Planning (Determine the most efficient way to pay for college without restricting your other goals) ✔️Estate Planning (Don't let someone else decide where your wealth goes) ✔️Virtual Services (We meet where it's most convenient for you on your time)

At Heartworth Financial, I’m not just a financial planner—I’m here to help First-Generation Wealth Builders and underserved communities break through the barriers that have kept them from the financial resources they deserve. I’m the daughter of Hmong refugees from Laos. My parents came to the U.S. with nothing but hope for a better life. They worked tirelessly to provide for our family, but lacked the financial knowledge and tools others take for granted. That’s why I founded Heartworth Financial: to help people facing the same challenges my family did—turning first-gen success into generational wealth. I know how intimidating financial advice can feel, especially when you’re not sure where to start or if you’ll be judged. That’s why I meet clients where they are—no judgment, just understanding. I listen, I learn, and I create a plan that’s built around their culture, goals, and values. With over a decade of experience as a financial advisor, I’ve worked with clients across industries, but my focus now is clear: offering personalized financial planning and investment management to those who need it most. My mission is simple: make financial planning accessible to everyone. Empower people to make informed decisions, build wealth, and create lasting change for the generations that follow.