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Drawdowns Happen

By: Mike Earl The S&P 500 bottomed in the Global Financial Crisis on March 9, 2009. Since that date, there have been 16 separate declines of greater than 5% during this Bull Market. There have been four corrections of greater than 10%. Put differently, we have seen a 5% stock market decline about twice per year and a 10% decline

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August 2, 2024

Education Season/Thought Leadership

By: Austin B. Colby, CFP®, MBA The team and I began our yearly conference, seminar, and education travel schedule in April and have been full-tilt into the summer.  All of us believe in the importance of ongoing education and improvement in our profession.  Being independently owned and operated allows us the opportunity to take advantage of many industry-wide learning events. 

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August 2, 2024

Things You Should Focus On

By: Mike Earl, CFP®, CPWA® Our emotions are mostly unhelpful in guiding our saving and investing decisions. The human brain is not naturally wired to excel at saving and investing money. It is easier for us to pontificate about the direction of the US economy than it is to review our annual savings rate over the past three years. That

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August 2, 2024

The Wonderful (Much-Improved) World of Board Games

When I was growing up, the number of board games in common circulation in the US was rather limited. The perennial favorites were Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, Sorry!, Connect 4, Uno, Jenga, Clue, The Game of Life, Monopoly, and Risk.

While each of those games is respectable in its own right, I’ve got news for you: the world of

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August 2, 2024

Remember Brexit?

It is hard to remember the event as vividly now, but when the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU on June 23rd, the nonstop news cycle said Brexit was a really big deal. In the course of just two days, pundits cried out that trillions of dollars were “lost” in global stock markets. The S&P 500 Index tumbled more

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August 2, 2024

What do America’s Millionaires Drive?

By: Mike Earl, CFP®, CPWA® Ford F-150: the best-selling vehicle in America for over 30 years During a short car ride to a lunch meeting with a client today, Austin and I (Mike) were listening to the audio version of the classic book The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy. Okay, it’s only considered a classic by nerdy

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August 2, 2024

10 Simple Money Ideas for 2024

Consider this list akin to a New Year’s Resolution list, only these items are meant to be [mostly] easy to accomplish. Whenever possible, I included a hyperlink to a past article we’ve written on each subject — in case you want to dig deeper into that subject. 1. Increase your 401k contribution percentage, even if by just 1%. Better yet, turn

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June 21, 2024

Owning Cash Cow Businesses

The Wealth Group’s team of advisors (9 total) meets once per month for an Investment Committee Meeting (ICM). During this time, we: Our team’s investment philosophy of asset allocation remains the same: we don’t put all your eggs in one basket. We build diversified portfolios in a low-cost, tax-efficient manner — while seeking the highest risk-adjusted returns possible for our client families. 

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June 21, 2024
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The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates is a Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed here.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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Pic of Dean Goodwin outside and smiling

Dean Goodwin

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

At The Wealth Group, I enjoy getting to know our clients and their families as well as seeing the joy on their faces and their peace of mind as they start to implement our suggestions and seeing their financial dreams come into fruition.

I am very goals driven. A few years back I had a dream to play professional golf and through hard work, self-belief, and dedication I saw some success, winning multiple mini tour events. I want to provide that same drive (golf pun) and determination while working with our clients as they pursue their dreams and be there with them as we celebrate the victories together.

Success with finances is just like success on the golf course—building a plan around your specific needs, abilities, and goals; then starting good behaviors to help facilitate that plan. For example, good financial behaviors would include a healthy savings/investing rate and paying down debt. It helps having that teammate, coach, or advisor to bring knowledge and encouragement, consistently and at pivotal points, in your journey. That is where The Wealth Group comes in.

When I am not at The Wealth Group, you will find me doing one of three things. I am usually working hard on my golf game (I refuse to let Dan, Ben, or Austin beat me). If I am not at the golf course, I am usually singing in the church choir or playing my guitar. I also enjoy spending time with the Colby family. There, we are either jumping on the trampoline, bumping the volleyball around, working out, swing dancing, or making music.

— Dean

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list of Dean's favorite people, hobbies and activities

Jamy Antoine, CFP®

CERTFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® | Entrepreneur | Advocate for Long-Term Wealth & Financial Independence

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With over two decades as a business owner, investor, and entrepreneur, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of building wealth firsthand. After 22 years of running my own business, I was fortunate to retire and step into a new chapter—helping others pursue financial independence and long-term stability.

My wife and I became clients of The Wealth Group back in 2006. Like many driven entrepreneurs, I didn’t always follow the plan perfectly—chasing other ventures instead of consistently investing. Some ventures paid off, others didn’t. A turning point came over a decade ago during a candid review with Austin Colby -owner of The Wealth Group – who showed us that while we had strong assets on paper, we were highly leveraged and short on liquidity. That honest moment reshaped how I view money, risk, long-term wealth planning, and financial independence.

In 2021, I joined The Wealth Group to help motivated families, entrepreneurs, and business owners navigate the same challenges I’ve faced—bringing experience, perspective, and a heart to serve. 

Outside of the office, I’m a husband, dad to four, and a proud grandpa.  My wife and I are very involved at our church, and I’m on a lifelong quest to become a scratch golfer.

Education/Designations

  • BS – Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Pre-Med
  • DC – Doctor of Chiropractic – NWHSU  
  • BCN – Board Certification Neuropathy – American College of Physical Medicine
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

Jaron Kissner

Financial Advisor

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“In my early 20’s, I read a personal finance book for the first time. The contents of that book opened my eyes and sparked a passion in me that transformed the financial trajectory of my family. Fast forward a few years, and that passion led me to change my career path and become a financial planner.

I feel blessed to be a part of The Wealth Group and work with a very talented, high-quality team of people. I can’t think of work that is more rewarding and impactful than being able to help our clients and their families achieve their financial goals!”

— Jaron

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Education/Designations

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Christian Studies from North Central Universit

Personal Interests

Jaron married his lovely bride, Jennifer, in 2016. Since then, they have added three children to their family: Vivienne (2019), Graham (2021), and Cooper (2023), as well as a Golden Retriever named Penny. They settled into their first home in Jordan, MN in 2021. As a family, they enjoy spending time with family and friends, visiting relatives in AZ, hiking, and being on the lake. They are also very involved at River Valley Church in Chaska, where Jaron and Jennifer serve as deacons.

Jaron has recently become passionate about the game of golf and is striving to break 85. He also enjoys working out and watching the Vikings as they find new ways to lose NFC Championship games.

Paige Heltemes

financial advisor

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“I have always had an interest in personal finance. Having a plan and setting goals for your financial life enables you to accomplish things that otherwise would never be possible. A thousand small steps in the right direction can lead to a life of stability and ability—The Wealth Group exists to help plot that course and keep our clients on track.”

— PAIGE

Even as a young adult, keeping her finances in order and planning for the future has allowed Paige to experience wealth as a blessing rather than a stressor. She wants people to know that same freedom, especially when life gets complicated. 

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Education/Designations

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Christian Studies from North Central University

Ben Thorson

financial advisor

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I enjoy helping our clients make good decisions with their money. It’s rewarding to watch our clients build wealth with us at their side. When I see a young family cross the $1 million net worth mark — after starting with our team with a net worth of $200,000 — it’s an awesome feeling.

As our clients continue to focus on the things they can control, such as paying down debt and adding money to their investment portfolio year after year, I have noticed that it becomes easier to stomach the (inevitable) bear market. Over my time at The Wealth Group, I have learned that good financial behaviors never go into a recession.

When I’m not at The Wealth Group I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children. Together we like to be outdoors, play sports, and be active participants at our church.

— Ben

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Education/Designations

  • Graduated from North Central University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
  • Accounting experience at CH Robinson in Eden Prairie.

 

Misty Tanner

Senior Client Services Associate

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“I am passionate about my work because I think it is important to make wise, informed decisions with our finances as it permeates into all aspects of our lives. Just as people strive to maintain balance in their overall lives, financial wellness and understanding in your personal life is just as important. ”

— Misty

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Education/Designations

  • B.S. in Business Administration in Sports & Fitness, Minor in Bible & Theology
  • Certificate in Coaching

Karie Merritt

partner, Director of Client Services

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“I have realized there are so many people in the world today who are unsure of how to save or plan for the future. They live paycheck to paycheck and think debt is normal. We get to help people realize that there’s a different way to live. We get to help people who feel hopeless finally find a clear path for the future while taking control of their finances for the first time. When people are proactive rather than reactive, it’s amazing what can be accomplished. 

— Karie

Karie’s main role is managing the onboarding process for new clients. She works hard to ensure a seamless transition and to make all clients feel welcome and cared for. As the Director of Client Services, she oversees the Client Services team, plans client events, processes monetary transfers, handles paperwork for clients and helps to manage the day-to-day operations of the office.

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Education/Designations

  • AA in Liberal Arts & Sciences from North Hennepin Community College
  • BA in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Concordia University St. Paul
  • Notary Public

Dan Johnson, CFP®

PARTNER, Financial planneR

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“I love being able to see and contribute to the confidence in the families we help when they know they are taking the correct steps towards financial independence. I truly enjoy building relationships with people. The work I do with The Wealth Group gives me the opportunity to do this by building a relationship that will last a lifetime.”

— Dan

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Education/Designations

  • Graduated from North Central University with a degree in Business Administration.
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Adam Colby, CIMA

PARTNER, CFO, FINANCIAL PLANNER

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“I love working alongside the people at The Wealth Group. Additionally, my younger brother (and now boss) and I have wanted to work together for years. When the opportunity arose within The Wealth Group I jumped at the chance. I have always had a passion for personal finance and investing; the transition into this investment-focused role was a natural one for me.”

— ADAM

Developing and stress-testing the firm’s asset allocation models is a passion of Adam’s.  You may often find him assessing risk metrics for client portfolios and the broader global markets as well as trading and rebalancing client portfolios.

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Education/Designations

  • CIMA®
  • BA (Business Major/Math Minor) from Dakota State University

Investments & Wealth Institute TM (The Institute) is the owner of the certification mark “CIMA” and “Certified Investment Management Analyst.” Use of CIMA and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professional.

Mike K. Earl, CFP®, CPWA®

PARTNER, DIRECTOR OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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From childhood, I was strongly interested in working hard, making money, and most importantly, saving money. Today, I use that passion to empower our clients to succeed with their money. A lot of people experience unnecessary stress and anxiety in their financial lives.

After college, I worked in a large bank and began investing on my own for the first time. I remember plugging numbers into a Roth IRA Calculator and realizing the power of compounding from an early age. I was amazed at how [seemingly] easy investing was…not realizing that bear markets are what make investing challenging. A few years into my career as a financial advisor, the Great Recession (2007-2009) hit, and I gained a lot of crucial experience in a short period. 

Those lessons from the Great Recession will stick with me for the rest of my life. I learned not to over-extend myself on real estate, to never sell out of stocks during a bear market, the power of being 100% debt-free (including no mortgage), and also the opportunities in stocks that arise from the ashes of a deep bear market.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” We aim to be those counselors that provide knowledge and safety for our clients. 

A good financial advisor should have the heart of a teacher. Through our relationship, we aim for our clients to grow in knowledge and mastery over their finances. We want them to be the driver of their financial plan, with us as their sidekick/coach to help them realize their plans and goals.

I have been quoted as a financial expert in Fox Business, U.S. News & World Report, Yahoo! News, GOBanking Rates, Lifehacker, and Business Insider.

More important than my role at The Wealth Group is my position as a redeemed son of God, husband to Krista, and father to five children.

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Education/Designations

  • BS in Business/Economics from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®)
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Paul M. Bennett, CFP

Sr. Financial Planner

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“I want people to succeed at life and that includes guiding them to achieve sound money management. I enjoy helping individuals and businesses make beneficial decisions in regards to money and investment management. Long range planning is one of my professional passions and moving people from the thought of retirement to the reality of retirement is something I enjoy assisting our clients with.” 

— Paul

Paul has more than 25 years of experience advising business owners and affluent individuals about their finances. Paul has achieved the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Being a CFP® professional enables him to help clients focus on what is important to them. He has also earned the Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor (CRPC®) designation, which demonstrates his expertise in the area of retirement financial planning for individuals.

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Education/Designations

  • BS in Finance from Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
  • CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor)
  • CKA® (Certified Kingdom Advisor®)

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Austin B. Colby, MBA, CFP®

Owner / Sr. Financial Planner

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“I believe every family can achieve their financial goals if the path to do so is clear. This work of building paths and guiding clients along those paths is my passion, and it brings me tremendous joy. After twenty years of doing this, I am more excited today than ever about helping families with their finances. Helping one family at a time make good choices makes a difference. I believe that wholeheartedly and am thankful for the opportunity to serve so many people in this capacity.”

— Austin

Austin is the owner and visionary behind The Wealth Group. His #1 responsibility is to lead our team in devotion to the mission: providing quality financial planning and investment management to the firm’s clients.

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Education/Designations

  • BS from Minnesota State University, Mankato – Finance with an emphasis in Financial Planning
  • MBA from Minnesota State University, Mankato – Leadership & Organizational Development
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.