Background

Neil provides customized and comprehensive financial plans for couples and individuals of all ages. A self-proclaimed soft-spoken introvert, he prioritizes active listening and empathy as he seeks to genuinely understand his clients before engaging in a discussion or recommendations. This allows Neil to develop a strong interpersonal relationship with his clients, which allows him to further tailor his financial plans and recommendations to his clients’ unique goals and values. He also believes in the importance of building a trust-based relationship—one where his clients feel confident in his ability to deliver financial advice that aligns with their values and goals.

Neil grew up in a medical household in River Falls, Wis., where his father worked as a family practice physician and his mother worked as a nurse. Witnessing his family’s positive experience with a financial advisor early on, Neil recognized the immense value of a strong advisory relationship. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. where he graduated with a finance degree and was a member of the men’s golf team when they won the 2004 Division III National Championship. After college, he relocated to Phoenix, Ariz. to pursue a career in professional golf, where he successfully competed in tournaments around the world for nearly 17 years.

In 2022, Neil transitioned to financial advising with North Star, where he now channels his passion into making a meaningful difference in his clients’ lives. Drawing on financial lessons from his family and his competitive experience as a professional golfer, Neil helps clients navigate the complexities of financial planning, wealth management, and risk management. His goal is to empower his clients through education while making the process more approachable and less stressful or intimidating. He firmly believes that no financial challenge is too difficult or too big, as long as there is empathy, active listening, and careful planning.

Personal

Neil resides in Phoenix with his wife and three children. In his free time, he continues to play golf and enjoys hiking, watching movies, and spending time with his family.

Services

Comprehensive fee-based financial planning

If you plan, you get to act. If you don’t plan, you have to react. Putting together a comprehensive financial plan that is based on your individual goals is the most important thing Neil does, as it helps you get to where you want to be and can give you a sense of ease.

Retirement strategies

It’s never too early to prepare for retirement. Neil uses cash flow analysis in tandem with your goals to model your retirement and ensure you’re on track. He can also advise you on when it’s optimal to withdraw from various investment accounts.

Risk management

Inadequate risk protection can make a targeted financial plan nearly impossible to successfully execute. Protecting you and your family from a disability or premature death helps keep your goals and financial plan attainable.

Tax minimization strategies

Tax implications are a primary concern for every financial strategy Neil recommends. Using either your trusted CPA professional or a referral, he can help you ensure all potential tax advantages are accounted for in your financial plan.

Investment management

Using your goals as a guide, Neil helps you assemble an investment portfolio that matches your risk and reward level. He also helps you select which investments suit your situation best, such as mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, etc.

Education funding

Education costs only continue to grow, making access to affordable education all the more important. As such, Neil works with you to build an effective strategy to fund your children’s or grandchildren’s education while working in harmony with the rest of your financial plan.

Resources

• How much should I be saving for college?
• How much life insurance do I need?
• How much disability income insurance do I need?
• How much will I need to save for retirement?