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Your Money. Your Mission.

Johnson Financial Group

The show that helps you maximize your wealth by turning complex financial situations into actionable advice. On Your Money. Your Mission., we answer the questions you’ve been asking about -- financial planning, investing, retirement and everything in between. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of the market or looking for the best ways to save or spend your money, tune in to hear from experienced financial advisors with JFG. Walk away from each episode with savvy tips and financial tools to help you have confidence in your financial future.

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#54
August 27 · 30 min
Intern Takeover: Money and Career Advice for College Students
In this episode, CEO Jim Popp turns the tables and hands the mic to three of Johnson Financial Group's summer interns, Joey Flaherty, Will Cardwell and Alyssa Ray, who just wrapped eight weeks rotating across wealth, treasury and operations. Together they discuss the gap between what college teaches and what you actually need to know about money, why the best mentors are the ones you stumble into naturally and how human connection stays a competitive advantage in an AI-powered world. Jim also opens up about the career and financial advice he wishes he'd had in his twenties. In this episode: 00:00 – 07:54: Intro and What They’ve Learned 07:55 – 16:48: Finance and Career Advice Q&A with Jim 16:49 – 23:06: The Intern’s Perspectives on the Future of Work and AI 23:07 – 25:29: How to Get Your First Job 25:30 – 26:47: The Importance of Mentorship 26:48 – 30:45: Final Takeaways and Advice for College Students Additional resources: Young Professionals Hub | Johnson Financial Group Young Professionals: Here’s How to Manage Your Money | Johnson Financial Group Money Mindset: Building a Healthy Financial Foundation | Johnson Financial Group The Retirement Roadmap: A Guide for Each Decade | Johnson Financial Group
#53
August 13 · 21 min
How to Save for College: 529 Plans, Custodial Accounts and Trump Accounts Explained
College costs are rising faster than inflation, somewhere in the 5 to 6% range every year, and financial aid rules keep shifting, leaving many families unsure of where to even begin. In this episode, CIO, Dominic Ceci sits down with SVP Wealth Advisor, Eric Bernal and VP Private Banking, Meg Marciniak, who work with families on these questions every day. Together they break down the savings vehicles, tackle common misconceptions and explain why the hardest part of the whole process is simply getting started. In this episode: 00:00 – 04:16: Rising Costs and Busting College Savings Myths 04:17 – 08:37: 529 Plans, Custodial Accounts and Trump Accounts 08:38 – 10:59: Balancing Savings for College and Other Expenses 11:00 – 15:05: Grandparents, Gifting and the New FAFSA Rules 15:06 – 18:11: Getting Started and Letting Compounding Work 18:12 – 21:57: Final Tips and Closing Additional resources: The Best Ways to Save for College | Johnson Financial Group The Retirement Roadmap: A Guide for Each Decade | Johnson Financial Group College Savings Strategy: A Dad/Portfolio Manager’s Perspective on Giving, Debt, and Financial Wisdom | Johnson Financial Group
#52
July 9 · 50 min
The Great Wealth Transfer Part 2: Wealth Transfer Strategies for Your Family's Next Chapter
In this episode of the Your Money Your Mission podcast, SVP Director of Wealth Strategy, Joe Maier and SVP Private Client Banking Leader, Jackie Ruppel cover the estate planning tools most families don't fully understand, debunk common myths and explain why having a solid team make all the difference. The episode also covers the looming estate tax exemption sunset, the real difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts and the underserved role of women as wealth inheritors. The overarching message: A successful wealth transfer is built on communication, preparation and a team of advocates — not just the paperwork. In this episode: 00:00 – 07:22: Intro and Bridging the “Why” to “How” 07:23 – 13:10: Busting Estate Planning Myths 13:11 – 21:59: Estate Tax Exemptions, Attorneys and Probate 22:00 – 31:18: Types of Trust Structures 31:19 – 36:42: Navigating Gifting and Gifting Limits 36:43 – 40:01: Preparing Children for Wealth 40:02 – 45:04: The Great Wealth Transfer’s Impact on Women 45:05 – 50:24: Building Your Advisory Team Additional resources: What Is The Great Wealth Transfer? | Johnson Financial Group The Gift of a Family Meeting: Planning, Legacy & Love | Johnson Financial Group Understanding Estate Planning Tools and Their Purposes | Johnson Financial Group Transferring Wealth | Johnson Financial Group
#51
June 15 · 36 min
The Great Wealth Transfer Part 1: The Importance of Preparing Now
In this episode of the Your Money Your Mission podcast, SVP Director of Wealth Strategy, Joe Maier and SVP Private Client Banking Leader, Jackie Ruppel unpack what the Great Wealth Transfer actually means. From the fear of raising entitled kids to the power of the family meeting, this episode is a candid, research-backed conversation about what it takes to transfer not just assets but the values and purpose that built them. In this episode: 00:00 – 03:45: What is the Great Wealth Transfer? 03:46 – 07:45: Transferring Values Between Generations 07:46 – 11:05: Defining Wealth and Your Impact 11:06 – 20:21: Bridging Communication Gaps with Family Meetings 20:22 – 27:42: The Benefits of Family Meetings 27:43 – 30:30: Navigating In-Laws and Blended Families in Conversations 30:31 – 36:03: How to Start the Conversation and Final Tips Additional resources: The Gift of a Family Meeting: Planning, Legacy & Love | Johnson Financial Group Understanding Estate Planning Tools and Their Purposes | Johnson Financial Group Transferring Wealth | Johnson Financial Group
#50
May 28 · 46 min
How to Prepare for Divorce Part 2: Child Support and Dividing Assets
In part two of our two-part divorce series, former court commissioner and VP Wealth and Estate Administrator, Liz Pfeuffer, goes beyond the basics and into the questions that actually keep people up at night: What happens to the family home? How do we divide the 401(k)? What counts as income when calculating child support? And what on earth do we do with cryptocurrency? Whether you're navigating a divorce yourself or know someone who is, this episode is packed with the specifics that matter most because in family law, the details are everything. Missed part one? Tune in to our previous episode to understand what documents to gather before filing, navigating legal representation and the critical role of the Financial Disclosure Statement. In this episode: 00:00 – 05:46: Debunking Common Divorce Myths 05:47 – 08:08: How to Decide on the Family Home 08:09 – 18:56: The Ins and Outs of Child Support 18:57 – 22:43: Financial Infidelity and Hidden Assets 22:44 – 28:37: Complex Situations: Crypto and Business Valuations 28:38 – 33:36: Inheritance and Retirement Accounts 33:37 – 42:32: Your Financial Life After Divorce 42:33 – 46:11: Final Tips and Closing Additional resources: The Retirement Roadmap: A Guide for Each Decade | Johnson Financial Group Happily Ever After (or Not): Legal and Financial Realities of Relationships | Johnson Financial Group Starting Over After 50: The Realities of Gray Divorce | Johnson Financial Group Family Estrangement: How to Navigate Financial Implications and Find Peace | Johnson Financial Group
#49
May 14 · 26 min
How to Prepare for Divorce Part 1: Disclosure Statements and Marital Debt
Divorce is one of the most emotionally and financially complex transitions a person can face and walking into it unprepared can cost far more than anticipated. In part one of this two-part series, former court commissioner and VP Wealth and Estate Administrator, Liz Pfeuffer, breaks down the financial side of divorce. We cover what documents to gather before filing, how to navigate legal representation (and why that "bulldog" attorney might not be your best bet), the critical role of the Financial Disclosure Statement, how marital debt works in Wisconsin and why the decisions made in a divorce are — in most cases — permanent. Whether contemplating divorce or in the thick of it, this episode delivers courtroom-tested guidance into actionable next steps. Stay tuned for part two which will cover cryptocurrency, marital waste, the family home and common divorce myths! In this episode: 00:00 – 03:57: Intro and Documents to Gather Before Filing 03:58– 10:55: The Importance of Legal Representation 10:56– 20:34: Financial Disclosure Statements and Marital Debt 20:35 – 24:30: Professional Guidance After the Divorce 24:31 – 26:52: Final Tips and Preview of Navigating Divorce Part 2 Additional resources: The Retirement Roadmap: A Guide for Each Decade | Johnson Financial Group Happily Ever After (or Not): Legal and Financial Realities of Relationships | Johnson Financial Group Starting Over After 50: The Realities of Gray Divorce | Johnson Financial Group Family Estrangement: How to Navigate Financial Implications and Find Peace | Johnson Financial Group
#48
May 1 · 40 min
How to Be a Competitive Buyer in 2026
Think buying a home right now is impossible? Think again. In this episode of Your Money. Your Mission., AVP Senior Community Mortgage Loan Officer, Sara Whitley and VP Mortgage Field Manager, Tony Petrie cut through the noise and give you the real story about today's housing market. Whether you're a first-time buyer intimidated by the process or a seasoned homeowner ready to make your next move, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can actually use. We're busting myths (like that 20% down payment requirement), explaining why current interest rates are completely normal and sharing insider strategies for winning in a competitive market without breaking the bank. In this episode: 00:00 – 05:14: Intro and Current Market Reality 05:15 – 10:40: Getting Started Right 10:41 – 23:30: Understanding the Numbers 23:31 – 30:45: Winning in a Competitive Market 30:46 – 38:35: Avoiding Common Pitfalls 38:36 – 40:35: Words of Encourage for Today’s Buyers Additional resources: First-Time Homebuyer Resources | Johnson Financial Group Experienced Buyer Resources | Johnson Financial Group How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: 4 Easy Steps | Johnson Financial Group Selling Your Home: 10 Financial Considerations | Johnson Financial Group
#47
April 16 · 26 min
Multigenerational Travel Planning: Building Your Family's Travel Legacy with Tom Karnes, LaMacchia Travel and Elliott Hogan, Hakuna MaTravels
In this episode, President and Owner of LaMacchia Travel Agency, Tom Karnes and Travel Agent from Hakuna MaTravels, Elliott Hogan explore the full landscape of planning meaningful multigenerational family trips — from managing budgets for large groups to navigating modern safety concerns like social media risks and currency exchange traps. You'll discover why the most successful family vacations actually involve less planning, not more, and how travel creates unique opportunities to teach kids about gratitude and paying it forward. Whether you're planning your first trip or looking to improve an existing tradition, this conversation offers practical strategies for creating memories that last a lifetime. In this episode: 00:00 – 07:35: Financial Planning and Budgeting 07:36 – 09:49: International Currency and Money Tips 09:50 – 17:11: Safety for Different Generations 17:12 – 22:55: Building Traditions and Creating Memories 22:56 – 26:51: Creating Annual Traditions and Final Tips Additional resources: 4 Essential Financial Tips for Traveling Abroad
#46
March 26 · 22 min
100% Owner: How This Woman Founder Built a Legacy Company on Her Own Terms with Kristie Hall, True Grace
In this episode of Your Money. Your Mission., Founder, Owner and President of True Grace, Kristie Hall discusses what it really takes to build a mission-driven company from the ground up. Kristie breaks down the importance of staying true to your mission and values and why maintaining 100% woman-owned status has become a cornerstone of True Grace’s identity. You’ll hear how Kristie differentiates her brand in one of the most saturated markets, the power of ownership vs. acquisition and her advice for women who are considering stepping into entrepreneurship but feel held back by fear. In this episode: 00:00 – 04:22: Kristie’s Journey to True Grace 04:23 – 07:24: Breaking into a Saturated Market 07:25 – 08:42: Choosing Ownership vs. Acquisition 08:43 – 12:20: Family Legacy and Becoming a Woman-Owned Business 12:21 – 18:20: Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture 18:21 – 20:30: Wellness and Balance for Business Owners 20:31 – 22:51: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Closing Additional resources: True Grace | Nutrient-Dense Supplements for People & Planet What is Regenerative Agriculture? | True Grace Family Business Succession: How to Engage the Next Generation | Johnson Financial Group
#45
March 11 · 37 min
AI and Finance: How to Leverage Technology While Protecting Your Wealth
Artificial intelligence is everywhere but what does it actually mean for your money? In this episode of Your Money. Your Mission, SVP Portfolio Manager, Eric Bernal and SVP Chief Information Security Officer, Mark Ward explore the real-world impact of AI on your finances, from robo-advisors managing your portfolio to deepfake scams threatening your security. You'll discover practical strategies anyone can use today: Why password managers are your secret weapon, how to best use AI and why working with a human advisor is more important than ever.
#44
February 12 · 28 min
The “Singles Tax”: The Hidden Costs for Singles in Today’s Economy
In this episode, Wealth Portfolio Analyst, Claire Wordell and CIO, Dominic Ceci unpack the real financial challenges singles face and more importantly, the proven strategies to build wealth and achieve financial freedom. Whether you're a young professional starting your career or someone recently navigating solo finances, this conversation provides insights and actionable strategies to build wealth, achieve financial independence and thrive on a single income. Additional resources: Young Professionals: Here’s How to Manage Your Money | Johnson Financial Group What Is the 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule? Starting Over After 50: The Realities of Gray Divorce | Johnson Financial Group Understanding Estate Planning Tools and Their Purposes | Johnson Financial Group
#43
January 27 · 22 min
2026 Economic Outlook: Navigating What's Ahead
In this episode, Chief Investment Officer, Dominic Ceci breaks down what really mattered in 2025 and what investors should watch for in 2026. Learn how AI continues to dominate market narratives, insights into navigating policy-driven economic growth and the critical questions every investor should be asking about their financial plan. Whether you're planning for retirement or growing your portfolio, this episode will help you position yourself for success this year and beyond. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.
#42
January 13 · 29 min
Inside the Current State of Wisconsin’s Economy
President of Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), Dale Kooyenga joins CEO and President, Jim Popp to discuss Wisconsin's economic transformation driven by billions in corporate investments from Microsoft, Rockwell Automation and other global leaders. Dale and Jim dive into how Wisconsin's tax-free manufacturing policy and strategic focus on talent, growth and livability are making metro Milwaukee globally competitive. Their conversation also tackles data center economics, infrastructure sustainability and a new federal education tax credit poised to become a major national policy. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.
#41
Dec 16, 2025 · 27 min
New Year Financial Planning: Key Strategies for 2026 Success
In this episode, CIO, Dominic Ceci, SVP Private Client Banking, Luke Kasten and SVP Portfolio Manager, Eric Bernal discuss the essential steps for reviewing and optimizing your financial strategies as a new year begins. They cover how to assess your finances, manage cash flow and debt, maximize retirement contributions, tax planning and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. This episode emphasizes the importance of an intentional financial plan to align with your personal goals, navigate market conditions and build a secure future. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.
#40
Nov 17, 2025 · 17 min
Mindful Money: Building a Healthy Financial Mindset
Join AVP Branch Manager, Brittany Sparks as she discusses building a healthy financial mindset for young professionals. She explores topics like identifying financial priorities, navigating social pressures and creating a sustainable financial future. Tune in for practical advice on developing a mindful approach to money management and achieving long-term financial stability. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.
#39
Nov 3, 2025 · 31 min
Senior Care Essentials: Resources, Tips and Advice for Caregivers and Families
In this episode, Jennifer Eastman, Owner of Assisted Living Locators discusses the growing demand for senior care services, expected to increase by 40% in Wisconsin over the next decade. Jennifer shares her insight on assessing care needs, navigating the financial aspects of care and starting the conversation with your loved ones. This episode provides valuable guidance for families facing complex decisions about caring for their aging relatives. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.
#38
Oct 20, 2025 · 25 min
Enhancing Retirement Plan Outcomes: A Guide for Employers and Their Employees
In this episode of Your Money. Your Mission., SVP Director Retirement Plan Services, Bret Almstedt and Wealth Education Coordinator, Retirement Plan Services, Sam Kolb discuss the crucial role employer-sponsored retirement plans play in helping employees achieve their retirement goals. The episode highlighted the importance of retirement plans, education and engagement, plan review and optimization, maximizing employee benefits and plan design and fiduciary responsibilities. By understanding these factors and implementing effective strategies, employers can significantly improve their workforce's retirement readiness, while employees can maximize their retirement savings by taking advantage of employer-matching contributions and starting to save early. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.
#37
Sep 22, 2025 · 31 min
Sandwiched: How to Manage Caregiving, Parenting and Finances
In this episode, SVP Private Client Banking, Kathy Ciszewski focuses on advice for the sandwich generation — those caught between caring for their aging parents and supporting their own children. She covers the financial, emotional and practical aspects of this group, including navigating conversations with parents about their finances and healthcare as well as modeling the behavior they want their children to adopt when they become caregivers. The conversation also touches on the need for the sandwich generation to prioritize their own well-being while being stretched in many directions. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.
#36
Aug 26, 2025 · 37 min
How I Can Afford a Comfortable Retirement
In this episode of Your Money, Your Mission., Jill Haupt, a retiree and former head of private banking at Johnson Financial Group shares her experiences and insights on planning for a comfortable retirement, including the importance of starting early, maximizing employer-offered retirement plans and considering healthcare costs. She also discusses the value of downsizing, tax-deferred investing and maintaining physical and mental health in retirement. By sharing her story, Jill provides practical strategies for achieving a secure and fulfilling retirement. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.
#34
Jul 30, 2025 · 35 min
Love, Money and Marriage: Pre-Wedding Financial Tips
In this episode of Your Money. Your Mission., Private Banker Becky McClelland and Marketing Segment Manager and bride-to-be Summer Nicpon, emphasize the importance of open communication about financial goals and values before stepping into marriage. This conversation covers key topics such as creating a plan to manage debt, considering premarital agreements and establishing regular financial check-ins. Tune in to hear advice for couples so they can build a strong foundation for a successful marriage. Submit a question on Your Money. Your Mission.

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