Client Portal
Let’s Talk

Category: All Articles

10 Employee Benefits That Add Value Without Breaking the Bank

Midwestern business owners are known for treating employees like family—but competing on benefits in the job market can be a challenge. Explore these creative, cost-effective perks that help you stay competitive without stretching your budget.

Hidden Tax Surprises in Retirement

Avoid unexpected tax burdens in retirement! Learn about three common tax surprises—RMDs, the widow’s penalty, and inheriting assets—and how proactive planning can help you stay ahead. Discover strategies to minimize taxes and protect your financial future.

The IRS’s “Dirty Dozen”

Let’s break down the IRS’s list of the top scams and schemes taxpayers need to watch out for this 2024 tax season- known as the “Dirty Dozen.”

Michayla Thielen

Marketing Coordinator
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Michayla brings a blend of analytical insight and creative thinking to her role, using both to strengthen North Point’s brand and communication strategy. As part of the Business Development team, Michayla supports firmwide brand development, content creation, and outreach, ensuring that North Point’s messaging stays clear, approachable, and aligned with the firm’s values.

She holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and brings prior experience in trading, operations, and client service within the wealth management industry. Michayla also has a strong background in marketing and brand development, drawing from her experience as a marketing manager for a boutique gym as well as from building her own wedding cake business into an award-winning brand.

Outside of work, Michayla enjoys dancing, attending concerts, and traveling. 

Dance has been my passion since I was three, and it reminds me to keep moving forward and growing no matter what. I don’t believe you’re ever too old to learn something new or change your path.

Michayla's Walk-Up Song

Taylor Ewer

Staff Accountant
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Taylor is a Staff Accountant at North Point Advisor Group. She holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Minnesota – Crookston and has 10+ years of experience in the accounting world. Experience ranging from Accounts Payable and Receivable, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Fixed Assets and Inventory Management. 

Outside of her professional role, Taylor is married with two daughters. In their spare time they like to go outdoors and spend time with family. They enjoy hiking, occasional camping, hunting/fishing and 4-wheeling.

I love experiencing the world through my daughters’ eyes. Taking time to create core memories with them, whether at the park, swimming, or discovering something new, is what I cherish most.

Taylor's Walk-Up Song

Ben Johnson

Paraplanner
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Ben Johnson joins us as a Paraplanner in our Mahtomedi Office. Ben worked as a law enforcement officer for over 16 years, where he developed a strong foundation of integrity, discipline, and attention to detail. After retiring there, he transitioned to the financial sector, where he worked as an investment advisor representative, helping clients navigate their financial goals with the same commitment and reliability that defined his previous career. 

Outside of work, Ben is a proud dad to 3 kiddos and an active member in their local parish, St. Jude of the Lake. 

I want to be active in a career role that fills me up, where I am giving back, and feel a sense of purpose. I found that in police work, and want that again.

Ben's Walk-Up Song

Jeremiah Raine

CEPA®
Tax Manager
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Jeremiah has a strong background in tax planning and tax preparation. He holds a master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management, which has equipped him with the ability to navigate complex tax regulations. Jeremiah has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and precision in all aspects of tax management. His meticulous approach ensures that clients experience accurate and efficient tax preparation.

Outside of his professional life, Jeremiah is an avid golfer, a passion he developed with his grandpa as a child. He is married to his wonderful wife Bridgett and has four children. The family shares a love for boating and can often be seen on Lake Altoona as soon as the ice melts.  

My best experience with money was being able to purchase a home on the lake.  It is so nice to just be able to jump in the water when I get home after a long day.

Jeremiah’s Walk-Up Song

David Hopkins

CFP®, AIF®, RICP®, CEPA®
Managing Partner
Schedule a Meeting
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

David is one of our firm’s Managing Partners and a Financial Advisor. David is passionate about growing our firm by working with clients throughout important stages in their lives. From college planning, to building a family, to retirement and everything in between, David services clients to work towards their goals.

David received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He also studied at The American College, where David earned his RICP® designation and completed his CFP® coursework. David is married and has two children. In his free time, David is a competitive golfer who enjoys the outdoors and a wide variety of sports.

I have grown to appreciate and enjoy nature as I have gotten older. Recently we purchased a small cabin on a very small and quiet lake and I have loved the tranquility that comes with that.

David’s Walk-Up Song

Steven Hoffman

CFA®
Head of Investment Strategy
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Steve has over 30 years of experience managing money for financial institutions, non-profit organizations, retirement plans and individuals, and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. The market’s unique blend of statistical and psychological influences sparked Steve’s passion from an early age. He combines this experience and passion with a heavy dose of integrity and listening to provide impactful experiences for clients.

Steve is most at home in nature, whether that is hiking, kayaking, boating, skiing, motorcycling or music festivals. Steve has two sons in their early 20’s and recently published a spirituality/self-help book entitled Clear Vessels-Live a Clear, Joyful and Guided Life.  

Investment advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Great Valley Advisor Group and North Point Advisor Group are separate entities.

If I could do anything with my time, I’d travel more to see nature.

Steven's Walk-Up Song
Steve said he needs two songs because it is going to be a long walk!

Amanda Bryant

Head of Operations
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Amanda Bryant is the Director of Operations at North Point Advisor Group. Amanda joined our team in 2016. She works closely with our advisors and staff professionals in a partnership to maintain a strong culture of compliance to regulatory policies. With a focus on internal organizational systems, Amanda enjoys the opportunity to make it possible for the advisors to spend less time on back-office tasks and more time with clients.

Amanda lives in Forest Lake with her son and husband where they spend the summers outdoors hiking, kayaking and swimming and the winters skiing, sledding and sipping hot cocoa.

Focus
• Organizational strategy
• Operational strategy and workflow integration
• Compliance development and implementation

Success to me is not about owning more or having more. It’s about if we can take that weeklong camper trip, enjoy the hobbies we want to enjoy, and find joy without stressing about money. 

Amanda’s Walk-Up Song

Heidi Steffen

Office Manager
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Heidi has a BS in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University. Heidi is also licensed in life and health insurance. Heidi Steffen is the Administrative Manager and joined our team in 2021. She works closely with the Client Services team ensuring the North Point Advisor Group client services standard of excellence is met. As a member of the Operations team, Heidi works to assist in maintaining a strong culture of compliance, implementing company policies and procedures, and elevating company culture and morale

Heidi is married to her husband, Luke. In her free time, she enjoys spoiling her nieces and nephews, bow hunting and yoga.

I’ve worked in client service my entire career, and I love helping people be the best version of themselves. I grew up on a small dairy farm in Gilmanton, where I learned the value of hard work, community, and being connected to nature.

Heidi's Walk-Up Song

Mack Short

CPA, CEPA®
Tax Manager
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Mack has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Saint John’s University, and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in Minnesota. He is also a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). Mack’s experience includes 6+ years in the accounting world, handling tasks including bookkeeping, payroll, tax returns, financial compilations, and financial audits.

In his free time, he enjoys coaching football and wrestling, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

I grew up in a hardworking family where both my parents ran businesses. One big moment was when my dad got his general contractor’s license and we built our house from the ground up. 

Mack’s Walk-Up Song

Steve Sadecki

Staff Accountant
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mankato State University. Steve’s experiences entail over 20 years’ experience handling accounting duties which include daily bookkeeping, payroll, benefits tracking, government filings, and preparation of financial statements.

Steve enjoys spending time fishing, hiking, golfing, and other outdoor activities in his free time.

Steve Sadecki and their Tax/accounting/CPA related services offered through North Point Accounting & Tax, DBA North Point Advisor Group. Steve Sadecki and North Point Accounting & Tax, a separate legal entity, are not affiliated with LPL Financial. Any opinions or views expressed by Steve Sadecki are his own and are not those of LPL Financial.

Family has always been important to me. All the grandparents lived close by growing up, and there were always family get-togethers.

Steve's Walk-Up Song

Brenden Cullen

Paraplanner
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Brenden attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire where he received two degrees in Accounting and Marketing. Upon graduation, he moved to the Twin Cities to pursue a career in public accounting for two years but found his way back to Wisconsin where he now lives with his wife in Altoona. He has spent his days preparing both corporate and individual tax returns, assisting with client bookkeeping, and preparing quarterly estimates. He is excited to join the North Point team as a Paraplanner.

In his free time, he enjoys spending as much time as he can outdoors. Fishing, Hunting and Golfing are some of his favorite activities. He also enjoys spending time with family up north on the lake. As the weather gets colder, he spends much of his Sunday afternoons keeping up with the NFL action as an avid football fan. 

Investment advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Great Valley Advisor Group and North Point Advisor Group are separate entities.

That path may not always be straight and there may be bumps along the way but if you find a way to overcome and keep working you can achieve your goals.

Brenden’s Walk-Up Song

Paul Woita

CLU®
Financial Advisor
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Paul works to both help our clients and team member’s meet their personal and professional goals.

Paul began his career in the financial services industry in 1979 after graduating from UW-Stevens Point with a degree in economics. His passion for education has continued throughout his career, most recently receiving the CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation, which further facilitates his dedication to life insurance and estate planning specialization. Paul has been married for over 40 years and has two daughters, and two grandchildren who he enjoys spending his free time with.

Paul’s Walk-Up Song

Jeff Kolodjski

AIF®
Financial Advisor
Schedule a Meeting
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

As a Senior Advisor, Jeff works with a specific emphasis in the areas of retirement income planning, wealth transfer, and overall client portfolio management. He also helps with group benefits, including group insurance planning and qualified deferred compensation plans.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Iowa State University and FINRA securities registrations through LPL Financial that include the Series 6, 7, and 63. In Jeff’s free time, he enjoys boating, biking, snowshoeing and neighborhood bonfires with friends and family. Jeff is married and is active in his local community.

Jeff’s Walk-Up Song

David Guild

EA, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

David comes to us from Concord USA in the Corporate Finance Division. His duties ranged from tracking client projects and consultant data while ensuring accuracy, processing client invoicing and vendor payments to reviewing and processing documents, invoices and payments related to employee expenses. Before Concord, David was with Washington County and 3M as a Financial Analyst. With a Degree in Business Administration with a Finance Emphasis – David’s true passion lies in personal finance.

David is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys experiencing nature in any form possible. His favorites include fly fishing, camping, backcountry hiking, and recreational sports. As a former volunteer firefighter, David brings a strong desire to utilize his knowledge and skills to help others.

Investment advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Great Valley Advisor Group and North Point Advisor Group are separate entities.

My friends have encouraged me to grow and have always been a shining light throughout my life. Maybe it’s cliche, but I consider my group of friends my brothers. 

David’s Walk-Up Song

Jennifer Parrish

Head of Business Development
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Jennifer brings a mix of creativity and strategy to every project she touches. With over 15 years of experience helping businesses grow, she’s known for making things happen, whether that means launching a lead generation campaign, shaping a client experience from the ground up, or stepping in to direct a video shoot. Her creative instincts and keen eye for operational efficiency, bring strength and clarity to our business development team.

Jennifer’s known for her positive energy, and ability to connect the dots between authentic marketing and meaningful results. She brings creativity, clarity, and heart to every project and team she’s a part of.

Outside of work, Jennifer is a proud mom to four daughters and recently celebrated 11 years of marriage with her husband, Dameon. A self-proclaimed Disney nerd, she’s always happy to share tips for planning the perfect trip to Walt Disney World—budget hacks included!

I’m blessed to have a happy, healthy family of six. Our house can be loud and chaotic sometimes, but it’s also full of love and energy.

Jennifer's Walk-Up Song

Joel Spitzer

EA
Paraplanner
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Prior to North Point, Joel worked for five years in banking as a Teller/Universal Banker. While in school he also worked at Starbucks and interned as a Judicial Assistant for Eau Claire County. Joel recently graduated from University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a degree in Finance and Political Science.

In his free time, Joel loves being outside and spending time with my friends. He enjoys hiking and is a “want-to-be runner.” He and his friends love trying new restaurants or recipes together.

I grew up in the country near Fountain City, WI. The outdoors was a big part of my childhood.

Joel’s Walk-Up Song

Abbey Glass

Paraplanner
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Abbey is a Paraplanner at North Point Advisor Group. She has over 7 years of experience in the financial industry serving in a client services capacity, coordinating with both Advisors and clients to provide outstanding service and care. Abbey is licensed in both life and health insurance.

Outside of work, Abbey has a very active family with two boys who participate in year-round sports. She also loves to spend time traveling, being on the water, and finding new trails to take her puppy on.

Abbey hopes to use her experience and astute attention to client service to ensure our clients are always at the forefront of exceptional experiences.

I’m working hard to build more stability for me and my boys—following a budget, building savings, and working toward buying a home. My two sons are what keep me going.

Abbey’s Walk-Up Song

Mathias Beck

Financial Advisor
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Mathias has a BS in finance from the Carlson School of Management (UMN-Twin Cities). Before switching to finance, Mathias studied mechanical engineering and worked in the PCL Lab as an undergrad research assistant.

In his free time, Mathias enjoys golfing, lifting, and fishing. He is also an avid fan of basketball and coaches a youth team within his hometown district. On the weekends you may find him at a basketball tournament or up north enjoying the great outdoors.

In the winter and spring you can find me coaching youth basketball several times a week. I was blessed with great coaches growing up and look forward to repaying the community for the foreseeable future.

Mathias’s Walk-Up Song

Matthew Olson

CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®
Financial Advisor
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Matt comes to North Point after serving and guiding clients in making sound financial decisions over the last 19 years.  By educating and simplifying the complex world of financial planning, Matt aims to bring a sense of security and comfort to his clients, while helping them to look to the future with hope and optimism.  Matt holds his Certified Financial Planner ®, Chartered Financial Consultant ®, and Retirement Income Certified Professional ® designations.  He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN while majoring in Economics.

Matt is married and has two children and a high energy Australian Shepherd.   He enjoys watching his kids do what they love and in his free time spends time outside mountain biking and enjoying all that Northern Wisconsin has to offer.

Being outside makes me happy. I find peace in a quiet lake, time with my wife, and the sound of my children laughing.

Matt’s Walk-Up Song

Sheri Sorensen

RICP®
Financial Advisor
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Sheri is an experienced Financial Advisor and enjoys bringing peace of mind to businesses and families through sound financial guidance focused on client goals and values. Sheri received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of WI-Stout and an Associate of Applied Science from Chippewa Valley Technical College. She also studied at the American College where Sheri earned her RICP® designation. Sheri holds her Series 6, 7, 63 & 66, life, accident, and health insurance licenses.

She is married and has 3 children. She lives on a family-owned beef farm and to re-charge, likes spending time in the outdoors, traveling, visiting national parks, hiking, spending time on a lake or beach and scrapbooking.

I believe the secret to a fulfilling life is to be grateful for all that you have and do something every day that makes you happy.

I was the first to go to college and leave the family farm behind. After helping raise my younger brothers and losing my dad in a farm accident, it felt like a big step—though ironically, I later bought land with my husband Doug to cash crop and raise beef.

Sheri’s Walk-Up Song

Jason Kell

AIF®
Retirement Plans Director
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Jason serves as Director of Retirement Plans for GVA Retirement Consultants and partners with corporate and non-profit executives to improve and manage all facets of their retirement plans. He has provided independent advice and fiduciary guidance to corporate and non-profit employers since 2004. His entire 23-year career has been exclusively focused on qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. 

He assists plan sponsors in fulfilling their fiduciary duties and improving retirement plan outcomes through a focus on liability control, plan committee and employee education, cost reduction, vendor management, and improvement of plan-related operations.

As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, he possesses an extensive knowledge of the investment monitoring and management process. He is committed to being a lifelong student of the industry and pursuing positive outcomes through rigorous monitoring and service delivery to his clients.

Jason received his B.A. from the University of Delaware and enjoys coaching youth sports and spending time with his family.

Jason's Walk-Up Song

Sarah Johnson

CFP®
Financial Advisor
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

As a Financial Advisor here at North Point, Sarah combines her extensive experience with a personal touch to help clients navigate the complexities of securing their financial future. She believes that a well-crafted plan not only reduces stress, but also allows clients to fully enjoy the process of achieving their goals. Committed to understanding each client’s unique aspirations, Sarah works closely with clients to develop strategies that promote financial peace of mind. Her dedication to empowering others through thoughtful financial planning has established her as a trusted partner for long-term success.

Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Benedict and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. As a CFP® professional and Series 65 holder, she demonstrates her dedication to providing skilled guidance every step of the way.

Sarah lives in Mahtomedi with her husband and three children.  In her free time, between shuffling kids to their sports, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, camping in the summer, and skiing in the winter.

Investment advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Great Valley Advisor Group and North Point Advisor Group are separate entities.

Over 12 years ago, I left my first career as a dietitian in eating disorder treatment. I wanted to find a career where I could help people who truly want help and where I could develop lasting relationships.

Sarah's Walk-Up Song

Wyatt Hallstrom

Parplanner
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Wyatt joined the team as a Summer Intern in 2025, and transitioned to a paraplanner in the fall. Before joining the team, he served 3.5 years in the United States Army and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Finance at the University of St. Thomas. His background in service and interest in financial planning brought him to North Point, where he’s eager to learn and contribute. Wyatt looks forward to gaining hands-on experience and supporting the team as he continues to grow in the field.

In his free time, Wyatt enjoys all things outdoors. You can often find him traveling and sharing time with family and friends. 

Wyatt's Walk-Up Song

Mike Dolezal

CFP®, CEPA®
Managing Partner
Schedule a Meeting
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

As both a Managing Partner and a Financial Advisor, Mike leads the team toward our long-term vision and works with a client base of business owners and high net worth individuals.

Mike has a BS in marketing from the University of Iowa and is a CFP® professional as well as Certified Exit Planning Advisor. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time at his cabin in Northern Minnesota. He’s a proud father of 3 girls, an active member in his church, and lives in the Mahtomedi Community.

My core values I owe to my parents and their families for showing me the right path (even when I didn’t recognize it).

Mike’s Walk-Up Song