January 2024 

From the President

It is just me or did winter hit all in one week? Well, I hope all finds you well and warm. I am humbled and honored to serve as your chapter president for 2024. My journey with FPA started over 15 years ago partnering with other local Midwest chapters. When I moved back to Wisconsin (after a 12 year hiatus to warmer weather) in 2017 I volunteered for the pro bono committee. After being the Pro Bono chair for 3 years, I am excited for this next step in serving the members of FPA of Wisconsin.

Our vision, as a board, is to bring you best in class programming and speakers in order to best serve you and your clients. Also, we want to continue to grow the chapter and make a positive difference for the financial planning community. Specifically, how can we help not only current seasoned professionals but also lift up the next generation of planners. Finally, we want to make a difference in our local communities and state through our pro bono efforts. Whether in the classroom with SecureFutures or in a home with a local family, there is ample need across our state.

But we can’t do it without you. So here is my ask. 1. Would you consider helping with programming, maybe volunteer for the programming committee or emailing the board what you are looking for in 2024? What topics do you need more on? 2. Would you consider recommending FPA of WI to a friend or colleague? Or, would you consider sponsoring a next generation advisor who needs the help? 3. Would you donate two hours of your time in 2024? Either in the classroom or for some other pro bono event.  We appreciate your consideration in all three of these matters.

In closing, I want to thank Brenda, Caitlyn and all the board members for their time and efforts to make 2024 a successful one. To our wonderful sponsors, we couldn’t do it without you!

I look forward to seeing everyone on February 13th for our first quarterly meeting or some future event.

Warm regards,

Lucas L. Kraft CFP® AIF® CAIA
President, FPA of WI

Welcome New Board Members

FPA of Wisconsin announces the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors.  Joining the Board of Directors is
·       Steve Boylan – Valens M&A – Symposium Director
·       Sarah Knudson, CFP® – Charles Schwab – Pro Bono Co-Director
·       Deanne Phillips, CFP®, CDFA® – Annex Wealth Management – Program Co-Director
·       Josh Strzelecki, CFPC, APMA – Four Lakes Wealth Advisors – Secretary

Current Board Members

President - Luke Kraft, CFP®, AIF®,CAIA
President Elect - Shannon Nook, FPQP TM
Treasurer - Greg Nebel, CFP®
Secretary - Josh Strzelecki, CRPC, APMA
Chairman - Nick Ziarek, CFA, CFP®, AIF®
Membership Co-Director - Bethany Canfield 
Career Development Director - Ben Smith, CFP®
NexGen Director - Ryan Rink, CFP®, EA, CLTC®, ChFC®Program Director Co Director - Mike Smith, LUTCF, CLTC, LACP
Program Director Co Director - Deanne Phillips, CFP®, CDFA®

Public Relations Director - Anthony Stich
Symposium Director - Steve Boylan 

Calendar of Events

Member Meetings –
February 13th - Brookfield Lake's Office - Register Now 
May 21st - Lake County DockHound - DockHounds Game

Free CE Day - 
July 24th - Westmoor Country Club - Brookfield

Financial Planning Symposium -
October 7th & 8th - Blue Harbor Resort and Spa

New Member Breakfast – 
March 7th - Virtual

NexGen Meeting– 
January 25th - Virtual - Register Now

For more information on each event visit the Events Page.  

Scholarship Announcement

The FPA-WI Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students pursuing the Certified Financial PlannerTM certification.  Click here for current details and application.  Next deadline to submit the application is February 6, 2024.

The Financial Planning Association of Wisconsin Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Individuals pursuing the Certified Financial Planner™ certification. To qualify for this Scholarship, you must be a current Wisconsin resident: be registered to sit for the CFP® Exam: not have been awarded this Scholarship in the last 12 months; and not be eligible for CFP® Exam reimbursement by your employer.

This $825 Scholarship will be awarded once in 2024, one month prior to the CFP® Exam date. Upcoming application deadline for the next scholarship is February 6, 2024. 

To obtain an application and directions - click here!

Please share this information if you know of someone who qualifies. Questions? Contact Ben Smith at 952-807-4060 or [email protected].

Thank You to Our Partners

FPA WI Partners make it possible for us to offer many of our programs along with community outreach.  Please support them as they support the FPA of Wisconsin.

Gold Partner
Investors Associated, LLP

Silver Partners
American Funds
Cliffwater
CPS Horizon Financial
CTaccess, Inc.
Edvest
Vesta Senior Network

Bronze Partner
Artisan Partners 
von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

Did you know...

Collaborative WIM
Live Q&A with the Author Of The Happiness Track – Featuring D. Emma Seppälä – February 29 virtual event – for more info and to register.

Journal of Financial Planning
Did you know that FPA Members can earn CE credit through the Journal at NO CHARGE?

FPA 2024 Events

FPA Retreat 2024: Energy, Change, Disruption - the FPA Retreat on May 6-9 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ.  Early Bird Rates ends January 29th.  

FPA NexGen Gathering 2024: Save the Date for the FPA NexGen Gathering in Phoenix on August 20-22.  More information coming soon.

FPA Annual Conference 2024: The largest annual gathering of CFP® professionals each year so save September 18-20 on your calendar and plan to gather with your colleagues in Columbus, OH. Registration is expected to open this summer.

Social Media

Let’s Get Social
We’re ready to connect with you!  Stay abreast of our activities by following our LinkedIn page.

Welcome New Members

Grant Beck – Liberty Financial Group
Chris Brumfield – 1834, a Division of Old National Bank
Jenny Giemza, CFP® – Wealthspire Advisors
Jennifer Homman
Matthew Krueger – Wealthspire Advisors
Kevin Moloney – Wealthspire Advisors
Samuel Mullins, CFP®
Lindsey Slaby – Wealthspire Advisors