Discover how a former high school principal transformed his career to become a flat-fee financial planner, designing a life of purpose while helping others achieve financial freedom.
Before becoming a financial planner in Iowa, I never imagined the most important lessons I’d teach wouldn’t happen in a classroom—but across kitchen tables, conference rooms, in virtual meetings or phone calls, and during heartfelt conversations about something far more emotional than most people realize: money.
👉 We’re preparing students for careers but not for life’s biggest financial decisions.
For years, I was a principal of a high school, guiding young minds through academic milestones and life’s inevitable growing pains. But behind the celebrations of graduations, scholarships, athletic and activity accomplishments, I noticed a troubling pattern—one that weighed on me as well as many others.
They knew how to solve algebra equations but didn’t understand the power of compounding when investing. They could recite historical dates but couldn’t explain how a retirement plan (e.g. IRA or 401k) worked, what an index fund is or a host of other financial terms. And it wasn’t just the students. I saw colleagues—dedicated educators—struggling under the weight of financial stress, living paycheck to paycheck, wondering if they’d ever have enough to retire.
I brought in a mentor of mine — Mike Finley aka the Crazy Man in The Pink Wig — each year to talk to our seniors and gave each student one of his books as their graduation gift. In addition, I brought in a personal finance course to be taken by all students before they graduate. It was a start, but I knew I wanted to have a greater impact and fully live out what I believed and valued in money and in life.
There wasn’t just ONE moment. Those who know me know that I’m a planner - no pun intended. This is something that my wife and I discussed for years and what we were working towards. It was a culmination of challenges at work and realizations at home that ultimately made the timing clear.
“What if some of the most important lessons aren’t being taught in schools—but in how we live our lives with money?”
I realized I didn’t just want to help people graduate academically. I wanted to help them graduate financially to live their best life — to move beyond survival and into a life of freedom, purpose, and peace of mind.
Today, as a flat-fee financial planner in Cedar Falls, Iowa, that’s exactly what I do.
While I loved many aspects of my role as a principal, the truth is — I often felt like I was living according to someone else’s schedule. Meetings ran long. Evening commitments stole time from my family. I missed moments I couldn’t get back. I loved the students and the mission, but I couldn’t ignore the fact that I was missing too much at home.
Today, as a flat-fee financial planner in Iowa, I’ve built a business that aligns with the life I want to live: being a present husband, an engaged father of three, and a guide for others looking to do the same.
This isn’t just about financial freedom — it’s about time freedom. And helping others achieve both has become my life’s work.
That decision—to align my work with my life—changed everything. And now I help others do the same.
While the setting of my work has changed, the lessons from my years in education are more relevant than ever in the world of financial planning:
I saw brilliant students fall short not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked consistent habits. The same is true with money. It’s not about making the perfect investment; it’s about the discipline to save, invest consistently, and stay the course.
Students thrive when surrounded by the right support system. Likewise, financial success isn’t about having more information—it’s about having the right guidance and accountability to make confident decisions. That’s why working with a fiduciary, flat-fee advisor makes such a difference.
We don’t learn to ride a bike by reading about it. Yet most people try to navigate their financial lives by reading articles or following internet trends—without ever applying real strategies or seeking personalized advice.
I’ve come to believe that financial literacy is the most expensive lesson people never formally receive. And the cost? It shows up in delayed retirements, stressed relationships, missed opportunities, and lives filled with quiet financial anxiety.
Understand where your money is coming from and where it’s going. Cash flow is the foundation of every strong financial plan. As a flat-fee financial planner in Iowa, this is where I start with every client.
Skip the jargon and shiny objects. Master the basics—low-cost index funds, diversified investing beats complex strategies you don’t fully understand.
Money is emotional. Put small habits in place to build the life you want to live. Understand your past. Know your purpose and your values and always work toward your goals. Learn to master your mindset, overcome fear of spending, and live generously—without jeopardizing your future.
Your goals, your values, your legacy. Don’t follow someone else’s script—write your own and make it one worth living.
Beyond these foundational lessons, I help clients navigate the complex financial decisions that shape their futures, including:
As a fiduciary flat-fee financial planner in Cedar Falls, Iowa, my role is to simplify these decisions and help you build a life that’s not only financially secure—but deeply fulfilling.
Today, my ‘classroom’ looks different, but helping people is what it’s all about:
Equip people to live their best lives.
The truth is, financial success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the kind of life you really want to live. It’s about having the confidence to say “yes” to new experiences, “no” to unnecessary worry, and “I’m ready” when life offers you new opportunities.
I’ve traded the principal’s office for a seat beside families and individuals who are ready to reclaim control of their money and their future. What I found the more I have delved into my work providing financial advice to people in Cedar Falls, Iowa and beyond—is that the most fulfilling “graduations” I witness today don’t come with a diploma.
They come with:
If no one ever taught you the lessons that lead to financial peace, it’s not your fault. But it is your opportunity—right now—to enroll in the most important class of your life.
And the best part? You're in control of your financial story.
If you’re looking for a trusted flat-fee financial planner in Iowa or you’re outside of Iowa to help you simplify your finances and design a life of freedom, I’d love to connect.
No pressure. Just real talk about your goals—and a plan to help you achieve them.
The most important lesson? You have more control over your financial future—and your time—than you realize. And the sooner you take that first step, the sooner you start living the life you’ve imagined
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Remember, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement, feeling stuck in financial uncertainty, or simply want to create more time freedom, I’m here to help.