Stone Pillars Wealth Management

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Stone Pillars Wealth Management

Stone Pillars Wealth Management, LLC, is a Registered Investment Adviser located in Wisconsin.

We are unique in that we specialize in "Fulfillment Planning", financial planning woven into the fabric of our client's core values and life goals of family, faith, fitness and financial freedom ensuring they are shaped, strengthened, and fortified. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Stone Pillars Wealth Management, LLC, and its representatives are properly

licensed or exempt from licensure. The content provided on this website, blog posts, and social media channels is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Any investment involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No guarantees or assurances are made as to any specific results or return on investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no investment strategy can guarantee success. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified financial, tax, or legal professional who can provide personalized advice based on your unique financial circumstances and goals. All information provided here is believed to be reliable, but we make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness. Nothing on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. By accessing this information, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for any investment decisions and outcomes and that Stone Pillars Wealth Management, LLC, shall not be liable for any direct or indirect consequences of your actions.

11/11/2024

The election is over, and now we're all wondering—what's next for our finances?

If you've been asking what this means for your wealth, your business, or your investments, you're not alone.

Let’s talk about why Trump’s upcoming policies might just be the turning point we need.

Smart Spending, Less Waste

Imagine finally cleaning out that cluttered garage. That's the kind of cleanup Trump is aiming for—with the federal budget.

Cutting back on wasteful spending isn’t just about numbers; it's about refocusing priorities. Historically, less government spending has meant more growth.

Lower Taxes: More Money in Your Pocket

Remember the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act?

It wasn’t just about paying less—it was about giving business owners the fuel to expand and giving families a chance to build real wealth.

Trump plans to expand these cuts. That could mean more capital stays in your hands.

For retirees, it could mean lower capital gains taxes—letting your investments work harder with less taken off the top.

Value Stocks: The Hidden Gems

Value stocks tend to shine after elections—especially when there’s a valuation gap like now.

Think of value stocks as hidden gems at a garage sale—underpriced and waiting to be picked up.

With a focus on economic stability, this might be the perfect time to add some of these undervalued opportunities to your portfolio.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Remember the 3.5% unemployment rate? Trump’s policies are about getting back to that—and beyond.

Manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure are key.

It’s like turning on the engine of opportunity again.

For business owners, it means a skilled workforce and a thriving economy.

For retirees, it means market stability and better returns.

Cutting the Red Tape

Running a business is tough enough without unnecessary hurdles. Trump plans to reduce bureaucratic red tape—think of it as clearing the path so you can focus on growing without jumping over unnecessary obstacles.

Energy Independence

Under Trump, the U.S. became a net energy exporter. Producing more energy here means keeping jobs here and lowering costs for everyone.

It’s like growing your own vegetables instead of paying a premium at the store.

Opportunity Zones: Investing in Communities

Opportunity Zones are like planting seeds in areas that need them most—creating jobs and encouraging investments in struggling neighborhoods.

Expanding these zones means more opportunities for growth where it matters most.

Keeping Emotions in Check

Elections can be emotional, but making investment decisions based on emotions is a mistake. History shows that staying invested through political ups and downs is key to long-term wealth.

Stay steady, stay invested, and let the fundamentals—not the headlines—guide your decisions.

Where We Are in the First 5 Days - Not all Doom and Gloom

So, what’s actually happening now that we’re just days into this administration? Let me tell you, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, there are some promising signs of progress already taking shape:

👍First female Chief of Staff appointed
👍NYC to stop giving debit cards to illegals
👍EUS companies bring production home
👍Stock market hitting all-time-highs
👍Bitcoin hitting all-time-highs
👍Newest migrant caravan breaking-up
👍Qatar agrees to evict Hamas leaders
👍Hamas wants "immediate" end to war
👍Taliban claims to want "new chapter"
👍China wants "peaceful coexistence"
👍Russia is "ready" to speak with the US
👍EU wants to buy US gas, not Russian gas
👍Ukraine leaders in talks with Trump/Elon

All these headlines point towards change that’s already happening—some of it dramatic, some of it quietly impactful.

The key takeaway here? We’re seeing movement, and movement means opportunity.

The Bottom Line

This is about your wealth, your legacy, and your future.

Lower taxes, job creation, and boosting domestic production mean real benefits for high-net-worth families, business owners, and retirees.

We’ve seen what pro-growth policies can do—people back to work, businesses thriving, communities rising.

Let’s build on that.

Here’s to a future where businesses grow, investments thrive, and families feel secure.

10/14/2024

Are you getting the right "fit" for your financial future, or just something that's "suitable"?

Here's why working with a fiduciary makes all the difference when it comes to your financial health.

When it comes to your finances, don’t you want advice that’s 100% in your corner?

That’s what it means to work with a fiduciary—someone who’s legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest. At Stone Pillars Wealth Management, that’s exactly what we do.

A lot of people ask us, "What makes your firm different?"

A big part of the answer lies in our role as fiduciaries.

Being a fiduciary means we’re committed to always putting your needs first. We provide transparent advice, avoid conflicts of interest, and fully disclose any potential issues that could affect our recommendations.

But here’s the tricky part: sometimes the difference between what’s “suitable” and what’s truly in your best interest isn’t so obvious.

The Sporting Goods Store Analogy

Picture this: You walk into a sporting goods store looking for a pair of running shoes. You’re greeted by a friendly sales associate, and you explain that you’re training for a half-marathon and need a pair of comfortable, durable running shoes.

The associate takes you to the running shoe section but then shifts and shows you a pair of cross-trainers. They tell you these cross-trainers are comfortable, durable, and would work "just fine" for running.

You trust their expertise, so you buy them.

A few weeks later, while running those long training miles, you realize the shoes aren’t holding up like you expected. They’re comfortable enough, but they lack the support a real running shoe would have provided.

Turns out, the store was pushing cross-trainers that month to win a sales contest.

The shoes were "suitable"—but they weren’t what you really needed to hit your personal best.

Suitable vs. Best Interest in Financial Advice

This situation isn’t all that different from what can happen with financial advice.

Sometimes, an investment might be "suitable" for you—it’s not a bad option, but it’s not necessarily the best.

Many advisors get paid commissions based on what products they sell or how much you invest. This can create a "suitability" scenario where they recommend something that fits, but it’s not the optimal choice for your financial goals.

At Stone Pillars Wealth Management, we operate differently.

We’re a fee-only firm. This means the only compensation we receive comes directly from our clients. No commissions, no kickbacks from companies or vendors. That way, our advice is always unbiased and free of hidden motivations.

Transparency and Potential Conflicts of Interest

Look, we’re not saying conflicts never exist. They can and do happen.

For example, sometimes a client might ask us about investing in an outside opportunity, like a real estate project or a business venture.

If you decide to move money from our management to an outside investment, we’d no longer collect fees on those assets.

But as fiduciaries, our responsibility is to give you honest, objective advice—regardless of how it impacts our business.

If there’s any potential conflict, we’ll be upfront about it. We’ll lay out the pros and cons, so you can make the best decision for your financial well-being.

Our Commitment to You

At Stone Pillars Wealth Management, our fee-only structure means we have one priority: serving your needs.

We don’t get paid by companies or vendors. The only compensation we receive comes from you, our client. This ensures our recommendations are never influenced by outside incentives.

We understand there are lots of business models in the financial world, and each has its place.

But when it comes to managing your wealth and planning your financial future, we firmly believe that the fiduciary standard is the benchmark.

As a CFP® professional, I’m held to this fiduciary standard—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Every piece of advice we give is designed to serve your best interests. Not the firm’s. Not anyone else’s. Yours.

Let’s Connect

At Stone Pillars Wealth Management, we’re not just about giving financial advice.

We’re here to be your partner in achieving your goals—whether that’s planning for retirement, growing your business, or leaving a legacy for your family.

By working together, we can provide transparent, unbiased guidance to help you get to where you want to be.

So, let’s start the conversation.

Ready to find the right fit for your financial journey?

We’re here to help you find the perfect financial "shoes" for your goals.

Let’s connect and make it happen.

09/28/2024

What's keeping me up at night? Daughters and Deficit.

Hey there, fellow moguls and mompreneurs!

Let's chat about something that's been keeping me up at night (besides my adorable daughters) - Uncle Sam's spending spree.

Buckle up, because these numbers are wilder than a toddler on a sugar high.

Looking back, even during challenging times like the aftermath of the 2008-09 Great Recession, deficits of this magnitude were rare.

The Fiscal Fiasco:

-We're spending way more than we're making
-Like, $1.9 trillion more
-That's 6.7% of GDP

The Revenue Rollercoaster:

Good news? We're making more money than ever. Bad news? We're spending it faster than a Real Housewife in Gucci.

We've never spent this much unless:

-We were in a huge war (think World Wars)
-Or the economy was in the toilet

But right now? Neither of those things are happening.

Let's time travel real quick:

-5 years ago, we were only overspending by 4.6%
-Now it's 6.7%
-That's a big jump in a short time

So why are we still in the red? Hold onto your lattes, folks.

The Spending Circus:

-Interest payments are skyrocketing • From 1.8% of GDP in 2019 to 3.1% now • That's the highest it’s been since 1995

-Student loan forgiveness bonanza • Great for grads, not so great for our balance sheet

-Healthcare costs are on steroids • Medicare and Medicaid are eating our lunch (and dinner)

So what can we do?

-We need to get smart about our spending
-Maybe cut back in some areas
-Find ways to make our programs/government more efficient

Imagine if this was your company:

-You'd be slashing costs faster than a hedge fund manager in a bear market

-Every expense would need to justify its existence

-ROI would be your new middle name

Questions to Chew On:

If America Inc. was your startup, what would you do differently?

How can we, the private sector, help right this fiscal ship?

What financial storm shelters are you building for your family and business?

The Real Talk:

This isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It's about the world we're leaving for our little CEOs-in-training.

So, what's your take? How are you navigating these choppy fiscal waters in your life or business?

Let's keep this conversation going.

After all, if we can balance our own books while juggling soccer practice and board meetings, surely we can offer some wisdom to the powers that be, right?

The Bottom Line:

As financial advisors, it's vital for us to share that the U.S. is facing some serious long-term budget challenges, particularly when it comes to government spending.

For the last fifteen years, low interest rates have made it easy for the U.S. to push these concerns to the back burner, but that window is quickly closing.

No matter who takes office after the election, we'll likely see a stronger focus on getting the nation's fiscal health back on track, both in the next administration and well into the future.

This could have implications for our economic outlook and your financial plan, so we’ll monitor how these policies unfold closely.

08/30/2024

Imagine living to 100, with the health to enjoy it and the wealth to support it. Sounds like a fantasy? For residents of “Blue Zones" it’s reality!

But here's the kicker: their secrets could revolutionize your retirement planning.

These Blue Zone inhabitants aren't just living longer; they're thriving well into their 90s and beyond. Their lifestyle encompasses:

-A primarily plant-based diet
-Natural, daily physical activity
-A clear sense of purpose
-Stress-reduction routines
-Strong community ties

But here's what's truly fascinating: these habits don't just add years to life; they're intrinsically linked to financial well-being.

Blue Zone residents spend less on healthcare, find contentment with less, and build strong support networks that act as social safety nets.

Imagine approaching retirement with:
-Significantly lower healthcare costs
-A fulfilling life rich in experiences, not just possessions
-A supportive community to lean on
-A clear purpose that keeps you engaged and active
-The mental acuity to manage your finances well into your golden years

This isn't just about living longer; it's about living better! It's about having the health to enjoy the wealth you've accumulated and the wisdom to make it last.

For many people, this epitomizes fulfillment!

So, where are these Blue Zones?

Blue Zones were first identified by National Geographic’s Dan Buettner.

He discovered there are five regions in the world where people live the longest and are healthiest:

1) Okinawa, Japan - The traditional Okinawan diet consists of 85% plant-based foods, with the sweet potato making up about 60% of their daily caloric intake.

2) Sardinia, Italy - Sardinian shepherds walk an average of 5 miles a day tending their flocks, contributing to their remarkable longevity.

3) Nicoya, Costa Rica - Nicoyans have a strong sense of purpose called "plan de vida" or "reason to live." This life purpose is credited with reducing stress and contributing to their longer lifespans.

4) Ikaria, Greece - Ikarians are known for their daily afternoon naps. About 80% of the older population takes a 30-minute nap at least five times a week, which is associated with a 35% lower risk of heart disease.

5) Loma Linda, California - The Seventh-day Adventist community in Loma Linda regularly participates in community activities. Church-going Adventists live 4 to 10 years longer than their Californian counterparts, with strong social connections cited as a contributing factor.

Ready to infuse your financial plan with Blue Zone wisdom?

Here's how to start:
1 - Schedule a "Fulfillment Planning" session with us. We'll review your current plan and identify opportunities to incorporate Blue Zone principles.

2- Maximize your Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions. These tax-advantaged accounts are perfect for future health expenses.

3 - Allocate funds for "lifestyle investments" - think cooking classes, gym memberships, or wellness retreats - maybe even a trip to visit a Blue Zone.

4 - Join a community organization or faith-based group. Start building your social network today.

5 - Begin drafting your "Retirement Fulfillment Plan." We'll help you align your financial strategy with your post-retirement goals and activities.

Don't wait for retirement to start living your best life.

Call us today to schedule your Longevity Planning session.

Let's create a financial strategy that doesn't just fund your retirement, but helps you thrive in it.

Remember, in Blue Zones, wealth isn't just measured in dollars - it's measured in years of healthy, purposeful living.

Isn't it time your financial plan reflected that?

07/25/2024

Life-Changing Memories and Eternal Legacy: Why We Do Fulfillment Planning, Not Just Financial Planning

17 years ago, our lives took an unexpected turn.

After nine long months and several routine doctor's visits, Ellen and I were finally on our way to the hospital. Our third child, a boy, was on his way!

Everything seemed perfect. But as the delivery unfolded, it was more difficult than with our first two children. Holding our beautiful baby boy under the heat lamp, I sensed something was wrong.

The doctors came in, smiled, and said, "What a beautiful little boy." But the atmosphere felt off.

Over the next few minutes, doctors and nurses quietly entered the room, observing Jachin.

Something wasn't right. I felt it in my gut—our lives were about to change forever.

Jachin was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

At 10 weeks old, he began having debilitating seizures that led to weeks of hospitalization. I couldn’t work because I needed to be home with our two other children, and we were in for a battle for Jachin’s life.

So we adapted.

I changed careers, and we adjusted to our new normal.

Someone suggested we look into the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. It made me feel guilty, but we didn't know how much longer we'd have with Jachin.

We applied for a wish, and it was granted.

Jachin wanted to see Mickey Mouse on a big boat! So, we set out on this adventure together!

On that trip, we experienced something magical.

Our entire family spent eight days and seven nights together on a Disney cruise, all expenses paid.

I realized no amount of money could buy this experience.

Inspired, we started the Jake Foundation to sponsor wishes. Over the next seven years, we directed funds to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and sponsored nine wishes for local kids. It remains one of the greatest blessings of our lives.

Then, I started seeing the power of charitable giving in my clients’ lives.

Many are charitable, supporting churches, medical causes, the Red Cross, or Make-A-Wish.

People love to help others in need. I help them realize the tax benefits of charitable giving and discuss the deep fulfillment it brings.

Wealth provides an opportunity to leave a lasting, eternal legacy.

Helping people use their financial blessings to make a long-term impact is a passion of mine.

Here’s how you can create lifelong memories for families, year after year, for eternity:
-The average cost to fund a once-in-a-lifetime wish is $8,000.
-A $160,000 cash investment would sponsor a wish for 20 years.

So imagine the impact of a $160,000 investment through creative planning with an advisor, MAJOR!

There are financial strategies and tax benefits to setting up:
-Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
-Charitable remainder trusts,
-or even a Family Foundation.

These options allow our children or other beneficiaries to direct funds to make a significant difference.

Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), you can find financial and personal advantages in these options when planning your legacy.

At Stone Pillars Wealth Management, we are dedicated to fulfillment planning. Leaving a charitable legacy isn't for everyone, but if it’s something you want to consider, we’ll ensure you know your options.

We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you find fulfillment in this world, now and eternally.

The Disney Cruise experience is an indelible memory for our family. The wishes we sponsored have changed our lives forever, and we are forever grateful.

07/11/2024

| Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: Lessons from Wake-Surfing and Investing |

Have you ever felt that knot of anxiety in your stomach when trying something new and challenging?

That’s exactly how I felt yesterday, standing on a friend’s boat, about to try wake-surfing for the first time at 46. This experience served as a powerful reminder of the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, both in life and in financial planning.

I was so excited when I got the call inviting me to come out on my friend's new boat! But when he told me that we were going wake-surfing, I suddenly started to feel a little bit uneasy.

Despite my athletic background, doubts crept in. On the way there, I called him to reassure both of us that I was determined to get up on that surfboard. As I watched others on the boat follow instructions and navigate potential mishaps, I realized they had all likely felt like I did at some point. They had to find a way to get comfortable while being uncomfortable.

This reminded me of my 16 years as a financial advisor. The number one concern I hear from clients is discomfort with the economy or the stock market. It doesn't matter who is president or what party is in power; this discomfort seems pervasive.

I felt like my friend driving the boat, teaching me how to wake surf. He pointed out key strategies for success and reminded me that I had a life preserver on. He assured me that, as a skilled boater, he would keep me safe despite potential risks.

Similarly, I remind my clients that the US economy has remained a world leader through many perilous times, driving innovation and growth. Our stock market has historically been a fantastic place to grow wealth over time. Staying invested for the long haul can help you take advantage of opportunities to grow your wealth and achieve long-term goals. There’s no guarantee of avoiding peril, but as a skilled advisor, I help navigate these uncomfortable feelings.

Ultimately, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable makes us vulnerable. Still, even through our worst fears about the country's direction and market volatility, we stand today with the largest economy we've ever had and the stock market at all-time highs.

After the financial crisis of 2008, trillions of dollars were pulled out of the stock market and never returned. Banks offered the lowest interest rates in decades, yet investors felt uncomfortable returning to the stock market after it dropped 57% during the crisis. Since the market bottomed in 2009, the S&P 500 rose from 666 on March 6, 2009, to 5,567 at the start of this year.

That’s tremendous growth.

As of today, it’s at 5,611. From the bottom to the beginning of this year, that’s a return of 716.16% or 14.59% per year. During that period, we endured two wars, a regional bank failure, the disastrous COVID years, and the hyperinflation of 2022. Russia invaded Ukraine, oil prices crumbled, and futures contracts went negative. Yet the market went up and down, resulting in a tremendous return over a 15-year period for those who stayed the course.

Sometimes, it takes courage to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Knowing we might regret not trying, we risk missing out on opportunities or blessings when we face uneasy situations.

It doesn’t come without fear. It’s not blind trust that makes it fulfilling; it’s taking the time to think it through and decide, "I don’t want to miss out on this, so I will allow myself to get through the discomfort."

Predicting or guaranteeing future market returns is impossible, but historically, the market has been a great place to invest for the long term to help achieve financial independence goals.

Consistent saving, working with a CFP® to strategically plan for your goals, and diligently working towards those goals play a huge role in success.

The market is a powerful tool. If you’re uncomfortable with the market or economy, we’d love to have a conversation. We can help balance your risk profile and exposure with your long-term goals so that you, too, can find comfort in being uncomfortable.

As I bobbed in the water and looked at my friend, I told myself it would all be good. He throttled up, and I popped right out of the water on the first try!

I fell a few times and absolutely loved the experience.

I’m glad I allowed myself to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

It was a day I will never forget!

🏄‍♂️

06/28/2024

How I went from Secret Service to servicing clients!

Navigating the unknown future can be daunting, especially when starting a family and a career.

My journey began with high hopes, but I faced significant challenges, which ultimately led to a fulfilling career in financial advising.

This is my story of finding purpose through adversity.

I graduated from college and got married just before the world changed with the 9/11 attacks. The dot-com bubble burst and the subsequent 2001 recession dried up promising career opportunities.

Despite the overwhelming and uncertain times, I felt excited to pursue my dream of becoming a Special Agent in the Secret Service, following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather.

Moving to Chicago to chase this dream, I soon realized that the demands of a growing family required a different path. I seized an opportunity with a pharmaceutical company in Madison, WI, which offered financial security, professional growth, and a balanced life.

Despite these advantages, something crucial was missing: fulfillment.

The birth of my third child, Jachin, in 2007 marked a turning point. He was born with rare disorders—Sturge-Weber Syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome.

His condition required extensive medical care and resulted in major seizures. Balancing his healthcare needs, raising two other children, and managing work was incredibly stressful, forcing me to reevaluate my career choices.

I turned to financial advising, inspired by friends who thrived in the profession by helping others.

I committed to this new career, driven by the desire to assist people in achieving their financial goals while finding personal fulfillment in the process.

This journey led to the founding of Stone Pillars Wealth Management, where our mission is to prioritize fulfillment in financial planning and wealth management.

Like a bridge supported by strong pillars, we aim to fortify the essential aspects of our clients’ lives.

Fulfillment, defined as achieving something desired, promised, or predicted, extends across emotional, physical, and spiritual realms.

In an ever-changing world, maintaining perspective and appreciating life’s blessings is crucial.

At Stone Pillars Wealth Management, we are honored to partner with our clients, helping them strengthen their life pillars and achieve fulfillment now and in the future.

Our foundational strength supports a life lived to its fullest potential.

-Jonathon Jordan
“Shape, Strengthen, Fortify”

Address

1609 Landmark Drive , Ste. 106
Cottage Grove, WI
53527

Website

https://stonepillarswm.com/

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