Schulfer & Associates, LLC Wealth Management

06/02/2026

Roth IRAs: Going through the Back Door

By LouAnn Schulfer, AWMA®, AIF®, The Wealth InFormation Lady®, Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, Published Author

Higher income earners are often disappointed when they realize they cannot contribute to a Roth IRA. After all, Roth accounts can be a great way to grow money and eventually take distributions on a tax-free basis (applicable rules must be adhered to). Fortunately, it’s not the end of the road, as anyone of any income level can still get money into Roth accounts using different strategies.

An intriguing strategy that works well for some, is what has been nick-named a “backdoor Roth IRA”.

Higher income earners are often disappointed when they realize they cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.

05/28/2026

This week's Highlight From Our Team - "Spring Blooms - and Native Plant Fun!"

Warm weather is here! And for many of us, that means getting back out into our gardens.

For me, gardening centers mostly around my native plants.

If you're not familiar with native plants, they are plants that are native to local ecosystems, meaning they've adapted alongside the local climates, environmental conditions, pollinators, fauna, and other plants in their area. Because of that adaptation process, these plants are optimized for mutually beneficial relationships in their environments.

It feels good to get outside and contribute to local ecosystems!

The plants shown here are Shooting Star (left, purple), and Golden Alexander (right, yellow). These are both spring blooming plants that offer early season resources to pollinators - including some of my favorites, which are the fat, fuzzy bumble bees.

If you appreciate native plants or enjoy gardening, I'm happy to chat about it with you!

-Laurie Rice, Client Experience & Marketing Coordinator

05/27/2026

Roth savings: Right for you?

By LouAnn Schulfer, AWMA®, AIF®, The Wealth InFormation Lady®, Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®

I had a client recently ask me about Roth IRA’s. She said that she was listening to a national talk show host who was speaking on how remarkable Roth IRAs are and cited an example of an individual who accumulated $250,000 in a Roth IRA and will have the wonderful tax benefits that Roth savings allow. She said “I know we’ve discussed this with you before, but I can’t remember why we aren’t doing this. It seems like a no-brainer.”

Roth IRA’s and Roth options in a 401(k) allow the account owner to contribute after-tax dollars which can grow tax deferred and, if IRS rules are followed, the earnings can be withdrawn tax-free. My favorite analogy comparing Roth to traditional retirement savings vehicles is the seed and the harvest story. Under Roth rules, you pay tax on the seed, and the growth and harvest can be tax free. Under traditional IRA’s and other similar accounts, you do not pay tax on the seed or the growth, but pay tax on the harvest (at ordinary income tax rates on the amount withdrawn).

Roth options can be powerful long-term growth vehicles and retired clients who have Roth dollars are incredibly happy when the money withdrawn is not subject to taxation or inclusion in adjusted gross income.

My favorite analogy comparing Roth to traditional retirement savings vehicles is the seed and the harvest story. Under Roth rules, you pay tax on the seed, and the growth and harvest can be tax free. Under traditional IRA’s and other similar accounts, you do not pay tax on the seed or the growth, ...

05/22/2026

Welcome Elijah Kollock!

We are excited to announce that Elijah Kollock has rejoined the Wealth Information Team at Schulfer & Associates as a Wealth Management Client Services Specialist.

Elijah's background, education, and professional experience are impressive: please read his words, below.

"During high school I developed a strong interest in wealth management and the meaningful role it plays in helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals.

In pursuit of that interest, I’ve earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from UW Oshkosh and Marquette University, while also having practical experience as a wealth management intern at Schulfer & Associates.

Through my internship at Schulfer & Associates and my work as a graduate assistant, I’ve had the opportunity to support accomplished individuals as they work toward meaningful personal and financial goals. I enjoy building lasting relationships with clients, understanding what matters most to them, and helping provide them with the service and assistance they need.

As a Client Services Specialist, I’m happy to continue supporting clients with a genuine commitment to their success."

05/21/2026

'Retirement, Like a Rubix Cube'

By LouAnn Schulfer, AWMA®, AIF® The Wealth InFormation Lady®, Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠, Accredited Investment Fiduciary® , Published Author

"We meet with a substantial number of people each year who are preparing for retirement. If you are planning on retiring, the thought of structuring your retirement income plan can feel like trying to solve a rubix cube. On one side of the cube is your 401(k). On another, your pension. Flip the cube over and there is your social security. The other sides of the cube are your spouse’s 401(k), IRA, and his/her social security. Solving for one color can feel daunting in and of itself.

Just when you solve for the 401(k) color, flip over to another side and you have decisions to make for social security, another color. It is obviously important to know the options, consequences and rules of each “side” of your retirement rubix cube."

If you are planning on retiring, the thought of structuring your retirement income plan can feel like trying to solve a rubix cube.

05/20/2026

A message from Micah Meza, our Office Administrator.

05/20/2026

THANK YOU to our clients, community partners, and everyone who attended – we had a wonderful turnout for our 16th Annual Shredding Party on May 14!

We are so happy to share the value we place on information security and our best business practices.

And we're very grateful for all the wonderful donations to Pacelli Catholic Schools.

This year's donations will help to send Pacelli students of all ages to leadership retreats, helping young people grow in confidence, character, and community service. And contributing to the next generation of leaders!

Thank you again to our community partners, Express Recycling, Kasuns Food Truck, and Stevens Point Associated Bank!

And thank you to our clients for a fun, safe, productive and charitable event!

When we receive the final numbers of money raised and pounds shredded, we will be sure to provide the update here and in our weekly report email!

05/14/2026

Thank you!! Our gratitude to Mayra Parilla-Guerrero at WSAW NewsChannel 7 for featuring our upcoming 16th Annual Shredding Party this morning, including an interview with LouAnn Schulfer and footage of our office.

Join us TODAY for the Shredding Party event, at 1417 Main St., from 3-6 pm.

Bring your sensitive documents for secure shredding, along with a donation for Pacelli Catholic Schools!

A local finance company is offering free document shredding to help protect people from identity theft while raising money for education.