We believe that the best financial behaviors can be learned and taught, no matter your age or current financial status. It's never too early and never too late to learn how to make wise financial decisions. We are committed to helping you do that.
“I believe that every family can achieve their financial goals, if the path to do so is clear. This work of building paths and guiding clients along those paths is my passion, and it brings me tremendous joy. After twenty years of doing this, I am more excited today than ever about helping families with their finances. Helping one family at a time make good choices makes a difference. I believe that whole-heartedly and am thankful for the opportunity to serve so many people in this capacity.”
Austin is the owner and visionary behind The Wealth Group. His #1 responsibility is to lead our team in devotion to the mission: providing quality financial planning and investment management to the firm’s clients.
Austin is the proud husband to Jennifer and father to nine children. While there are endless activities of fun and excitement in their household, some favorites include traveling as a family to experience and explore new adventures, playing many hours of board games and card games at the dinner table, and enjoying the subtle yet extraordinary details that a fun family of eleven brings.
The Colbys are very active in their church as well as their local community and love building memories with those around them. Austin also enjoys golfing with his children, as well as his team members and many clients.
What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received about money?
My big brother Adam told me that I needed to learn how to handle what little money I had when I was a college kid with little access to cash. He said. "If you think it will be easier to handle money when you're earning more, you're wrong. If you can't make good decisions with a little, you won't make good decisions with a lot--you're mistakes will just be bigger."
What is your favorite book any why?
I don’t have just one. But here are a few: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Whimsical love story and excellent writing. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Fantastic story-telling. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. That was the first book my wife and I ever read together. That Printer of Udell’s by H.B. Wright. A wonderful story with a character that challenges you to be the best version of yourself.
Where is the most interesting place you've ever traveled?
Uganda, Africa. Anytime you visit a culture that is so drastically different than what you are used to, it is eye-opening and memorable. I have very much loved all three of the trips I’ve been able to take to Uganda.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.
“I want to empower our clients to succeed with their money. Too many people experience unnecessary stress and anxiety in their financial lives. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” We aim to be those counselors that provide safety for our clients. Navigating the world of personal finance is not easy. There are many sharks out there, selling products and giving bad advice. We want to be shepherds that guide our clients around the many pitfalls and landmines that exist in the world of money and investing.
It has been said that a good financial advisor has the heart of a teacher. We agree. We want our clients to understand the advice we give them. We want them to be the driver of their financial plan, with us as their sidekick/coach to help them make their plans and goals a reality.”
Mike enjoys the technical aspects of financial planning: leveraging technology to help his clients and the team, helping clients execute their recommended financial planning strategies and better understand their monthly cash flow.
Mike has been quoted as a financial expert in U.S. News & World Report and Business Insider.
Mike is husband to Krista and father to four young children. The Earls live in Eden Prairie, where you might see them out for long family walks, gardening in the yard, or playing at local parks as a family.
The Earls are active members at Emmaus Road Reformed Church in Minnetonka.
Mike is passionate about gardening, reading, writing, and staying active through working out and playing various sports. He particularly enjoys golfing with clients, colleagues, and family all over the Twin Cities.
What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received about money?
My father instilled in me the importance of giving the first 10% (or more) of my income to God. This causes me to remember that money does not belong to me, but to God. It also provokes me to consider others’ needs before my own.
What was your first job?
McDonald’s in Chanhassen at age 14. I manned the fry station, salting the fries with the famous “Triple Arch” method. I worked there for over two years and saved up about $2,000.
Then, I promptly spent 100% of that life savings on a Toyota Corolla that cost $4,500 (Mom and Dad paid the difference). Considering I had been getting by just fine on a bicycle, it sure seemed a shame to spend all my savings on a vehicle I really didn't need.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
Plant propagation. I derive great joy from multiplying plants. I’ve learned how to take stem cuttings and root them in sand, thereby creating new plants. Of course, I also happily divide plants – the most common (and easiest) form of plant propagation.
Certified Financial Planer Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.
“I love working alongside the people at The Wealth Group. Additionally, my younger brother (and now boss) and I have wanted to work together for years. When the opportunity arose within The Wealth Group I jumped at the chance. I have always had a passion for personal finance and investing; the transition into this investment-focused role was a natural one for me.”
Developing and stress-testing the firm’s asset allocation models is a passion of Adam’s. You may often find him assessing risk metrics for client portfolios and the broader global markets as well as trading and rebalancing client portfolios.
Adam has been married to his wife, Kristi for 20 years. They have three children: Emma, Andruw and Anthony. Adam is an avid sports fan and an excellent coach of his sons' youth sports teams. He also thoroughly enjoys a round of golf every now and again.
What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received about money?
"Don't borrow it."
What is your favorite book and why?
Total Baseball Encyclopedia because it led to the greatest website of all time (baseball-reference.com)
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about?
I know all 54 Superbowl champions, all 115 World Series champions, and every NBA champion since 1957.
Investments & Wealth Institute TM (The Institute) is the owner of the certification mark "CIMA" and "Certified Investment Management Analyst." Use of CIMA and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute's initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professional.
“I love being able to see and contribute to the confidence in the families we help when they know they are taking the correct steps towards financial independence. I truly enjoy building relationships with people. The work I do with The Wealth Group gives me the opportunity to do this by building a relationship that will last a lifetime.”
Dan has been married to his wife Rebekah since 2015. They welcomed their first child (Maxwell) in 2019, and their second (Gabby) in 2021. Dan and Rebekah love the transition they are now experiencing as new parents and do their best to still make time to travel and experience other parts of the world. A few of their favorite spots they have visited include Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Maui, Hawaii.
Dan competed in three NCAA Division III Golf National Championships, representing North Central University. He continues to hone his golf skills and enjoys the sport most when playing with his friends, co-workers and clients.
What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received about money?
"Do the next right thing now."
What is your favorite book and why?
Tale of Two Cities or Are You Kidding Me? The first because it is a great story, and the second because I am a golf nut.
What was your first job?
I was a golf cart boy at Souris Valley Golf Course in Minot, ND.
Certified Financial Planer Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.
“I am passionate about my work because I think it is important to make wise, informed decisions with our finances as it permeates into all aspects of our lives. Just as people strive to maintain balance in their overall lives, financial wellness and understanding in your personal life is just as important. ”
Misty has been married since 2000 to her amazing husband, Ross and they have two children: Trey and Kalli. Misty met her husband in college on the basketball court, so they share a love of sports and competition. They spend a lot of time attending and/or coaching their kid’s activities, such as: football, basketball, swimming, church events - and they LOVE the memories they are making! The Tanners are also very involved at their church in Eden Prairie.
What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received about money?
"Money doesn't buy happiness."
What is your favorite book and why?
The Bible--so much wisdom and guidance!
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Africa or Israel
“I enjoy helping people make better decisions with their money and I love working with the TWG team! I am surrounded by a great group of people who are experts at their craft and are willing to help make those around them better.
Every day I feel as though I am going to learn something new that will help me better serve our clients.”
Ben has been married to his wife, Julia since 2015 and they love spending time playing sports with their 3-year old son, Jett. They welcomed a second child, Josie, into their family in 2020. As a family, they enjoy traveling together, exploring and spending time on the lake.
As an avid Wisconsin sports fan, Ben does his best to visit Madison or Milwaukee for games as often as possible. He also spends his time coaching golf at Southwest Christian High School in Chaska, MN. Ben and his family are active members of Eden Prairie Assembly of God and love interacting with their community.
What was your first job?
At the age of 16 I began working at the Hudson Golf Club. I worked there for six years as a Member Service Assistant and Pro Shop Assistant.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about?
Bowling and handwriting.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Madison, Wisconsin.
