Laurel Wealth Planning

06/01/2026

"I am so grateful we made this leap several years ago. As my husband and I have navigated the first years of retirement, Laura and her team’s advice has been invaluable."
- Kathleen & Tom

We deeply appreciate the loyalty and trust our clients place in us every day. Your confidence inspires us to continue providing thoughtful, personalized guidance at every stage of life.

Read more client stories: laurelwealthplanning.com/testimonials

The above testimonial contains statements and opinions from actual clients of Laurel Wealth Planning. Individuals were not compensated to discuss their experiences or have them shared on this website. Each client’s experience will differ and highlighted clients’ experiences may not be indicative of the experiences of other current or future clients. All investing involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

05/27/2026

When choosing a financial professional, one question you should always ask is:

“Are you legally obligated to act in my best interest?"

Not every financial professional is held to a fiduciary standard. According to the SEC, different financial professionals operate under different standards of conduct. While investment advisers are held to a fiduciary standard, other professionals may operate under Regulation Best Interest or suitability-based frameworks depending on the relationship and services being provided.

As a fee-only fiduciary firm, Laurel Wealth Planning is committed to putting our clients first in every recommendation, every conversation, and every plan. Our only incentive is helping clients pursue long-term financial success with clarity and confidence.

Interested in learning more about our approach? We’d be happy to share more about the planning process at Laurel Wealth Planning.

Source: https://www.sec.gov/about/divisions-offices/division-trading-markets/broker-dealers/staff-bulletin-standards-conduct-broker-dealers-investment-advisers-account-recommendations-retail?utm_source=chatgpt.com

05/26/2026

The average cost of childcare for one infant is now over $11,900 per year, roughly equivalent to an academic year at UW–Madison. Even for high-income earners, this can be a significant expense.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀: 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗦𝗔

Some employer plans offer a Dependent Care FSA, which allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses. For 2026, the contribution limit increased from $5,000 to $7,500 for individuals and married couples filing jointly.

These funds can be used for daycare, preschool, before- and after-school programs, summer camps, and in-home care. While the tax savings can be helpful, it’s important to plan carefully because unused funds are typically forfeited at year-end.

05/25/2026

Today and always, we remember the men and women who make freedom in America possible.

05/21/2026

Felix and Max have passed the CFP® exam! This milestone reflects their deep commitment to professional excellence and serving your needs. Read more about what this means in our new article.

Learn the commitment to CFP professional standards. Laurel Wealth Planning is a financial planning firm based in Minneapolis, MN.

05/18/2026

After working for 40+ years, retirement is finally in sight. But while getting there may have felt like the hardest part, what comes next can be just as complex.

Understanding retirement withdrawal strategies requires careful planning and a strong grasp of the tax landscape.

Let us help you navigate it with confidence.

If you’d like guidance on building a retirement income strategy, we’re here to help:
laurelwealthplanning.com/contact-us

05/11/2026

We don’t take it lightly when clients trust us with their financial lives. Especially for 18+ years!

“I feel confident about my future… and grateful to have such a top-notch team guiding my financial life.” — Beth M.

Beth’s journey has included a divorce, the 2008 recession, and it’s been an honor to be by her side through it all.

Read more client stories: laurelwealthplanning.com/testimonials

The above testimonial contains statements and opinions from actual clients of Laurel Wealth Planning. Individuals were not compensated to discuss their experiences or have them shared on this website. Each client’s experience will differ and highlighted clients’ experiences may not be indicative of the experiences of other current or future clients. All investing involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

05/10/2026

At Laurel Wealth Planning, many of us were encouraged by our moms to pursue our potential.

Today, we carry that forward by helping our clients turn their financial goals into reality, and in doing so, make our moms proud.

Happy Mother’s Day!

05/04/2026

Once your divorce is finalized, the clock starts ticking on several important deadlines.

Payment deadlines are often the most critical. From a financial impact and risk perspective, deadlines related to payment or transfer obligations should be prioritized (many divorce decrees allow just 30 days to complete retirement account transfers)

Refinancing is another key area to prioritize. While your divorce decree may give you up to 90 days, it’s typically best to start the process right away. Waiting too long can create unnecessary complications and limit your options.

If you’re navigating account transfers after divorce, understanding your options can make a meaningful difference. Explore how to approach dividing accounts and avoid common pitfalls here:

04/27/2026

Divorce is an emotional experience, and many people aren’t sure where to begin financially once it’s finalized.

Your divorce Judgment and Decree (J&D) can serve as a road map for the next steps, but finding the energy to tackle those items can be challenging.

If you’re struggling, here are a few suggestions:

- Read the document several times to confirm nothing is missed.

- Focus first on the most important tasks, such as updating beneficiaries, dividing retirement accounts, and retitling your home.

- Don’t overlook items like transitioning health insurance coverage.

If you’re navigating the financial details after a divorce and want guidance on your next steps, our team at Laurel Wealth Planning is here to help.

Read more here: laurelwealthplanning.com/90-days-after-divorce-part-1