Kayla A. Nikula, Financial Advisor

10/20/2025

Time to reintroduce myself!

My name is Kayla Nikula, and I am a financial professional based in North Star’s Madison, Wis. office. As part of a multigenerational practice, I work together with senior partner, Thomas Haunty, CFP®. My team focuses on comprehensive financial planning with specific strategies to address complex financial circumstances, attending to both personal and business issues.

I help high-achieving singles and families answer the question, “What’s it all for?”
As a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, I realized my passion for comprehensive financial planning during my time as a personal finance major. Taking a behavioral approach to the financial process, I am a strong proponent of the foundational basics that support a long-term wealth building strategy.

I believe that when you know the why driving your spending and investing choices, you can make smarter decisions that set you up for a fulfilling and confident financial future.

Whether you are making a good income but feel like you’re still living paycheck to paycheck, or you have a cash flow surplus but aren’t sure how to wisely invest, I strive to help younger millennial clients create multitasking strategies utilizing cash flow planning. I also work with many retirees, helping them strategize wealth distribution through retirement and beyond. No matter your personal goals, I will strive to make them work in concert with each other and aim to maximize opportunities for clients at every stage.

If any of this resonates with you, or you simply feel like you may need help with your finances and are unsure of where to turn, please connect with me! I would love to begin building a relationship with you in an initial exploratory meeting.

10/09/2024

The 2025 FAFSA has been delayed again., but trying to save for college can feel overwhelming, especially if you're getting a late start. But if you access effective strategies and investment vehicles, saving for college is possible!

Let me know if I can help get you started!

03/17/2024

Wishing you a bit of luck and good fortune today.

03/14/2024

Happy (3.14) Pie Day! Baking a Pie-R-A is a great way to celebrate 🥧
Let's connect to get the best recipe !

Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged differently from traditional IRAs. Do you know how?

03/07/2024

Daylight saving time is just around the corner! ⏰ Don't forget to "spring forward" and set your clocks one hour ahead on Sunday, March 10.

Remember, spring is not only a time for renewal in nature but also a great opportunity to review your financial plans. If you have any questions or need guidance, we're here to help. Wishing you a joyful and productive season ahead!

02/14/2024

02/07/2024

Independent financial professionals are committed to helping you define and pursue your financial goals while guarding against life's financial ups and downs. Ensure you have a properly designed strategy in place.

01/31/2024

Often, the little things can make a world of difference. The Power of 1%!

That ideology can be extended to retirement savings, where as little as a 1% increase in your contribution to a tax-advantaged retirement account like an IRA or 401(k) can have a big impact on your future retirement savings.

This 1% may be a small percentage now, but it can make a big difference in the final balance of your retirement account. Remember, small steps now can lead to big strides later!

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Distributions from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to reaching age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% IRS tax penalty.

01/19/2024

So cold and snowy... are you planning your next getaway?

Vacations are a wonderful experience, but their costs can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t budget properly. Thankfully, there are five easy steps you can take to help budget for your next adventure:

1. Map out your costs
2. Research your destination
3. Save in advance
4. Be prepared
5. Be a disciplined traveler

08/01/2022

The Haunty Team is growing! If you are looking for a great place to work in Madison, Wis., where you can receive great benefits and growth potential on a high-performing team, click the link below to learn more.

Not looking, but know someone who is? Please share!

https://hearsay.social/3PUQdcu

05/04/2020

May the 4th be with you! I’m happy to be your financial Yoda. Happy Star Wars Day!