Walkner Condon Financial Advisors

08/28/2026

Big news as we head into the last weekend of August. 👀

Our Managing Partners, Clint Walkner and Nate Condon, sat down to record the first episode in our brand-new podcast studio — a special episode of Gimme Some Truth looking back at some major milestones shaping the future of Walkner Condon:

➡️ One Roof — Unifying four offices into a single, state-of-the-art headquarters
➡️ $1.25 Billion — A major milestone in assets under management
➡️ Team Growth — Alicia's promotion to Partner, Evan's promotion, and Andy King's upcoming retirement
➡️ Our Approach — How we build redundant, collaborative advisory teams so clients are always supported for the long haul

None of this happens without the trust our clients have placed in us. Every milestone here traces back to relationships — and a team built to take care of people for the long term.

Walkner Condon's Managing Partners, Clint Walkner and Nate Condon s...

08/06/2026

New office means new podcast studio! 🎙️✨

We're so excited to share that the studio for Gimme Some Truth Podcast is officially open!

It took months of planning (and a few too many "just one more cable" moments 😅), but our new space is finally up and running. We can't wait to create, record, and share even more of the conversations that matter to us — right here in our new home.

More episodes coming soon, so stay tuned 👀

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07/31/2026

What happens to your crypto when you're gone?

The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property — which means it gets a step-up in basis at death, just like stocks or real estate. That can wipe out lifetime gains for your heirs and significantly reduce their tax bill.

The catch? Crypto held in retirement accounts doesn't get this treatment, and if your heirs can't access your wallet, none of this matters anyway. 🔑

Make sure your digital assets — and the keys to them — are part of your estate plan.

📖 Full breakdown on our blog: https://walknercondon.com/blog/does-cryptocurrency-get-a-step-up-in-basis-upon-death/

07/29/2026

💰 Saving for your kids? There's no single "best" account — but there is a right combo.

Between 529 Plans, UTMA accounts, and the new "Trump Accounts" (530A), it's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out where your money should actually go. Here's the quick breakdown:

🎓 529 Plans — Still the gold standard for education. Tax-free growth, generous gifting limits, and even a $35K lifetime rollover into a Roth IRA if funds go unused.

🚗 UTMA Accounts — The flexible option. No education restrictions, so it can fund a first car, a home down payment, or anything that benefits your child — plus some smart tax-saving tricks along the way.

🏛️ 530A "Trump Accounts" — A new retirement-focused account for minors, including a one-time $1,000 federal seed for kids born 2025–2028. Great for claiming "free money," but the tax rules on withdrawals make it best used as a supplement, not your main strategy.

The bottom line: the right mix depends on your goals, your timeline, and your family's bigger financial picture.

📖 Get the full breakdown (including a side-by-side comparison chart) on our blog: https://walknercondon.com/blog/529-vs-utma-vs-trump-accounts-530a-guide/

There isn’t a single account that does everything. For higher-net-worth families, combining strategies is the real secret to next-gen wealth transfer. Financial advisors Clint Walkner and Alicia Vande Ven break down the tax friction points, Kiddie Tax loops, and ideal use cases for 529 plans, UTMA...

07/27/2026

When's the last time your finances felt... easy?

Between tax changes, market swings, and endless "advice" online, managing it all alone is a lot. A good financial advisor does more than pick stocks — they're a partner who takes that weight off your shoulders so you can focus on your life.

Our own Evan Waltz, CFP®, broke down 5 ways an advisor adds real value:

✅ Expert, well-rounded guidance
✅ A portfolio built around YOU
✅ Keeping emotions in check during market swings
✅ Saving you serious time
✅ Planning for life's big moments

Retiring, building your career, or organizing your estate — the right partner fills in the blind spots.

📖 Read Evan's full breakdown: https://walknercondon.com/blog/5-ways-financial-advisors-add-value/

07/16/2026

📈 Q2 2026 Market Recap: The Exhale After the Shock

Markets staged a powerful comeback last quarter! The S&P 500 gained ~15%, hitting new all-time highs near 7,500, while small caps led the way with the Russell 2000 up 21%. 🚀

We also saw oil prices make a wild round trip (from over $100/barrel back down to ~$70), sticky inflation keep the Fed on hold, and the blockbuster SpaceX IPO ($2.3 trillion!) shake up capital markets.

So what does it all mean for your portfolio? The investors who fared best this quarter were the ones who stayed the course through the headlines. Read our full Q2 recap to see what drove the rally, what's next for oil and inflation, and why we remain focused on the long haul. 👇

Stocks recovered the Q1 decline and then some — small caps up 21%, oil back to $70, and new highs for the S&P 500. The Walkner Condon team on why the valuation reset thesis played out.

06/30/2026

TruStage Pension Plan: what to know 💼

Your pension is the GREATER of two formulas — a cash balance account or a "legacy benefit" (if hired before 2002). The plan picks whichever is higher for you.

The "Magic 85": age + years of service = 85+, plus you're 55 or older, can mean a much bigger early retirement benefit (up to 80% vs. 55%).

The plan froze in 2019 — no new participants, and most accruals stopped. Rehires don't earn new benefits, but service still counts toward vesting and Magic 85 eligibility.

Turning 55 the year you leave? You may avoid the usual 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Lump sum or annuity at retirement? Each has real tradeoffs around flexibility, taxes, and lifetime income.

More details here 👇
https://walknercondon.com/blog/five-things-trustage-pension-plan/

(Always confirm specifics with your benefits office or plan documents.)

Andrew Klein of Walkner Condon demystifies the TruStage Pension Plan. Learn how the Magic 85 rule, the 2019 freeze, and payout options impact your retirement strategy.

05/21/2026

Part 2 of Why Retirement Is Harder Than You Think is here! 🎙️

Clint and Nate are back with another episode of Gimme Some Truth, going even deeper into what retirement actually looks like when you're living it.

Part 2 gets into:

🔹 What happens when spouses have totally different visions of retirement — and haven't talked about it

🔹 Why "I'll just consult" is harder than it sounds once taxes, Medicare, and Social Security are involved

🔹 How gifting money to your kids can create expectations you never intended

🔹 Why transferring your house to your children is usually a tax mistake

🔹 The wellness spending nobody budgets for — trainers, supplements, red light therapy — it adds up fast

The biggest takeaway? The most valuable retirement tool isn't an investment — it's open communication with your spouse, your kids, and your advisor.

Give it a listen and let us know what hit home. 👇
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Why Retirement Is Harder Than You Think, Part 2: Hidden Costs, Tax Traps & Tough Conversations

05/18/2026

We're officially in! 🎉

After a busy week of moving, our team is all settled into our new home office and we couldn't be more excited. Starting today, our doors are open and we look forward to welcoming clients to the new space.

This move represents an incredible milestone for our team — owning our own building and having a space that reflects the growth and commitment we bring to every client relationship.

If you're in the Verona area, stop by and say hello. We'd love to show you around.

📍 110 Enterprise Drive, Ste 103, Verona, WI 53593

See you there!

05/14/2026

It's Moving Day into Walkner Condon Financial Advisors new Verona Home Office! Open for in person meetings starting May 18th!