Anchor Wealth Management values integrity, kindness, and doing right by people. These guiding principles have allowed us to help more than 1200 households pursue financial freedom. A journey starts by knowing your destination, so we start with the end in mind whenever we work with a new client at our financial advising firm. Then we introduce simple strategies and a little accountability to help you achieve your goals. Whether you are in need of investment planning, retirement planning, or help getting out of debt, we'll be here for you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to speak with one of our wealth management experts.
Background/Experience:
Adam began his career as a financial advisor over 18 years ago, calling on friends and family from his parent’s basement. Today Anchor Wealth Management works with more than 1200 families and businesses, and the fiduciaries collectively manage more than $400 million in assets. Adam is a SmartVestor Pro through the Dave Ramsey Organization.
Adam wants you to know:
Financial freedom is 80% client behavior.
Fun fact:
I had an Albatross or double Eagle on the 18th hole at Lake Carroll Golf Course
“I am a teacher at heart.”
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Adam Ludwig
CEO/WEALTH ADVISOR
Background/Experience:
Melissa has over 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Before Anchor, she spent seven years as a Director of Human Resources and an Investment Advisor, working with up to 190 financial planning clients. Melissa holds an MBA and Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional, is Series 7 and 65 licensed, and maintained five lines of insurance licenses 18+ years.
Melissa wants you to know:
If you focus your goals on proper planning and preparation for your future, the return of your investments is minimally significant. Also look to have a good solid financial plan in place.
Fun fact:
I come from a very large family. My grandparents had 9 children and from then till now we are currently at 106 family members and more on the way.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Melissa Wenger
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Background/Experience:
Chris has worked in the financial services industry for the past 20 years. His designation, Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor, has allowed him to work with high-net-worth families for the past 6 years.
Chris wants you to know:
My mind never stops. I’m always thinking of ways to improve my client’s financial health and help them reach their financial goals.
Fun fact:
I love to travel and experience new places. I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Greek Isles, Bora Bora, Hawaii, Europe, and numerous Caribbean islands!
"I am grateful for the opportunity to meet new people, to learn about their lives, to understand what they want out of life, and to help them get to where they want to be."
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Chris Perry, CFP®
WEALTH ADVISOR
Background/Experience:
Kirk has over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry. He began his career on the retail side of banking and for the past 7 years focused in on financial and estate planning, along with investment management.
Kirk wants you to know:
Work with an advisor you trust and who can tell you “No” if it is not in your best interest.
Fun fact:
My ideal day is on the river with his wife and a few friends.
"I am an advocate for my client’s best interest. Financial health is an important aspect of life and I want to be a partner in their successful journey!"
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Kirk A Pearson
Wealth Advisor
Background/Experience:
Rianna previously worked in music administration for two years at a college in Wisconsin and teaches piano, cello, and chamber music currently to about 15 students around her scheduled working hours as a financial advisor at Anchor.
Rianna wants you to know:
The best things in life aren’t things
Fun fact:
I grew up with six sisters and one brother. I have flown an airplane and have never been able to whistle.
“I am detailed-oriented, organized, and competitive. I surprise my friends by wanting to try new, exciting, or different things.”
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Rianna Caswell
WEALTH ADVISOR
Background/Experience:
I was a golf professional before starting at Anchor. I love being around people and teaching them valuable information. I’ve been investing with Anchor Wealth for 10 years now myself. I’ve read multiple books by Dave Ramsey and really believe in the whole process. I look forward to learning more while working with the great team already in place here.
Shane wants you to know:
Believe in yourself.
Fun fact:
I was the Golf Professional at Silver Ridge in Oregon, Il for 6 years. I am still a Class A PGA Professional and still like teaching players in my spare time, especially Junior golfers.
I love sports, but I am also kind of a nerd. I love reading educational books and watching documentaries.
"Questions control what you focus on. What question do you ask yourself most often?"
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Shane Stuart
WEALTH ADVISOR
Background/Experience:
Dan has over 15 years of experience in the financial planning and services industry and has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Dan wants you to know:
Savings is the fuel of any retirement plan. The ability to spend less than you make will have a greater impact than almost any other factor.
Fun fact:
I love being outside. On weekends you can find me weeding my garden or cooking on my grill and smoker.
“I am here to make a positive difference. My mission is to help others gain freedom and grow their wealth.”
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Dan Leonard, CFA®
LEAD PLANNING AND TRADING ASSOCIATE
Background/Experience:
Jessie came from an Auto and Home Insurance background, but has eagerly jumped into the financial planning industry!
Jessie wants you to know:
Her favorite Dave Ramsey quote: “Live like no one else today, so you can live like no one else tomorrow.”
Fun fact:
I am an artist. I love to draw and paint, but the phrase “starving artist” was coined for a reason, so I instead dove into two industries (insurance and finances) which appeal greatly to my love of logic and reason.
“I am constantly learning, growing, and challenging myself in order to live life to the fullest!”
Jessie Walker
PROJECT & INTEGRATION MANAGER
Background/Experience:
Over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Wendy wants you to know:
Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.
Fun fact:
I am easily entertained. I enjoy a good book or paper crafting. I also enjoy simple times spent with family and friends. A potluck, a game of cards or a board game, a bonfire, or a camping trip will always be perfect ways to spend my time.
“I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and an employee. I am busy. I am blessed.”
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Wendy Dietmeier
CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Background/Experience:
I have 17 years of sales management experience in the jewelry industry. I have also spent a short time in recruiting.
Cherry wants you to know:
Begin your financial journey with the end in mind.
Fun fact:
I love spending time with family and friends, musical theater, and taking care of my fur babies. Mexican, Asian, appetizers, and anything spicy are my favorite foods. I just love food.
"I love to laugh. When you love and laugh abundantly, you live a beautiful life."
Cherry Johnson
Client Relationship Concierge
Background/Experience:
Chris has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. Before joining the Anchor team, Chris worked as the Executive Director of a local non-profit organization.
Chris wants you to know:
A good financial plan is a road map that shows us exactly how the choices we make today will affect our future.
Fun fact:
I love to travel and everything Disney. My favorite trip was to Roatan where I visited a sloth rescue and got to play with sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds all day. I plan to take a cruise around the world someday.
"Virtually nothing on earth can stop a person with a positive attidude who has a clear goal in sight."
Chris Deschepper
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING MANAGER
Background/Experience:
Angie’s whole career has been serving people. With many years of experience in both teaching and healthcare administration, helping people of all ages is her passion.
Education:
Elementary Education
If you could only tell potential clients one thing, what would it be?
Content people may not have the best of everything, but they make the best of everything.
Fun fact:
I love making memories with family and friends! I love flea markets, music, water sports, and I’m always up for trying something new!
“Be the reason someone smiles today!”
Angie Whittenburg, FPQP®
PARAPLANNER
Background/Experience:
Katie served as a Registered Nurse for seven years before coming to work alongside her husband, Adam, as an office assistant at Anchor Wealth Management. This provides them with flexibility and a work/life balance for them and their three children.
Katie wants you to know:
I want what’s best for YOU and the legacy you will leave behind for your family.
Fun fact:
I am a children’s worship leader despite the fact that I can’t carry a tune. I just love to dance!
“I am a believer. I believe that unimaginable results come through our own shortcomings and weakness. In life this requires faith, in finances this requires support.”