Michelle's story

Every day I ask clients to tell me their stories...

We dive into where they come from, how they view money and why they are living the way they are.  I do this because I know that to really understand and help someone, you have to know their story.

This is my story.  This is the lens through which I view money and why I am so passionate about helping people with their personal finances.

Growing up, my mother owned her own alterations/seamstress business.  I saw her work late into the evenings and weekends to make ends meet.  Beginning at the age of twelve, I went to work with her on Saturdays, helping customers and doing her bookkeeping.  Some of my fondest memories with my mom come from working side by side. My mom taught me to dream big, knowing that so much is possible with hard work and determination. 

We didn't have many "extras" growing up, but we did always have what we needed.  My view of money was simplistic; if you wanted something, you worked for it. Even when I went to college, with a full course load, I found waitressing jobs and even delivered newspapers for a while to cover expenses.

About 13 years ago, I moved to Mankato for my husband's job.  I started working with Dan Sherwin and very quickly learned that working in the financial industry was clearly my passion.  Dan would bring me in during client meetings, and I recall how profoundly I felt a connection to our clients.  I could relate to them and see their situation from their point of view because I've lived many of their situations myself.  I felt their struggles.  It felt familiar.  After gaining my licenses, I purchased Dan Sherwin's business upon his retirement.

Since then, I've been meeting with our clients and learning their stories.  My view of money has expanded over the years.  I started to see trends in people's stories.  I started to see the complexities that are in everyone's financial situations.  Whether someone had $10,000 or $10 million to manage, their basic stories feel the same.  The struggles to free ourselves from debt, to communicate well with our partners and families about our finances, and to feel secure about our money - are common.  It is in sharing these stories, that I've come to the realization that my career is more than just solving technical financial problems.  My career is focused on helping people take control of their lives and achieve their goals and dreams, while living a fuller life in total alignment with their values.

So that's me, Michelle Amundson.  I would love the opportunity to help you with your finances and to see what is possible in your situation.