Marisa Menzel, Financial Advisor

09/01/2026

What if you didn't have to wait until your 60s to give yourself permission to slow down?
For some moms, the dream isn't necessarily to stop working forever. It's having the freedom to take a step back when life calls for it. Maybe you want to take a few months off to be more present with your kids, you’re an entrepreneur who wants to step away from the business for a season, you want the flexibility to take a career break without putting your family's financial future at risk, or maybe you simply want to travel, recharge, or pursue something you've been putting off.

These are sometimes called "mini-retirements," and they're changing the way people think about the traditional idea of retirement. But before taking an extended career break, it's important to understand how it could impact your income, savings, and long-term retirement goals.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't take the break. It just means you want to plan for the freedom before you take it.

Let’s discuss if this is the right fit for your financial plan. Call me at 608-274-9110.

Mini retirements, or micro retirements, are extended breaks from work that give people time to travel, recharge, pursue goals, or focus on family before returning to their careers.

07/17/2026

One of my favorite conversations is showing families they don’t necessarily need to find more money.

Sometimes they simply need to redirect the money they already have.

Small adjustments today can create meaningful results over time.

Curious what that could look like for your family?
Let’s talk.

07/15/2026

Retirement planning isn’t really about retirement.
It’s about creating choices.

The choice to travel.
The choice to work because you want to.
The choice to help your children.
The choice to say yes to opportunities instead of worrying about money.

The earlier you start building those choices, the more options you’ll have.

Let’s chat about your future.

07/09/2026

Most people don’t need another article about investing.

They need someone who can answer:
“What should I do?”

Google can’t personalize your future.
A trusted advisor can help guide you.

If you’re ready for a conversation instead of another internet search, give me a call.

07/07/2026

When people think about financial planning, they often think about investments.

I think about peace of mind.

Knowing your family is protected. Knowing you’re saving enough. Knowing you’re making smart decisions.

Those feelings are hard to put a price on.

If you’ve been wondering whether you’re on the right track, let’s chat.

07/03/2026

You’re successful at work.

You manage projects. You solve problems. People rely on you.

Then you get home and suddenly you’re expected to be the financial planner, retirement expert, insurance specialist, tax strategist, and parent all at once.

That’s a lot.

You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

If you’ve been putting financial planning on the back burner because life is simply busy, call me. We can build a plan together.

07/01/2026

Wisconsin's strawberry season only lasts a few weeks, so we made sure not to miss it.

This weekend was extra special because it was my very first time strawberry picking. Our daughter quickly discovered that picking strawberries mostly means eating strawberries...as evidenced by her bright red mouth by the end of it!

Watching her experience something so simple reminded me how quickly these seasons of life pass. It's easy to get caught up planning for what's next, but these are the moments we'll remember.

I'm grateful we didn't let this short Wisconsin season slip by.

What's one summer tradition your family looks forward to every year?