Mike Montag
Helping people live meaningful lives is the fundamental reason I am a financial planner. If I can provide clients with a roadmap to achieve their goals, they will be able to focus more on the things that matter most to them. Removing worries and fears contributes to less stress and more time to appreciate the true blessings in their lives. Forming deep relationships with my clients comes through active listening and authentic conversations that are always about more than just “numbers”. I take my role as Fiduciary as gospel – clients’ best interests always come before mine. I know that my family and I will do well when my clients’ interests come first.
I approach financial planning from a “big picture” perspective: I strive to see the whole picture – where they are, where they want to go, and the obstacles in between. It also allows us the flexibility to pivot when life happens. I value education, my hope is the families I work with learn something in every one of our conversations and meetings.
My parents were very young when I was born. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot, but we had everything we needed. The values they taught me: hard work, showing up and doing the best you can, and honesty were taught to us with not just their words but by their actions and deeds. These are the rules I live and work by and is the basis for all we do at Montag Wealth Management.
Paula and I have been married for twenty-six years. We’re still on our honeymoon. Our marriage and our business prove that the sum is greater than the whole of its parts. We have four children – Samantha (Eric Schuneman), 23, Abbie, 21, Tony, 19, Andy, 18, and a puppy, Lola, 1.
Outside of work, I like to be outdoors – golfing, fishing, or hunting. When it’s winter in the Midwest, I like to watch NFL football, March Madness, or read good science fiction. We love gatherings with friends and family for dinners and watching movies.
I am both a CFP and a CPA and have FINRA Series 7, 63 & 65, plus Life & Health Insurance licenses.
Paula Montag
I was born and raised on a small family farm in Northwest Illinois. Our family worked tirelessly every day. We didn’t have many material possessions, but we had plenty of good food and a strong sense of love and family dependability. This strong work ethic and responsibility is the foundation for both my professional and personal life today. I want the people I work with to know that they can depend on me to do the right thing, the right way, every day. My deepest satisfaction is knowing that my work makes a difference in my clients’ lives.
This sense of duty and work ethic led me to a career in accounting: I am the first in my family to graduate from college and I am a CPA. Putting things in order, searching for the details, and tying up loose ends is extremely important. Financial Planning encompasses not only a solid knowledge and attention to financial details but finding the “right” solutions means listening to each client’s goals and dreams.
Mike and I have been married for twenty-six years; he is my soulmate. We have been blessed with four children – Samantha (Eric Schuneman) (23), Abbie (21), Tony (19) and Andy (18). When I am not working, I like to quilt, cross stitch, read and work on jigsaw puzzles. I also enjoy going for walks with Mike and our puppy Lola.