We help you navigate to and through retirement with a clear plan for income and tax efficiency.

Common Questions We Answer

If you have financial questions like these — or any others — let’s visit.

What do I do with my 401(k) when I retire?

How much money can I spend per month in retirement?

How long will my money last?

How do I protect my money from stock market crashes?

What happens to my money when I pass away?

How can I save money on taxes in retirement?

How do I turn the sale of my company into a retirement income stream?

How We Help

Retire with MERIT

You’ve earned your retirement through years of hard work and wise choices — and it deserves a plan built with equal dedication and excellence. By helping you Retire with MERIT, we deliver a comprehensive strategy that can put you on a path toward enjoying the rewards of all you’ve achieved.

Who We Help

Are we a good fit for your financial needs?

Not every financial advisor is right for everyone, and that’s OK. We work best with individuals who share our values and are ready to take thoughtful steps toward a more secure future.

Coachable

You’re open to professional insights and willing to collaborate to build a tailored financial plan.

Financially Prepared

You’ve worked hard to save and are ready to invest significantly in your retirement strategy.

Focused on the long-term

You value stability over risk and are committed to making choices that support your financial goals for years to come.

Watch Your Retirement Take Shape

What if planning your ideal retirement felt less like guesswork and more like a guided journey? On the “Talk Money with Ken” YouTube channel, we tackle your big questions — how to make your money last, outsmart taxes, weather market storms and much more — with strategies that are as practical as they are powerful.

Check Out Our Latest Video

Tammy Hossfeld

Client Relationship Manager

Tammy is a Client Relationship Manager with Investor FAN and joined the company in 2023. She graduated from Washington State University in 1996 with a degree in Business Administration with Accounting and Finance concentrations. She worked in the accounting and finance industry for 25 years as a Certified Public Accountant and spanned several industries including public accounting, telecommunications, high tech, and financial professional services. Tammy passed the Series 65 securities exam in 2021.

Rod Ehrlich

CCO

Rod is the principal of Investor FAN and RIA Systems, which he runs on a daily basis. ​Prior to starting Investor FAN in 2011, he was the Vice President of Advisory Services at Pacific West Financial Consultants, Inc. from 2003 to 2012 where he served as Chief Compliance Officer and then VP of Advisory Services overseeing more than 200 Representatives and approximately $1.3 billion under management. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1991. Prior to working at Pacific West, he was at Merrill Lynch as a retail broker from 2000 to 2003.

Tyler Ellegard, CFA®

Senior Portfolio Manager, Gradient Investments, LLC

Tyler is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Gradient Investments, where he focuses on portfolio management, asset allocation, and investment research across multiple asset classes. He provides market insight and portfolio strategy to support client investment decisions. Tyler is a CFA® charterholder and has been featured in media outlets including Schwab Network, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal.

Keith Gangl, CFA®

Senior Portfolio Manager, Gradient Investments, LLC

Keith joined Gradient Investments in 2018 and has more than 30 years of industry experience. Prior roles include senior portfolio manager for a large institutional asset management firm, managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Keith is a CFA® charter holder, and has been featured in media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, Investor’s Business Daily, Nasdaq and Reuters.  

michael binger, CFA®

President, Gradient Investments, LLC

As President, Michael is the leader of Gradient Investments and has been with the firm since 2012. He brings more than 35 years of industry experience, including prior roles managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios for an institutional asset manager. Michael is a CFA® charter holder and is a frequent contributor on CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and the Wall Street Journal.

Emma Laskey

Client Experience Specialist

Originally from England, Emma brings a background in social work, where she developed a strong foundation in empathy, discretion, and thoughtful communication. Her people-first approach now guides the care and attention she brings to each client relationship.

At Retirement Risk Managers, Emma is dedicated to delivering a seamless and highly personalized experience for every client whether in person, over the phone or through video call. Everything from the customized scent of our office to the curated drink selection, Emma ensures the experience of our brand is everything it’s meant to be.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys attending live music and traveling. She especially looks forward to exploring more of the United States now that she calls it home, as well as spending time with her cats and husband.