About Us
Your Milestones
Our firm is focused on YOUR Milestones.
A milestone can be thought of as a turning point, a marker in the road to your destination. Many milestones are placed to give people a sign that it is time to change or turn directions. Are you, as an investor, at a turning point? Many large investment firms are losing touch with their clients, and you may not know where to go with questions.
We’re independent, and as such, provide independent advice. We work with you, face-to-face, to figure out what you want and how you can get there. The comprehensive platform we offer means there are options for investors of all types. You know where your money is, where it’s going, and why. We treat your money the way it deserves to be treated.
When you need to make a change, add funds, or just pick our brains about the market, we’re right here for you. When you need to develop a strategy that effectively uses those tools, we’re still here. With our expertise and a solid plan, we will strive to reach your financial milestones.
We’ve served over 300 households to help individuals and families meet their financial goals.
You set the milestone. We’ll help you reach it.
Our Firm
Is Focused
On Your
Milestones
What Makes Us Different?
As an independent firm, we pride ourselves on the ability to do what’s best for your needs. You come first – not shareholders, stock prices, or investment products.
As our client, you can expect personal relationships, answered phone calls and emails, and individualized financial advice. We believe in the importance of treating our clients with respect and care as we create a personalized plan that’s right for you.
Who Do We Serve?
Pre-Retirees
We understand the questions and fears that the transition to retirement can bring. We specialize in helping those who are approaching the retirement years make a smooth transition. We’ll sit down together to learn about your story, assets, investments, and hopes for your retirement years and make a thought-out plan to maximize your retirement success.
Small business owners
As a small business owner, you have a lot of responsibilities on your plate. From investment strategies to employee retirement plans and more, let us help you with the financial aspect of your business so you can focus on what you do best.
Families
As parents, our kids seem to always be on our minds. Whether it’s potty training, grades, or wedding planning that you’re thinking about these days, you have enough to consider when it comes to making sure your kids have the best future possible. Let us sit down with you and make sure both you and your kids will be prepared for the future financially, so you have one less thing to worry about!
Seniors
Do you have questions about retirement? We’re here to help. We’ve had the advantage of planning for retirement dozens of times, and we know the pitfalls and mistakes that can burden the retirement years. Whether you have questions about asset management, how much you need to save, or whether you should move after you retire, we’d love to talk with you to help make your retirement years bright.
Young professionals
It may seem far off, but the sooner you can start planning and saving for your retirement years, the better. If you’re not sure where to start or whether you’re really ready to begin investing for retirement, we can help. We’ll also answer your questions about protecting yourself in areas such as insurance, a will/trust, and more.
Our Team
Jaakko Kasko, CFP®, CRPC®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®
Jaakko enjoys providing financial planning services to small business owners and professionals who lack time and energy to plan their personal finances on top of running their business. When working with you, his focus is on helping you align your financial resources with the things you most value in life.
When Jaakko is not serving clients, he enjoys the great outdoors and spending time with his wife Susan, their dog Buddha, and cats Tommy and Sadie.
Tyler Buitenwerf
Staff Advisor
Tyler works as an advisor with about half our clients. He is dedicated to his pre-retirement clients, specializing in retirement funding and financial strategies that help retirees maintain their current lifestyle. Before entering the financial field, Tyler spent ten years as a teacher in Cedar Springs.
Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife, Anita, and their two children. As a long time bicyclist, Tyler maintains that many of his best ideas have come to him while riding his bike.
Bobbie Ehlers
Operations Director
Bobbie joined the team in 2001 and quickly became an indispensable asset in executing business processes. With a background in management, customer service, and business logistics, we are fortunate to have her leading our firm’s operations.
Bobbie is passionate about Australian Shepherds, and she and her husband, Dave, breed and raise these phenomenal dogs. They are empty nest parents and are avid St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues fans.
Natasha Thomas
Administrative Assistant
Natasha joined the team in late February 2020. She is the voice you’ll hear on the phone when you call the office. She also schedules advisor appointments, so as a client you will get to know her well. We love Tasha and when you talk with her you’ll understand why!
Tasha is the proud mother of two children, Lila and Wyatt. Ask Tasha about her dogs, Bailey (one of Bobbie’s Aussies) and Sally.
Contact Information
ST. JOSEPH
2610 Lakeshore Drive
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Tel. 269.985.0200
Fax. 269.985.0227
email: info@milestonewm.com
SARANAC
tel. 616.642.9595
fax. 616.613.6141
PORTAGE
1624 West Centre Avenue
Portage, MI 49024