Tara has been in the financial industry since 2006, receiving the joy of helping people pursue their goals as they transition into topics that they may not fully understand. She believes that retirement planning is a process and a partnership built on trust and integrity. Her approach is to gain clarity about a client’s current situation—identifying core values, defining future goals, and developing a strategy that aids them in pursuing their financial goals. She will help to take the complexity out of retirement planning by educating you on strategies that fit with your goals and objectives. By offering education and guidance, she’s able to help her clients plan for their financial futures. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a meaningful retirement, you deserve personalized financial guidance driven by what’s important to you. Tara knows the importance of giving back to area organizations that strengthen her local community. Tara lives on a hog farm in the Brainerd area with her husband Tony and four children.

Lars Engman is excited to join LGH Wealth Management after 30 years in Corporate America, marking the culmination of a journey that began years ago. Inspired by his parents, who taught him the Rule of 72 and the importance of saving for the future, Lars's interest in financial planning took root early. This passion further developed during his MBA at GE, shortly after the birth of his two wonderful sons, but only now has it fully blossomed.

Watching his sons grow and enter the financial advisory business has been incredibly inspiring. Their dedication and passion for helping others achieve financial security motivated Lars to follow this path. The invaluable financial advice he received from LGH Wealth and his oldest son, Garrett, guided him to a place where he could retire comfortably.

Now, Lars is eager to share his experience to help others enjoy an early retirement and pursue their dreams. By passing on the knowledge and insights he's gained over the years, Lars aims to help his clients achieve their financial goals and live their dreams. He believes that financial freedom isn't just a destination—it's a journey, and he is here, along with the LGH Wealth Management team, to guide you every step of the way.

Graham Merk is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Financial Advisor with over 40 years of experience. He is the founder and principal advisor at IA Financial Advisors. He believes in creating long-lasting relationships with his clients so that he can understand their needs, wants and wishes on a holistic level. Beyond his work with his clients, he has given numerous educational seminars on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning to both individual and corporate audiences. He has served in numerous capacities at his former church, on town committees, and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce. When he is not helping his clients plan for their retirement, you can find him at his four granddaughters’ dance recitals. He has a passion for his family and has moved his business multiple times to be closer to them. No matter how many moves he makes to be closer to his family, he always maintains his client relationships. This is proven by the fact that he still retains many of his clients from when he first started out, nearly 40 years ago.

Chris Phillips is a seasoned financial advisor with a wealth of experience in the financial services industry. Currently holding the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, Chris has spent over two decades navigating the complexities of the financial world.   Born and raised in Birmingham, AL, Chris has become a respected figure in the local financial community. His journey in finance began over 20 years ago, and throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of investment strategies and portfolio management. His most recent role as a Portfolio Manager at Concourse Financial Group Securities showcased his expertise and commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals.   Beyond the world of finance, Chris finds immense joy in his role as a father. Spending quality time with his son, Ryan, is a top priority for Chris. He takes pride in cheering for Ryan on the soccer field, reveling in the accomplishments and growth of his young athlete.   To balance the demands of his profession and cherish family moments, Chris and his loved ones often retreat to the peaceful setting of the lake. Whether it's boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the serenity of the water, these moments provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.   In addition to his professional and family pursuits, Chris is an active member of Prince of Peace Church. His involvement in the church community reflects his commitment to spiritual growth and community engagement, rounding out the multifaceted nature of his life in Birmingham, AL.   Chris Phillips stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of professional success, personal fulfillment, and a strong connection to his faith and community.

Keith J Willey is a financial adviser working with Garrett Engman and LGH Wealth Management.  He holds a FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as his life and health insurance licenses.  His vision is to empower his clients to achieve their life’s important goals by helping them develop and obtain financial goals and create their financial legacy.  His philosophy focuses on the importance of education in the process.

Keith grew up in Sharon Springs, in upstate New York.  There he graduated from Sharon Springs High School with honors and served as the captain of the soccer team his senior year.  Throughout high school and before moving to the Twin Cities in 2014, he was an avid beekeeper.

When not working, Keith enjoys playing soccer, basketball, golf, spending time with friends and bowling in a men’s league. While he enjoys the warmer seasons here in Minnesota more than what the winter has to bring, Keith does look forward to getting out for a little snowboarding from time to time as well.

Garrett G. Engman is an independent financial adviser working with LGH Wealth Management. He holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses and is licensed for life and health insurance in 13 states. Garrett grew up in Woodbury, MN where in high school he met his future wife.

Garrett’s interest in financial services began early in his life. At age 10, he started his own lawncare business, and became interested in investing the proceeds. As time passed, Garrett’s knowledge about investments became deeper and more sophisticated. By his mid-teens, Garrett was working with alternative investments and his interest in helping others to navigate the financial landscape continued to grow. He was still in high school when he chose being a financial adviser as his future profession.

Garrett and his wife Allison live in Woodbury, MN with their children Soren and Ivar. They also provide care to Garrett’s mother, who is afflicted with MS, and have two dogs, Mia & Jade. The family enjoys the outdoors, watching sports, and training in martial arts, which Garrett approaches with the same level of discipline and commitment that he does in caring for his clients.

Gary is a financial professional with 46 years of experience. His career began unexpectedly during a tough time in the construction business, but it quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Gary’s expertise spans senior financial planning and long-term care, with certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor and Certified Long-Term Care specialist, and he’s pursuing further designations in ChFC and CLU. A lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Gary thrives on helping others achieve financial success. Gary and his wife Melinda reside in the Adirondack foothills of New York, where they enjoy family time with their five children and seven grandchildren. They actively volunteer at their local animal shelter and love outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and skiing—one of Gary’s lifelong passions. He also enjoys classic convertibles and motorcycle touring, finding freedom on the open road.

We specialize in providing strategies and guidance for those who are seeking a better lifestyle in retirement. Whether you have a retirement nest egg of five million dollars or $50,000, we can help you make sure it works as hard and as smart as you did in earning and saving it. Like many people, your retirement may last as long as 30 years and you simply cannot afford to make mistakes with your retirement money and run the risk of ruining your lifestyle during your leisure years. We have helped individuals and couples, at all economic levels, to achieve their financial and long-term goals and enjoy retirement by working hard and smart, and being ready for them when needed. We’re very hopeful for an opportunity to discuss your retirement strategy so you can learn firsthand how we can be of benefit. There is no cost or obligation when talking with us by phone or meeting to discuss your circumstances and your retirement goals. We look forward to working with you soon to help you lower your stress and worry over your retirement years.