Understanding Today’s Financial Environment
I’m Scott Ellingson, a financial professional in Lake Elmo, MN. We understand that individuals face unique challenges as they prepare for retirement. We can help take the mystery out of preparing for today and tomorrow. Whether your goal is saving for retirement, college savings, or estate strategy, our personalized service focuses your needs, wants, and financial goals and objectives.
Our professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come. We look forward to working with you through all stages of your life, please call (651) 439-7060 option 1 or toll free (800) 525-3230.
Helpful Content
Social Security: Maximizing Benefits
There are other ways to maximize Social Security benefits, in addition to waiting to claim them.
U.S. Personal Savings Rate
What can be learned from the savings rate?
Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?
Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Tax Deductions You Won't Believe
Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some that were, uh, too creative.
Is a Variable Annuity Right for Me?
Pundits go on and on about how “terrible” or “wonderful” annuities are, but they never talk about if annuities are right.
Glossary of Scam Terms
A helpful glossary of current scams.
A Brief History of Estate Taxes
Federal estate taxes have long since been a lucrative source of funding for the federal government.
Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List
This article provides a checklist of steps to take if you experience a data breach.
View all articles 
The Power of 401k Catch-Ups
See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.
Federal Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate your potential federal capital gains tax liability on the sale of an asset.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
Estimate how much home may fit within your budget based on income and expenses.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
Social Security Tax Estimator
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax.
View all calculators 
Once Upon a Goal
Do you know how to set up your financial goals for success? This knight does.
Working With A Financial Professional
A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.
The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth
Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?
To Buy or Not to Buy
The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Perception vs. Reality
There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.