What's Included in This Newsletter:

One of my proudest accomplishments at Affiance Financial has been helping to build a firm that can endure for generations. The desire to be here for you, our clients, long after the career of any one individual, has been at the core of our business decisions for over a decade.  

Many financial planning businesses are not prepared to last beyond the career of their founder. The reasons are varied but familiar: a lack of transition planning, difficulty sticking to a long-term plan, or the inability to establish career paths that attract, grow, and retain the next generation. 

Affiance Financial is not one of those firms. One reason has been Steve Lear’s long-standing commitment to Affiance’s future. Steve has transitioned from being the majority owner of the firm to no longer being a shareholder, an intentional and meaningful step intended to position Affiance Financial to serve our clients for generations to come.

Planning Takes Years, Not Months. This transition has been over a decade in the making, formalizing business operations, developing and retaining key talent, and building what we believe are best-in-class departments.

Building a lasting firm hasn’t happened by chance. It has taken clear priorities, careful preparation, and the discipline to stay the course. Just as important, we have built and retained a strong team who share those priorities and are eager to work together toward a unified vision. 

Strength in Employee Ownership. Affiance Financial remains independently owned and operated. Today, there are 10 partners in the firm, each bringing a unique perspective, as well as significant experience and skills.

I’m especially pleased to share that as of January 1, 2026, Michael Fishman and Chris Johnson have joined the partnership. Their addition reflects the depth of talent within our organization and further strengthens our ability to serve clients for years to come.

A Clear Vision for the Future. Looking ahead, we remain committed to continually elevating how we deliver financial planning services, and to helping you pursue your goals. 

And I know I speak for all of the partners when I say how honored we are to continue building a firm designed to serve you, our clients. 

Thank you for placing your trust in us. 

Upcoming Events

Volunteer with us at the Food Group

Join us on Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Food Group in New Hope, MN.

Space is limited to the first 40 registrants.

Click here to register!

Team Updates

Welcome to the team

Introducing the newest members of the Affiance Team! We're excited to have you join us!

Autumn VanDenTop: Financial Paraplanner

Taryn Schricker: Data Analyst Intern

Client Updates

Office renovation update

Our office renovation is officially underway. During this time, our team will be working remotely. All services remain fully available, and you can continue to reach us by phone, email, or text.

The renovation is expected to take a few months. We will continue to share updates as we get closer to reopening our newly refreshed office space.

Below is a sneak peek as we get things started.

Share a copy of your tax return with us.

Sharing a copy of your tax return with our team helps us better support your financial plan. While we do not prepare tax returns, reviewing them gives us valuable insight into your overall financial picture.

This allows us to identify potential tax saving opportunities, spot items worth discussing with your CPA, and prepare more thoughtfully for our conversations. 

About one week prior to your scheduled meeting, you will receive an email from our Lead Paraplanner, Lucas Warner, with a link to a secure form for uploading your tax return.

Generosity that gives back: Qualified Charitable Distributions

Our clients continue to lead with generosity. Through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), they donated more than $2 million to the causes they care about most.

QCDs allow eligible individuals to give directly from an IRA to a qualified charity, satisfy required minimum distributions, and reduce taxable income at the same time.

It is a powerful way to give back while potentially lowering your tax bill.

In Case You Missed It:

Financial Fundamentals – Estate Planning Essentials

During an initial conversation with a prospective client, a financial planner will almost always inquire about their estate planning needs.

Read more...

2026 Market Forecast Recording

Presented by Marc Usem and Marcia Zappa

In our 2026 Market Forecast Presentation, we reflected on key events from 2025, discussed the state of the economy, and shared our expectations for markets in 2026.

Watch recording...

Winter 2026 Market Commentary

By Marc Usem and the Affiance Financial Investment Committee

The S&P 500 experienced significant volatility in 2025, with a 4% decline in the first quarter, followed by strong sequential gains in the remaining quarters to finish the year nearly 18% higher.

Read more...

Thanks for reading!

Your Affiance Financial Team

(952) 544-9818

affiancefinancial.com

Affiance Financial is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and only conducts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded from registration requirements. Registration is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability.

All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Please remember to contact Affiance Financial right away if there are any changes in your personal or financial situation or your investment objectives.

The content referenced in this newsletter, directly or indirectly, is no guarantee that any advice presented will be profitable, suitable for your individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this newsletter serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Affiance Financial. Affiance Financial does not serve as an accountant and does not prepare tax returns.

This email is being provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific tax advice. For specific tax advice, the services of an accountant should be sought. Affiance Financial and Private Client Services do not serve as an accountant and do not prepare tax returns. All information is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

Advisory services offered through Affiance Financial, a Registered Investment Adviser. Securities and advisory services offered by Registered Representatives and Investment Advisor Representatives through Private Client Services. Member FINRA, SIPC. Affiance Financial and Private Client Services are unaffiliated entities.