Safeguard Wealth Management
Safeguard Wealth Management Joins Forces with Merit Financial Advisors Effective April 25, 2025.
We are excited to announce the next phase of our firm, the merger of Safeguard Wealth Management and Merit Financial Advisors. Our same team and resources are here for you, but now include expanded support and services. We are dedicated to providing you with the same thoughtful guidance, long-term vision, and personalized service you already experience. We appreciate your continued trust in us, remain grateful for your partnership, and look forward to serving you for years to come! Connect with our Safeguard team here or call us at (920) 544-0576.
Interested in working with us? Please complete the form.
About Safeguard Wealth Management
At the heart of our firm is a commitment to education, ethics, and expertise in retirement planning. We believe that while information is everywhere, true financial clarity comes from understanding—and that's why we lead with education through our growing library of resources and community-based classes. We go beyond industry norms by proudly upholding fiduciary standards, ensuring that every piece of advice we give is in your best interest—no exceptions. Specializing solely in retirement planning, our team is purpose-built to help you navigate the complex landscape of Social Security, Medicare, taxes, pensions, and savings. Because in retirement, success isn’t just about the pieces—it’s about how well they work together.
About Merit
Merit is your trusted financial partner, providing the support you need to navigate life’s challenges, transitions, and victories.
We are committed to providing holistic financial planning and wealth management solutions, prioritizing deep relationships, and implementing solutions that help you achieve your financial goals.
We seek to enrich your life by striving together toward financial freedom, wellness and confidence in decision making.
Our Team
Eric Sajdak
Director of Content, Partner
Meet Eric >
Eric Sajdak
ChFC
Director of Content | Partner
Eric Sajdak is the Director of Content at Merit. He has been creating and distributing educational financial videos through YouTube and now brings that passion to Merit. He specializes in retirement income planning for individuals in and near retirement. He is the author of two books, The College Funding Blueprint (2016) and Bull Goggles (2017).
Eric has been featured on several publications like CNBC, Investopedia, and the Simple Dollar. Eric loves spending time in the outdoors doing anything active. He currently lives in Rhinelander, WI with his wife Abigail and their three dogs.
Christian Kalnins
Wealth Manager
Meet Chris >
Chris Kalnins
CFP
Wealth Manager
With over ten years of experience in the wealth management industry, Chris is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals by translating complex financial information into a clear, actionable plan.
Holding both Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA licenses, as well as the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation, Chris combines industry expertise with a deep commitment to ongoing education and professional development. At the core of Chris's approach is a focus on building long-term relationships, fostering trust, and providing clarity and peace of mind as clients work toward securing the retirement they deserve.
Chris currently resides in Central Florida with his fiancé Nicole, and three pets (Kona, Barley, and Annie). He enjoys living an active lifestyle and traveling the world. His travels are highlighted by a nine-month road trip attending every NASCAR Cup Series race in 2022 as well as participating in the 2011 Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín in Pamplona Spain with his grandfather.
Tony Hellenbrand
Regional Vice President, Partner
Meet Tony >
Tony Hellenbrand
CFP
Regional Vice President | Partner
Tony has been managing wealth for individuals and institutions since 2007. Tony appeared on CNBC's Squawk on the Street in the financial crisis in the fall of 2008, and has authored 3 books about investing: Conversations that Count (2015), Bull Goggles (2017), and The New 60/40 (2020).
Tony, his wife Kristin, and his three daughters live in Phoenix, Arizona. They are both avid fans of the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. When not helping clients, he enjoys weightlifting and hiking with his family.
Abbey Krueger
Senior Client Service Manager
Meet Abbey >
Abbey Krueger
Senior Client Service Manager
Abbey focuses on enhancing client experience and supporting business operations. Before joining Merit, she spent 20 years in the dental industry, starting as a dental assistant in a single-office practice. Through dedication and strategic leadership, she played a key role in expanding the company into multiple locations across Wisconsin, ultimately serving as Chief Operating Officer.
Outside of work, Abbey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Whether cheering on her kids at sporting events or unwinding up north on the weekends, she loves making family memories.
Casey Mahoney
Regional Vice President
Meet Casey >
Casey Mahoney
CFP
Regional Vice President
Casey Mahoney is passionate about educating and empowering clients, helping them navigate their financial journeys with confidence. As a CFP® professional, she specializes in crafting personalized retirement strategies that position her clients for long-term success. Her favorite part of the job is seeing clients gain clarity and peace of mind through their partnership with Merit.
Before joining Merit, Casey worked at a leading investment firm, where she was deeply involved in all aspects of wealth management for high-net-worth individuals. Committed to lifelong learning, she continuously sharpens her expertise to better serve her clients.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Casey enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and their beloved dogs. Outside of work, she can often be found in her garden or tackling renovations on her fixer-upper home—her most challenging (and least enjoyable) project to date has been removing popcorn ceilings from every room.
Lindsey Weins
Senior Client Service Manager
Meet Lindsey >
Lindsey Weins
Senior Client Service Manager
Lindsey Weins is a dedicated professional with a passion for operations and customer service. Prior to her role at Merit, Lindsey has worn many hats but her proudest achievement is she dedicated 10 months of service to Americorps NCCC, where she honed her skills in teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. This experience instilled in her a strong sense of purpose and a drive to make a positive impact in her community.
Outside of work, Lindsey leads an active lifestyle, finding joy in activities like lifting weights, hiking, and playing tennis. She also has a deep appreciation for good food and enjoys exploring new culinary experiences. In her downtime, she cherishes moments spent with her boyfriend Nick and her beloved cat Margo.
Andy Schroeder
Wealth Manager
Meet Andy >
Andy Schroeder
CFA
Wealth Manager
Andy Schroeder specializes in investment due diligence, retirement income planning, tax planning, and tailoring plans to unique client circumstances.
Prior to joining Merit he spent 5 years at a large regional bank and trust where he was a Portfolio Manager. Andy managed custom investment plans and portfolios for individuals, trusts, foundations, and retirement plans.
Andy is a member of the CFA Society of Milwaukee and is involved in his local church. He enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, and spending time with family. He currently lives in Freedom, WI with his wife Molly and son, James.
Connie Zirbel
Branch Operations Manager
Meet Connie >
Connie Zirbel
Branch Operations Manager
Connie will likely be your first contact when reaching out to the team. She can answer any questions you may have about our process and help you schedule an appointment. She has a background running multiple offices in the healthcare industry and brings this experience to Merit.
Connie and her husband Ken reside in Minocqua, WI along with their dog Ivy. They have four adult children and one grandson. In her free time Connie loves to spend time with family and friends, and take advantage of all the activities that lake life in Northern WI has to offer.
Mitch Parker
Wealth Manager
Meet Mitch >
Mitch Parker
Wealth Manager
Mitch Parker specializes in retirement income planning and analyzing clients current and future financial circumstances.
Prior to joining Merit, Mitch spent 4 years working for Morgan Stanley as a Registered Associate. He supported financial advisors in creating and managing customized wealth building and investment strategies for clients.
Mitch lives in Tiffin, Ohio with his wife Sadie and three kids, Josie, Jameson and Aila. In his downtime Mitch loves to exercise, fish and spend time with friends and family.
Resources
We’re here to guide you in enhancing and preservation your wealth. Through innovation, we leverage the right tools, resources, and solutions to best serve you. With a wide range of resources focused on financial education and tips, powered by leading-edge technology and cybersecurity, and a robust website with calculators and market updates, we can help you gain further insight into your financial plan.
