Meet Sam

Born and raised in Minnesota, I’ve built my career around serving the local community. After over a decade in public service, I’m excited to continue that mission by helping Minnesotans take control of their finances.

About Minnesota Money Mentor

My interest in personal finance started early - back in high school - when I picked up a copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. That book flipped a switch. It was then that I realized building wealth wasn’t just about making more money - it was about making smarter choices with the money you’ve already made. Since then, I’ve had a lifelong curiosity about budgeting, investing, and financial independence.

That early spark eventually inspired the creation of this website, my content, and my products — all built around one core goal: making personal finance approachable. I want everything here to be digestible, relatable, reasonable, and most importantly, actionable. You won’t find me preaching about “money mindsets” or pitching ways to become rich overnight.

What you will find are practical tools and knowledge to help you make more informed financial decisions. I started Minnesota Money Mentor because I believe financial literacy is achievable for everyone. Spoiler alert: this stuff isn’t rocket science. If you’re willing to put in a little time and effort, you can build a rock-solid foundation of confidence and competence when it comes to managing your money.

About Me

I live in Minneapolis with my wife and daughter - and our dog Milo. I hold a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master’s degree in real estate, with a concentration in finance, from Georgetown University.

Why Minnesota?

There are plenty of budgeting and financial planning tools out there - but most are built for a national audience, using broad assumptions that don’t reflect the reality of living, working, and raising a family in Minnesota. I started Minnesota Money Mentor because I wanted to serve a very specific audience - my local community.

This isn’t just another personal finance website. It’s a resource created by a Minnesotan, for Minnesotans - because I believe our community deserves tools and guidance that are grounded in the place we call home.

My passion for personal finance runs deep - but so does my connection to the north star state. I live here, own a home here, pay taxes here, and I'm raising my family here. And I know that smart financial planning looks a little different in Minnesota. That’s why the money management products I offer are tailored specifically to our state.

All Minnesota Money Mentor products are built with you in mind. The income tax calculator (included in every version of the Money Manager) accounts for not only federal income tax and FICA - but also uses the latest Minnesota tax brackets to deliver more accurate take-home pay estimates. Gone are the days of guessing whether you’ll owe or get a refund come tax season. And the real estate module incorporates real Minnesota housing data, so your homeownership projections are based on what’s actually happening in our market - not some national average that doesn't apply.

At the heart of this project is a simple goal: to help fellow Minnesotans feel more confident and in control of their finances. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your money management skills, I’m here to offer tools that are not only easy to use—but truly relevant to your life in the land of 10,000 lakes.

Let’s Connect!

Questions about a product? Just want to talk personal finance?

I’d love to hear from you!

Fill out the form or drop me an email at sam@minnesotamoneymentor.com

Disclaimer

Minnesota Money Mentor provides educational content and tools designed to help individuals improve their financial literacy. The information on this website—including blog posts, digital downloads, and any related resources—is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice.

I am not a licensed financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial product or security, nor should it be considered a substitute for professional advice tailored to your individual situation.

By using this website, you agree that any actions you take based on the information provided are at your own risk, and you should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any significant financial decisions.