Episodes
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What Am I Stewarding Today?
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes is joined by financial advisor Claire Molden to explore the first question at the heart of the StewardsPlan™: "What am I stewarding today?" Claire discusses the importance of understanding your current financial resources as the...
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Growing in Expertise, Deepening Client Impact
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes sits down with financial advisor Claire Molden to explore her journey into financial planning the passion that drives her work. Claire shares how earning her Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification has deepened her...
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Wisdom for the Journey
In an industry that is constantly evolving, continued learning and professional education are essential to serving clients well. In this episode, host Ben Taatjes and financial planner Jim Smith discuss the importance of staying current, continuing to learn, and pursuing professional growth...
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When Purpose Brings People Together
In this weeks episode, financial planner and enrolled agent Jim Smith joins host Ben Taatjes to share the story of how Smith Financial Services and Taatjes Financial Group came together. They reflect on the shared values of faith, family, and stewardship that have shaped their work and discuss…
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The Decisions Behind Medicare
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes and financial advisor Johann Smith wrap up our Medicare conversation with a unique perspective drawn from three areas of his experience: financial planning, tax preparation as an enrolled agent, and Medicare Insurance. Johann…
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Before You Sign Up for Medicare
Strategy is key when it comes to Medicare. In this episode, host Ben Taatjes and President & Chief Grother Officer Mike Kobs briefly explore the Medicare enrollment process and some of the surprises people may encounter after signing up. They discuss the importance of understanding your options…
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When Medicare Costs More (IRMAA)
This week, host Ben Taatjes and Certified Financial Planner Claire Molden continue the conversation on Medicare, this time from a tax and planning perspective. Claire explains what the Income-Related Monthly Adjusted Amount (IRMAA) is, how it is determined by your income, and how your modified...
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Navigating Medicare & Social Security
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes and President & Chief Growth Office Mike Kobs begin our month-long series surrounding Medicare and Social Security. They explain the importance of having a professional who will help you navigate your specific situation and if and...
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The Next Steward - From Teaching to Entrusting
What does it look like to entrust your children? In this week's episode, host Ben Taatjes explains moving from being a manager of what your children steward, to becoming an advisor. He shares what his and his wife's goals are for their children's stewardship of money, education, abilities,...
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The Next Steward - Learning through Experience
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes is joined by Claire Molden, Financial Advisor, to explore how we can raise the next generation of stewards by helping our children learn from their money mistakes. Drawing from her personal experience raising her boys, Claire…
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The Next Steward - Earning vs. Receiving
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes is joined by Kendra Peterson, Financial Advisor, to kick off the Raising the Next Steward series. Kendra shares her personal experiences raising her young daughters and discusses practical ways she incorporates financial education...
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Passing Down Wealth and Wisdom
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes is joined by Claire Molden, Financial Advisor, to explore the differences between Trump Accounts, 529 plans, and Roth IRAs for children. Together, they discuss the unique benefits of each option and how families can make informed...
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Building Wealth for the Next Generation
What does it look like to give the next generation a strong financial start? In this week's episode, Certified Financial Planner Claire Molden joins Ben Taatjes to talk about a new opportunity for families to begin building wealth for the next generation. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or...
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A Head Start on Stewardship
In this week's episode, Certified Financial Planner Claire Molden joins host Ben Taatjes to discuss a new opportunity for families to begin building wealth for the next generation. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or simply planning for your family's future, this episode highlights practical...
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Preparing for Threats to Your Business
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes is joined by Mike Koobs, President and Chief Growth Officer, to explore business owner stewardship and the potential threats entrepreneurs should be prepared to navigate. Ben highlights that for many business owners, their business...
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Protecting What You've Built
In this week's episode, host Ben Taatjes and financial advisor Jonathan Schoffner discuss why protecting your assets is an essential first step in any financial plan. They cover the importance of regularly reviewing health, homeowners, and auto insurance, highlighting common coverage gaps that…
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Safeguarding What We Steward
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes sits down with Kendra Peterson, Financial Advisor, to continue the conversation about creating a Stewards Plan. Together, they explore why stewardship goes beyond investments, highlighting the importance of income and maintaining a...
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The Heart Behind Our Rebrand
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes reflects on the first year since rebranding Taatjes Financial Group to Stewards Planning Group. He shares the vision behind the name change, the firm's renewed emphasis on financial planning rooted in stewardship, and the three…
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Why Your Wealth Needs a Why
Following up on last week's conversation on the radio show, host Ben Taatjes and financial advisor Kendra Peterson explore the deeper questions behind financial planning and stewardship. They discuss why understanding your relationship with money, your upbringing, and your financial goals can…
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Every Dollar Needs a Purpose
This week, host Ben Taatjes and financial advisor Kendra Peterson discuss why every asset you own should have a clear purpose. Building on last week's conversation about the flexibility of 529 plans, they explore the three-step Stewards Plan process: understanding what you're stewarding,...
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529 Plans: Investing in Your Child's Future
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes is joined by Kendra Peterson, Financial Advisor, to explore 529 plans and the important changes they have undergone over the past year. Kendra explains how families can use these accounts to help prepare their children for future...
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Financial Infidelity
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes and financial advisor Jonathan Schoffner discuss "financial infidelity"—the act of being dishonest or non-transparent about money with a spouse. They explore how small habits, like misreporting purchase prices or hiding accounts…
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Stewardship Starts with Awareness
In this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes is joined by Jonathan Shofner, Financial Advisor, to discuss the importance of being intentional with our time, resources, and financial decisions. Jonathan shares a surprising insight from his experience working with couples: many...
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Financial Evolution & Exercise
Ben Taatjes and Jonathan Shofner explore tax review as a forward‑looking exercise rather than merely a compliance task — even revisiting Ben's 2002 returns to trace how investments and strategies have evolved over time. Jonathan also brings exciting news: he is now a Chartered Retirement Planning...
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Wisdom Through Continued Learning
Ben Taatjes and Jonathan Shofner explore tax review as a forward‑looking exercise rather than merely a compliance task — even revisiting Ben's 2002 returns to trace how investments and strategies have evolved over time. Jonathan also brings exciting news: he is now a Chartered Retirement Planning...
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What Is The StewardsPlan™?
With tax season behind them, Ben Taatjes and Kendra Peterson of Steward's Planning Group discuss using the post‑filing lull to tackle meaningful financial projects—particularly estate and wealth‑transfer planning. They outline the StewardsPlan™'s three steps (catalog your assets, determine…
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Life After Tax Season
In this episode, Ben Taatjes and Jonathan Shofner discuss the April 15 tax filing deadline, that extensions apply to filing NOT payments, how the firm shifts from tax work to deeper planning afterward, and why life changes—like a child moving—require updates to estate documents and powers of...
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Familiarity vs. Intentionality
Founder Ben Taatjes and Stewards Planning Group Advisor, Jonathan Shofner, touch on the topic he pulled from a Pastor's sermon, Familiarity. Ben and Jonathan dive into how familiarity and comfort may be dangerous when it comes to financial planning. They believe that strategies that have worked…
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Charitable Giving and the New Tax Break You Should Know
If you've ever wondered whether your charitable giving actually impacts your taxes, this episode brings some timely clarity. Ben Taatjes and Jonathan Schaffner break down itemizing vs. the standard deduction and a new 2026 rule that allows charitable deductions without itemizing, along with what...
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Last-Minute Tax Moves You Don't Want to Miss
Tax season has a way of sneaking up, but there's still time to make a few smart financial moves before the deadline. In this episode, Ben Taatjes and Jonathan Shofner share three simple but impactful strategies to consider before filing to help you make the most of your money and head into the…
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Required Minimum Distributions: When and How to Take Them
In this episode, Ben Taatjes and Jonathon Shofner walk through one of the most common questions retirees face: when and how to take required minimum distributions. They share practical guidance on whether to take your RMD all at once or spread it out, how these decisions can affect your taxes…
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Market Volatility and Staying Grounded in Your Plan
This week, Ben Taatjes and Jonathan Schaffner discuss the recent market volatility driven by global headlines and why it's important not to let fear dictate financial decisions. They break down what actually drives the market, what investors can and can't control, and how having a clear financial...
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Wealth vs. Income in Retirement
On this episode, Ben Taatjes and Kendra Peterson of Stewards Planning Group explain the difference between simply having wealth and confidently turning it into income. They walk through their three-step Steward's Plan process and share how intentional financial planning can give retirees the...
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Leaving a Lasting Impact: Planning with Purpose
Through real client experiences, Kendra Peterson highlights how careful planning and organization transform complicated financial details into clarity and peace of mind for families. Planning isn't just about money—it's about preparing your loved ones for the future.
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Spending With Purpose: Retirement and Beyond
Ben Taatjes and Jonathan Shofner dive into the importance of understanding where your money goes—especially in retirement. By reviewing taxes, creating a spending plan and planning for retirement income can provide clarity and the freedom to use resources intentionally for the life you want.
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A Fresh Start, A Shared Mission
Stewards Planning Group continues to grow with the addition of advisor Jonathan Shofner, who recently relocated from Texas to Minnesota to serve clients in a more personal and purposeful way. Drawing on lessons from his grandmother and years of experience in the financial industry, Jonathan…
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Growth That Starts With Purpose
What does it really mean to grow as a firm and as a steward? In this episode, Ben Taatjes sits down with Chief Growth Officer Mike Kobs to explore why true growth isn't about revenue or assets, but about people. This conversation is a reminder that stewardship is about impact and using this…
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Turning Wealth into Purpose
As a new year begins, Ben Taatjes reflects on the generosity of Stewards Planning Group clients and the power of viewing money as a tool, not a goal. He introduces the concept of "assets under mission"—how giving, thoughtful planning, and intentional stewardship turn money into meaningful impact.
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A Year of Alignment
Inspired by Atomic Habits and insights from Stewards advisor Claire Molden, this first episode of the year explores what's "in" and what's "out" for 2026—from using money as a tool and creating meaningful experiences to letting go of fear-based saving and unclear goals.
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Taking Control of Your Retirement
Are you coasting into retirement—or truly planning for it? In this episode, Ben Taatjes explains why "drifting" in retirement can be riskier than making mistakes and how to steward your money with purpose.
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What Are You Doing With What You've Been Given?
In this episode, Ben Taatjes does a solo reflection on stewardship at the close of 2025. A thoughtful reminder that good stewardship isn't just about what we accumulate—but what we choose to do with what's left.
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Stewardship in Action
From inspiring community connections to giving back with purpose, this episode shows that stewardship isn't just about money—it's about living intentionally, making memories, and leaving a legacy.
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Giving, Growing, and Getting Back on Track
In this throwback episode Ben Taatjes and Jared Sebesta get back behind the mic together for a reflective and energizing conversation on stewardship, purpose, and living fully. The two revisit their journey working together, discuss stepping into who you're called to be, and explore how…
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Charitable Giving Changes - OBBBA (Part 2)
Ben Taatjes and Claire Molden continue their conversation from last week regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and it's changes it has brought to the table for those taking RMDs and QCDs.
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Charitable Giving Changes - OBBBA (Part 1)
Ben Taatjes is joined in the studio today by one of his talented advisors, Claire Molden. Claire brings her knowledge to the table on this week's episode as they discuss the changes made from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Join us for part one of this discussion.
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Using RMDs As A Tool In Stewardship
This week's episode of Time Talent Treasure Radio is a bit different than the rest. Ben Taatjes records a solo episode and reflects back on gratitude and what we have been praying for might be right under our noses.
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Money Mindset with Matt: How QCDs Can Change your Money Mindset
In the studio today, Matt Hoekstra joins Ben Taatjes for another episode of Money Mindset with Matt. As the year comes to a close, they discuss the concept of RMDs and how we can utilize QCDs as a strategy. Tune in the this thought provoking episode.
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YFC - How to Get Involved
As a follow up episode with Sean Levesque, him and Ben Taatjes discuss all the ways a person can get involved with Youth for Christ and how their volunteers small acts of kindness affect the wellbeing of the kids. Listen and find out how you can get involved.
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Paddle Battle Tournament - Behind the Scenes with YFC
This week's episode of Time Talent Treasure Radio is a special one. Rather than a talented advisor, Ben Taatjes is joined by Sean Levesque, Executive Director of West Central Minnesota Youth for Christ. Ben and Sean sit down and talk about the upcoming Pickleball tournament fundraiser for YFC.…
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Maximizing Retirement Wealth - Roth Conversions
It's the start of the final quarter of 2025, and Ben Taatjes is sitting down with Claire Molden in the studio to unpack one of the most talked-about retirement strategies — the Roth Conversion. What is it? Why do so many people use it? And how could it impact your financial future? Learn how this...