Our Story: Why I Started Northern Way

When it comes to planning for retirement, most people don’t want a stack of charts, complex spreadsheets, or industry jargon. They want clear answers to simple questions: Do I have enough saved? Will it last? Am I making the right decisions for my family?

Those are the questions that matter most. Based in Central Wisconsin, Northern Way exists to give families practical guidance and lifelong direction—not just another financial plan to file away in a drawer.

A Different Kind of Financial Planning

Too often, financial planning feels overwhelming. Many families walk away from traditional advisory meetings with more questions than answers, unsure of whether they’re truly on track. It’s a sales tactic, designed to make you feel like you need to come back for more answers.

That’s where Northern Way stands apart. Our process, The Retirement Compass, is designed to simplify the complex and provide an ongoing roadmap, not a one-time recommendation. 

Instead of focusing on Wall Street’s noise or chasing the latest financial trend, we focus on what really matters:

• Do you have enough saved to live the life you want?
• Are you using your resources in ways that reflect your values?
• Are you prepared for the transitions ahead: retirement, healthcare, taxes, and legacy planning?

These foundational questions shape every conversation and recommendation. The result? A planning experience that feels straightforward, approachable, and genuinely suited to your family.

Jere’s Story: From Arborist to Fiduciary Advisor

Northern Way was founded by Jere Smith. Born and raised in Central Wisconsin, Jere has always been surrounded by the values of hard work, gratitude, and community. 

“I grew up on a dairy farm, where I learned the value of hard work and saw firsthand how financial uncertainty could weigh on families. That experience gave me a deep respect for growth, stewardship, and long-term planning.”

Jere brings that same perspective to financial planning, helping families cultivate stability and avoid the struggles he witnessed growing up.

Instead of relying on buzzwords or complicated charts, we speak in plain language. You walk away with not only a plan, but also a real understanding that makes decisions about your money simple.

Why Families Choose Northern Way

Northern Way isn’t just another advisory firm. We are fiduciary advisors, which means we are legally and ethically bound to act in the best interest of our clients. This fiduciary standard is one of the most important distinctions families should look for when choosing a financial planner in Wisconsin—or anywhere else.

But beyond that, we focus on building relationships and providing guidance that evolves with you as your life changes. Our approach includes:

• Retirement Planning – Helping families make assured, well-timed decisions about when to retire, how to claim Social Security, and how to structure income so it lasts.
• Investment Strategies – Prioritizing client goals and values, not Wall Street trends. Portfolios are built with purpose, not pressure.
• Ongoing Guidance – Life doesn’t stop once retirement begins. We stay with our clients, adapting strategies as healthcare needs shift, tax laws change, and families grow.

This ongoing partnership is what gives you peace of mind that you won’t be left wondering what comes next.

Rooted in Wisconsin Values

Northern Way is proud to serve families and retirees across Central Wisconsin. Our firm’s down-to-earth values reflect those of our community: hard work, gratitude, and making the most of what you’ve been given.

We never take a one-size-fits-all approach; we focus on the personal. 

Every family is different, and every retirement plan should be too. By asking the right questions and listening to what truly matters to you, we create strategies that align not only with numbers on a page but, equally as importantly, with real lives and goals.

While we’re deeply rooted in Wisconsin, we won’t turn away folks in other states. Whether you live nearby or across the country, our mission remains the same: to provide clarity, simplicity, and direction that lasts a lifetime.

Looking Ahead

Financial planning is about living with purpose as much as it is about preparing for retirement. By keeping our process approachable and focusing on what matters most, we’re able to help you step into your future with assurance, not uncertainty.

If you’re looking for fiduciary advisors who combine professional expertise with a down-to-earth approach, we’re here to help.