Inaugural Conference of the Maverick Center for Financial Success

• Ishuan Li Simonson, Co-Director, Maverick Center for Financial Success
• Seung Bach, Dean, College of Business, Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Daniel Hiebert, Co-Director, Maverick Center for Financial Success
• Sherri Trombley, Director, Advisor Services Business Consulting & Education, Schwab Foundation

• Robert H. Kaitz, President and CEO, BestPrep

Agribusiness Panel Session
From Field to Finance: How the rural economy, agribusiness and developing state policy is shaping Minnesota's economic landscape.

This session explores the interplay between agricultural production, rural development initiatives, and evolving policy frameworks driving Minnesota's economy. This panel examines how traditional farming communities, innovative agribusiness enterprises, and state-level economic policies are collectively transforming Minnesota's financial landscape. Attendees will gain insights into the substantial economic contributions of the agricultural sector, the challenges and opportunities facing rural economies, and how targeted policies are working to bridge urban-rural divides to create a more resilient state economy.

• DeQuindre Spencer, Minnesota State University, Mankato

• Sam Ziegler, GreenSeam

• Julie Tesch, Center for Rural Policy and Development
• Tina LaBrun, Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence
• Chris Fitzloff, Compeer Financial 
• Kevin Paap, Minnesota County Commissioner District 4
• Brett Feldman, United Prairie Bank

Small Business Succession Strategies Panel Session

This session focuses on business succession planning, ensuring a sustainable business and a successful exit for owners and leaders. Experts from diverse backgrounds will provide practical advice on ownership and leadership transitions, including developing “middle portion”, identifying and nurturing potential leaders for a smooth transition, efficiently transferring business wealth, and addressing the personal and financial goals of business owners post-transfer. 

• Daniel Hiebert, Minnesota State University, Mankato

• Sarah Harstad, 112 Advising 
• Jared Holt, Ascent Advisors
• Matt Lessard, SBDC-Mankato
• Matt Bouts, Journey Well Financial Partners
• Steve Lear, Affiance Financial

Research on Financial Literacy

Explore the latest research in financial literacy, financial wellbeing, and financial education.

• Jae Min Lee, Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • “Time Preference, Financial Knowledge, and Financial Well-Being”
• Nguyen Nguyen, Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • “Technology and Happiness: the Association Between Online Budget Planner and Financial Satisfaction”
• Jennifer Schultz, Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • “Publishing Finance Teaching Ideas---The Mary Poppins Project”
• Xinyan Shi, University of North Carolina, Pembroke
  • “Socioeconomic Determinants of Financial Literacy: Evidence from Robeson County, North Carolina”

Personal Finance Curriculum in Minnesota: from 9^th to 12^th Grades and Beyond

Join this panel to explore the current Minnesota state curriculum standards for personal finance and ongoing discussions about updates to the Minnesota State General Education Goals. The discussion will address best practices, varied approaches to teaching personal finance, and resources and expectations for instructors to support students in achieving financial literacy.

Panel Leaders:

• Gwenn Wolters, South Central Service Cooperative
• Ishuan Li Simonson, Minnesota State University, Mankato

• Scott Andrews, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
• James Blahnik, Mankato East
• Curtis Doell, Mankato West
• Jared Kegler, Faribault
• Jackie Doering, Maple River
• Kari Bluth, South Central College
• Haley Geinnotta, Junior Achievement North

Financial Planning Panel Session

Join us to learn how the CFP designation can help people, investors, and your future career path.

• Steve Blume, Charles Schwab-Advisor Services

• Matt Cosgriff, SageView Advisory Group
• Spencer Davies, BGM
• Colby McIntire, Grit Family Office
• Aidan Ryan, Fortress Financial Group
• Ryan Spaude, Sequoia Financial Group

Financial Planning Networking Event

Students meet and greet with financial planning industry leaders!

• Reese Prellwitz, Brooke Nelson, and Daniel Hiebert Minnesota State University, Mankato

Financial Aid and Loan Repayment: Workshop

Do you know how you are covering the costs of college? What does student loan repayment look like after graduation? In this interactive session, we will discuss the different ways to reduce loan indebtedness during college and cover strategies for financial success after graduation.

• Rachel Sherlock, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Salary Negotiation Session: The Art & Science of Starting Strong in Your First Job

Join us in this session to learn essential strategies for negotiating your salary in your first full-time job: understand how to research and evaluate compensation packages; gain confidence in communicating your value during salary discussions; explore tips for handling counteroffers and knowing when to negotiate; and receive practical advice on starting your career on a strong financial footing.

• Danielle Duffey, Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Melissa Giersdorf, Federated Insurance
• Nick Wilson, Federated Insurance