Wanda Bastert

HELPING YOU RETIRE WITH CONFIDENCE: Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions.

Whether you’re early in your career or preparing to step away after decades of hard work, there comes a moment when the future feels real—when retirement is no longer just a concept but something you can see on the horizon. As a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)—a credential held by fewer than 4% of financial professionals*—I specialize in helping people like you create a clear, reliable plan for this next stage of life. Together, we’ll look at your full financial picture, identify any gaps, and build strategies to make sure nothing critical is overlooked. From Social Security and employer-sponsored retirement plans to tax, income distribution, and wealth transfer, my goal is to help you feel prepared and confident. What sets me apart is more than data and strategy—it’s empathy. I’ve seen firsthand how proper planning can change lives, and I bring that experience into every conversation. MY STORY: I grew up on a farm in Illinois, where I learned early the value of hard work, teamwork, and thoughtful planning—especially when life brings the unexpected. When an unforeseen family financial crisis forced the sale of our farm, I witnessed firsthand how the absence of long-term planning and protection can shape a family’s future. That experience inspired my career and continues to drive my commitment to helping others prepare for life’s uncertainties. Today, I guide individuals and families in building comprehensive financial strategies—including life insurance, long-term care solutions, and retirement income planning—designed to protect what matters most and support the goals they’ve worked hard to achieve. NEXT STEP: Your retirement is unique, and your plan should be too. Let’s schedule a short conversation to explore your goals and see how I can help you design a retirement strategy that reflects the life you’ve worked so hard to build. *”Of the 300,000+ financial professionals in the U.S., fewer than 4% possess the specialized expertise required to ensure you can retire with confidence." - The American College. https://insights.theamericancollege.edu/why-ricp/why-you-need-an-ricp, 2025