Our Story
About Premier Financial Group

Dedicated Planning Services are at the core of the services our team offers. We employ a holistic approach to help you assess your financial position today, where you want to be, and what’s important to you as we work to guide you to be wise with money. Based on the values you identify, We’ll help you develop a personalized plan to help you pursue your dreams, whether that means mitigating taxes, investing more effectively, maximizing Social Security or protecting the people and causes that matter to you so you and your family can live more confident, content and generous lives.

Erik Haworth
Erik HaworthWealth AdvisorCFP®, FIC, CKA®

I am married to Amy and we have four children, Eva, Brewer, Amelia and Kate. Both Amy and I grew up in the Monroe area and have enjoyed building our careers and raising our children in this wonderful community. I currently hold the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant. I also offer purpose-based advice as part of our Financial Planning Framework. Erik serves as the treasurer for the Monroe Kiwanis Club.

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Nikki Austin
Nikki AustinFinancial AdvisorCFP®, FIC, RICP®, CDFA®, BFA™, CEPA®

I am married and have two children, Tyler and Abbey and have lived in Monroe for the past 20 years. Prior to joining Thrivent Financial in 2016, I was the Business Development Director for Woodford State Bank. I am a part of the Monroe School Board and I am the President of Green County Development Corporation. I currently hold the RICP® (Retired Income Certified Professional) designation specializing in guiding people through important decisions leading up to and through retirement. I recently also added the CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) designation to the list of specialties. My passion is to help empower women finding themselves in a life transition (loss of spouse, divorce, retirement or career changes) to understand their finances and achieve their goals.

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Alec Schutz
Alec SchutzAssociate

Alec Schutz is a Financial Advisor who specializes in holistic financial planning. He began his career in January 2024, driven by a passion for helping people navigate life’s challenges and make confident, informed decisions about their financial future. Alec chose Thrivent because of its people first approach, where meaningful planning begins with understanding each person—not just recommending products. 

Alec’s favorite part of his work is seeing clients move from worry to a sense of calm and control. Known for being personable, sincere, and easy to relate to, he uses empathy, clear communication, and a good sense of humor to help clients feel comfortable and supported throughout the planning process. 

Outside the office, Alec enjoys spending time with his wife and their three—soon to be four—children, along with friends and extended family. He is active in his church and serves as a bugler for a local VFW honor guard, a role he values to honor veterans and support their families during meaningful moments. Being part of something larger than himself—both professionally and personally—is central to who he is. 

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Ben Smith
Ben SmithAssociate

I grew up on a cattle ranch in southwestern South Dakota where I gained a strong work ethic and spirit of perseverance. While attending college at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, I met my wife, Kate. After living in Lincoln for a year and a half after graduation, we moved to Monroe to be closer to Kate’s family. Kate and I are excited to welcome our first child in July of 2025. I am heavily involved at the St. Victors Parish and the Knights of Columbus here in Monroe. Outside of work I enjoy woodworking, fishing, hunting, spending time outdoors, and crafting high quality cocktails.

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Jessica  Falk
Jessica FalkLicensed Insurance Office Professional

Jessica Falk has been part of Thrivent since 2015, recently joining the team in March of 2025. Working

primarily behind the scenes, in Marketing & she also supports the team and clients by helping to ensure smooth, efficient

operations and strives for a high standard of service. Guided by her faith-based values and a commitment

to transparency and genuine connection, she believes in building relationships by listening closely and

delivering more than expected. Her passion for this work is rooted in meaningful client experiences that go beyond

finances-striving to provide care and a sense of reassurance when it matters most.

Paula  Meyer
Paula MeyerOffice Professional

I am an Office Professional at Premier Financial Group, serving as a welcoming and reliable first point of contact for our clients—both in person and over the phone. Since joining Thrivent in September 2025, I have focused on creating a positive, supportive experience for everyone who walks through the door or reaches out with a question.

I have more than 40 years of customer service experience and I bring a deep understanding of how thoughtful service, attentive listening, and genuine kindness can make a meaningful difference. I was drawn to Thrivent for its Christian‑based values and the opportunity to work alongside a friendly, knowledgeable team. My favorite part of my role is connecting with clients to help meet their needs, while collaborating with colleagues that I truly enjoy working with.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my spouse, family, and friends. After recently purchasing a home, my spouse and I are enjoying the process of making it our own. I am especially happy to be back in my hometown of Monroe, reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new people, and staying involved in the community. I am an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe, and I love being part of a community where I can see people enjoying life together.

Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
IPA's & IRA's image
IPA's & IRA'sSep 22, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC - Sep 23, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
10 N Parker Drive Ste 160 Janesville, WI | Rock County Brewing
Do you know the five phases of your retirement?Your tax-deferred savings could lead to big tax bills.Attend this event if you’re about to shift from saving andinvesting to spending your money in retirement – and payingtaxes on it. It takes planning to grow, spend and give more ofyour wealth. At Five Phases of an IRA, you will discoverstrategies for reducing the taxes you and your heirs couldpay.• How the 5 phased of an IRA relate to stages of your retirement.• How time can have a great impact on tax-deferred retirement accounts.• Strategies for reducing the taxes you and your heirs could pay.These sessions are hosted by the Premier Financial Group.IPAs and IRAs, appetizers and more! Join us for this fun andenlightening event!Reserve a spot for you and a friend today.Please call Paula Meyer at (608) 325-8100 or email premierfinancialgroup@thrivent.com by September 18th, 2026 Refreshments will be served.Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. This is an educational event, and no products will be sold. 27878-39MLS N2-26
IPA's & IRA's image
IPA's & IRA'sSep 29, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC - Sep 30, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
2205 21st Street Monroe, WI | Monroe Golf Club
Do you know the five phases of your retirement?Your tax-deferred savings could lead to big tax bills.Attend this event if you’re about to shift from saving andinvesting to spending your money in retirement – and payingtaxes on it. It takes planning to grow, spend and give more ofyour wealth. At Five Phases of an IRA, you will discoverstrategies for reducing the taxes you and your heirs couldpay.• How the 5 phased of an IRA relate to stages of your retirement.• How time can have a great impact on tax-deferred retirement accounts.• Strategies for reducing the taxes you and your heirs could pay.These sessions are hosted by the Premier Financial Group.IPAs and IRAs, appetizers and more! Join us for this fun andenlightening event!Reserve a spot for you and a friend today.Please call Paula Meyer at (608) 325-8100 or email premierfinancialgroup@thrivent.com by September 18th, 2026 Refreshments will be served.Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. This is an educational event, and no products will be sold. 27878-39MLS N2-26
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Ready to connect?

We'd love to answer any questions you may have and start learning about your goals. We can meet however you're most comfortable—phone, virtual or in person.

Or call us directly: 608-325-8100

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Not all team members may provide all products, programs and services in all states.

Not all team members may office at the locations listed.

* as of December 31, 2024

** Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.

Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.