Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Wielinga.
Hi Mark , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A driving force has been a calling in my life to serve, which began in a field totally unrelated to what I’m doing today. In 2009 I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where I served as a rifleman until 2015. Looking back I feel very privileged to have been able to serve our country, and to learn from some of its best leaders. It’s something that will always hold a special place in my heart. Ultimately, I decided to leave the service at the end of my contract because I knew that I wanted to start a family, but the fire to serve was still burning. After a lot of reflection, helping people meet their financial goals really stood out to me, and seemed like a way to have a meaningful impact. I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business finance from Western Michigan University, and my transition into serving people in their financial lives officially began. At the end of the program, I left with my degree, and more importantly, my incredible wife Rachel who somehow manages to support me and be the best mother to our children. I really don’t think that I would be where I am today if she wasn’t at my side through everything.
I started practicing as a financial advisor in the greater Grand Rapids area and am so thankful for the people that trust me to serve them and be their partner through all of life’s changes and different seasons. After seeing how quickly and unexpectedly life changes, it became very clear how important effective and realistic planning is for the families we serve. This led to me pursuing the CFP® designation in 2021.This was instrumental in adding the depth of advice to relationships that I was searching for.
Our family was blessed with our first daughter in 2022, and it changed everything in my life spiritually, physically, and emotionally in the best ways. After Alexia was born, Rachel and I knew that we wanted to have more kids, and I had this desire to start talking with people about deeper topics like charitable giving, family legacy planning, and helping align their financial plans and dreams more closely with their faith and passions. It all sounds very cliche, but in June of 2023 I decided to partner with Ameriprise Financial in their franchise group to deliver the type of advice and resources that clients were looking for and have been really happy with that decision.
Rachel and I now have 2 daughters that have more power over how much time their dad spends playing baby dolls than I ever could have feared. We have another baby on the way and a continued opportunity to help people in ways that are more fulfilling than I could have hoped for.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has definitely not been a smooth road, and I don’t think that they exist anywhere in life really.
When I started practicing, I had no personal or professional connections in Muskegon, and I had to spend an enormous amount of time getting to know people in the area. The first couple of years I would actually scope out neighborhoods and small businesses, and then either knock on doors, or stop by their offices. I was barely making enough money to pay my bills, the days were really long, and I was getting rejected constantly. Then I had to juggle managing the practice while studying for the CFP® marks. After that it was moving the practice to a different firm, which was a big step for me. Rachel had just stopped working to prioritize our family, she was pregnant with our second daughter, and it felt like all of the safety that we had could disappear overnight if a wrong decision was made. Thankfully everything went really well, and the experience grew my faith a ton. It wasn’t a straight road to get here but I am happy I took the journey.
I don’t think struggles ever go away; they just change. I used to think that when I got through whatever adversity I was facing at the time things would be easier, or more predictable, and that’s just not been the case. You solve one problem, and it gives birth to a new one, and I’ve learned to just stay in the fight and trust that everything is refining me for a bigger purpose. I wouldn’t trade any of the struggles I’ve faced so far, they’ve all strengthened my faith as a Christian and made me a better steward of what’s been entrusted to me.
As you know, we’re big fans of Acacia Financial Advisors. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Acacia tree represents strength, balance, and resilience, and the wood from the tree carries a lot of significance. These qualities guide the way we work today. We bring those same principles to our financial planning process, creating structures built to last and adapt as life changes. Our process is deliberate and disciplined, built to strengthen what’s working, address what’s not, and keep you steady through whatever comes next.
We connect prosperity with purpose, bringing every part of your financial life into alignment. From investments and retirement to insurance and estate planning, every recommendation is structured to reflect the life you’re building.
We specialize in Christian financial strategies, charitable giving, intergenerational planning strategies, and retirement planning strategies.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
As far as mentorship goes, having a business and spiritual mentor has been great for me. My business mentor came first and was someone that had a practice that I really admired and wanted to emulate. I very directly told him that I was looking for a mentor and asked if they would be that person for me. I met my spiritual mentor through my practice and have continued to build on our relationship.
With networking I don’t feel like I have anything profound to say, but don’t ever give up or beg for a relationship with someone. It will come when the time is right if you’re looking for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/mark.wielinga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550836994320#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wielinga-cfp%C2%AE-cmfa%C2%AE-79a01aa5/
