Meet Neal
Neal strives to alleviate financial stress for his clients through customized financial plans, attentive listening, and connections to additional Mercer Advisors resources. With a professional and academic background in behavioral finance, Neal is well-equipped to engage in deeper discussions as desired. He joined Mercer Advisors in 2025, bringing his expertise and commitment to client service. Neal holds a B.S. in financial counseling and planning from Iowa State University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and Enrolled Agent.
Neal ’s specialties
At Mercer Advisors, all of our wealth advisors provide a highly personalized approach, backed by a team of specialists that ensure every part of your financial list is addressed. Additionally, Neal has focused experience in these areas:
- Planning for retirement, from high-earning years to long-term income strategies
- Helping new families shift financial priorities while building a strong foundation for the future
- Complexities of inherited wealth, from taxes to legacy
- Relocating in retirement with a clear financial strategy
- Switching careers while keeping your finances aligned and on track
His working style
Neal takes a concise, action-oriented approach. His goal is to ease the overwhelm clients often feel when faced with many financial decisions. He helps them focus on the very next step — then builds momentum from there until they feel confident and satisfied with their overall situation.
Neal in real life
What makes you tick?
I enjoy finding the crux of complex financial issues. I want clients to leave meetings feeling like they have truly learned something they will remember.
How do you give back?
I simplify taxes for people and help them file, specifically families who qualify for VITA tax-filing services.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
I enjoy planning my next adventure, cycling, and traveling around the Midwest to complete in badminton tournaments.
Neal ’s snapshots
Meet Neal ’s Teammates
Stacie Hostetler
Sr. Client Service Specialist
What Neal Says
Stacie keeps a pulse on all things client-service. She helps keep clients accountable to their goals and drives progress when implementing (financial) decisions. Her laugh is contagious.
Chelsy Nikolish
Sr. Client Service Specialist
What Neal Says
Chelsy has an eye for details, and ensures that even the most stubborn tasks are followed through to completion. She shows care for clients both when she is talking with them, and also through her diligent work that clients may not always see.
Andra Reason
Sr Wealth Advisor, Director
What Neal Says
Andra knows just what to say to break tension and keep meetings lighthearted, even when clients face serious decisions. She makes even the most complicated processes seem simple and highlights the next bite-sized decision for clients so they can make progress.
Kaz Woodward
Regional Vice President
What Neal Says
Kaz tactfully focuses discussions on exactly what the client wants to talk about and what they need to hear to make decisions. He asks the right questions at the right time and keeps conversations flowing naturally.
Articles by Neal
Pension Planning for Professors and Academic Staff: 5 Things to Know
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