Wealth Guide Financial2026-05-14T21:42:51+00:00

Personalized Financial Confidence

Wealth Guide Financial

About

Wealth Guide Financial

Work with a partner who will provide an investment experience tailored to you. Money is personal, and we believe investors deserve a partner that will provide them with a customized investment experience tailored to their needs and objectives. Our discipline is built on the foundation of holistic planning through The Retirement Fortress System™ — our 4-step process designed to lower taxes, optimize investments, and maximize retirement income. This coordinated approach helps protect your retirement from hidden leaks (Stealthy Wealth Drainers™) while mitigating the six fundamental financial planning considerations*, all with the goal of helping you achieve your long-term financial goals.

Empowering Your Retirement

Meet The Team

Michael McCracken, IRMAACP

Founder / Fiduciary / Visionary / Father

For nearly 30 years—since entering the financial services industry in 1996—I’ve dedicated my career to helping retirees and pre-retirees just like you retire smart, spend wisely, and sleep well. My passion is simple: listening to your story, understanding your dreams, and building a personalized plan that protects what you’ve worked so hard to earn.

Betsy McCracken

Office Manager / Travel Expert

Rosie Riley

Rosie Riley

Head of Onboarding & Operations

Learn More About

Our Financial Solutions

Our three-step planning process works to help identify and implement suitable financial strategies for helping our clients meet their needs and achieve their goals and objectives for retirement.

Click on a step below to learn more.

01

Start Smart

02

Apply Discipline

03

Communicate Progress

Wealth Management

Our goal is to create income that lasts. We help build real-life, sustainable income plans for our clients that take all factors into account. Retirement shouldn’t be spent worrying about whether your money is going to last.

It’s supposed to be your time, focused on you and doing the things you enjoy with the people you love.

Retirement Savings Optimization

Retirement savings optimization involves a holistic strategy that balances aggressive saving during your working years with smart, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies in retirement.

Key steps include maximizing tax-advantaged accounts, diversifying investments, and strategically managing Social Security benefits.

Tax Planning

Benjamin Franklin said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes” – We can’t control the first, but we can help you reduce the second.

Our clients enjoy a comprehensive review of their tax return, tax projections combined with proactive planning, tax reduction strategies, etc.

Social Security Optimization

Social Security optimization is about strategically timing when you claim benefits and coordinating with other income to maximize your lifetime payments.

Don’t leave money on the table. The decision of when to claim Social Security is complex and can significantly impact your retirement income. Common advice often oversimplifies this crucial choice.

Income Planning

Through our retirement planning process, we will review your current income situation and show you your potential income in retirement. We’ll work with you to create a sustainable income that will last for your life. We’ll help you understand your social security options and maximize the benefits for your situation.

If you have a pension, we will guide you through the options available and help you make the right choice. We’ll help prepare you for other considerations such as a premature death of a spouse, inflation or taxation.

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Our Educational Events

We know the importance of education and accessibility in today’s world. That’s why Wealth Guide Financial isn’t about high-pressure seminars—we provide knowledge through digital education platforms. We believe an informed client is an empowered client, and we focus on educating, not selling. Stay up to date with our latest insights! Subscribe to the Wealth Guide Financial newsletter.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Events in May 2026

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    Our Guides and Blog

    Financial Educational Literature

    Tax Planning Guide

    Tax Planning Guide
    Work to Reduce Your Taxes In This Year and The FutureHow to Plan and Help Protect Your Savings

    Most retirees don’t realize how much in unnecessary taxes they could be paying—until it’s too late. This guide reveals how smart tax strategies can help you keep more of your retirement income and help prevent taxation from affecting your financial foundation.

    GET THE GUIDE

    How to Retire Smart, Spend Wisely, and Sleep Well
    A Navigating retirement™ Series

    A former pilot, Mike brings a meticulous checklist mindset to retirement planning, inspired by the poem “The Pleasure of Walking Tall” a reminder that savings brings confidence. Host of the “Safe Money and Retirement” show, Mike empowers you to walk tall in your golden years. Ready to secure your retirement? Open this book and start today.

    GET a free chapter

    Browse Our Blog

    Click Here To Browse All Our Blogs ⤍

    Featured Financial Insights and Media

    As Seen In

    PDF

    CBS MoneyWatch

    Featured Expert Analysis

    Read More →

     

    PDF

    Kiplinger

    February 2026 Issue

    Read More →

     

    PDF

    Fortune Magazine

    March 2026 Feature

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    Our Video Library

    What’s a Risk Score?

    Risk tolerance is an investor’s ability to remain invested during downward market cycles in exchange for a potential return.

    It’s important that investors understand their risk tolerance so that they can help guide the design of their investment strategy. This approach looks to balance the investor’s desire for returns goals with their ability to stay confident and invested throughout market cycles.

    To help investors understand their risk threshold we deploy a proprietary algorithm rooted in the well-known Value at Risk (VaR) measurement that helps us quantify their sentiment toward financial uncertainty, specifically their emotional tolerance with respect to the magnitude and speed of potential investment loss. This Analysis provides them with a VaR Score that can help determine if their existing portfolio aligns with their risk tolerance.

    Risk-Tolerance

    Learn More About Value at Risk Analysis →

    Asset Lock

    Intelligent, Disciplined Investing
    with AssetLock

    AssetLock is Simplicity Wealth’s proprietary, investment portfolio monitoring service that delivers personalized communications to advisors and investors in a secure environment.

    This technology keeps investors informed about the progression of their portfolio in accordance with their risk tolerance determined by the investor’s household portfolio VaR Score.

    Contact Wealth Guide Financial

    At Wealth Guide Financial , we believe strong financial planning is built on relationships. We take the time to understand your goals, concerns, and family dynamics—because financial planning isn’t just about numbers, it’s about life. Our team is committed to providing consistent, personalized guidance, help to ensure you have a dedicated advisor who understands your long-term financial journey.

    Office Location:

    10650 County Rd 81,
    Suite 103,
    Maple Grove, MN 55369

    Our Email:

    mike@wealthguidefinancial.com

    Our Phone:

    (763) 270-8040

    Schedule Your Complimentary Retirement Review

    At Wealth Guide Financial , we don’t just manage money.
    We empower your retirement.

    OUR E-NEWSLETTER



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      OUR LOCATION

      10650 County Rd 81,
      Suite 103,
      Maple Grove, MN 55369

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      Six fundamental financial planning considerations include but are not limited to Longevity, Liquidity, Inflation, Market, Mortality, and Taxes.

      Michael McCracken is an investment advisory representative of and provides advisory services through CoreCap Advisors, LLC. Wealth Guide Financial, LLC and CoreCap Advisors are separate and unaffiliated entities. Please note: The scope of any financial planning and consulting services to be provided depends upon the terms of the engagement, and the specific requests and needs of the client. Also, the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if Wealth Guide Financial, LLC or CoreCap Advisors, LLC are engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. Any training materials, blogs, videos, articles, or archived media are provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, investment, tax, or financial advice. While the information contained is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the date of publication, its accuracy, completeness, and applicability may change over time due to evolving economic conditions, market developments, or changes in laws and regulations. No representation or warranty is made regarding the ongoing accuracy of this information. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances and needs before making any financial or investment decisions.

      Tax Planning Guide

      Free Tax Planning Guide

      The brackets, thresholds, and limits all changed. Don’t leave money on the table — grab the free guide

      Mike McCracken

      My own journey into finance started young. In 1979, at age 10, I convinced the Star Tribune route manager to give me my first paper route—even though the minimum age was 12! That early taste of earning money, combined with summer lawn-mowing jobs, taught me the value of hard work. My parents were quick to instill smart habits: tracking spending and saving for the future. My dad made me a deal—he’d match anything I saved for college if I didn’t touch it. That lesson in discipline and delayed gratification has stayed with me ever since.

      Growing up, my dad—a pilot for Northwest Airlines—modeled resilience. During the frequent labor strikes of the 1970s, he always had a “rainy day” reserve and took any job to provide for our family. He taught us that it doesn’t matter what you do—just work hard and live within your means. One spring in high school, after taking us on a memorable family trip to Europe, his captain (who earned far more) admitted he couldn’t afford the same. It drove home a J.P. Morgan quote my dad loved: “Take waste out of your spending, and you’ll drive haste out of your life.”

      Mike with family

      But the lesson that truly shaped my career came from a 1969 poem my dad gave me in high school: The Pleasure of Walking Tall. Its message—that saving builds confidence and freedom, regardless of income—still guides everything I do. I share it with clients today because it captures the peace of mind I want for you: the ability to “walk tall” in retirement, secure in your choices.

      As a former pilot myself, I bring a pilot’s mindset to financial planning: meticulous checklists help ensure nothing is overlooked. That’s how the proprietary Clarity Report™ and RBG Chart were born—tools that simplify complex decisions, categorize risks (Red for market exposure, Blue for alternatives, Green for protection), and give you a roadmap.

      My path in finance hasn’t always been smooth. In the late 1990s, I was thrilled watching client portfolios soar—until the 2000 crash shattered that illusion. It forced me to question everything and pivot toward “safe money” strategies that protect principal. Then came 2008, delaying retirement dreams for so many—except my clients who used protected strategies like Fixed Index Annuities with annual resets. Those experiences solidified my commitment: I dropped traditional brokerage licenses (Series 6 & 63) and earned my Series 65 to become a true fiduciary, legally obligated to put your interests first—always.

      Mike, Betsy and Boomer

      Today, in an uncertain world of inflation, market volatility, and economic challenges, I’m more dedicated than ever to helping you navigate retirement with confidence. Whether it’s minimizing taxes, securing lifelong income, or shielding your wealth from downturns, my greatest reward is seeing clients breathe easier—knowing they’re on track to never run out of money and live the retirement they’ve dreamed of.

      Outside the office, I’m a proud husband and father. My wife and I raised three incredible sons in Maple Grove: our youngest is studying HVAC in Duluth, our middle son runs a painting business in Portland, Oregon, and our oldest is a pilot for SkyWest Airlines (recently married in September 2025!). I’ve volunteered for years with the Boy Scouts and my church, and I still enjoy sharing market insights from my former “Safe Money and Retirement” radio show.

      VaR

      Value at Risk Analysis

      Risk tolerance is an investor’s ability to remain invested during downward market cycles in exchange for a potential return.

      Within the initial review, we help you understand your risk threshold. We do this by deploying a Value at Risk (VaR) Analysis that helps us quantify attitudes toward financial uncertainty, specifically one’s emotional tolerance with respect to the magnitude and speed of potential investment loss.

      This analysis produces a VaR Score that is indexed on a scale from conservative to aggressive. The VaR Score can help us determine if the current portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and provides insight as to whether changes to that portfolio are needed.

      Value at Risk Analysis

      03

      Communicate Progress

      Ongoing Service & Monitoring

      Retirement is a long journey with evolving rules, markets, and life changes. The Retirement Fortress System™ includes twice-yearly formal reviews (Spring & Fall), proactive updates, and action on emerging threats—like new IRMAA rules or tax law shifts—so your plan stays strong.Lastly and continually, we work to help ensure transparency of your income plan by providing visibility, proactive outreach, and accessibility to our team throughout our working relationship.

      Schedule Your Complimentary Review







        02

        Apply Discipline

        A Retirement Strategy Designed for You

        Next, we design a retirement strategy that actively works to help optimize your wealth and protect your finances, keeping your goals and objectives at the forefront of our planning process. This process is called the Retirement Fortress System™ and incorporates Tax, Income, Legacy, and Investment efficiencies to leak-proof your retirement plan from the Stealthy Wealth Drainers™ that can take thousands of dollars out of your retirement.

        Our Services, Your Future

        We take the time to thoroughly explore your needs no matter the stage of life you are in to help provide a custom tailored solution that we continue to monitor and adjust until the end of time.

        Maximize the growth potential of your investable assets in accordance with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

        Increase you or your loved one’s future retirement income with a tax-efficient, capital leveraging strategy.

        Ease the financial and emotional toll of long-term care with early planning so you can retire with peace of mind and dignity.

        Establish tax planning strategies today for greater tax efficiency and financial flexibility later in retirement.

        Support your retirement income plan with accumulation and tax-free distribution strategies in retirement.

        Understand the benefits you are entitled to and how to maximize Social Security income in retirement.

        Design an income plan that delivers dependable income and financial security throughout your retirement.

        Make the investment in your child or grandchild’s future with the gift of a college education through life insurance.

        Develop strategies to protect assets against the effects of inflation.

        Help ensure access to assets to meet life’s unexpected needs.

        01

        Start Smart

        Get a Full Understanding of Your Financial Life
        Retirement Strategy Session (45-minutes)

        First, we gain a thorough understanding of your current financial situation, goals, objectives, risk tolerance, and the key considerations that should be addressed in your retirement strategy. This is a complimentary session, to discover what matters most to you, answer your key questions (including any Stealthy Wealth Drainers™ concerns), and confirm we’re the right guide for your journey. We’ll share an overview of the Retirement Fortress System™ and how it protects your retirement from hidden leaks.

        Six Fundamental Financial Planning Considerations

        Six key financial planning considerations can impact your financial goals now and in the future. The question is not if these will affect your finances, but to what degree. We evaluate your sentiment toward each consideration and quantify the potential effects on your assets over time. This allows us to build customized strategies to help you achieve your financial objectives for retirement.

        Liquidity

        Longevity

        Outliving financial assets as the result of a longer life.

        Liquidity

        Liquidity

        Limited access to assets to meet life’s unexpected financial needs.

        Inflation

        Inflation

        Reduction in real purchasing power as the result of increasing cost of living.

        Market

        Market

        Unexpected reduction in the value of financial assets at the time of withdrawal.

        Mortality

        Mortality

        Loss of financial assets as the result of a partner’s or spouse’s death.

        Taxes

        Taxes

        Decreasing income and assets and/or the impairment of legacy assets from increasing taxes.

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