Get to Know Your Founding Advisors at Five Pine Wealth Management

admin • March 20, 2023

By the Five Pine Wealth Management Team

Jeremy Morris

Since 2017, the team at Five Pine Wealth Management has had the great pleasure of serving a diverse group of clients, and we have loved every minute of it. To celebrate six years in business, we’d like to share our stories with you in the hope that you will get to know us even better than you already do. 

As you might know, cofounders Ben and Jeremy met in 2016. After working with a large financial advisory team for a couple of years, they decided they wanted to focus on being fee-only fiduciaries and holistic financial planners. So they branched into the world of entrepreneurship and began Five Pine Wealth Management. Ever since, they’ve worked hard to develop a relationship-centric culture for themselves, their team, and their clients so that going to work every day no longer feels like work at all.

Get to Know Jeremy

In 1998, Jeremy escaped the dry, hot Mojave Desert to pursue an education in Managerial Economics at Oregon State University. While there, he also earned an MBA in Wealth Management. And once he got a taste of the green, cool Pacific Northwest, Jeremy knew he wasn’t returning to the sunny Southwest. After graduation, he settled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where he later met Ben Holzhauser. 

An avid fisherman, Jeremy spends many a weekend fishing the lakes and rivers of Northern Idaho. He also enjoys dual sport motorcycle riding in the woods, spending time with his friends and family, and reading every book about Bitcoin he can get his hands on. A few of his favorites include The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous and Inventing Bitcoin by Yan Pritzker.

Why Jeremy Became a Financial Advisor 

Jeremy is a natural-born problem-solver, and no career field offers more genuine problems that need solving than financial services. As a financial advisor, Jeremy gets to use his problem-solving skills every day to help his clients tackle challenges that have a real impact on the quality of life they get to enjoy in the present and the future. 

Jeremy knew he didn’t want a job with a checklist or a routine set of tasks, and he loves that no client situation is quite like another. Helping people learn to make better financial decisions and meet their financial goals provides him with the utmost satisfaction. 

Jeremy respects that his input can have a long-lasting, deeply meaningful impact on the lives of his clients. He knows how important it is that they get the financial planning aspect “right” if they’re to live the lives they want. And he is humbled by the fact that his guidance may have generational effects on his clients and their heirs for decades to come.

On a personal level, being a financial advisor gives Jeremy the autonomy he desires in a career. He loves being able to set his own schedule and having the freedom to choose who he works with—and he believes he gets to work with the best people in the world! His clients become friends, so his job doesn’t seem like work to him at all.

Jeremy’s Wealth Management Specialties

Jeremy specializes in holistic financial planning and wealth management, including insurance planning, estate planning, retirement planning, and investment management. He believes that each area is a critical component of a solid financial foundation.

Jeremy considers himself a Bitcoin maximalist (only Bitcoin, not cryptocurrency as a whole) and understands the space more than most financial advisors. While he doesn’t make purchase recommendations, Jeremy educates his clients on ways to include Bitcoin in their financial and estate planning. He believes that Bitcoin can be used to leave heirs a lasting legacy in the face of inflation and currency debasement.

Get to Know Ben

Before Ben and his beautiful wife, Rachael, had their daughter Evelyn in the summer of 2022, Ben enjoyed traveling across the US (he has been to 47 states) as well as worldwide (more than 20 countries). He comes from a long line of Idahoans: Ben’s grandparents and great-grandparents lived near Priest River, Idaho going back to the 1960s. Today Ben, Rachael, and Evelyn call Coeur d’Alene home.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California in Riverside, Ben pursued a Master of Science degree from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Once he finished grad school, Ben worked in compliance and national accounts for a broker-dealer and various investment products. 

Ben is an avid reader and is passionate about various eras of world history. As a student at the University of Edinburgh, he founded the Historical Society for the Second World War. When Ben is not working, he enjoys early morning runs, spending time with his wife and daughter, bowling with a Sunday night league, working on his 100-year-old home, and volunteering for various organizations. 

In the past five years, Ben has been President of the Coeur d’Alene Evening Rotary, Treasurer (x3) of Coeur d’Alene Evening Rotary, Head Trustee of Coeur d’Alene Eagles, President of Early Birds Bowling League, and winner of the “Kootenai County Top 30 Under 40” award. 

Why Ben became a financial advisor

Ben has a diverse background in financial services and spent 12 years working in various real estate investing and private equity roles. While this experience was highly educational, too often Ben would meet with financial advisors that sold expensive products to their clients while neglecting to understand their client’s goals behind investing. 

He commonly experienced financial representatives acting like sales agents, rather than taking the time to understand their clients’ needs and help them achieve their financial goals while taking into consideration fees, tax planning, and more.

Seeing how so many advisors ran their practice, Ben realized that he could make a greater impact by helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals as a fiduciary and fee-only financial planner.

As a holistic financial planner, Ben gets to do more of what he loves, which is focusing on the relationship-centric aspects of wealth management. He has a high regard for his clients’ unique visions and enjoys helping them find creative solutions to their problems over the course of a long-term professional relationship. 

Ben’s wealth management specialties

Holistic financial planning allows Ben to pursue two of his interests alongside one another: living a healthy lifestyle and solving the puzzles of personal finance. He approaches wealth management from a whole life perspective to go beyond the numbers. 

Rather than setting arbitrary financial goals, Ben helps his clients consider their vision for the future alongside their health and lifestyle choices to craft a truly custom financial plan. From there, they consider how long a nest egg will need to last based on how active and healthy an individual client might be, as many people are finding they will be retired for 30+ years. 

Ben also helps his clients visualize how they will spend their time in retirement, as the emotional transition can oftentimes be just as challenging—if not more so—than the financial transition. As his clients prepare to go from working full-time to full-time leisure, he encourages them to think of low-cost yet enjoyable day-to-day activities that will allow more flexibility for higher-cost, more infrequent pleasures like traveling. 

Ben and Jeremy’s Shared Philosophies

Ben and Jeremy both believe strongly in the value of education. One of their favorite parts of their job is educating clients about personal finance choices and strategies they’d never before considered. In Jeremy’s words, watching clients have that ‘aha’ moment is one of the most rewarding parts of being a financial advisor. 

Since Ben and Jeremy are younger than many advisors, they’re more knowledgeable in modern areas of personal finance that are highly relevant to today’s wealth management strategies, such as incorporating Bitcoin and other alternative assets into diversified portfolios. 

Ben and Jeremy are often opposed to using actively managed and potentially tax-inefficient mutual funds. Rather, they advocate passive investing strategies and believe in using low-cost ETFs, mutual funds, and indexing strategies to help their clients keep more of their money.

At their core, Jeremy and Ben believe that every client presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities depending on their life situation, goals, and time horizon. And as wealth strategists who truly create value for their clients, they know there are no cookie-cutter approaches to financial planning. 

Instead, they believe that high-caliber wealth strategists need to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with their clients. They prioritize regular communication to build trust and become a dependable resource for the individuals, families, and business owners they work with.

Join the Family at Five Pine Wealth Management

At Five Pine Wealth Management , we pride ourselves on the fiduciary care we show our clients, as well as the personal relationships we’ve developed with every family we work with. If you have friends or family that you think would benefit from working with us, we would be honored to connect with them. Have them give us a call at 877.333.1015, email us at info@fivepinewealth.com , or visit our website to learn more about what it’s like to work with us. 

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401(k) Millionaire: Proven Strategies to Reach 7 Figures in Your Retirement Account

October 17, 2025
Key Takeaways Maxing out your employer match provides an immediate 50-100% return and is the easiest way to accelerate your 401(k) growth. Reaching $1 million in your 401(k) depends more on consistent contributions over time than on being the highest earner or picking winning investments. High earners can potentially contribute up to $70,000 annually through a mega backdoor Roth conversion if their employer plan allows after-tax contributions. Hitting seven figures in your 401(k) might sound like a pipe dream, but it's more achievable than you think. With the right 401(k) investment strategies and a disciplined approach, becoming a 401(k) millionaire is within reach for many mid-career professionals. Let's walk through exactly how you can get there. The Math Behind Becoming a 401(k) Millionaire Before we discuss strategies, let's look at the numbers. Understanding the math helps you see that reaching $1 million isn't about getting lucky — it's about time, consistency, and thoughtful planning. Starting Age Annual Contribution Balance at 65* 30 $15,000 $1.5 million 30 $20,000 $2 million 40 $25,000 $1.3 million *Assumes 7% average annual return Time matters, but it's never too late to build substantial wealth if you're willing to prioritize your retirement savings. 7 Steps to Build Your 401(k) to Seven Figures Now that you understand the math, let's break down the specific strategies that will get you there. Step 1: Max Out Your Employer Match (The Easiest Money You'll Ever Make) If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contributing enough to capture it fully is the absolute first step: it’s free money that provides an immediate 50-100% return on your investment. Let's say your employer matches 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary. If you earn $150,000 and contribute $9,000 (6% of your salary), your employer adds $4,500. That's a guaranteed 50% return before your money even hits the market. Not taking full advantage of an employer match is like turning down a raise. Make sure you're contributing at least enough to capture every dollar your employer offers. Step 2: Gradually Increase Your Contribution Rate Once you've secured your employer match, the next step is increasing your personal contribution rate over time. For 2025, the 401(k) contribution limit is $23,500 (or $31,000 if you're 50 or older with catch-up contributions). Here's a practical approach: Every time you get a raise or bonus, direct at least half toward your 401(k). If you get a 4% raise, bump your contribution by 2%. Many plans now offer automatic annual increases. If yours does, set it to increase your contribution by 1-2% annually until you hit the maximum. You'll barely notice the change, but your future self will thank you. Step 3: Master Tax-Advantaged Retirement Accounts Through Strategic Contributions Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income now, which is ideal if you're in a high tax bracket today. Roth 401(k) contributions don't reduce current taxes, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free — valuable if you're earlier in your career or expect a higher income later. A hybrid approach works for many of our clients. Step 4: Optimize Your 401(k) Investment Strategies Your contribution rate matters, but so does what you're investing in. We regularly see clients who contribute aggressively but choose overly conservative investments that don't provide enough growth. Keep costs low . Target-date funds and index funds typically offer the lowest expense ratios. Every 0.5% in fees you avoid can add tens of thousands to your retirement balance over 30 years. Rebalance annually . Market movements throw your allocation off balance. Set a reminder once a year to review and rebalance your portfolio back to your target allocation. Avoid the temptation to chase performance . Last year's top-performing fund is rarely this year's winner. Stick with broadly diversified, low-cost options. Step 5: Consider a Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion If you're a high earner who's already maxing out regular 401(k) contributions, a mega backdoor Roth conversion can accelerate your retirement savings. Here's how it works: Some employer plans allow after-tax contributions beyond the standard $23,500 limit. The total contribution limit for 2025 (including employer contributions and after-tax contributions) is $70,000 ($77,500 if you're 50+). If your plan permits, you can make after-tax contributions up to that limit, then immediately convert those contributions to a Roth 401(k) or roll them into a Roth IRA. This gives you tax-free growth on substantially more money than the regular contribution limits allow. Not all plans offer this option, and the rules can be complex. Check with your HR department to see if your plan allows after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions or rollovers. Step 6: Avoid These Common 401(k) Mistakes Even with great 401(k) investment strategies, mistakes can derail your progress toward seven figures. Avoid: Taking loans from your 401(k) . While it might seem convenient, you're robbing yourself of compound growth. The money you borrow stops working for you, and you're paying yourself back with after-tax dollars. Cashing out when changing jobs . Rolling over your 401(k) to your new employer's plan or an IRA allows your money to continue growing tax-deferred. Cashing out triggers taxes and penalties that can set you back years. Panic selling during market downturns . Market volatility is normal. The clients who reach $1 million are those who stay invested through ups and downs, not those who try to time the market. Step 7: Stay Consistent (Even When It's Boring) The path to becoming a 401(k) millionaire isn't exciting (and that’s a good thing!). The most successful savers aren't those who constantly tweak their strategy or chase the latest investment trend. They're the ones who set up automatic contributions, review their allocation once a year, and otherwise leave their 401(k) alone. Let Five Pine Help You Build Your Million-Dollar Plan Reaching $1 million in your 401(k) is absolutely achievable with the right strategy and discipline. Whether you're just starting your career or playing catch-up in your 40s and 50s, the steps remain the same: maximize contributions, optimize your investments, take advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and stay consistent. At Five Pine Wealth Management , we help clients build comprehensive retirement strategies that go beyond just their 401(k). We can analyze your current contributions, recommend optimal allocation strategies, and help you coordinate your employer plan with other retirement accounts. Want to see what your path to seven figures looks like? We help clients build these roadmaps every day. Email us at info@fivepinewealth.com or give us a call at 877.333.1015. Let's talk about your specific situation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Should I prioritize maxing out my 401(k) or paying off debt first? A: Start by contributing enough to capture your full employer match — that's an immediate 50-100% return you can't get anywhere else. Beyond that, prioritize high-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans) since those interest rates typically exceed investment returns. Q: Should I stop contributing during market downturns to avoid losses? A: No — continuing to contribute during downturns is actually one of the best strategies for building wealth. When prices are lower, your contributions buy more shares, setting you up for greater gains when the market recovers. Q: I'm 55 with only $300K saved. Is it too late to reach $1 million?  A : While reaching exactly $1 million by 65 might be challenging, you can still build substantial wealth. Maxing out contributions, including catch-up ($31,000/year), could get you to $750K-$850K depending on returns. Disclaimer: This is not tax or investment advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for recommendations appropriate to their specific situation.

Couples Money Management: Why Both Spouses Need to Know Where the Money Is

October 17, 2025
Key Takeaways Both spouses should understand the family’s finances, even if only one manages them, to prevent confusion or stress during life’s unexpected events. Regular money check-ins, shared account access, and attending financial planning meetings together help couples build confidence and clarity. Partnering with a fiduciary advisor ensures both spouses have support, education, and guidance for comprehensive wealth management and long-term peace of mind. Money is one of the most common sources of stress in relationships. Some couples argue about spending habits, while others quietly hand off all financial responsibilities to one spouse and never revisit the arrangement. At first glance, this setup can feel efficient: one partner pays the bills, manages investments, and handles taxes while the other takes care of different responsibilities. However, there is a risk to this method. If something unexpected happens, the spouse who hasn’t been involved in financial decisions can feel completely lost. Even highly capable, intelligent people often tell us they don’t know where accounts are located, how much income is coming in, or what investments they own. When life throws a curveball, like illness, death, or divorce, that lack of knowledge creates unnecessary anxiety during an already difficult time. The solution is not to necessarily make both partners money managers, but to ensure both understand the big picture. Let’s walk through why this matters, what it looks like in practice, and how you can start today. Financial Planning for Couples Effective financial planning for couples goes beyond having the right investment mix or adequate insurance coverage. It requires both spouses to understand the big picture of their financial life, even if only one manages the day-to-day details. This doesn't mean both partners need to become financial experts. Instead, it means creating transparency and basic literacy that protects your family's financial security regardless of what life throws at you. Here are a few essentials: Regular check-ins : Schedule monthly or quarterly “money talks” where you review accounts, upcoming expenses, and investment performance. This keeps both partners informed. Shared access : Make sure both spouses have login information for bank, investment, and retirement accounts. A secure password manager can help keep things organized. Big-picture clarity : Even if one spouse handles the details, both should know where you stand with assets, liabilities, income, and goals. Think of it as insurance against uncertainty. If one spouse suddenly has to take the reins, they aren’t starting from zero. Couples Money Management Couples' money management doesn’t have to mean “50/50 responsibility for every financial task.” Instead, think about it as defining roles while keeping communication open. Many households operate on a “primary manager” system. One person writes the checks, monitors the accounts, and interacts with financial advisors. That’s perfectly fine, as long as the other spouse has visibility. Problems arise when the "non-manager" is completely shut out. Some practical ways to stay connected: Attend meetings together : Whether it’s with your accountant, attorney, or financial planner, both spouses should be present. Hearing the same information firsthand helps prevent misunderstandings. Document everything : Create a simple household financial binder (digital or physical) that includes account numbers, insurance policies, estate documents, and contact info for professionals you work with. Ask questions : No question is too small. If you don’t understand how an investment works or why you own it, speak up. Practice decision-making together: Involve both partners in financial decisions, even small ones. This builds confidence and familiarity with your financial priorities and decision-making process. Fiduciary Financial Planning: The Professional Partnership Advantage Working with a fiduciary financial advisor creates an additional layer of protection for couples navigating financial planning together. Fiduciary advisors are legally required to act in your best interest, providing objective guidance that supports both partners' financial security. A good fiduciary advisor will insist on meeting with both spouses regularly, ensuring that financial strategies are understood and agreed upon by both partners. They can also provide education and support to help less financially-inclined spouses build confidence and understanding over time. This professional relationship becomes especially valuable during transitions. When one spouse dies or becomes incapacitated, having an advisor who knows both partners and understands the family's complete financial picture provides stability during chaos. Comprehensive Wealth Management Comprehensive wealth management goes beyond investments. It covers cash flow, taxes, estate planning, insurance, and long-term care strategies. For couples, it also means creating contingency plans. What happens if one spouse passes away? Will the survivor know how to access accounts? What if the “financial spouse” faces cognitive decline later in life? Will the other partner have the confidence to step in? These are not fun scenarios to imagine, but planning for them is an act of love. Comprehensive wealth management ensures: Estate documents are in place and up to date (wills, powers of attorney, trusts). Beneficiaries are correct on retirement accounts, insurance, and other assets. Tax planning strategies are understood by both spouses, so surprises don’t derail long-term goals. Cash flow is sustainable even if income sources shift (such as after retirement or the loss of a business owner’s salary). When couples approach wealth management together, they reduce the risk of financial upheaval during life’s transitions. When Life Changes Everything: Rebuilding Financial Confidence After Loss Despite the best preparation, losing a spouse creates emotional and financial challenges that feel overwhelming. If you find yourself suddenly managing finances alone, remember that feeling lost is normal and temporary. Start by taking inventory of your immediate needs. Focus on essential expenses and cash flow first. Most other financial decisions can wait while you process your grief and adjust to your new reality. Don't make significant financial changes immediately. Grief affects judgment, and rushed decisions often create problems later. Give yourself time to understand your new situation before making significant moves. Lean on your professional team. This is exactly when having existing relationships with financial advisors, attorneys, and accountants becomes invaluable. They can provide stability and guidance during an unstable time. Consider working with a counselor who specializes in financial therapy or grief counseling. Processing the emotional aspects of sudden financial responsibility is just as important as understanding the technical details. Taking the Next Step Together If you and your spouse have fallen into the habit of letting one person manage all the finances, it’s not too late to shift. Schedule a money talk this week. Write down your accounts. Ask questions. Set a reminder to attend your next financial planning meeting together. At Five Pine Wealth Management , we can guide couples through these conversations. Whether you’re in the wealth accumulation phase, approaching retirement, or already enjoying it, we help both partners feel equally confident in their financial picture. Don't wait until a crisis forces financial literacy upon you. Call (877.333.1015) or send us an email today at info@fivepinewealth.com to schedule a consultation and start building the financial transparency and security your family deserves. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: What if one spouse has no interest in learning about finances? A: Start small and focus on the essentials. Your spouse doesn't need to become a financial expert, but they should know where important documents are located, understand your basic monthly expenses, and know how to contact your financial advisor. Q: How often should we review our finances together if only one person manages them day-to-day? A: Quarterly check-ins work well for most couples. Schedule a regular 30-minute conversation to review your progress toward goals, discuss any major upcoming expenses, and ensure both partners stay informed about your overall financial picture. Q: What's the most important thing for the non-financial spouse to understand first?  A: Cash flow and immediate needs. Know where your checking accounts are, how much you typically spend each month, what bills are on autopay, and how to access emergency funds. This knowledge provides immediate stability if they suddenly need to take over financial management.