Why I'm Writing This Blog

Why am I here?  Spiritually, I think I have almost found the answer but I will save that for later.  In terms of why am I here writing this blog, well, that is a very good question and I’m glad you asked.  I feel like I have some very helpful advice to share with those who need it.  I would hate for someone to have been able to use my service, and not be aware of my area of expertise and how I help so many clients.  So in short, I am writing this in case you need me.

For those who know me through business they may think I am too serious- but I am very serious about aspects of life that are no joke.  For those who know me well personally, they would say I am a jokester who loves to play sports- keep in mind that doesn’t mean I am funny or athletic.

Lake of the Woods, Kenora

My Grandpa was a Vice President at Investors Group and a standup comedian.  My Dad was a principal and a sit down comedian.  My Mother was a nurse and had to hear a lot of bad jokes.  My Grandmother was the kindest, strictest, most caring lady in the world. I am thankful now, but certainly didn't always enjoy the two older sister teenager experience.  I learned complexities of women that could take a lifetime or two to understand!  All in all, it is clear where I get my business sense, my discipline, my patience, my understanding, and my sense of humor.  My dad says he knew I was going to have a good sense of humor when I was 4 years old and standing on the dock with him at Lake of the Woods.  He said,  "if you listen very carefully Dan, you can hear the fish talking."  I was so excited and knelt on the dock focusing all my energy on listening.  He then proceeded to pass gas very authoritatively.  He was proud of me when I asked in a sarcastic voice,  "hmmm Dad, what language was that?"  Thanks for all the valuable lessons Dad. 

My Sis Lana and I

In junior high I was the president of my school- I played every sport possible.  I won the talent show by combining my stand up comedy with breaking the Guinness World Record for saying the alphabet backwards in 3 seconds- crushing the 5 second record previously set.  Unfortunately my brain never let that go and I can still do it on call if someone asks.   Throughout junior high and high school at Dakota Collegiate I played every sport I could…volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, hockey,golf, badminton, track, and was a starter for the school trivia team (Jeopardy is next!).  In grade 12 I chose to cut out some sports- I continued to play hockey, volleyball, golf and badminton but I wanted to focus more of my time on academics.  

Upon graduation, I received the Robert McDonald Award for the student who best combines and excels at academics and athletics.  I also received entrance scholarships to The University of Winnipeg to pursue my goal to become an Orthopedic Surgeon.  Ever since my sisters made me play the Game of Life when I was 7 and I had noticed doctors made the most money I had always wanted to be a surgeon.  I suppose sometimes in life we make decisions for the wrong reason.  Two years into the program I had a drastic change of heart and decided I wanted to take the business path, where I could set my own limits and work for myself one day.  I graduated from the Asper School of Business with a Business Degree (honours) in Actuarial Mathematics in 2003.  I worked the next 4 years at Great West Life Assurance Company, where most actuaries in Winnipeg start their career.   I gained valuable experience in insurance pricing, risk management, and portfolio analysis. 

"The square root of cool is.."

When I was student at the Asper School of Business they asked me to conduct finance seminars to help the undergrads and MBA’s pursue their finance careers.  Students were dropping out of the school because some of the finance courses were so daunting. They wanted me to lower their stress and help them pursue their goals in the finance field.  I continue to do this today.  Ten years later I have helped over 5,000 students graduate with a finance degree, and taught over 100 seminars.   I have always loved to teach and treasure the enlightenment in one’s face when they understand a concept they never thought they could.  

Myself and poker player, Todd Brunson

About 6 years ago my buddies introduced me to poker. I seemed to excel at poker based on my math and psychology background.  I am currently still ranked in the top ten in the world.  I was  lucky enough this year to qualify for the 2011 World Series Of Poker in Las Vegas.  I will be a "Full Tilt Poker Pro", have my $10,000 entry paid, $2,000 spending money, and 10 days flight and hotel paid for.  Look for me on TV!  

Sorry to digress, along with teaching finance seminars and playing professional poker, I also acted as an investment consultant to financial advisors looking for ways to explain concepts to their clients.  I gained the same pleasure in teaching professionals that I did teaching students and MBA’s at the U of M.   After doing this for 4 years, I had another epiphany….I didn’t want to work in the corporate world.  My choices at this point were to become a professional poker player (at this point in time I was fortunate to be ranked 3^rd in the world for online tournaments under $100), or start my own financial consulting company.  I decided to fold on the poker idea, and started Madison Financial Services in 2007.

So here I am with 4 years experience helping couples, families, business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals.   I see that same sense of enlightenment in clients that I did in students.  I simply teach them the financial concepts and products that benefit their individual situation.  I provide them with the knowledge and power to make their own successful financial decisions.  I find my job very gratifying and I am thankful every day of where my path has taken me.

 I am here writing this blog in case I can help you.