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Published
March 6, 2026
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Five 401(k) Mistakes Employees Make

By Matt Schlossman, CFP®

Small 401(k) mistakes could be quietly chipping away at the retirement income you’re counting on. After working hard for decades, earning promotions, managing teams, and building meaningful savings, this is not what you want. For mid- to late-career professionals and executives with significant balances, even minor missteps can translate into major financial planning adjustments. 

Over the years, I’ve seen that many of these mistakes don’t happen because someone is careless. More often, they happen because life gets busy and retirement accounts are left on autopilot. Small decisions that seem insignificant today can have a meaningful impact over time.

In this article, I outline five common 401(k) mistakes and what to do instead, so your retirement planning, tax planning, and investment management decisions stay aligned with your long-term goals. 

Mistake #1: Not Contributing Enough

One of the most common 401(k) mistakes is simply not contributing enough, especially failing to capture the full employer match.

If your employer matches 50% of the first 6% you contribute, and you’re only contributing 4%, you’re effectively declining part of your compensation package. For a professional earning $200,000, that shortfall could mean thousands of dollars per year left unclaimed.

Over 20 years, those missed contributions can add up dramatically. Even for individuals with $1 million or more in assets under management, consistent maximum contributions can meaningfully affect flexibility in retirement planning.

Steps to take:

  • Increase contributions at least to the level required to receive the full match.
  • Review annual IRS contribution limits. 
  • If you receive bonuses or equity compensation, consider allocating a portion toward retirement savings.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Investment Options

Another common 401(k) mistake is misaligning investment selections. Many employees default into conservative options, even though they have a 10–15 year investment horizon. Others overweight company stock due to familiarity, or neglect to adjust their asset allocation as retirement approaches. 

As you get closer to retirement, volatility becomes more significant. For example, a 20% decline in the market just five years before retirement can require substantial adjustments to your income strategy. Thoughtful investment management means looking at the full picture. 

Your 401(k) shouldn’t be viewed in isolation. Ideally, it works alongside your IRAs, brokerage accounts, and other assets as part of one coordinated investment strategy.

Steps to take:

  • Review your allocation at least annually.
  • Consider how your 401(k) investments integrate with taxable accounts, IRAs, and equity compensation.
  • Align allocations with your time horizon and income distribution plan.

Mistake #3: Taking Early Withdrawals or Loans

Accessing 401(k) funds early can be expensive. Withdrawals made before age 59½ typically trigger a 10% early withdrawal penalty, as well as ordinary income taxes on the distribution. While loans are often perceived as safer because you’re “paying yourself back,” they still come with risks. For example, the borrowed amount stops compounding, repayment occurs with after-tax dollars, and job changes can trigger immediate repayment requirements. For pre-retirees with significant assets, safeguarding compounding during the final accumulation years is particularly important.

Steps to take:

  • Build a separate (liquid) emergency reserve.
  • Explore other liquidity options before tapping retirement assets.
  • Coordinate withdrawal strategies with broader tax planning.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Fees

Fees are one of the most overlooked mistakes when it comes to 401(k) planning. Most plans include expense ratios on mutual funds, administrative fees, and potential advisory or recordkeeping costs. Even a small difference of 1% in annual fees can significantly reduce the long-term value of your portfolio. Unfortunately, many professionals fail to review their plan’s fee disclosure documents or assume that employer-sponsored plans are automatically low-cost.

While a single year of higher fees may not seem significant, the cumulative impact over decades can materially reduce portfolio growth.

Steps to take:

  • Review expense ratios within your plan.
  • Compare available fund options.
  • Consider whether rolling assets into an IRA at retirement could provide cost or flexibility gains.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About the 401(k) at Your Last Job

Career changes often result in orphaned retirement accounts, leaving individuals with several options when leaving a job. You can leave the account where it is, roll it into your new employer’s 401(k), transfer it into an IRA, or cash it out (although cashing out is usually not advisable). 

Many people forget these accounts exist, while others end up with multiple small accounts scattered across different employers. Consolidating these accounts can simplify tracking, improve coordination of investment management, streamline beneficiary designations, and provide more flexibility in tax planning strategies. For executives and small business owners with multiple retirement vehicles, staying organized becomes increasingly important as retirement approaches.

Steps to take:

  • Inventory all retirement accounts.
  • Confirm beneficiaries are current.
  • Evaluate rollover options in the context of your overall financial planning.

Avoid 401(k) Mistakes With a Coordinated Financial Plan

Many 401(k) mistakes happen because life gets busy and financial decisions become fragmented. In my experience, the most effective retirement strategies come from looking at the entire financial picture rather than making isolated decisions about individual accounts.

As an independent fee-only fiduciary firm, CGN Advisors helps clients integrate retirement planning, tax planning, equity compensation analysis, and investment management into a single strategy. In the first conversation, we often uncover overlooked accounts, outdated allocations, or missed opportunities that materially affect long-term outcomes.

If you’re within 10 years of retirement and want to feel confident that your 401(k) fits into your broader financial advisor relationship, schedule a meeting with our team by calling (785) 340-3434. 

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Avoid 401(k) Mistakes

What are the most common 401(k) mistakes employees make?

Some of the most common 401(k) mistakes include not contributing enough to receive the full employer match, choosing investments that don’t align with your retirement timeline, ignoring fees, taking early withdrawals, and forgetting about old employer plans. These missteps can reduce long-term growth and limit your retirement income.

Should I roll over my old 401(k) when I change jobs?

Rolling over an old 401(k) into an IRA or a new employer’s plan can simplify account management and provide more control over investments and beneficiary designations. CGN Advisors often helps professionals evaluate rollover options to align their retirement accounts with their broader tax planning and retirement strategy.

How much should I contribute to my 401(k) to avoid retirement planning mistakes?

At minimum, you should contribute enough to receive your full employer match, since it’s essentially additional compensation. Many mid-career and higher-income professionals benefit from contributing the IRS maximum each year, especially during their peak earning years, to strengthen long-term retirement stability.

About Matt

Matt Schlossman, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. He works directly with clients while also partnering with fellow advisors to support their client relationships. Matt’s greatest passion in his role is helping reduce financial stress by bringing clarity to complex financial situations and confidence to important decisions. He believes that when clients understand their financial picture, they are better equipped to focus on what matters most in their lives. Matt also has a strong interest in tax planning and enjoys collaborating closely with clients and their CPAs to develop and implement effective tax strategies.

Matt earned his degree in personal financial planning, with a minor in business, from Kansas State University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. He values CGN Advisors’ collaborative, team-oriented culture and finds it both rewarding and energizing to work alongside colleagues in pursuit of the best outcomes for clients.

Beyond his work at CGN, Matt has been actively involved with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) for nearly three years, serving on the NexGen GATHER planning committee. In this role, he helps organize the FPA’s annual national conference, which supports the next generation of advisors by providing community, education, and resources to help professionals grow with confidence.

Outside of the office, Matt is married to his high school sweetheart, Randi, and they enjoy life with their young son, Teddy. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family, cheering on K-State sports, golfing, and watching stand-up comedy. To learn more about Matt, connect with him on LinkedIn.

Investment advisory services are offered through CGN Advisors, LLC, a fee-only SEC registered investment advisor. Tel: (910) FEE-ONLY. 

Investing involves substantial risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. Before investing in any investment product, potential investors should consult their financial or tax advisor, accountant, or attorney with regard to their specific situation. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies.

The opinions expressed herein are those of certain CGN Advisors, LLC personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated.

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Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors with her fiancé. Together, they can often be found fishing, exploring local walking trails, tending to their garden, and enjoying time in nature.
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Tax Advisor
Sheila Coomes, CPA is a Tax Advisor at CGN Advisors, a fee-only financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. With more than 22 years of experience spanning public accounting, industry leadership, and higher education, Sheila specializes in tax strategy and business advisory services for individuals and small business owners.
At CGN, Sheila supports clients with tax preparation and works collaboratively with the firm’s financial advisors to deliver thoughtful, proactive tax planning. She is known for her people-centered approach. She is able to combine her technical expertise with an exceptional ability to listen, simplify complex tax concepts, and translate them into clear, actionable guidance. Her background as both a CPA and an educator fuels her passion for helping clients feel confident, informed, and in control of their financial decisions.
Sheila earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University, with an emphasis in taxation. She began her career in public accounting at Ernst & Young in Kansas City, where she spent seven years and advanced to Audit Manager. She later served as Director of Accounting for Alco Stores, Inc. in Abilene, Kansas, overseeing public company financial reporting and worked closely with external auditors and tax teams. Sheila then returned to Manhattan as Controller for Purple Wave Auction, where she led financial reporting and external audit coordination.
Before joining CGN Advisors, Sheila spent nine years teaching accounting and auditing at Kansas State University, where she also developed and directed the Herbel Accounting Academy for incoming freshmen.
Outside of work, Sheila is a proud mom of three and she and her husband also share their home with three Boston Terriers. They enjoy traveling whenever they can.
Matt Schlossman, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Matt Schlossman, CFP® is a Financial Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. He works directly with clients while also partnering with fellow advisors to support their client relationships. Matt’s greatest passion in his role is helping reduce financial stress by bringing clarity to complex financial situations and confidence to important decisions. He believes that when clients understand their financial picture, they are better equipped to focus on what matters most in their lives. Matt also has a strong interest in tax planning and enjoys collaborating closely with clients and their CPAs to develop and implement effective tax strategies.
Matt earned his degree in Personal Financial Planning, with a minor in Business, from Kansas State University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. He values CGN Advisors’ collaborative, team-oriented culture and finds it both rewarding and energizing to work alongside colleagues in pursuit of the best outcomes for clients.
Beyond his work at CGN, Matt has been actively involved with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) for nearly three years, serving on the NexGen GATHER planning committee. In this role, he helps organize the FPA’s annual national conference, which supports the next generation of advisors by providing community, education, and resources to help professionals grow with confidence.
Outside of the office, Matt is married to his high school sweetheart, Randi, and they enjoy life with their young son, Teddy. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family, cheering on K-State sports, golfing, and watching stand-up comedy.
Cheryl Rauh
Financial Planner
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Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado, as well as a Master of Arts in English and a Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning, both from Kansas State University. She has previously worked in technical writing, grant writing, and college academic support. Helping college students navigate financial challenges and plan for financial transitions after graduation led her to financial planning as a career.
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A Manhattan native, MaKenna earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University and went on to complete her master’s in public administration. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and minors in Leadership Studies and Primary Texts.
Before joining CGN, MaKenna served as Director of Marketing at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, where she led communications efforts and supported strategic community initiatives. She remains actively involved as a current Young Trustee of the Foundation and as a member of the LightMHK Events Marketing Committee. She also fosters animals through Purple Power Animal Welfare Society (Purple PAWS), where she adopted her dog, Karma. On weekends, you’ll likely find her crocheting, watching Big Brother, or tailgating at a K-State football game with friends and family.
Kendall Smith
Senior Client Service Associate
Kendall Smith is a Senior Client Service Associate at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. Kendall works alongside lead advisors, providing solution-oriented support both in meetings and in client services. She enjoys problem-solving and creating and maintaining relationships with both clients and advisors. Her diligence, timeliness, and attention to detail, along with her empathy and passion for people, make her a perfect fit on the team. Kendall appreciates being mentored in a way that pushes her to step out of her comfort zone, learning how to be successful in the industry, and being a part of a firm that encourages young professionals and provides resources for development.
Kendall obtained a degree in personal financial planning with minors in Business administration and communication studies, from Kansas State University. Outside of the office, she is a Greater Manhattan Community Foundation Young Trustee and a volunteer with the Common Table organization in Manhattan.
Cal Shimkus, CFP®
Associate Portfolio Manager
Cal Shimkus, CFP®, is an Associate Portfolio Manager at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In his role, Cal combines his interest in finance with his passion for helping people. Mainly working with lead advisors and the investment team, he enjoys being a part of what helps clients realize their goals. Cal believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially independent and live their desired lifestyle. He loves providing clients the help today that can guide them for the rest of their lives, removing stress and fear of the unknown so they can live freely now and in the future.
Cal graduated from Kansas State University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning and minors in business administration and leadership studies. He also graduated with the Investment Management certificate and Kansas Insurance certificate. He started at CGN as an intern in May 2021 and continued working part-time through graduation, after which he joined the firm full-time. Cal appreciates the tight-knit group of talented and hardworking people he works alongside every day, and his communication and adaptability skills serve him well as a versatile member of multiple teams at CGN. Cal’s favorite hobby is traveling, and he often visits family in Raleigh, NC, or Oxford, KS. He also enjoys watching K-State and Kansas City sports teams and playing golf or exercising most evenings and weekends.
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Kailen Jacobsen is a Client Service & Office Administrator at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. Kailen excels as CGN’s front-office “greeter” and always strives to be the first to answer the phone. With a passion for connecting with people, client interaction and customer service are her natural strengths. Kailen says, “I think it’s obvious that the people are the best part of my job—whether it’s the ones I work with, the ones I work for, or the ones I get to assist!” She also enjoys her wonderful coworkers and feels like her true self when getting creative with event planning.
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Brigham Glaves is a Financial Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. Brigham leads his own client relationships and assists lead advisors with client relationship management. Brigham loves watching clients progress toward their goals over time and observing the integration between the relationship with an advisor, building a financial plan, and navigating investment management. He enjoys diverse client backgrounds and the relationship with early wealth builders as well as retirees. A quick learner who’s good with computer software and client education, Brigham is always looking to expand his toolbox of financial planning strategies.
Brigham obtained a Personal Financial Planning degree from Kansas State University and holds the CFP® certification. Since joining the CGN team, he has fallen in love with the culture and business model of the firm. Brigham enjoys spending time with his wife, fishing, and watching football, however, golf is his biggest hobby and consumes the majority of his free time.
Kathy Switzer
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As Senior Operations Associate on our Operations team, Kathy Switzer is responsible for client invoicing and billing and QuickBooks administration for CGN Advisors. Prior to joining CGN Advisors, she was an Account Administrator at The Trust Company in Manhattan, KS, for 15+ years. Kathy also worked as an elementary school teacher for 15 years (1 year in Riley and 14 years in Dwight, KS).
Kathy earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Educational Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University. She also completed the Trust & Financial Services School and Advanced Trust Administration School offered by the Schools of Banking.
Kathy grew up in Council Grove, KS, in a close family of six children. She has been married to her husband, Kelly, since 1984. They raised their two daughters, Abby and Ally, in Dwight, KS. They currently reside in Salina, KS, near their two grandsons, Hayden and Easton. In her free time, Kathy loves spending time with family.
Kathy Bettencourt
Senior Client Service Associate
Kathy Bettencourt has lived and worked in the Manhattan area for many years, first as a travel agent coordinating team travel for K-State athletic teams and escorting groups, and then as office manager for Kansas State Women’s Basketball under Coach Patterson prior to joining Scott at Professional Planning Services.
For the last 18 years, Kathy has assisted Scott with all aspects of client service and office management at PPS prior to joining CGN Advisors as a Senior Client Service Associate, where she will continue to assist Scott and local Manhattan office advisors with client relationship management.
She and her husband, John, have lived and raised their two children in the Wamego area. Their son, Blaine, is a K-State graduate living with his wife in Chandler, AZ, and their daughter, Bailey, is a Baylor graduate living with her husband in Waco, TX.
Kathy is an active member serving and volunteering in many roles at their church, St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Together Kathy and John have 10 siblings and 50+ nieces and nephews, so they enjoy visiting and watching their many activities, along with biking, hiking, long walks, and traveling to many spots on their bucket list.
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Lindsay Adams is a Lead Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and holds the Certified Farm Succession Coordinator designation. In her role, Lindsay aims to walk alongside her clients as they navigate financial decision-making, and she loves seeing them accomplish their goals with actionable steps and experience the financial freedom to do what their heart desires. With a mission to serve others, she genuinely cares about what goes on in her clients’ lives, the big and the small, beyond the financial.
Lindsay graduated from the Personal Financial Planning program at Kansas State University with a minor in business. Prior to joining CGN as an Associate Advisor, Lindsay gained experience in different aspects of the financial services industry. She worked in banking during high school and college and helped fellow students at a financial counseling on-campus job, which showed her many different ways people interact with money and spurred a desire to assist others in financial planning. Outside of work, Lindsay is active in her church, enjoys singing and being outside, whether running or hiking, and spending time on the farm. She’s always looking forward to the next travel adventure.
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Senior Advisor
Jamie Bosse, CFP®, RFC, CCFC, is a Senior Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In her role, Jamie works with individuals and families to organize their financial lives, maximize their human capital, and move closer to their life goals. She specializes in working with parents in their 30s and 40s, a life stage where many can feel “stuck” balancing career advancement, family time, and financial goals. Jamie helps clients navigate these competing priorities and make real progress. Her empathetic approach, grounded in her own experience as a working mother of four, resonates with clients, who appreciate her non-judgmental, forward-focused guidance. An advisor since 2004, Jamie finds immense satisfaction in partnering with clients on their financial journey. She loves hearing them say, “We are finally turning into the people we aspired to be.”
Selected from a nationwide pool based on her accomplishments, contributions, leadership, and promise, Jamie was named to the “Investment News 40 Under 40” list in 2020 and was part of the Leadership Manhattan Class of 2020. She is also a passionate advocate for financial literacy, creating educational videos and articles, and has been featured in the Kansas City Star, KC Parent, The Journal of Financial Planning, Manhattan Neighbors, The Register, Solutions, Investment Advisor Magazine, CNBC, and Kansas City PBS.
Jamie holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, is a graduate of the Kansas State University Personal Financial Planning Program, and the author of Money Boss Mom: Helping Young Parents Be the “Boss” of Their Financial Future and the Milton the Money Savvy Pup children’s book series. Outside of work, she enjoys watching the K-State Wildcats and her kids’ soccer and baseball games. Her time is filled with hobbies including writing books, reading, traveling, and entertaining friends.
Scott Emley, CFP®
Senior Advisor
Scott comes to CGN Advisors as a Senior Advisor after more than 30 years in the wealth management and financial planning industry. He served as President of Professional Planning Services Inc. from 1997 until 2022. Prior to entering the financial services industry, Scott was a corporate pilot for ADM Milling Company in Salina and Koch Industries in Wichita. He holds a degree from Kansas State-Salina and has held the CFP® certification since 2001.
Having grown up in Manhattan, Scott has remained active in giving back to the community he loves. Over the years he has actively served on several boards and committees at his church and for several local non-profit agencies. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, the Board of Directors at Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, as well as the Board of Directors at Shepherd’s Crossing. He has served as President of the Manhattan Rotary Club and was recognized as Rotarian of the Year in 2016. In 2018, Scott was recognized as the Professional Advisor of the Year by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.
Scott and his wife, DeeAnn, enjoy spending time with their three children and six grandchildren. They split time between homes in Manhattan and The Woodlands, Texas. In his spare time, Scott loves to golf and travel.
Nicola Cyr, CFP®, EA
Director - Operations & Compliance
Nicola Cyr is the Director of Operations & Compliance at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. An advisor since 2017, Nicola utilizes her in-house tax preparation and planning proficiency to strengthen client relationships with their advisors and the firm as a whole. She appreciates the value and team approach CGN provides, allowing them to offer services in a range of complex planning areas without the need to outsource. Combining her affinity for educating people, financial puzzles, and a personal motivation for excellence, Nicola enjoys the challenge of balancing the quantitative “right answer” with the qualitative aspect of behavioral finance for each unique client situation.
Nicola holds a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning and a minor in English from Kansas State University, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, as well as the Enrolled Agent (EA) designation, which permits her to practice before the IRS. Prior to joining the CGN team, Nicola gained experience as a licensed State Farm Insurance saleswoman and as a research assistant for Stu Heckman, PhD, CFP®, assisting with research papers and development of undergraduate class content.
Nicola and her husband, Ryan, have two sons, Ezra and Elias, a daughter, Evangeline, and a faithful hound, Phoebe. Most of Nicola’s free time is spent with family, participating in her children’s extracurricular activities, and nurturing her passion for houseplants (owning and caring for 50+ between the office and home).
Justin Nichols, CFP®
Managing Principal - Operations
Justin Nichols is a Managing Principal - Operations at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In his role, Justin is responsible for advisor development and onboarding, as well as ongoing operations. An advisor since 2003, he loves developing long-term relationships with clients, and thrives off helping them realize their personal finance goals, such as paying off student loans or retiring early. Justin is skilled at simplifying complex topics, and his clients are grateful to have a trusted financial partner who keeps their best interests at heart. He prioritizes listening to their concerns so they know their efforts will be collaborative, with full context and straightforward options that address all their questions and concerns.
Justin obtained a finance degree from Kansas State University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. With a passion for financial education, Justin has served in a number of roles with various organizations, including more than six years teaching as an adjunct instructor in Kansas State University’s Personal Financial Planning program. Justin lives with his wife, Edee, and sons, Nate and Luke, in Manhattan, KS. He enjoys traveling with his family, spending time at the lake, snow skiing, and playing tennis a couple times per week. He volunteers at his church as well as for NAPFA, the large professional organization for Fee-Only financial planners.
Mike Greim, CIMA®
Managing Principal - Investments
Mike Greim is a Managing Principal - Investments at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In his role, Mike is responsible for overseeing investment research and portfolio management. He finds joy in helping clients meet their objectives with quality, disciplined, and cost-effective solutions in a way that lets them focus on their passions. In the financial services industry since 1995, he believes that successful investment strategies require time, desire, knowledge, and discipline; his passion and dedication, along with the appropriate human touch, helps his clients stay the course regarding decisions about their portfolio.
Mike obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in finance from the University of Central Missouri and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation. Prior to co-founding CGN Advisors, Mike was the Chief Investment Officer for Landmark Bank in Columbia, Missouri, from 2001 to 2010, and then served in the same role for The Trust Company in Manhattan, Kansas, from 2010 to 2016. He and his wife, Tina, and their three children, Zack, Logan, and Bentley, enjoy relaxing at nearby lakes or rivers. A musician and vocalist, Mike enjoys playing a number of solo acoustic guitar shows around the Manhattan area each year. Whenever possible, he supports local nonprofits and educates others on how to do so as well.
Chad Chase, JD, CTFA
Managing Principal - Senior Advisor
Chad Chase, JD, CTFA is a Managing Principal - Senior Financial Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. CGN’s team of financial advisors is made up of native Midwesterners who are passionate about helping clients plan for the future. While prioritizing personal relationships with clients, Chad has a passion for financial education, helping them better understand their situation and why certain recommendations are made. He enjoys getting to know clients and their families and seeing how their partnership helps them realize their goals. To some extent, he’s also a nerd who really enjoys numbers and problem-solving.
Chad obtained an associate’s degree from Butler Community College, a finance degree from Kansas State University, and a Juris Doctor from University of Nebraska College of Law. He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Graduate Trust School and has obtained the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor certification from the Institute of Certified Bankers. Prior to entering the wealth management industry, Chad worked in commercial banking for four years in Kansas City and Derby, Kansas, and practiced law in Manhattan. Before co-founding CGN Advisors with his business partners, he served as Vice President & Trust Officer at The Trust Company of Manhattan, Kansas, providing his clients with financial advice, investment management, and trust administration services. 
Chad grew up on a 100-year-old ranch in Butler County, KS, which he still helps manage and operate. His wife, Segen, is a Manhattan native, a fellow KSU graduate, and a local physician practicing in internal medicine. They have two children, Solveig and Gantt. Both Chad and Segen are accomplished musicians and very active in the local music and art scene. In addition to music, he enjoys golf, basketball, KSU athletics, and traveling.