Your Team
Financial planning doesn't happen by chance; it is the product of sound decision-making. Whether you are looking to protect, grow or transfer wealth, our comprehensive team can help. We understand the complex financial issues and the ways in which these issues might affect your future.
Financial planning requires a commitment of time—yours and ours. We will work to understand your current personal and financial circumstances and your goals for the future. We will work to do more than determine a planning solution. We will build a strategy that is right for you. Together, we will work to develop a financial plan that balances your short-term needs with your long-term goals.
We'll stay in touch, so as your needs evolve over time we can make the changes necessary to protect your overall financial picture for the future.
Let us help you ensure your financial future is all you want it to be
Tracy B VanDyke, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®, RICP®
Upon graduating from Peru State College in 1993 Tracy was looking for a career that would provide her with professional growth opportunity, personal flexibility and the ability to have a positive impact on the lives of people she encountered.
After careful consideration of all her options, Tracy decided to follow her father, John Shannon and join Northwestern Mutual as a financial representative. In 1996 John passed away following a battle with lung cancer and Tracy began to work with the clientele he had developed relationships with, in addition to her existing clientele.
Tracy has seen many changes to Northwestern Mutual and the financial services industry, but the one thing that has remained constant is creating relationships with people and working with them to assist in achieving their goals and dreams.
Tracy earns and maintains the respect of her peers through a practice that performs on a consistent basis while never compromising the ethical values that her father instilled in her and that she wishes for her two boys. Through this foundation of excellence Tracy has developed the NorthStar Wealth Navigation team to ensure their clients are cared for, for generations to come.
Education
- Peru State College, Accounting (Bachelor of Science)
- Peru State College, Business Management (Bachelor of Science)
Associations and Memberships
Tracy VanDyke is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. The mission of NAIFA is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of our members.
NAIFA is a national nonprofit organization representing the interests of more than 70,000 insurance and financial advisors nationwide, through its federation of over 900 state and local associations. Founded in 1890, NAIFA is the nation's largest financial services membership association.
Tracy is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Founded in 1927, MDRT provides its members with resources to improve their technical knowledge, sales and client service while maintaining a culture of high ethical standards.
MDRT's mission is to be a valued, member-driven international network of leading insurance and investment financial services professionals who serve their clients by exemplary performance and the highest standards of ethics, knowledge, service and productivity.
Tracy also served on the Financial Representative Association (FRA) board for Northwestern Mutual from 2013-2019. She also held the title of President from 2018-2019. FRA bridges relationships and concepts between the Financial Representatives in the field and Home Office.
Awards and Recognition
Doug VanDyke, CLU®
Doug graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1993 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration/Accounting.
During a 10-year career in the accounting field, Doug held positions with Houlihan´s Restaurant Group, Delaval, and Ingersoll-Rand.
In 2003, Doug brought that financial background to our practice at Northwestern Mutual. Today Doug’s primary responsibility is developing the strategic direction of our firm to continue meeting client expectations and supporting our purpose and mission. Doug also continues to provide support and oversight to our firms planning and investment operations.
In his free time Doug enjoys spending time with his family especially supporting his teenage boys in their sports endeavors, Drew in Basketball and Quinn in Soccer.
Christi Schaffer
Christi grew up in Iowa and attended Iowa State University prior to starting in the banking and finance industry where she had over 10 years experience in managing client relationships before joining the NorthStar team.
Christi joined the team in January 2008 and has held various roles over the years. Today, Christi is the face of the practice to many clients. In her current role she assists clients and handles all insurance applications from the beginning, during underwriting and through delivery.
Any question that you may have Christi is your resource, any question she cannot answer herself she will direct to the appropriate member on our team or help you schedule a meeting with that person.
In her free time Christi likes to spend time with her friends and family and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and Iowa State Cyclones.
Nathan Duff
Nathan was born and raised in Lincoln, NE and graduated from the University of Nebraska– Lincoln with a degree in finance. Nathan is a Lead Advisor who meets with clients and works with Tracy and the team to build a personalized financial plan that fits the client’s goals and needs.
In his spare time he enjoys doing anything sports or fitness related. Nathan is a diehard Nebraska Cornhusker fan and roots for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Barrett Cooper
Barrett graduated from Colorado Christian University in May 2019 where he played on the tennis team. Originally from Prairie Village, he moved back to the Kansas City area after graduating and joined Northwestern Mutual in June of 2019.
As of January 2020 Barrett joined the NorthStar Wealth Navigation team and continues to grow in his Associate Lead Advisor role.
He enjoys fishing and working out in his free time.
Laura J Bruntz
Laura graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She came to NorthStar Wealth Navigation in January 2020 with 20 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry. She will be the friendly face that greets you when you arrive at our office. In addition, she schedules appointments and review meetings.
Outside of work Laura enjoys traveling with friends to tropical destinations, spending time with family, and reading.
Julie Borchers
With more than two decades of experience in the life insurance and financial services industry, Julie realizes the importance of building relationships with like-minded people. Her knowledge and ability to help clients uncover needs and scuplt plans is invaluable.
She rejoined NorthStar Wealth Navigation in April 2022 after spending the last 15 years in various roles within the financial services industry, most recently as the Director of Insurance of a wealth management firm. Today, Julie is an Associate Lead Advisor who helps prepare for and in client meetings.
Julie has a Master's degree in Science of Business Management from Baker University. She is married and has five children. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Danielle Samuels
Danielle started with Northwestern Mutual in 2014 and joined NorthStar Wealth Navigation in January of 2020. She has a degree specializing in Fashion and Business and brings her creative flair to the team's social media pages, client events, and branding.
Outside of work Danielle enjoys being with her husband and two kids, connecting with other women within her church and community and traveling to her favorite beach in Marco Island.