Charles Achterkirch, CFP®

Charlie Achterkirch is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and fiduciary advisor dedicated to helping clients align their finances with what matters most to them. With a specialized focus on sophisticated cases, Charlie has been an invaluable resource at ISC Financial Advisors, offering clients personalized, value-driven guidance.

With expertise in complex financial planning and a dedication to educating clients on the ‘why’ behind each recommendation, Charlie ensures clients are equipped to make informed decisions. This approach has proven transformative, often revealing opportunities and enhancing clients' financial lives in ways they hadn’t anticipated.

Going beyond traditional investment-focused advice, Charlie's approach to financial planning emphasizes tax optimization, wealth preservation and transfer as part of an all-inclusive, comprehensive strategy. His thoughtful, evidence-based methods prioritize long-term stability, tax-efficient planning, and the creation of meaningful legacies.

As a collaborative team-player, Charlie frequently works with his skilled team of advisors at ISC, as well as estate attorneys, accountants, and other professionals to seamlessly coordinate every aspect of his clients’ financial strategies. For select clients, he also prepares and files tax returns, adding an integrated layer to the comprehensive services clients can trust.

Combining analytical rigor with practical insights, Charlie delivers strategies that help secure and grow clients' wealth. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Economics and Physics, Charlie is a self-proclaimed “geek,” who enjoys diving deep into analysis, constructing decision-making frameworks that empower clients with clarity and confidence.

Balancing a fulfilling career with quality family time is essential to Charlie, who devotes himself to both with gratitude and energy. He loves cooking for family and friends, creating memories around shared meals and gatherings. Time at his family’s cabin provides a place to recharge and relax with his wife, Amanda, and son Mateo. Embracing an adventurous approach to life, Charlie and Amanda appreciate exploring the road less traveled, embarking on cross-country off-roading trips and seeking new experiences wherever they go. Charlie finds joy in life's simple moments, bringing that same sense of enthusiasm and curiosity to his work and relationships.