When Brad Ewerth recognized that one of the biggest expenditures that many families face is the cost of college, he dedicated his time and money to become an expert in college planning and made this a complementary part of his tax planning and retirement planning practice as a CPA. He focuses on educating and developing plans for families to reduce cost, using sound methods to pay and providing tools to educate them in order to reduce their stress.  Most businesses don’t utilize all the tax and planning opportunities to reduce costs and most families don’t understand the process, terminology, timing, etc., so this has been a very rewarding area for him to practice.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Keeping a balance between responsibilities with my clients and spending time with my family and friends.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Helping businesses and families minimize stress through listening, strategic planning and on-going monitoring with their business or family.

Tell me a little about your family. – I have been married for 27 years to my wife Sara. We have two daughters, Lindsay, age 24, who lives in Phoenix, AZ and Amanda, age 16, who is a junior at East High School.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When my daughter Amanda was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December, 2006.  It changed my perspective about everything.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spending time with family and friends.  Doesn’t really matter what the activity is.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have coordinated and led a basic Christian growth course called “Alpha” at St Marks Methodist church for 11 years.

What are you the most proud of? – Seeing how my two daughters demonstrate  a generous and caring heart toward others.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Concentrate on doing things that really matter and not on things that the inevitability of death will destroy.

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – To start a foundation that would strive to financially help those in need.

How would your friends describe you? – That I am a caring person and put people above “things”.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I was a pretty good baseball, then softball player.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I would like to be a great story teller—as I think people remember stories better than numbers and facts.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – To be able to say no at times.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – You Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson

What is your favorite movie? – Secretariat

What is your favorite TV show? – Seinfeld—but I don’t watch a lot of TV.

What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – I like several:  Venue, Granite City, Olive Garden

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Bruce Wilkinson

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Visit www.tranquilityadvisors.com or ewerthcpa.com or call (402) 486-3777.