Professional

Joseph Bantz helps Foster Group clients live meaningful lives. Joe joined the firm in 2003 after 14 years as a high school math teacher and administrator. Now serving clients as a Senior Lead Advisor, Joe helps clients make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

With degrees from Truman State University, University of Nebraska, and University of Virginia, Joe has a special appreciation for the academic basis of Foster Group’s investment approach. Equally important, his years in education laid the groundwork for working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, increasing his understanding of families’ needs and priorities. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner™, he’s earned his certification as a Kingdom Advisor, providing Biblically-based wisdom and counsel to clients. He also loves the Foster Group team, utilizing the strengths of other advisors and team members to provide a world-class experience of personalized care for our clients.

Described by his friends as loyal, compassionate, thoughtful, and consistent, Joe strives to view things from the client’s perspective in order to consistently provide wise counsel and excellent service. His background in mathematics provides analytical strengths, particularly in areas such as cash-flow analysis and planning for higher education expenses, as well as creating and executing retirement income strategies. He particularly enjoys helping clients develop generous habits, through charitable giving strategies and conversations, and aligning clients’ estate plans around long term goals and values.

Personal

King Solomon observed, “The way of a fool seems right in his own eyes; a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” This observation shapes me as a father, husband, and financial advisor. In 1997, I read Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton, which helped me understand the role money plays in shaping who I am as a person. Through the years I’ve rediscovered an enjoyment of reading, with interests running from WW2 histories and business books (like Ask, Traction, Tipping Point, and Good to Great) to biographies, mysteries, and self-improvement (Deep Work, Grit, & How Not to be Wrong). Of course, nothing beats a re-read of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy!

Outside of work, I serve on the board of the One Economy Financial Development Corp, which provides funding and assistance to African American-owned businesses in the Des Moines Community. This opportunity flowed from the “Business as Mission” training of entrepreneurs in Myanmar and Kenya, which I’ve been involved with since 2015.

My wife and I enjoy playing games, watching movies, and cheering on our Huskers! We have two married daughters, along with one in graduate school and one attending the University of Northern Iowa. As a family, we love hitting the road together, having visited 46 states to date. When we all get together, the peace and quiet of the household is joyously shattered with laughter, teasing, and great conversation as we play games, watch movies, and just enjoy being together!

Education

B.A. Mathematics/Math Education, Truman State University (Kirksville, Missouri)
M.A. Mathematics, University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Virginia)
M.A. Education Administration, University of Nebraska (Kearney, Nebraska)

Community Involvement

One Economy Financial Development Corp Board Member
Valley Church Global Opportunities Board