Planning Built for Life®—and for Families Like Yours
Why I Do What I Do
Blended Family Financial was founded on a simple belief: planning should be rooted in who you are and how your family works, not just the numbers on a page. Stepfamilies bring together different histories, responsibilities, and perspectives, and that requires a planning approach grounded in empathy and clear communication.
Led by Brian K. Peterson, CFP®, a financial planner and stepdad himself, we help couples build shared vision, reduce money stress, and live their next chapter with purpose and peace of mind.
Meet Brian K. Peterson, CFP®, CPWA®, MBA
Founder & Financial Planner
As a life-centric financial planner, Brian is focused as much on clients’ clarity and confidence as on their financial success. He often says the most meaningful moment in his work is when a client sits back, takes a deep breath, and realizes they’re going to be okay.
After years of working with all kinds of clients, Brian realized something was missing: no one was truly serving blended families. As he and his wife, Cara, walked through their own blending process, it became clear that stepfamilies like theirs needed more than a financial plan. They needed a framework. A safe space. A guide who gets it.
That’s why he created the Planning Built for Life® process—a values-based approach to help couples merge finances without losing their individuality or connection.
Before founding Blended Family Financial, Brian worked in consulting and corporate project management, helping businesses grow through strategy and structure. Over time, he realized what fulfilled him most was helping individuals and families gain clarity and confidence in their financial lives. That passion led him to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and launch his own firm.
He is also a U.S. Army veteran, having served as an infantry soldier and a chemical officer, a lifelong goal that shaped his discipline, perspective, and commitment to service.
At home, Brian and his wife, Cara, share a blended family of five kids, two dogs, and a cat. They know firsthand that blending families takes love, patience, and teamwork, and that finances are part of that process. Their personal experience fuels his dedication to serving other stepfamilies with empathy and clarity.
Outside the office, Brian enjoys running, reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with his family. He and his family also love attending Eagle Brook Church and connecting with their community in Minnesota.
Meet Samuel A. Emmer
Associate Advisor
As an Associate Advisor, Sam brings a genuine passion for helping clients align their financial lives with their values. Collaborating closely with Brian, he combines financial expertise with empathy and real-life understanding—especially when it comes to the dynamics of blended families.
A Minnesota native with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Sam has completed the CFP® education program and the FPA Residency program, an intensive experience led by top advisors nationwide. His training and firsthand experience have shaped a thoughtful, client-centered approach to planning.
When he’s not working with clients, Sam enjoys golf, cheering for Minnesota sports (especially the Wild and Vikings), and spending time on the lakes or traveling—Jamaica and Ireland are among his favorite destinations.
You’re not alone in this.
Merging your financial life with your partner’s is complex—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re ready for financial guidance that sees the full picture of your blended life, we’re here to help.