In this episode, I sit down with Amber Meyer, Certified Financial Planner with TruStone Wealth Management, for an eye-opening conversation about how financial realities and family expectations shape the success (or the struggle) of farm transitions.
Amber brings years of firsthand experience helping multigenerational farm families align money, mindset, and legacy. Together, we explore the biggest hurdles keeping families from “getting to the table,” from unspoken assumptions and generational gaps to the tough math of cash flow, living expenses, and retirement readiness.
Amber explains why clear communication, realistic asset valuations, and early planning are essential to keeping both the business and the family intact. We also talk about creative ways to make transitions viable — from custom work and diversified income streams to using tools like trusts and lifetime transfers to balance fairness with financial sense.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start these conversations or how to keep them from derailing, this episode will help you see that peace and profitability can go hand-in-hand when families commit to transparency, teamwork, and communication.
“If you can’t talk to each other, it’s not going to end well. Transparency on numbers, expectations, and timeframes is what keeps families out of courtrooms and at the kitchen table.” – Amber Meyer
Mentioned During This Episode
Resources
- Team website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/trustone-wealth-management/
- Company website: https://www.ameriprise.com/
- Calculators and Tools: https://www.ameriprise.com/financial-news-research/financial-calculators
- Peace of Land by Brent Turner – available Fall 2025
Social Media Handles
Elaine Froese Resources & Links
- SPEAKING – book Elaine for your next event
- COACHING – find your Farm Transition Coach
- MEMBERSHIP – Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
- RESOURCES – download for FREE
- CONTACT – take the next steps in your transition
About Our Guest
Amber Meyer grew up on a small farm in Pembina County, North Dakota, producing sugarbeets, edible beans, soybeans, and wheat. From the time she was old enough to reach the pedals, Amber was helping in the fields – from childhood until today. Through a series of untimely deaths and challenges, she and her husband, Jason, are now the sole operators of their family’s farm. Agricultural advances in chemicals and genetics, along with very flexible work schedules, have allowed both of them to continue their off-farm careers: Jason, an Agronomist, and Amber, a Certified Financial Planner/Wealth Manager. Amber has 28 years of finance experience; 9 years as an ag banker and 19 years with TruStone Wealth Management.
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Timestamps
[0:01:55] – Amber’s background growing up on a farm in North Dakota
[0:04:34] – Discussion of generational gaps in farming
[0:08:34] – Financial inventory and assessing farm viability
[0:11:53] – Advice on saving and investing for young farmers
[0:17:06] – Importance of wills and estate planning
[0:21:37] – Setting realistic land and asset valuations
[0:24:04] – Fee structure for financial advisors
[0:28:58] – Who typically drives the farm transition process
[0:33:56] – Key advice: Communicate, communicate, communicate
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