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Robert Barthen
Financial Advisor
Financial Guidance for Every Stage of Life
Helping you prepare for retirement, navigate life’s changes, and make informed decisions for your future.
Invest in Your
Our Why
At Gateway Financial Partners, we believe financial planning is about more than numbers. It’s about helping people make informed decisions that reflect their values and priorities. Many of us grew up in large families, managed small businesses, or navigated our own financial transitions, and those experiences taught us the importance of hard work, saving, and treating others the way we would want to be treated. These principles guide how we work with clients every day.
Our role is to provide clear strategies, practical insights, and ongoing support as clients prepare for milestones, address challenges, and adapt to change. By combining personal attention with the resources of a dedicated team, we make the financial planning process approachable, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
Get to Know Us
Robert Barthen
Financial Advisor
About Robert Barthen
Whether saving for their first home or putting money away for retirement, Robert Barthen is dedicated to helping clients and their families work toward their financial goals through a well-thought-out strategy.
As the youngest of seven children, Robert learned early the value of hard work, saving, and treating people the way he would want to be treated. He began his career with Thrivent Financial in 1990. In 2000, he founded his own firm to give clients greater flexibility and personalized representation. Today, as part of Gateway Financial Partners, Robert focuses on helping people develop plans designed to help their money last as long as it needs to. His approach combines asset allocation, risk management, and other strategies to help clients pursue their goals in any market environment.
With more than three decades of experience, Robert understands how the fine details of retirement planning can impact a client’s vision for the years ahead. He takes the time to listen, learn about each client’s goals, and carefully consider the strategies and next steps that fit their unique circumstances. Together with his team, Robert builds clear plans that address all areas of retirement, including income planning, wealth management, preservation strategies, Medicare options, and long-term care planning for families.
Outside the office, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife, Tammy, and their two sons, Carter and Jack. His favorite pastimes include hiking, biking, water skiing, and hunting.
About Tammy Barthen
Tammy’s favorite part about working alongside her husband, Rob, at Barthen Financial and Insurance Services is getting to meet people and making sure their needs are met. She joined the company in 2019 after years in banking, education and customer service. Her career is dedicated to helping people. She is licensed in Wisconsin for life and health insurance.
Tammy has lived in Eau Claire since 1999 and is the mother of two sons. The family enjoys watching the boys play baseball and hockey. Tammy’s hobbies include running, biking and event planning. She enjoys camping with family and friends and loves time on any beach.
Tammy Barthen
Marketing Coordinator
Linda Lohse
Administrative Assistant
About Linda Lohse
Chances are you may already know Linda when you first come in to visit Barthen Financial & Insurance Services. An Eau Claire native and lifetime resident, Linda keeps the office moving with administrative support and day-to-day operations.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people, both clients and business associates,” says Linda. “Many people recognize me because my father was an Eau Claire business owner for many years. So many have shared their stories about my father. It truly is a small world.”
Linda and her husband have five adult children and seven grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys family time, gardening, cooking, sewing, boating and board games. Linda also collects cookbooks and salt and pepper shakers.
Our Services
At Gateway Financial Partners, we provide a comprehensive range of services designed to address the many aspects of your financial life. Our team works together to evaluate your current situation, identify opportunities, and develop strategies that reflect your priorities and adapt as life changes. Our areas of focus include:
Our Process
Do Our Values Align?
Our Ideal Client
We enjoy building relationships with people who value collaboration, open communication, and guidance that is tailored to their lives. The clients we work with often appreciate clear explanations, practical strategies, and having a qualified team to help them navigate important financial decisions.
Many of the people we serve are:
- Preparing for or already in retirement and looking for a thoughtful approach to managing income.
- Experiencing a life transition, such as a career change, inheritance, or the sale of a business.
- Interested in coordinating investments, taxes, and estate considerations into one cohesive plan.
- Seeking a long-term partnership with professionals who take the time to understand their values and priorities.
If any of these descriptions sound like you, we would be glad to start a conversation. Our goal is to meet you where you are today and work alongside you to create a plan that reflects your goals and adapts as life changes.
Insights & Market Commentary
FAQ's
What is an independent financial advisor and what do they do?
A financial advisor is a professional who helps clients manage their finances, investments, and wealth. They offer personalized advice and guidance based on their clients' financial goals and needs. Financial advisors can provide services such as retirement planning, investment advice, tax planning strategies, estate planning strategies, and more.
Why should I hire a financial advisor?
Hiring a financial advisor can be beneficial for those who need help managing their finances, planning for the future, or making investment decisions. Financial advisors can provide professional advice and guidance to help clients pursue their financial goals and make informed financial decisions.
How can I determine whether my advisor is a qualified professional?
When looking for a financial advisor, using BrokerCheck can provide valuable information about the advisor's background, including their employment history, registration status, and any disciplinary actions or customer complaints. By using BrokerCheck, investors can make informed decisions about which financial advisor to work with and avoid potential fraud or misconduct.
What services do financial advisors typically offer?
Financial advisors can offer a wide range of services, including retirement planning, investment advice, tax planning strategies, estate planning strategies, risk management, and more. The specific services offered may vary depending on the advisor's experience and qualifications.
What is your approach to helping clients navigate market volatility?
As an independent financial advisor, we believe in developing a diversified investment portfolio that aligns with clients' long-term financial goals and risk tolerance. We review and rebalance portfolios regularly and provide education to help clients understand their investment strategy. During times of market volatility, we stay in close communication with our clients to provide guidance and support. By taking a strategic, long-term approach, we help our clients pursue their financial goals despite market fluctuations.
Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that managing your finances can be a daunting task, and that’s why we’re here to help. As experienced professionals in the financial industry, we are committed to providing our clients with personalized advice and guidance to help them work toward their financial goals. In this section, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand what a financial advisor is, how we can help you, and what to expect when working with us. We hope this resource will provide you with valuable information and help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
Invest in Your Future Today
Start Planning for the Next Chapter of Your Life
The steps you take now can shape the opportunities you have tomorrow. Whether you are planning for retirement, navigating a life change, or simply looking to better understand your financial picture, starting the conversation is the first step.
Our team is here to listen, learn about what matters most to you, and explore strategies that fit your unique circumstances. Let’s set a time to talk in person, over the phone, or virtually, and begin mapping out a plan that supports the future you envision.
Our Location
Gateway Financial Partners
2115 E Clairemont Ave Suite 3A
Eau Claire, WI 54701
