To Willow Financial

You Deserve
advice without hidden agendas. a financial partner who puts you first. clarity in your financial future. a planner who speaks your language. transparent, conflict-free guidance.

Specialized Financial Planning for Walmart Home Office Leadership & Executives

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How We Work Together

Get clear, actionable answers

without the pressure to transfer your assets. Our hourly planning approach means you maintain control while getting the specific guidance you need.

Whether you need a comprehensive review or help with a specific decision, we’re here to provide focused, practical advice.

Got Questions? We Have Answers.

Common questions we help our Walmart leadership & vendors answer:

  • What’s the best strategy for my Walmart stock options?
  • How do I maximize my Walmart benefits package?
  • Is my investment portfolio truly aligned with my goals?
  • How can I protect myself financially against layoffs?
  • What should I do with my benefits if I change jobs?
  • Am I on track for retirement?
  • Should I participate in a Deferred Compensation plan?

Get Clear Guidance

Our passion is helping you: 

Get Your Time Back

Reduce the mental energy spent on research and analyzing financial strategies.

Learn & Gain Confidence

Partner with a team that can help you bring it all together while gaining confidence in your ability to realize your goals.

Make Wise Benefit Elections

Understand all aspects of your employee benefits and how they fit into your plan.

Consistent Guidance

Whether you’re getting promoted, navigating a layoff, or changing jobs, Pathway by Willow can provide you with consistent financial guidance no matter what changes are happening in your professional life.

Services

Executive Compensation

Make the most of your benefits package.

Stock Options & Restricted Stock

Understand your equity and how to use it

Deferred Compensation

Plan for future income with flexible strategies.

Tax Planning

Reduce what you owe and keep more of what you earn.

Insurance Planning

Choose the right coverage to protect your family.

Estate Planning

Help ensure your legacy aligns with your wishes.

About Pathway by Willow

We founded Pathway by Willow after recognizing a specific need among Walmart leaders and executives in Northwest Arkansas—straightforward, consistent financial advice available when they need it. Pathway helps Walmart Home Office associates and suppliers take control of their financial decisions through our hourly, pay-as-you-go model that provides timely guidance for both immediate concerns and future planning.

Since 2007, Willow Financial has served the Northwest Arkansas community with boutique financial planning and holistic advice. Our core mission has always been to build long-term relationships with our clients, primarily retirees, while providing personalized financial strategies that reflect their unique goals and values.

We’re excited to extend our expertise through Pathway, bringing the same commitment to collaboration and actionable advice that has defined Willow Financial. Together, we’ll help you make confident financial decisions that serve you well now and for years to come.

Our Team

Steven Schmitt

CFPⓇ, AEPⓇ, MSFS, AIF

Managing Partner

Madison Derden

Partner

Philip Kapler

Partner

Joe Chowansky

Advisor

Vy Nguyen

Office Administrator

How It Works

Step 1:
Connect
On our first call, we review your goals and see if we are a good fit.
Step 2:
Prioritize
We help you prioritize the financial decisions that can create the greatest impact.
Step 3:
Advise
We provide meaningful advice that you can act on.
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Transparent, Hourly Pricing

At Pathway, we believe in clarity and simplicity when it comes to pricing.

  • Hourly Rate: $500/hour
  • Initial Consultation: Complimentary

Our first meeting is a no-pressure conversation—our chance to understand where you are, what you’re looking for, and whether it’s a good fit to work together. No sales pitch. No commissions. Just an open dialogue about your goals. From there, we’ll create a custom scope of work and provide an estimate of the hours needed to complete it.  You’ll have full transparency into how many hours have been billed so you’ll always know what to expect.

No surprises. Just straightforward, expert financial advice when you need it.

All Your Financial Information At Your Fingertips

With our unique Pathway by Willow app, you can:

  • Review your Pathway by Willow appointment scheduler, meeting follow up, and recommendations
  • Connect all of your accounts to see a snapshot of your financial health
  • Get access to regular news about vesting schedules, financial tips, and more

Let’s connect.

Have questions or ready to schedule your planning session? Reach out to our team by email, phone, or complete the form below to request a meeting time. We look forward to partnering with you.

Schedule a Call

Memberships & Associations

Steven Schmitt

CFPⓇ, AEPⓇ, MSFS, AIF

Managing Partner

Since 2007, Steven Schmitt has been doing what he loves most: helping people experience those wonderful ‘aha moments’ when their financial future becomes clear. As Willow’s managing partner, Steven brings together his extensive credentials – including CFP®, AEP®, AIF®, and MSFS – with a passionate belief in the power of teamwork to transform clients’ lives.

Steven’s leadership style reflects his personal philosophy: that the best financial guidance comes from combining deep expertise with genuine care for each client’s journey. He takes particular joy in those breakthrough moments when clients gain complete clarity about their financial path forward.

Madison Derden

Partner

Madison Derden has a special talent for turning complex financial questions into clear, confident decisions. Since joining the financial services industry in 2018, she’s helped countless individuals and families find their path to financial confidence. As a partner at Willow, Madison brings more than analytical skills to the table – she brings the art of truly listening to her clients’ hopes, concerns, and dreams.

What makes Madison’s approach unique is her ability to hear not just what clients are saying, but what they’re really hoping to achieve. Her thoughtful questions and careful analysis help uncover the deeper story behind each financial goal.

Philip Kapler

Partner

Philip Kapler believes that trust is earned through both expertise and dedication, and since 2015, he’s been putting that belief into practice. As a partner at Willow, Philip combines his passion for detailed research with a genuine desire to help clients navigate their financial journey with confidence.

Beyond his role as a trusted advisor, Philip serves as Willow’s Chief Compliance Officer, where he channels his detail-oriented nature into protecting our clients’ interests. Whether he’s conducting in-depth research for a client’s financial plan or ensuring the highest standards of regulatory compliance, Philip’s commitment to excellence shows in everything he does.

Joe Chowansky

Advisor

Joe specializes in financial planning with an emphasis on retirement forecasting and tax efficiency. He partners with clients to craft smart, actionable strategies that align with long-term goals and an ever-changing financial landscape.

Vy Nguyen

Office Administrator

Vy is the first point of contact at Willow, ensuring that every client experience is welcoming, organized, and seamless. She manages the day-to-day operations of the office, supports client service needs, and helps keep the team running efficiently. With a focus on communication, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to client care, Vy plays a key role in supporting Willow’s mission to provide exceptional, personalized financial planning services.