Spotlight Series: Interview with Carl Wyllie

Interview by Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com

In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Carl Wyllie, President of Hartland Benefits Inc., about his honest, research-driven approach to retirement planning. With over 30 years of experience helping Nebraskans prepare for the future, Carl shares how he empowers clients through education, personalized strategies, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right. From lottery winners to market crash survivors, Carl’s stories reveal the power of planning with integrity, realism, and long-term care at heart.

Brent Meyer: Carl, you’ve been in the retirement space for over three decades. Let’s start with what motivates you—what keeps you passionate about helping people plan for retirement?

Carl Wyllie: It’s the people. I really care about making sure every client is in good hands—not just today, but 10 or 20 years down the road. Retirement is a long journey, and people deserve honest, practical guidance. That’s why I spend so much time researching and making sure the strategies we use are grounded in reality. I don’t promise what I can’t guarantee.

Brent Meyer: Your approach is refreshingly honest. How do you qualify whether someone is the right fit to work with you?

Carl Wyllie: I pay close attention to character. I want to work with people who are stable, who value integrity, and who are serious about planning. I take time to understand not just their financial picture, but also their mindset. Are they realistic? Are they coachable? If we’re going to work together long-term, I need to know I can deliver what they’re looking for—and that they trust the process.

Brent Meyer: That due diligence has probably helped you navigate some complex client cases. Any stories you’d be willing to share?

Carl Wyllie: A couple stand out. One client won $30 million in the lottery. My first advice? Leave town for a year and stay out of the spotlight. Once things settled, I took over full money management. We diversified into a variety of assets and used annuities to lock in $150,000 of guaranteed annual income. On the other hand, I had another client who came to me after a devastating stock market loss—they went from $3 million to just $250,000. I helped rescue what was left and shifted it into an annuity that now pays them $75,000 a year for life. These are real people with real consequences. That’s why doing what’s right—not just what sells—is everything to me.

Brent Meyer: That level of care really shows. How do you stay ahead of the curve in an industry that’s constantly changing?

Carl Wyllie: Education. I do double the amount of continuing education that’s required each year. I believe if I’m not staying ahead of industry changes, I’m not doing my job. It’s not about trends—it’s about being prepared to explain how a new regulation or strategy actually affects the people I serve.

Brent Meyer: What strategies do you find most effective when building out a plan for someone nearing retirement?

Carl Wyllie: It starts with understanding their personality. Some people are analytical, others more emotional. Once I understand how they think and make decisions, I can tailor the strategy to fit their needs—not just their numbers. That’s when planning becomes effective. I also meet with clients multiple times a year, so we’re always staying on top of industry shifts, tax changes, and their evolving goals.

Brent Meyer: You’re a big believer in financial education. How do you approach that with clients?

Carl Wyllie: I run two or three educational workshops a year, and I take time during every client meeting to explain how things work—whether it’s an annuity, Social Security claiming strategy, or long-term care planning. I share real stories of what’s worked and what hasn’t. The more they understand, the more confident they feel. I’m not here to impress them with jargon—I’m here to empower them.

Brent Meyer: That’s a great perspective. You’ve been doing this for a long time—what are your long-term goals as a financial professional?

Carl Wyllie: I want to make sure that even after I’m done, my clients are taken care of. I’ve built continuity into my practice with two trusted advisors who will carry on the same values and approach. My clients have put their trust in me for decades—I owe it to them to think ahead and make sure that trust is never broken.

Brent Meyer: Carl, thank you for sharing your insight and for your commitment to doing what’s right in this business. It’s advisors like you who help set the bar higher.

Carl Wyllie: Thanks, Brent. I appreciate the opportunity—and everything SafeMoney.com is doing to support transparency and education in this space.

Final Thoughts

Brent Meyer: Any last words of advice for retirees or those preparing for retirement?

Carl Wyllie: Don’t wait until it’s too late to take control of your future. Work with someone who’s honest, who will educate you, and who will be there for the long haul. Retirement should feel secure—and that starts with having a plan you truly understand and trust.

About Carl Wyllie

Carl Wyllie is the President of Hartland Benefits Inc. in Nebraska. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in safe money strategies, long-term income planning, and personalized financial education. Carl is recognized for his research-driven process, ethical approach, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for his clients.

Thank you for joining us, and we will continue to introduce you to more incredible advisors in the future!”

The content provided is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. SafeMoney.com is not affiliated with, does not endorse, and assumes no responsibility or liability for the actions, advice, or services of any third-party financial professional, company, or organization featured in this content. SafeMoney.com is not a licensed financial advisory firm and does not offer individualized financial planning, investment recommendations, or insurance product guidance. Viewers are strongly encouraged to consult with a licensed and qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Any financial strategies discussed may not be appropriate for all individuals and are subject to the terms, conditions, and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company or financial institution.