What is the process of becoming a client?



“Plan First, Invest Second”

These four words mark the fundamental approach we take in advising clients. Understanding the financial concerns and priorities that each client brings to the table is paramount and, in our view, must be addressed before we can begin a discussion about investments and risk. Applying these principles to a defined process, we start from the very beginning.

• Initial Conversation:
  If the decision to partner with an advisory team isn’t big enough, selecting the right advisors can seem even larger. In most cases we schedule a 30 minute phone conversation or in-person meeting with prospective clients to give us each the chance to ask questions and learn about each other. By the end of the discussion, you will have a good idea as to how well your needs align with our services.

• Discovery Meeting:
  After the initial conversation, we like to schedule an in-person meeting. We prefer to spend most of our time asking you questions, discussing a variety of topics related to your personal financial situation such as your values, goals, interests, family members and concerns.

  We will answer any questions you have and introduce you to PrairieView Partners in more detail, explaining our core philosophies and values. We’ll also describe the backgrounds and expertise of those partners and employees who would serve on your wealth management team.

• Financial Analysis:
  Every new client goes through a Financial Planning & Investment Analysis. This is a 3-step Planning Process that begins with a detailed Personal Financial Statement. We then transition to detailed cash flow projections built around your goals. In these discussions we’ll answer many questions like the following:

1. Do I have enough saved to retire and sustain my lifestyle to the end of my/our plan?
2. Will we be able to afford college for our children?
3. Do I have adequate life insurance in the event of premature death?
4. If my spouse or I required Long-term Care services, will we be okay financially?

The final component of the Analysis focuses on Investments from a variety of perspectives. We’ll address risk in your portfolio as well as the expenses associated with your investments. At this stage we’ll also develop your Risk Profile, which will link back to your cash flow/goal needs. Concluding the review, you’ll have a clear idea of the philosophical approach we incorporate in our work as investment managers and how the level of risk taken is integrated with your overall Plan. If applicable, we will also provide a comprehensive analysis of Executive Compensation Plans (employee stock options, Restricted Stock Awards, etc.)

• Implementation:
  Once your Plan is in place, we will be very hands-on to put it into action. We will map out future planning items, such as facilitating an Estate Plan review meeting to which we devote a separate meeting. We’ll determine a timeline for tax planning and explain our process if we are to prepare your income tax returns. As appropriate, accounts will be transferred or electronically linked to our portfolio management system which is the backbone for a dynamic Client Portal, providing comprehensive, daily monitoring of all accounts within your portfolio.