Be Comfortable with Your Money
We want you to be confident you’ll enjoy working with us before you even schedule our first meeting. On this page, we cover some of our most frequently asked questions, so you can feel comfortable when you’re ready to reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is There a Fee to Meet With You?
We do not charge for initial consultations. We want to get to know you and what drives you, and we want you to get to know us, without any obligation that we have to work together. Our goal is to be a lifelong trusted partner that you’ll always feel comfortable coming to when you need financial advice.
How Do You Get Paid?
We are primarily paid by advice based fees. Many times these fees are investment advisor fees billed through your investment account and are based on the amount of your wealth we directly manage. You can also engage us for comprehensive financial planning, which offers advice for your complete financial picture. At times, we can also be paid on commission when you purchase specific protection policies, like life insurance. In every interaction, we have complete transparency, and our attention is on providing you with the best recommendations for what is right for you—not us.
What is a Fiduciary?
Put simply, a fiduciary is a financial representative who is legally obligated to act in your best interest. Some financial representatives are required to put their company’s financial interests first as employees of the firm. We’ve chosen to create an independent firm precisely because we don’t want to be in a situation where we may be tempted to provide you with conflicted advice.
Do You Only Work with Clients in Orland Park, Illinois?
If you need help figuring out your finances and plan for how to wisely invest your money, we can help you. While many of our clients are based in the Illinois region, including southwest Chicago and near our office location in Orland Park, we welcome the opportunity to get to know you and provide conflict-free advice to help you reach your financial goals. We serve clients in 13 states and can work remotely with anyone.
What Do you Mean by “Comprehensive Financial planning”?
Our money philosophy is that your beliefs and actions are intertwined. When we say “comprehensive” we mean that we’ll look with you at how money (and your attitude towards it) affects all areas of your life. Our plans are much more than a set of recommendations for how to invest.
How Do I Know I’d be a Good Fit as a PrairieView Client?
The families and individuals who get the most out of working with us are looking for an advisor who’s more of a financial partner than boss. We’ll come alongside you to give you the information you need to make the best decisions for your life. If you want to be smart with your money, pass on a legacy that lives on after you, and take care of those closest to you, you’ll enjoy working with us.
Who Isn’t a Good Fit for You?
We find that we get along well with most people, but if you want to completely check out of any financial decisions in your life, we may not be the best fit. We also may not be right for you if you’re a true DIYer and love making financial decisions on your own. We operate best in a reciprocal relationship where there is mutual trust and respect on both sides. We can’t take over the daily responsibility necessary for long-term financial success, but we do equip our clients with the mindset and behavioral advice they need to succeed.
How Do I Know I Have Enough Money to Retire?
How much you need to retire is mostly about how much you need to spend to enjoy a comfortable life. That number can be different for everyone, but there isn’t a “perfect number” that everyone needs to reach. Through comprehensive and personalized financial planning, we will help you live according to your number—and no one else’s.
Is It Smart to Fund My Child (or Grandchild’s) Educational Pursuits?
We believe in the desire that family members have to support each other. Ultimately, the question of whether or not to fund all or part of a family member’s education is unique to each individual. However, we’ll look at your complete financial life so you can see how your own dreams and goals may be affected by such an important decision.
How Will We Communicate?
You can call or email your advisor any time you have a question; a meeting isn’t required to get in touch. We also provide a digital communication portal where you can access your accounts, financial plan, important documents, and get your advisor’s contact information. We also will schedule regular meetings as part of our ongoing financial advice relationship.
Do I have to Be a Christian to Work with You?
We’re a faith-based organization, but we don’t require that any of our clients affirm a specific creed or agree with all of our beliefs. However, our Christian faith is an important part of our lives, and our beliefs do influence the way we view investing, spending, and saving. No matter what you believe, we want to understand what guides you so we can offer recommendations that allow you to stay true to your values while you save for your future.