Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Fiduciary Financial Partner in Fargo, ND
Prairiewood Wealth Management was founded in 2009 with a clear mission: to prioritize client interests above all else in an industry often driven by conflicting incentives. As a Registered Investment Advisory firm, we operate under a fiduciary standard 100% of the time, ensuring every recommendation aligns with our clients' best interests. Our fee-only compensation model eliminates conflicts of interest inherent in commission-based systems, while our independence allows unrestricted access to the most suitable investment solutions.With team members holding prestigious designations such as CFA, CPA, and CFP, we combine rigorous professional standards with practical expertise in tax-integrated wealth management. Our generational approach ensures continuity through ongoing advisor training, while our proprietary Family CFO model provides personalized guidance across investment, tax, estate, and charitable planning. By requiring our advisors to personally invest in the same strategies we recommend, we maintain absolute alignment with client outcomes.
Services
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Proactive Tax Planning
Investment Management
Estate Planning
Insurance Planning
Charitable Giving
Tax-Deferred Exchanges
Direct Indexing
Retirement Optimization
Generational Transfer
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We operate under a fiduciary standard 100% of the time, legally obligated to prioritize client interests
- Fee-only compensation model eliminates conflicts of interest from commission-based products
- Mandatory CFA/CPA/CFP designations ensure rigorous professional qualifications
- Tax-integrated planning reduces lifetime tax liabilities through coordinated strategies
- Family CFO model provides personalized, multi-generational wealth management continuity
Services
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Our holistic planning coordinates investment, tax, estate, and insurance strategies to create unified financial roadmaps. We focus on growth optimization through tax-advantaged accounts, protection planning for asset preservation, and legacy structuring for intergenerational wealth transfer. By integrating all financial aspects, we help clients achieve long-term objectives while navigating life's changing circumstances.
Proactive Tax Planning
In-house CPAs implement lifetime tax reduction strategies through coordinated withdrawal timing, asset location optimization, and tax-efficient investment selection. We specialize in minimizing liabilities from Social Security, retirement accounts, and real estate transactions while maximizing charitable giving benefits. Our approach integrates tax considerations into every financial decision to preserve wealth across generations.
Investment Management
We employ fundamental value investing principles with diversified portfolios across asset classes and geographies. Our tax-aware asset location strategies maximize retirement account benefits while managing ordinary income-generating investments. Independent research drives low-fee, low-risk allocations that prioritize capital preservation and long-term growth aligned with individual risk tolerances and financial goals.
Estate Planning Coordination
Our planning addresses asset titling, trust structures, and tax exemption strategies to facilitate smooth intergenerational transfers. We coordinate with legal professionals to implement wills, healthcare directives, and business succession plans that minimize administrative complexity. The goal is to ensure client intentions are executed efficiently while maximizing inheritance value for beneficiaries.
Charitable Giving Strategies
We optimize charitable contributions through donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and education scholarships. Our tax-efficient approaches maximize deduction benefits while aligning with clients' philanthropic goals. By integrating giving into overall wealth plans, we help clients create lasting community impact while achieving estate tax reduction objectives.
People
Steven Nelson
Founder & Family CFO
CFA and CPA with University of Minnesota and Columbia MBA credentials. Specializes in investment research and family wealth management. Founded firm to address industry conflicts of interest.
Nathan Anderson
Family CFO
CPA and CFP with North Dakota State University education. Focuses on tax reduction strategies and financial planning. Enjoys golf and pickleball in his free time.
Kim Baumler
Office Manager
Manages day-to-day operations and client experience. Prioritizes smooth office functioning and client satisfaction. Enjoys lake activities and family trips.
Questions
Are you legally required to act in my best interest?
Yes, as a Registered Investment Advisory firm, we operate under a fiduciary standard 100% of the time, legally obligated to prioritize client interests above all else.
How do you charge for services?
We use asset-based fees (0.5%-1.5%), minimum fees for complex assets, and specific service fees. Our fee-only model eliminates commission conflicts of interest.
What services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive financial planning, proactive tax planning, and investment management with integrated estate, insurance, and charitable giving strategies.
Do you serve clients outside North Dakota?
Yes, we work with clients nationwide through virtual meetings while maintaining our Fargo, ND headquarters.
What qualifications do your advisors hold?
Our team requires CFA, CPA, or CFP designations, ensuring rigorous professional standards and specialized expertise in financial planning and tax optimization.
How do you handle tax planning?
Our in-house CPAs implement lifetime tax reduction strategies through coordinated withdrawal timing, asset location optimization, and tax-efficient investment selection.
