Prairiewood Wealth Management

Prairiewood Wealth Management Reduce Taxes | Grow Wealth | Create a Legacy

It's more than a tagline.

Our mission and everything we do is designed to help you keep more of what you make, make more with what you have, and create a legacy that will last beyond your lifetime. Our Services

• We act as a Family CFO for our clients by coordinating each of the following areas:
Investment management
- Tax planning
- Estate planning
- Insurance planning
- Charitable giving

• We include one of our in-house CPAs in the ongoing planning process and utilize our professional network of estate and insurance professionals to integrate detailed tax, estate, insurance, and charitable giving planning into the full wealth management process. Our Clients

• Individuals and families:
- That need a coordinated plan across all facets of their financial life.
- Whose largest lifetime expense is taxes.
• We are specifically focused on the strategies that are most beneficial to families that have between $1M-$50M in net worth. About Us

• We are an SEC registered, fiduciary, fee-only, independent wealth management firm.
• We are located in Fargo, North Dakota serve clients both from the local area and throughout the United States.
• Please visit us at our website www.pw-wm.com.

Did you know that the legal standard to be an investment advisor representative is passing a 130-question multiple-choic...
06/01/2026

Did you know that the legal standard to be an investment advisor representative is passing a 130-question multiple-choice exam with no educational prerequisites and no limit on number of retakes*?

Further, getting 71% of the questions correct qualifies as a passing grade.

Most consumers assume that if someone is legally licensed to give investment advice, they have completed rigorous education and training, have demonstrated advanced knowledge by passing exams that test the real-world application of concepts, and have a minimum level of supervised experience.

The answer is much more complicated, and the truth is that there can be significant variation in the education, experience, and capabilities of financial advisors beyond the basic, legal threshold.

In this month's blog post and podcast episode, we break down the minimum standard, and why it is important for individuals to understand their advisor’s qualifications.

Then we consider three designations that genuinely raise the bar: the CPA, the CFP®, and the CFA®. Each requires a significant combination of education and professional experience, rigorous multi-part examinations, and ongoing ethics standards. We also share the questions everyone should ask before engaging a financial advisor.

If you want to make sure your advisor's qualifications match the complexity of your financial situation, this month's update is for you.

Thanks for tuning in!

* Retakes are subject to a waiting period and additional fees.



Does your financial advisor’s experience and ability match the complexity of your financial life? Learn what the legal minimum requires and which credentials truly raise the bar.

Most people know you can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k) each year. Far fewer know the IRS actually allows total co...
05/01/2026

Most people know you can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k) each year. Far fewer know the IRS actually allows total contributions of up to $72,000.

The mega back-door Roth strategy is designed to take advantage of that gap by allowing high-income earners to contribute up to $47,500 of additional after-tax dollars into a Roth account each year, with no income limits and all future growth permanently tax-free!

In this month's blog post and podcast episode, we break down exactly how the strategy works, what plan features are required, and what lifetime tax savings can look like when the strategy is executed consistently over time.

If you've maxed out your standard 401(k) contributions and are looking for meaningful ways to keep building tax-free retirement savings, this month’s blog and podcast is worth checking out.

Thanks for tuning in!



The standard 401(k) contribution limit most people know is only a fraction of what is allowed. Learn how to maximize your tax-free savings!

Ever wonder why two financial advisors can offer similar services but charge very differently and why it matters?In this...
04/01/2026

Ever wonder why two financial advisors can offer similar services but charge very differently and why it matters?

In this episode, we break down the five most common advisor compensation models: commissions, hourly fees, flat fees, retainers, and AUM-based fees. We explain the incentives each structure creates and why the compensation model your advisor uses matters far more than most people realize.

We also cover why low advertised fees can mask significant hidden costs, what questions to ask before engaging any advisor, and why alignment between your success and your advisor's compensation is an important feature of a healthy advisory relationship.

If you're evaluating a financial advisor or wondering whether your current arrangement is truly working in your favor, this month’s podcast is for you.

Thanks for tuning in!


Confused about how financial advisors get paid? Learn the five most common compensation models and how they impact the advice you receive.

Looking for a smart, low-cost way to access cash from your investments without triggering capital gains?In this episode,...
03/01/2026

Looking for a smart, low-cost way to access cash from your investments without triggering capital gains?

In this episode, we break down box spread loans - a lesser-known strategy that allows investors to access liquidity from their portfolio at highly competitive rates (currently under 4%). We explain how box spreads work, why institutional investors have used them for years, and when they may be a smarter alternative to traditional lending options.

We also discuss key considerations, including potential tax treatment of the interest expense, practical use cases (like bridging a home purchase or avoiding the realization of capital gains), and how to structure a box spread loan to reduce the risk of a margin call if markets fluctuate.

If you’re looking for flexible, low-cost financing without disrupting your long-term investment strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Thanks for tuning in!



Did you know that box spread loans provide competitive rates and potential tax benefits? Check out our podcast to learn more.

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the financial industry: the difference between fin...
02/01/2026

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the financial industry: the difference between financial advice and product sales and why it matters more than most people realize.

Most people seek out a financial professional because they want advice. They want to confirm they’re on track, want help building a comprehensive plan, or are seeking guidance for a specific financial decision. What many don’t realize is that the financial industry has historically been structured as a sales-based business. According to feeonlynetwork.com, fewer than 2% of the 295,000 financial professionals in the United States can be classified as Fee-Only for the advice they provide.

We explore how compensation, sales quotas, and limited product offerings can influence recommendations, often blurring the line between objective advice and a sales presentation. We end with a simple recommendation of how to quickly identify advisors who have prioritized advice and eliminated the sales-based commission and revenue sharing incentives from their practices.

If you want to better understand the incentives behind the advice you receive, this episode will give you a framework to ask the right questions and choose a financial professional that is right for you.

Thanks for listening!



https://pw-wm.com/podcast/ep-53-why-financial-advice-vs-product-sales-matters/

Do you know the difference between financial advice and product sales? Check out our blog post to learn more.

Are your finances prepared for 2026?In this episode, we break down key lessons from 2025, including why valuations matte...
01/01/2026

Are your finances prepared for 2026?

In this episode, we break down key lessons from 2025, including why valuations matter, how a large number of investors are highly exposed to risk through S&P 500 concentration, and why diversification remains critical for long-term planning.

We also look ahead to 2026, covering updated IRS contribution limits, catch-up contribution changes, and major planning considerations tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act - from tax brackets and deductions to charitable and estate planning strategies.

As financial complexity grows, staying informed, managing risk, and coordinating tax and investment decisions has never been more important. This conversation is designed to help you plan confidently for 2026 and beyond. Thanks for listening!



Is your financial plan ready for the changes coming in 2026? Check out this podcast episode to learn how to prepare!

Are all financial professionals created equal? If not, how can you identify who will provide advice that puts you first?...
12/01/2025

Are all financial professionals created equal? If not, how can you identify who will provide advice that puts you first?

Managing your money wisely can be complex, and many individuals realize they need good financial advice; however a search for “financial advisor near me” provides an endless list of advisors that all promise to help with retirement planning, tax strategies, investment management, and more, while promising to do it all “in your best interests.”

Despite all sounding the same, individuals know that there is a significant difference between financial professionals. Whether they’ve experienced financial professionals trying to “sell” products or sensed pressure toward certain strategies, they realize that identifying the right financial professional is a key decision. The question is how to cut through all the marketing hype to identify the professional who will put them first.

In this month’s podcast, we break down the key types of financial professionals, explore how compensation structures can influence advice, and share tips for identifying fiduciary, Fee-Only advisors who are legally obligated to put your interests first. Cut through the marketing noise, avoid hidden conflicts, and make informed financial decisions with confidence.

So, whether you’re already working with a financial professional or looking to hire one, this conversation will help you understand how to choose a financial professional committed to putting you first.

Thanks for listening!

In this podcast, we discuss the first step in a simple framework that will help you identify a financial professional that puts you first!

Retiring before age 65 - what about health insurance?In our latest podcast episode, we explore how individuals who want ...
11/01/2025

Retiring before age 65 - what about health insurance?

In our latest podcast episode, we explore how individuals who want to retire early can bridge the health insurance gap until they qualify for Medicare.

From the coverage that is available to planning strategies that can make premiums more affordable, we are discussing what every early retiree should know about their health insurance options.

So, whether you’re planning to retire soon or just beginning to map out your financial future, we think you’ll enjoy this month’s podcast. Thanks for listening!



Do you know what to do about health insurance if you retire prior to age 65? Check out this month's podcast to learn how to minimize costs!

Retirement planning isn’t just about finances; it’s about healthcare too!With Medicare enrollment approaching, many reti...
10/01/2025

Retirement planning isn’t just about finances; it’s about healthcare too!

With Medicare enrollment approaching, many retirees wonder how Medicare works and what coverage they really need.

In this episode, we break down Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, explain the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, and walk through key enrollment periods to help you avoid costly penalties. We also cover premiums, deductibles, IRMAA surcharges, and common misconceptions about Medicare coverage.

Whether you’re turning 65, continuing to work past retirement, or exploring your healthcare options, we think you’ll enjoy this podcast episode. Thanks for listening!



Medicare explained: Parts A–D, Medigap, enrollment deadlines, and strategies to manage retirement healthcare costs.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is now law, but will it increase or decrease what you owe in taxes... and by how ...
09/01/2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is now law, but will it increase or decrease what you owe in taxes... and by how much?

In this month’s podcast, we break down three family scenarios with real life tax calculations and comparisons.

You’ll learn who benefits, where phaseouts and limitations come into play, and why proactive planning is more important than ever.

If you’re wondering what the OBBBA means for you and want to see real life calculations, we think you’ll enjoy this month’s podcast. Thanks for listening!



Will you save money with the One Big Beautiful Bill? Check out our podcast to see three specific scenarios!

Address

3175 Sienna Drive S, Suite 100
Fargo, ND
58104

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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