SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
A Welcoming Approach Financial planning can be overwhelming. This local team of experts invites you to ease into it.
photo courtesy of Prout Financial
by CARLY SIMPSON
When the team at Prout Financial Design in Traverse City began searching for a new office, their primary goal was to find a spot with enough space for a classroom. They wanted a place where they could welcome the community. This dream is part of a larger staff mission to invest in education—not just continuing education for advisors or informing clients about the latest investment strategies, but also answering questions and offering resources to the community at large. Another goal? Create a relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to a steadily growing staff and 700-plus clients, Prout Financial’s original headquarters on Front Street was starting to feel “cramped.” Walking into the lobby at their new Eighth Street home is anything but—it feels more like a friend’s living room, with a crackling fire, comfy couches, coffee mugs at the ready.
Now settled in after their big move in November 2022, Prout Financial is ready to invite guests over, and this spring 2023, the team is hosting the first of many Lunch & Learns. The free hour-long events will cover a variety of topics—some financial and some just plain ol’ fun—from Roth IRAs and 529 plans to travel, gardening and cooking classes. Prout Financial will also bring in experts on subjects like Medicare, Social Security and life insurance. The classroom has a full kitchen—with an oven, refrigerator, two dishwashers and counter space for prep work—along with a separate restroom, two big-screen TVs, a high-tech sound system and rolling tables that can be easily rearranged. Outside groups can also rent the room and host their own events. “Locally, I don’t know of anyone else who has a learning center like this,” says Financial Advisor and Managing Director Heidi Cartwright. “Other people do hold classes for clients to introduce products, but our monthly program that’s open to the public is a little different. “People who come in our door may have some fear or anxiety about financial planning,” Cartwright adds. “They might not know how to get started or are worried about making a mistake. We want to give people tools to navigate these topics, which can feel like tangled webs.” For those who want one-on-one time with an advisor, Prout Financial also offers an hour-long complimentary consultation. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and learn about different services. “I’ve had people with a couple thousand dollars who are just starting out and who want to know what to do first, to people who have substantial portfolios,” Cartwright says. “But that hour is available to anyone. We try to give you as much information as possible and a list of action items. We want you to leave having the confidence of knowing what to do next.” Consultations are available with Cartwright and Nathan Prout, son of Prout Financial Founder Dennis Prout, who has joined the advisor team. Nathan recently passed his Series 65, allowing him to give clients investment advice and analysis, and he also specializes in life insurance, annuities and financial plans. Lunch & Learn dates and topics will be announced online (proutfinancialdesign.com) and on-air during WTCM’s “New Retirement Radio” program, featuring Cartwright and Prout. Space is limited; call to save your spot. Securities offered through Geneos Wealth Management Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Capital Asset Advisory Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. mynorth.com
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