We surround clients with collaborative problem solvers. We put the needs of our clients, the team, and our community above our individual desires.
Introducing the local team, as well our strategic partners who provide a tremendous amount of support and experience in Des Moines, Iowa. We’re the ones that make Clevenger Financial different.
Holistic financial solutions
Team-based approach
Depth of EXPERIENCE
Our work is personal
Lane takes a holistic approach to financial well-being. As a team leader, his role is to serve as the “financial quarterback” and coordinator for all of your financial needs. As a CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER) professional, Lane puts the golden rule into action daily. Lane holds Series 7 and Series 65 securities registrations. He also holds life and health insurance licenses, and serves clients across the nation. Lane married up, and together he and Abby are raising three strong leaders.
kristyn@clevengerfinancial.com
Kristyn is the glue that holds it all together! As Office Manager, Kristyn makes sure that t’s are crossed and i’s dotted. She shares the firm’s level of concern and commitment to take care of our clients as job number one. Kristyn’s attention to detail makes the office run like a well-oiled machine. Kristyn enjoys reading, walks with her dog, hiking with friends, and time with her nephew and family.
luke@clevengerfinancial.com
Luke runs alongside everyone in the firm to make sure that our client services are tended to with diligence and dedication. As an associate, he focuses on the preparation of client meetings and agendas. He provides exceptional service assisting clients in the resolution of inquiries and follows up on post-meeting client tasks. Prior to joining the team, Luke worked as an intern at Leggett & Platt and played football for Missouri Southern while earning degrees in Finance and Management. Outside of work, he enjoys being outdoors with his wife Lily and either watching or playing sports.
Jared works to help people get clear about their objectives, why they’re important and how to make them happen. The firm takes a “whole person” approach. Our comprehensive, values-based method is highly valued by clients and is revolutionizing the way planning should be. Jared’s background includes technology and finance. He also holds the highly regarded industry designations of Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®).
Indiana University - Bloomington, Business and Computer Science
University of Iowa, MBA with Finance Emphasis
Becoming a nerd for open source platforms while working with an internet company.
I read, volunteer, and enjoy time in nature with my wife and critters.
Jim's financial career spans two decades. He has built a diverse background in pension, tax planning**, estate planning strategies, financial planning and investments.
Jim acquired a deep understanding of all types of retirement plans in his years at a global financial services company where he consulted with other professionals and business owners to help design effective, goal-based pension programs. Jim also served as a mutual fund analyst where he covered financial services, outsourcing, health care, energy, and utility industries. His most extensive analysis was with oil and gas where he led coverage of the energy industry for domestic and international companies.
Jim holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. While he does not currently practice tax or public accounting, he did have his own tax practice. He uses this background to help clients with their overall financial planning and to tailor investments appropriately. His continuing education to maintain his CPA designation remains focused on trusts, taxation and estate planning. Through the American Institute of CPAs, Jim has earned the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential, demonstrating his knowledge and experience in personal financial planning. Jim also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
University of Iowa, BBA in Accounting
University of Iowa, MBA with Finance Emphasis
Mowing yards for neighbors
My wife Melissa and I have two children, Nicholas and Stephanie. I am an avid Iowa Hawkeye supporter. I’m also active in the Des Moines community. I serve as Treasurer of Central Iowa Shelter & Services and have served on the board of Junior Achievement, the Investment Committee of United Way of Central Iowa, and the Investment Committee of the United Way Emerging Leaders Initiative. I currently volunteer at the University of Iowa, serving as an Investment Advisory Board Member of the University of Iowa Krause Fund where I help oversee an investment fund run by students.
** Tax services provided by James Wessels.
Arild brings three decades of extensive national and international experience as a financial analyst, researcher, and portfolio manager to our investment committee. Arild adds significant depth to our investment philosophy and process for the benefit of clients.
*Investment role for internal purposes only.
p.vance@vfghelps.com
Phyllis is our Chief Financial Strategist, focusing on investment analysis. As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), she adds an additional layer of perspective to the analytical approach of the Investment Committee. Phyllis has over thirty years of experience which includes serving as an analyst and portfolio manager for a global financial investment management firm. Her experience includes domestic and international equities as well as commercial real estate research.
Iowa State University, B.S. Industrial Administration
Cafeteria help
My interests, outside of financial markets, include fly fishing, jewelry making, reading, and experimenting with new recipes. I am also learning to make quilts, and have joined a group that donates them.
Matt works on the development, analysis, and implementation of financial plans with our clients. Matt began his career in the financial services industry in 2002 with a global financial services company as a registered representative.
The University of Iowa, Bachelor’s Degree
Environmental and Inventory Management Specialist at Snow’s Town & Country
I live in West Des Moines with my two children, Eric and Emily. I am an active member in my church and enjoy traveling with my family, golfing and supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Eric serves as a subject matter expert on topics related to life insurance, qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, and tax planning***. Prior to working at Vision Financial Group he spent 11 years as the director of advanced markets at a large financial services company, focusing on case design and implementation of life insurance and annuity solutions. Eric also has 12 years of experience with two CPA firms, where he designed and administered qualified and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. He also served as a trust officer at a major bank.
University of Iowa, Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics
Drake University Law School, Doctor of Jurisprudence
A paperboy….back when papers were actually delivered door to door!
I’m spending time with my wife Karen and our two sons, Jared and Justin. I am an avid golfer and outdoorsman. When the weather doesn’t cooperate I can be found with a book in my hand reading nonfiction “whodunnit” thrillers.
** Not engaged in the practice of law.
*** Tax services provided by Eric Johnson.
s.beard@vfghelps.com
Sean focuses on bringing financial order to the lives of business owners and their employees. He integrates financial planning, investment management, tax and estate planning strategies into one holistic plan for the owner, while concentrating on crafting innovative retirement plans for the business. Sean utilizes the same financial planning tools for employees, empowering companies to create financial wellness programs that focus on the holistic matters that genuinely create retirement success. Sean has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) designations.
Michigan State University. Sean is also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®).
Detasseling corn
Sean is originally from Cedar Rapids and resides in Iowa City with his wife Julie and their four children: Ethan, Caden, Logan and Lauren. Sean enjoys coaching multiple youth sports, traveling and spending time outdoors with his family.