Prairie’s Investment Approach

Prairie’s investment approach is customized and risk managed.  We begin by identifying your financial priorities, an appropriate risk level and return objective; review your current investments in light of this information, and create a customized portfolio.

Managing Investment Risk is a Priority

Financial markets by nature are volatile. A major downturn at the wrong time can derail your financial future. Prairie’s approach is that of an active investment manager. When we determine the potential for loss is greater than we deem acceptable, assets will be moved, typically in stages, to a more defensive position. As the market outlook improves, allocations will become more in line with the clients’ stated investment asset allocation.

While we cannot guarantee the success of our investment approach, the past 25+ years of assisting individuals and families with their finances have proven that minimizing losses helps our clients stay committed to investing on a long-term basis. Without that commitment, it is too easy to give up just when the market begins to recover, missing what is often the best opportunity for significant gains. Whenever we can minimize losses, our clients also have more to invest at the market’s bottom, adding to the positive impact of market recoveries.

Accounts are held in the individual client’s name at one of the nation’s largest custodial and brokerage firms; TD Ameritrade Institutional - selected for quality of service and cost effectiveness. In addition to account transparency and online access provided by the custodian, all accounts are SIPC insured up to $500,000. TD Ameritrade also carries additional insurance coverage through Lloyds of London that protects your accounts up to $149.5 million against the loss of cash and securities should the custodial firm encounter problems due to mismanagement.  It should be noted that this coverage does not protect against market volatility and loss of principal due to market performance.  

Clients provide Prairie Investment Advisors with discretionary authority to make trades within their accounts. This allows us to use our knowledge of the financial markets and individual securities to make changes in the account with the objective of reducing risk or improving returns given the current market environment.

Review and recommendations are also provided for 401(k), 403(b) and other employer-based retirement accounts held by outside custodians.