Financial Strategies Group

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Client assets under management

$186,955,000

Clients

659

9% high-net-worth

Advisors

of 10 employees

Firm type

Supported

1-4 advisors or >$200M in AUM

Clients per advisor

165

Very High

Average account size

$283,695

About

Financial Strategies Group (Classic Asset Management, LLC) provides advisory services to individuals (including high-net‑worth clients), as well as pension and profit‑sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and other business entities. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management, both broad-based and modular financial planning, and retirement‑plan consulting, and may refer clients to unaffiliated third‑party retirement advisers.

The firm implements advice primarily through firm-developed model portfolios and relies substantially on Modern Portfolio Theory, employing a mix of analytical approaches (fundamental, technical, charting and cyclical analysis) and focusing on mutual funds and ETFs. It provides ongoing discretionary management with periodic reviews and disallows client investment in leveraged or inverse “non‑traditional” funds as a stated policy.

Distinctive disclosures include a May 2023 SEC administrative order related to the firm’s prior use of leveraged ETFs (including remedial measures and monetary sanctions) and a settled arbitration claim in 2024, both of which are reported in the Form ADV. The firm’s business model also includes associated persons who are registered representatives of a broker‑dealer and licensed insurance agents (earning separate commissions), fee‑sharing arrangements when recommending third‑party advisers, use of the OneAscent platform (with platform fees that vary by AUM placed on the platform), and a routine requirement that clients direct brokerage to selected custodians — relationships the firm discloses as potential conflicts that may affect execution or product recommendations.

Client services

Financial planning Portfolio management Selection of other advisers Retirement plan advisory services

Expertise

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Cash flow / budgeting

Fee options

Fixed

Flat fees range from $1,000 to $100,000 per year for portfolio management; Fixed fees for financial planning from $250 to $5,000 or more

Percentage

0.50% to 2.00% annually (negotiable, varies by account size and complexity)

Commissions

Commissions earned by registered representatives for securities and insurance products sold, separate from advisory fees

Project-based

Hourly fees range from $40 to $250 for specific financial planning services

Other

Fee-only: Flat fees between $1,000 and $100,000 per year for portfolio management; Fixed fees $250 to $5,000 for broad financial planning; Hourly fees $40 to $250 for modular financial planning

Main office location

Financial Strategies Group

1220 28 Th Avenue North

Fargo ND 58102, United States

Number of offices

Most active in

Arizona · Colorado · Illinois · Iowa · Louisiana · Minnesota · Nebraska · North Dakota · South Dakota · Texas · Wisconsin

Disclosures

Business activities & affiliations

Is not active or affiliated with:

Insurance agent

They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.

Broker-dealer / trader

They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.

Bank

They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.

Trust company

They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.

Fund sponsor

They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.

Accountant / CPA / tax prep

They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.

Lawyer

They provide legal services, typically billed separately.

Real estate agent

They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.

Other specialized services

They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.

Forms ADV

Form ADV Part 2: Client Brochure Form ADV Part 3: Client Relationship

Quick links

Website 701-234-0103

Advisors at this firm

Austin A

Series 66

Fargo, ND

Financial Strategies Group

Austin Avery is a financial advisor with Financial Strategies Group in Fargo, ND, holding a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. He has worked at multiple firms including Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Aurora Securities, and Secure Asset Management LLC. Avery is also involved in several business ventures, including ownership roles at Classic Asset Management LLC and Avery Wealth Management. Financial Strategies Group advises individuals, high-net-worth clients, and retirement plans, offering discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management along with modular financial planning. The firm employs firm-developed model portfolios based on Modern Portfolio Theory and primarily invests in mutual funds and ETFs.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Cash flow / budgeting

Douglas S

Series 63, Series 65, Series 66

Fargo, ND

Financial Strategies Group

Douglas Schmitz is a financial advisor with Financial Strategies Group in Fargo, ND, holding Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses and 38 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at Classic Holdings LLC, Schmitz Financial Services, and Aurora Securities Inc. Outside of advising, he manages a residential apartment business with his wife. Financial Strategies Group serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, and retirement plans by providing discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, comprehensive financial planning, and retirement-plan advisory services. The firm employs model portfolios based on Modern Portfolio Theory, primarily investing in mutual funds and ETFs while managing approximately $170 million for around 659 clients.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Cash flow / budgeting

Craig R

Series 66

Lakewood, CO

Financial Strategies Group

Craig Rottman is a financial advisor at Financial Strategies Group with 22 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked with firms including Aurora Securities Inc. and Secure Asset Management. Outside of finance, he serves on the RCSC Certification Committee, overseeing seminary candidates seeking ordination in the RCA. Financial Strategies Group advises individuals, high-net-worth clients, and retirement plans, providing portfolio management and financial planning services. The firm employs firm-developed model portfolios based on Modern Portfolio Theory, primarily investing in mutual funds and ETFs.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Cash flow / budgeting

Michael Y

CFP®, Series 63, Series 66

Fargo, ND

Financial Strategies Group

Michael Young is a CFP® with 26 years of industry experience, currently serving at Financial Strategies Group. He has worked at Classic, LLC for 11 years and holds leadership roles including Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Classic Asset Management LLC. Young is also involved in non-investment activities as a board member of Calvary Church. Financial Strategies Group advises individuals, high-net-worth clients, and retirement plans with discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement-plan advisory services. The firm manages approximately $170 million for about 659 clients, using model portfolios based on Modern Portfolio Theory and focusing on mutual funds and ETFs.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Cash flow / budgeting

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