Matthew Nelson: The Journey to Financial Advisor

Hey, Matthew Nelson here. It’s incredible to have made it to this place, sharing insights and stories. Thank you for this opportunity to speak about what I do and who I am. Although I’m much more at ease discussing tax strategies, investments, and helping clients, I want to share the journey that led me to Perspective 6 Group.

Roots

I guess it all started back on the dairy farm where I grew up. Money wasn’t abundant, so I learned the value of hard work early on. If I was not working on my dad’s farm, I’d be helping bail hay or split firewood for neighbors to make a buck. In addition, I would tie our lawnmower to my BMX bike to pull it the 4 miles into town so I could mow lawns. Consequently, I was always intrigued by the idea of business and being an entrepreneur. Saving money became a game. I would track it in my little savings book and learned the ropes of financial responsibility.

My story developed further when I was a passenger in a car wreck. As a result, I received a small settlement at age nine and set it aside for college. That money ultimately sparked my journey into stocks, guided by my grandfather. By 20, I was handling trades and tracking the markets with actual paper charts and pencils, way before the internet age.

Career

After college, I got a gig at American Century Mutual Funds. It was there I learned the industry and fell in love with guiding investors. It was tough advising people older than me, but I thrived on the challenge. From American Century I moved to Wings Credit Union and began helping those facing retirement in turbulent times. The work became increasingly more fulfilling.

Eventually, I felt the pull to start my independent practice at Focus Financial. Having my own business was liberating. I could tailor plans, choose my tools, and truly craft strategies that resonated with clients.

Perspective 6 Group

This led to where I am today with Perspective 6 Group. I’ve built an amazing team and business with my great partner, Matt Finley. We have something special here.

I am proud of what I have done to get here. I obtained the Certified Financial Planner™ designation, and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary™, AIF®. Being a fiduciary is crucial; it means putting clients’ interests first, not a company or product provider. Most recently I acquired an Equity Compensation Associate designation, ECA to better serve professionals in MedTech and other industry executives.

When it comes to investing, I’ve cultivated a philosophy inspired by Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock from Star Trek. It’s about balancing passion and logic, focusing on what works best for the client’s situation. It’s not always about swinging for the fences; it’s about meeting goals. That means understanding each client’s risk tolerance and designing strategies that align.

Outside of work, I’m a huge outdoor enthusiast. I love mountain biking, and racing with the Peace Coffee Racing Team. My bike is my escape and my reset button. Further, endurance sports have taught me that pain is temporary and surviving hard experiences is good for you. This lesson is foundational to my career. Owning a business isn’t a cakewalk, but hard work is always rewarding.

Thank you for allowing me to live my passion every day. I am so happy to be here.