On the floor of Exchange last year, Cris Kalivas from Fortune Financial Group discussed her career, her process for working with clients, and the Exchange conference.
Kalivas Helps Clients Navigate Challenges
“We service all types of families but, specifically, I have gotten more into working with widows and divorced women,” Kalivas said. Both widows and divorced women face unique financial challenges. Kalivas shared, “I recently received my CDFA (Cerfified Divorce Financial Analyst) so that I can help them walk through what is a terrible and really heart-wrenching time of their lives.”
Talking about her process, Kalivas says she helps clients make a full financial plan, including everything from estate planning, income tax, insurance, and investments. “Those investments are then geared toward that plan, to their financial goals in life,” she said. Kalivas shared that she wants to know what her clients dreams are and what’s on their bucket lists. “Then we take and invest towards that plan.”
Fortune Financial Group Brings a Singular High Touch Style to Their Clients
According to Kalivas, the thing that sets Fortune Financial Group apart is that they are a true high touch independent RIA firm. “We are answering phone calls immediately, meeting any time a client wants to meet with us. I have one phone. All my clients call me. They don’t go through a receptionist or anyone else — they talk directly to me.”
She underscored that every client, regardless of age or situation, has a customized plan. Accordingly, nobody is stuck in a model portfolio meant to be a catch-all for a particular age group or goal. Everything is customized. “Everything is geared exactly to that individual.”
Exchange Conference Shines Through Education
Asked about what brings her to the Exchange conference, Kalivas didn’t hesitate to underscore the educational benefits. “Its not just a place to hear from the providers — which is great to find out what all the new funds and new AI tools that there are out there, those are wonderful — but I come back every year with education,” she said. “I’ve learned something. I have something to bring back to my clients.”
She shared that in 2024, Ian Bremmer, Brian Portney, and Dr. David Kelly all gave her amazing insights.
Additionally, the Las Vegas location adds to the fun of the event. “I come from Chicago, so its nice to see the sun in March,” Kalivas joked.
For more news, information, and strategy, visit ETFDB.
