CSV FINANCIAL - Key Persons
Matt has more than 20 years of experience working in public accounting, with CarlsonSV, specializing in tax services and consulting to a variety of industries and client types, including cooperatives, non-profit organizations, real estate entities, utilities, contractors, common interest realty associations, individuals, and many others. Now, Matt has added financial planning, investments, and insurance to the resources he may offer clients. Matt identified the need for his customers to have more guidance with their whole financial picture, and is excited this team will make it possible.
His strong business and tax background make him a sought after reference source for both the firm's clients and other professionals. Matt enjoys working with clients in structuring transactions to minimize income taxes. He often represents taxpayers during audits by various taxing authorities.
Matt is serves on the tax firm an active speaker at the firm's educational events. His professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants, the North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce, and the North Central Chapter of the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives.
Matt graduated from Minnesota State University - Mankato where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree Cum Laude. In his spare time he enjoys outdoor activities, golfing, and spending time with his wife Beth and their two children.
Niles has been helping clients identify their financial goals more than 40 years. Whether it has been farm or other business owner succession planning, Niles has strove to understand clients needs. Based on their goals, he has worked with them to create a plan and helped them implement the investments and insurance to help fill the gaps.
In 2021 Scott joined the team at CSV Financial Advisors and looks forward to working with people on pursuing their financial goals. Scott's experience in banking, finance and farming background gives him a unique perspective and ability to help people identify opportunities and work together on the best solutions.
Scott Blumhoefer has 28+ years of experience in banking and finance. He spent thirteen years involved in all aspects of community banking, from retail to operations and management. For five years Scott served as bank president that included two branches, $100MM in assets, and approximately 35 employees. He worked with various clients including agricultural, commercial, and retail. Scott went on to be Vice President of Finance and Administration at a successful 100MM gallon per year ethanol production cooperative where he spent the next fifteen years. At the cooperative Scott was involved in day-to-day operations and all financial aspects of the company including forecasting, budgeting and strategic planning.
Scott and his wife are empty nesters with three children. Together they enjoy short trips around Minnesota, hiking, biking and visiting their kids.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Managing Partner
Sonja Bjork has been working in the financial services business for 26+ years and offers individuals, families and/or small business owners a comprehensive approach to their retirement planning, investment. Sonja is a graduate of Iowa State University College of Business and of two + decades of working with advisors and their clients across the country, as financial services career evolved within The Hartford Financial and Prudential. In 2014 Sonja co-founded Highview Advisors, LLC with her business partner and fellow advisor, Niles Austvold.
She has been committed to helping people pursue individual and small business client's financial goals. When she is not working, she spends time with her husband, daughter, friends and extended family. She lives into her commitment to wellness, cooks, camps, hikes and studies life, no fooling - through study of mind, body, spirit; the nature and sciences.
Only one-third of adults have an estate strategy document such as a will in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once they're gone. 1
But a will is an instrument of power. Creating one gives you control over the distribution of your assets. If you die without one, the state decides what becomes of your property without regard to your priorities.
A will is a legal document by which an individual or a couple (known as "testator") identifies their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death. A will can typically be broken down into four main parts.
1. Executors - Most wills begin by naming an executor. Executors are responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in a will. This involves assessing the value of the estate, gathering the assets, paying inheritance tax and other debts (if necessary), and distributing assets among beneficiaries. It's recommended that you name at least two executors, in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the obligation.