We understand the unique financial challenges faced by solopreneurs and self-employed professionals
Gabe Nelson Financial, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisory firm, based in Sioux Falls, offering fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services to solopreneurs and self-employed professional clients.
Our clients receive personal attention from a financial planner dedicated to helping them reach short and long term financial goals with specialized insight into the particular challenges and opportunities that arise in entrepreneurship.
We know what it’s like to be in business for yourself. We have over a decade of firsthand, in-the-trenches experience as a business owner serving other business owners.
Who We Serve
By working with Gabe Nelson Financial, Inc., clients get the expertise of an experienced financial advisor who not only understands financial planning but knows how to serve the unique needs of freelancers, independent contractors, solo-entrepreneurs, consultants, and other self-employed professionals.
We help clients navigate the markets, but we also help them manage budgeting, cash flow, debt, large purchases, education planning, taxes, estate planning, and other issues they face as business owners.
You’re good at what you do and you have a lot on your plate — you don’t have time to dive into the market like we do.
And though you want to be well-informed, you simply aren’t interested in poring over the financial news like we are.
So you recognize the value of working with a financial professional in much the same way that your clients and customers value working with you.
Our Story
With almost three decades in the financial services industry and more than a decade as an independent small business owner, Gabe Nelson already had an established thriving practice and solid reputation in his industry when he recognized an interesting trend among some of his favorite clients.
More and more, he found himself working with self-employed professionals and solo-entrepreneurs. And as a business owner himself, he was fired up about helping them navigate the unique challenges they were facing – because he was just like them.
He understood that independent professionals have specific needs. Most financial advisors don’t know exactly what it takes to transition from employee to independent contractor status or establish long-term financial security without relying on a regular paycheck.
He also knew that with more of the workforce becoming self-employed every day, more people could benefit from working with an advisor who knows how to plan for the whole financial picture, including legal, estate, financial, retirement, life, disability, and more — with an entrepreneurial spirit.
So he took his passion for providing a personal touch with hands-on problem-solving and solution-oriented comprehensive planning and decided to focus on serving solo-entrepreneurs.
Our Team
Gabe Nelson
Gabe Nelson earned a BS in Economics from South Dakota State University in 1995, began working in financial services immediately following graduation, obtained his Certified Financial Planner® Designation in 2006, and founded Gabe Nelson Financial in 2008.
“With 25 years in the financial services industry and more than a decade as a business owner, I understand the importance of independent, objective, trusted advice. I’m as excited about my clients’ dreams as they are!”
“I also believe in strong relationships, both professionally and personally. After marrying my wife Melissa in 1995, we started a family and have three daughters: Lauren, Avery, and Lydia. You may see me in a local coffee shop having a meeting with a client, snowboarding in Colorado, or perfecting my stroke on the golf course.”
Aric Spader
Operations Manager
Aric Spader joined the Gabe Nelson Financial, Inc. team in 2024 as an Operations Manager. He serves our clients in many ways, such as scheduling meetings, assisting clients with their needs, and handling many of the inner workings of the administrative side of the business. His experience, partnership, and passion for the work makes him an invaluable part of our team as well as our customer’s experience.
Aric obtained his Bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University majoring in Psychology. He then went on to get his Master’s degree in Sports Administration and Leadership from Augustana University. He has spent time working in College Athletics, Healthcare, and HR before joining Gabe Nelson Financial, Inc. In his free time, he enjoys coaching soccer, exploring downtown Sioux Falls with his family, or taking small road trips.
Meet Aric:
Aric currently lives in Sioux Falls, SD with his wife, Brita and their son, Charlie.
Fun Facts:
- Favorite movie is Miracle.
- Favorite vacation spot is any place tropical with a nice beach.
- Favorite music is Dave Matthews Band.
- Favorite meal is my grandma’s Beer Chicken recipe with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Jennifer Tracy
Executive Assistant
Jennifer Tracy joined the Gabe Nelson Financial, Inc. team in 2022 as an Executive Assistant. She serves our clients in many ways, such as scheduling meetings, assisting clients with their needs, managing phone calls, and handling many of the inner workings of the administrative side of the business. Her experience, partnership and passion for the work makes her an invaluable part of our team as well as our customer’s experience.
Jennifer is a serial entrepreneur. She has owned 3 live music venues/restaurants in Nashville, a software company in Los Angeles and currently is the Business Development and Client Care Manager for Athena Executive Services in Seattle. In her free time she is a certified Event Production Producer and Coach for Landmark Worldwide’s Training Academy.
Meet Jennifer:
Jennifer currently lives in Peoria, IL with her two dogs and husband, Jared. They just became Foster Parents with the hopes of adopting in the near future.
Fun Facts:
- Favorite movie is Love Actually.
- Favorite vacation spot is Cabo.
- Favorite music is Frank Sinatra and Abba.
- Favorite meal is my husband’s grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and corn!
