Kristy’s Approach
Kristy M. Schaffer
CFP®, CPA/PFS, MS
Financial Advisor / Member Owner
Overview
Kristy Schaffer is a financial advisor in Savant’s St. Paul, Minnesota, office who focuses on tax planning, stock options, alternative compensation strategies, and comprehensive financial planning for senior executives at large multinational companies.
Involved in the financial services industry since 1999, Kristy helps clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, she works across all areas of financial planning, including wealth transfer, philanthropy, proactive income and estate tax planning, retirement planning, cash flow projections, retirement income strategies, insurance analysis, debt management, and education funding.
Kristy brings a strong tax background to her work. In addition to holding the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, she earned the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Her experience allows her to help clients align tax-efficient strategies with their broader financial goals.
Before starting at Savant in 2025, when PrairieView Partners joined the firm, where she served as a partner, Kristy advised high-net-worth individuals as a wealth manager and tax advisor at a private investment advisory firm. Earlier in her career, she worked in public accounting, focusing on tax compliance for corporate and individual clients.
Kristy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and international relations from the University of Redlands in California and a Master of Science (MS) in personal financial planning from the College for Financial Planning®. Her combination of advanced financial planning education and tax knowledge helps clients address sophisticated planning needs.
Kristy lives in Prior Lake, Minnesota, with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially skiing, hiking, and exploring new destinations throughout the mountains of the western United States.
Areas of Focus
Comprehensive Wealth Management
Integrated guidance for your full financial life, bringing together investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning to support your goals.
Financial Planning
Our planning process helps you evaluate key areas of your financial life, uncover opportunities, and make decisions aligned with your goals.
Investment Management
Evidence-based investing designed to help you stay focused on long-term goals while navigating changing market conditions.
Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer
Thoughtful estate planning guidance to help organize your affairs, support your wishes, and prepare for future generations.
Trust Services
Comprehensive trust administration supported by integrated investment, tax, estate, charitable, and business succession planning services.
Family Office Services
Designed for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, our Family Office services coordinate investment, tax, estate, and accounting guidance in one place.
Tax Advisory & Preparation
Working year-round to help you stay ahead of changing laws, find strategies to help lower your tax burden, and find new opportunities.
Education
- University of Redlands
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and International Relations - College for Financial Planning®
Master of Science (MS) in Personal Financial Planning
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
- Certified Public Accountant / Personal Financial Specialist
Insights & Perspectives
Thought leadership on wealth management, tax strategy, and financial planning.
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CFP®
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.