Areas of Focus
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Biblical Finance
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Family and Money
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Financial Life Planning
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Real Estate Investing
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Retirement Planning
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Retiring Early (F.I.R.E)
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Taxes
About Sam Flaten, CFP®, ChFC®
Hi Sam Flaten. I believe financial planning is about more than just wealth—it’s about stewardship, wisdom, and walking the right path with discipline and conviction. At Narrow Road Financial, my mission is to help clients make sound financial decisions that align with their values, equipping them to manage their resources faithfully and intentionally.
With years of experience in financial planning, operations, and portfolio management, I’ve seen firsthand how clarity, discipline, and preparation lead to success—not just in finance, but in life. I take a structured, strategic approach to planning, ensuring that every decision serves a greater purpose, whether it’s preparing for retirement, managing taxes, or securing a family’s financial future. While TJ focuses on investment management, I ensure that all financial pieces fit into a comprehensive plan grounded in truth.
Beyond finance, my background as a high school football coach and college athlete has shaped how I approach planning. Success—on the field, in competition, or in financial life—doesn’t come from chasing wins. It comes from consistent effort, wise choices, and staying the course through adversity. That’s why I help clients build financial plans rooted in long-term faithfulness and obedient trust.
My faith is central to everything I do. I believe that money is a tool—not a goal in itself—and that true financial peace comes from aligning our resources with God’s purpose for our lives. I strive to serve others with honesty, humility, and diligence, helping them navigate the complexities of financial planning with wisdom and integrity.
When I’m not building financial plans, you’ll find me coaching football, training in CrossFit, or enjoying time with my growing family. No matter the setting, my goal remains the same: to guide others in truth, to equip them for the road ahead, and to help them walk the narrow path with confidence.
Professional Designations
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CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
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Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
Primary Location
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Additional Locations
📍 Clarksville, Tennessee
📍 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Compensation Methods
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Fee Only
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Flat Fee
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Hourly Rate
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Percentage of Assets Managed
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a quick call where we'll answer any questions you might have about Narrow Road, our innovative planning models, and our cutting edge investment methodology. We look forward to speaking with you.
Offers Investment Management
Yes
About Narrow Road Financial Planning
At Narrow Road Financial Planning, our philosophy is built on being fee-only and fiduciary, ensuring your best interests are always our priority. With “skin in the game,” our success is tied to yours—we’re incentivized to grow your wealth, not driven by commissions or sales.
As a faith-based firm, we embrace values like stewardship, self-sufficiency, and positively impacting our community, focusing on meaningful financial goals rather than fleeting luxuries.
Our novel & proven investment strategies deliver both, so you can worry more about how to spend your money rather than "if you can".
Our Solutions
✔️ Novel Investment Strategies Without Minimums
We offer sophisticated investment strategies used by high net worth individuals but without the asset minimum price tag.
✔️ Investment Management
We use a dynamic approach to managing investments for our clients —and ourselves. Our process focuses on strategies with over 100 years of research validation & are grounded in human psychology.
✔️ Diversification
Our portfolios are great as a standalone investment or paired with other strategies. Their uncorrelated ("different") returns make them a fantastic addition alongside buy-and-hold, real estate or small business holdings.
How We’re Different
While Tj brings deep expertise in investment management, Sam leads the Planning side of the firm—creating the financial blueprints that support the investment strategy and everything else.
This division allows us to do what we each do best—Tj stays focused on market strategy, while Sam helps our clients navigate life with a holistic and intentional plan.
We also offer specialized paraplanning services to other advisors and provide pro bono planning for individuals in need. It’s part of our commitment to faithful stewardship and community care.
Education
University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Bachelor's degree, Finance and Economics
Hobbies and Interests
- Church
- Exercising
- Family
- Football
- Hunting
- Working Out
Who We Serve
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Baby Boomers
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Business Owners
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Christians
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Couples
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Dual Income Family
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Entrepreneurs
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Families
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Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE)
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Gen X
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Gen Y / Millennials
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Intergenerational Families
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Living in Retirement
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Military
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Newly Engaged / Newlywed
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Parents
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Real Estate Investors
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Veterans
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Young Families