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About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

We are 3 industry veterans who spent their careers advising clients on retirement. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we've met many University employees who share a common experience - their retirement program was overly confusing. Many employees choose random investment options, hoping for the best and not knowing how to manage their portfolios when the markets or economy change. Other financial advisors were hesitant to offer actual advice, and almost none could manage both the University Fidelity and TIAA retirement accounts. We realized that there were far too many people in this situation, so we decided to do something about it - and Provizr was born!

WHO IS PROVIZR?

WE ARE INVESTMENT
FIDUCIARIES

We put your best interest ahead of

our own at all times.

INDEPENDENT AND
PRIVATELY HELD

We make the most appropriate

decisions for your without corporate interests dictating how to best serve you.

WE'RE REAL PEOPLE,
NOT COMPUTERS

Provizr makes real-time, common-sense decisions that a computer algorithm

simply cannot.

SEE HOW WE WORK

Meet The Founders

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Alan Brilliant

Co-Founder Alan brings over 25 years of experience helping clients navigate the financial markets. Alan’s interest in the stock market dates back to his childhood. At a young age, he spent many mornings at the kitchen table with his grandfather helping him look up stock prices in the newspaper. These cherished times created a passion in Alan that ultimately paved the way for his career path. His grandfather also taught him a lesson that Alan still holds dear… “He taught me that making money was good, but also it is only a means to an end. We must do good things with money to make this a better world.” Alan is active in the local community and serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor and the Jewish Community Foundation.

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David Fransko

Co-Founder David started his career in wealth management in 2001 helping families tackle complex financial situations through the use of sophisticated planning and investment management. David’s interest in the financial markets stems from a very early age. He learned from a young age that “doing your homework” can yield excellent results. “I learned early on that a four step process — analyze, plan, execute, critique — is essential to wealth management. We must be proficient in all four steps to be able to deliver comprehensive solutions to our clients.” David is an active supporter of the local arts community as well as a supporter of various animal rights causes.

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Michael Kaplan

Co-Founder Michael brings over two decades of experience to his role overseeing financial planning and portfolio management operations. He coordinates the evaluation, development, and execution of customized client solutions. Michael is also responsible for the market research and analytics that contribute to the tactical management of investment strategies. When Michael was first introduced to the doctrines of finance, he had found the path on which to take his career. “Economics affects every person and business. A strong grasp of economics provides a valuable foundation of understanding how much of the world works.” Michael harnessed this perspective into financial services where he could help families plan for and achieve their financial goals.

OUR STORY

Provizr is an investment advisory firm solely focused on helping University employees and retirees. We are professional financial advisors with the ability to provide active management of both your University Fidelity and TIAA retirement accounts, but more than that we are passionate individuals who love our work.

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  • Can Provizr help if I need a withdrawal out of my account?
    Absolutely! Give us a call and your advisor will prepare the necessary paperwork to facilitate a withdrawal or transfer.
  • Can Provizr help with an old 401k?
    Yes. We can assist you with understanding all of the options available with your old 401k plan.
  • Will Provizr change my contribution amount into my University retirement plan?
    No. We will not change the amount that you are withholding out of your paycheck to fund your retirement. But should you decide you want to make a change, we can help you with that!
  • Does Provizr only help with University retirement accounts?
    We help individuals with their 403(b), 401(a) and/or 457(b) plans. These retirement accounts are specific to certain public and non-profit institutions. In addition to universities, these plans are often used by hospitals, schools, and municipalities.
  • Do I have to move my University retirement account?
    Nope! Your University retirement account stays with TIAA or Fidelity. You don’t have to transfer it. We work through TIAA and Fidelity to manage the investments in your account. You will maintain the same account numbers and access that you currently have.
  • Is there a minimum account size?
    No. We can help all university retirement plan participants regardless of account size.
  • Can Provizr help with my IRA or ROTH IRA?
    Yes - we also offer services to help with these types of accounts.
  • Do I have to retire or leave my company before Provizr can help with my retirement plan?
    No. Our services are fully available whether you are employed, changed jobs, or retired.            
  • Is Provizr a fiduciary?
    Yes! We are investment fiduciaries. This means we are required act in your best interest at all times.
  • How long does it take Provizr to begin managing my account for me?
    It’s just a matter of signing the authorizations and we can be managing your account in about 2 weeks.
  • Can I talk to someone at Provizr about a specific question on my University retirement account?
    Not only can you talk to someone, but you will have a dedicated advisor that you can call, email or schedule an appointment with.
  • Will Provizr let me know when adjustments are made to my University retirement account?
    Yes. Anytime we make investment adjustments we can send you an email update.
  • Is there a fee for the initial consultation?
    No - your initial consultation is at no cost or obligation.
  • How do I pay Provizr?
    Provizr charges a quarterly fee for our managed accounts. The fee is deducted directly from your account so that you never have to write a check. Financial Planning fees can be paid separately by check or credit card.
  • Do you require a contract or time commitment?
    Because we bill quarterly for advisory fees, the minimum time commitment is 3 months. You can cancel at any time.            
  • Are there any hidden fees?
    Provizr does not have any hidden fees. However, the TIAA and Fidelity investments inside your plan have their own expenses.
  • Can you tell me more about your investment approach?
    Glad you asked! Provizr’s investment philosophy is centered around the notion of managing downside risk. We seek to participate when the markets are rising and manage risk in portfolios when they are declining. Our monthly technical and economic analysis attempts to determine major trends in the market and adjust our portfolios accordingly. We believe the major component of investment success is to not lose as much during severe market downturns.              *No strategy assures success or protects against loss. 
  • What if I am a very conservative or very aggressive investor?
    We will match your investments with your risk tolerance. We have strategies for investors who are conservative, aggressive, and everything in between.
  • Do you use proprietary investments?
    No. We only use the mutual funds currently offered in your retirement plan.             *Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principle. 
  • Do I have to make portfolio changes myself?
    No, not at all. Provizr works directly through Fidelity and TIAA to manage the investments for you.
  • How often will Provizr adjust my investments?
    Provizr conducts a detailed monthly analysis which will dictate changes to the investment portfolio. Therefore, every month, we can potentially make adjustments to your portfolio. If changes are to be made, we take care of it for you automatically.
  • Can't I just use a Target Date Fund?
    Target date funds are a one-size-fits-all approach. Provizr Clients get customized portfolios that are monitored specifically for their retirement goal and adjusted accordingly. *An investment in a target date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date, the approximate date when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. Target date funds gradually shift their emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative ones based on the target date. 
  • Can Provizr help if I need a withdrawal out of my account?
    Absolutely! Give us a call and your advisor will prepare the necessary paperwork to facilitate a withdrawal or transfer.
  • Can Provizr help with an old 401k?
    Yes. We can assist you with understanding all of the options available with your old 401k plan.
  • Will Provizr change my contribution amount into my University retirement plan?
    No. We will not change the amount that you are withholding out of your paycheck to fund your retirement. But should you decide you want to make a change, we can help you with that!
  • Does Provizr only help with University retirement accounts?
    We help individuals with their 403(b), 401(a) and/or 457(b) plans. These retirement accounts are specific to certain public and non-profit institutions. In addition to universities, these plans are often used by hospitals, schools, and municipalities.
  • Do I have to move my University retirement account?
    Nope! Your University retirement account stays with TIAA or Fidelity. You don’t have to transfer it. We work through TIAA and Fidelity to manage the investments in your account. You will maintain the same account numbers and access that you currently have.
  • Is there a minimum account size?
    No. We can help all university retirement plan participants regardless of account size.
  • Can Provizr help with my IRA or ROTH IRA?
    Yes - we also offer services to help with these types of accounts.
  • Do I have to retire or leave my company before Provizr can help with my retirement plan?
    No. Our services are fully available whether you are employed, changed jobs, or retired.            
  • Is Provizr a fiduciary?
    Yes! We are investment fiduciaries. This means we are required act in your best interest at all times.
  • How long does it take Provizr to begin managing my account for me?
    It’s just a matter of signing the authorizations and we can be managing your account in about 2 weeks.
  • Can I talk to someone at Provizr about a specific question on my University retirement account?
    Not only can you talk to someone, but you will have a dedicated advisor that you can call, email or schedule an appointment with.
  • Will Provizr let me know when adjustments are made to my University retirement account?
    Yes. Anytime we make investment adjustments we can send you an email update.
  • Is there a fee for the initial consultation?
    No - your initial consultation is at no cost or obligation.
  • How do I pay Provizr?
    Provizr charges a quarterly fee for our managed accounts. The fee is deducted directly from your account so that you never have to write a check. Financial Planning fees can be paid separately by check or credit card.
  • Do you require a contract or time commitment?
    Because we bill quarterly for advisory fees, the minimum time commitment is 3 months. You can cancel at any time.            
  • Are there any hidden fees?
    Provizr does not have any hidden fees. However, the TIAA and Fidelity investments inside your plan have their own expenses.
  • Can you tell me more about your investment approach?
    Glad you asked! Provizr’s investment philosophy is centered around the notion of managing downside risk. We seek to participate when the markets are rising and manage risk in portfolios when they are declining. Our monthly technical and economic analysis attempts to determine major trends in the market and adjust our portfolios accordingly. We believe the major component of investment success is to not lose as much during severe market downturns.              *No strategy assures success or protects against loss. 
  • What if I am a very conservative or very aggressive investor?
    We will match your investments with your risk tolerance. We have strategies for investors who are conservative, aggressive, and everything in between.
  • Do you use proprietary investments?
    No. We only use the mutual funds currently offered in your retirement plan.             *Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principle. 
  • Do I have to make portfolio changes myself?
    No, not at all. Provizr works directly through Fidelity and TIAA to manage the investments for you.
  • How often will Provizr adjust my investments?
    Provizr conducts a detailed monthly analysis which will dictate changes to the investment portfolio. Therefore, every month, we can potentially make adjustments to your portfolio. If changes are to be made, we take care of it for you automatically.
  • Can't I just use a Target Date Fund?
    Target date funds are a one-size-fits-all approach. Provizr Clients get customized portfolios that are monitored specifically for their retirement goal and adjusted accordingly. *An investment in a target date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date, the approximate date when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. Target date funds gradually shift their emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative ones based on the target date. 

Provizr, LLC is a registered investment adviser in the State of Michigan and separate entity from Fidelity & TIAA. The advisers may not transact business in states where it is not appropriately registered, excluded or exempted from registration. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment advisory services. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.  The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named representative, broker - dealer, state - or SEC - registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

 

Provizr free downloadable guides are designed with University employees in mind.  These free guides will help you better understand your university retirement TIAA and Fidelity 403b accounts, and how to set up your investment portfolios to help reach your retirement goals.  Our guides are designed to help  everyone from university employees who want questions answered about their Fidelity or TIAA retirement account investment portfolios, to those university employees who want to try a do it yourself system of setting up their own retirement investment portfolios.  Our newest guide, Investing 101 for University Employees, was developed specifically to help out University of Michigan employees with their TIAA and Fidelity 403b retirement investment accounts.  If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us in the contact section, or stop by - We are local to Ann Arbor, Michigan but can help University of Michigan Employees anywhere across the country! 

We take protecting your data and privacy very seriously. As of January 1, 2020 the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) suggests the following link as an extra measure to safeguard your data: Do not sell my personal information.

˙© 2023 Provizr, LLC

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