Gerard Andrew Downey

I am the founder of DIYFi Advisors LLC, a fee-only advisory firm in Chicago. I work with young professionals and recent graduates on financial planning, investing and portfolio decisions. I hold the Series 65 license and work on a flat-fee or hourly basis. I do not sell products or charge a percentage of assets. Before starting DIYFi, I spent nearly a decade in economic consulting at Bates White and Econ One. There I analyzed complex financial and economic data for litigation matters. I also worked as a product manager at Capital One. I hold an economics degree from the University of Chicago and an MBA from MIT Sloan. My approach is built on evidence: low-cost index funds, tax efficiency, and clear plans that clients can carry out on their own. The "why" answer is built from what I know about your approach, not from a personal story. If something specific got you started, like your own student loans at Sloan or friends asking you for help, one sentence about it would make the answer much stronger. I can also put together a short profile of your writing style so future drafts sound more like you.

John Nowak CFP® practitioner specializes in retirement planning for seasoned professionals; providing guidance to turn decades of saving into a Tax-Wise, Income-Smart, Experience-Rich retirement. He is a fiduciary who focuses on all aspects of your retirement journey: - turning savings into a retirement paycheck - reducing expected taxes over time - claiming Social Security and Medicare - aligning your portfolio with your lifestyle and bucket lists - enjoying your life while reducing regrets - leaving a legacy, not a burden and confusion for your family John works primarily with couples and single-women across the country who are looking for personalized planning and holistic advice for their retirement. Your ideas, vision, and concerns are our primary focus. John founded Alo Financial Planning in 2018 after becoming a planner in 2007, and following a career in accounting. He is a proud alum of the University of Illinois, graduating with honors in 1999 and a degree in Accountancy.

Vincent DeCrow is a financial advisor at RISE Investment Management, LLC (dba RISE Investments) with 7 years of direct industry experience. He holds the Series 65 designation and has worked at RISE since 2019, following roles at Origin Investments and Duff & Phelps, LLC. RISE Investments provides discretionary investment management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, families, trusts, businesses, retirement plans, and non-profit organizations. The firm emphasizes long-term equity ownership, tax efficiency, and diversified portfolio construction, offering access to private placements and manager-of-managers solutions.

Brady Lawrence is a financial advisor at RCM Wealth Advisors with a Series 65 credential and four years of industry experience. He has worked at RCM Wealth Advisors since 2022 and is also involved with RCM Ag Services and Strategic Trading Advisors, where he specializes in commodities hedging and agricultural market research. Prior to his advisory roles, he attended the University of Mississippi. RCM Wealth Advisors is a multi-advisor SEC-registered firm managing approximately $324 million for around 530 clients, including individuals, pension plans, and corporate clients. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and cyclical analysis, supported by an internal Investment Policy Committee, and offers tailored portfolio management with both discretionary and non-discretionary account options.

Jared Goldstine is a dedicated financial advisor at Stirlingshire Investments, bringing 8 years of hands-on industry experience to help clients achieve their financial goals with confidence and clarity. He holds the Series 7 license and is a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP). Jared has built his expertise at respected firms including Park Avenue Securities, Guardian Life Insurance Company and Northwestern Mutual. In addition to his professional work, Jared serves as Vice President of First Choice Networking Group, a professional networking organization, where he volunteers his time to connect business leaders and foster meaningful relationships in the community. Stirlingshire Investments is a forward-thinking wealth management firm on the leading edge of AI and technology in the financial services industry. We deliver discretionary portfolio management to individuals, trusts, families, and institutions — serving both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth clients with sophisticated, personalized strategies. By combining deep human expertise with advanced AI-powered analytics, machine learning models, and cutting-edge technology platforms, Stirlingshire provides a significant edge in portfolio construction, risk management, and opportunity identification. Our team utilizes multiple analytical methods and offers a broad range of investment solutions, including mutual funds, ETFs, fixed income, REITs, private placements, and venture/alternative vehicles. At Stirlingshire, we believe the future of wealth management belongs to those who intelligently merge proven financial principles with the most advanced tools available. Jared Goldstine and the entire team are committed to delivering innovative, technology-enhanced investment solutions tailored to each client’s unique objectives, risk tolerance, and timeline.

Justin Dagostino is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license, with nine years of experience in the financial services industry. He is currently with Vertex Partners, where he has worked since 2019 in various capacities, including the launch of Vertex Partners as an independent investment advisor firm in 2022. His prior experience includes roles at LPL Financial, TD Ameritrade, Scottrade, Executive Wealth Management, and INVEST Financial Corp. Vertex Partners provides advisory services to individuals, trusts, estates, retirement plans, and charitable and corporate entities. The firm’s investment approach emphasizes asset allocation, diversification, and behavioral finance, using a combination of active and passive model portfolios implemented through various investment vehicles and third-party manager platforms.