Mary Bridget Sullivan Mermel

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.

Emil Aldaddah is a Co-Founder, Chief Investment Officer, and Managing Partner at Momentum Wealth Management, with nearly two decades of experience delivering institutional-caliber investment management solutions. He specializes in developing tailored strategies for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, trustees, entrepreneurs, and private foundations. At Charles Schwab and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Emil managed portfolios totaling over $1.7 billion in assets under management, including $380 million in advisory services, serving individuals with net worths exceeding $1 billion, family offices, and public figures. His approach integrates asset management, financial planning, estate strategies, and alternative investments, helping clients preserve and grow wealth across generations. Prior to founding Momentum Wealth Management, Emil held roles at Avatar Securities, where he managed over $175 million in long/short equity exposure and developed algorithmic trading strategies applying statistical arbitrage and market-neutral equity approaches, and at Blackmore Partners, where he advised on M&A transactions and capital raises up to $500 million for C-suite leadership and private equity firms. Emil holds a BS in Finance from DePaul University and completed advanced studies at the University of Nicosia. He maintains Series 7, 66, and 56 registrations. Fluent in Arabic, he has served on the Young Visions Board of the Israel Cancer Research Fund and is a member of the Chicago Leadership Alliance.

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.