Top business succession planning financial advisors in Chicago, IL
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you own a business and are thinking about stepping back or retiring, you need a business succession planning advisor to help you pass your company on smoothly. Without careful planning, you might face unexpected tax burdens or disputes that can jeopardize your business's future.
- Ownership transfer strategies. Ask how they help structure sales or gifts to heirs or partners to keep your business running.
- Valuation expertise. Confirm they can accurately value your business to set fair terms and avoid surprises.
- Tax impact awareness. Even though Illinois has no tax on retirement income, property taxes can be high; see how they factor this into your plan.
- Stakeholder communication. Good advisors guide you in managing expectations and agreements among family or business partners.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Scott S
CFP®, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Plante Moran financial advisors
Scott Schwartz specializes in business succession planning in Chicago, leveraging eight years of experience and CFP® certification to assist high-net-worth clients with ownership transfer strategies and valuation expertise. His firm, Plante Moran Financial Advisors, offers flat-fee options and emphasizes strategic asset allocation and collaborative investment management, distinguishing him from others by combining personalized planning with a broad range of financial services.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $6,699,075
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Howard G
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Raymond James Financial
Howard Goodfriend specializes in business succession planning in Chicago, leveraging 39 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 65. Operating within Raymond James Financial, a large firm known for tailored financial plans and diverse client services, he offers flat-fee and hourly fee structures, distinguishing him from advisors with different pricing models or firm sizes.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Julie M
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
JMC Wealth
Julie Murphy's 30 years of experience and CFP® and ChFC® credentials equip her to assist Chicago business owners with succession planning, including ownership transfer and valuation strategies. As an independent advisor at Sequoia Wealth Management, she supports diverse clients with tailored asset management and retirement-plan consulting, distinguishing her through a quantitative and research-driven investment approach.
Experience: 31 years
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Shanda M
Series 66
Chicago, IL
Merrill
Shanda Mc Fadden is well-equipped to assist with business succession planning in Chicago, leveraging her Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation and six years of industry experience at Merrill Lynch, a large firm. Her background as a commercial banker and focus on business owners and executives differentiate her by combining financial expertise with a strong professional network and a commitment to serving multigenerational families and high earners.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Bradley C
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
North Star Investment Management Corporation
Bradley Cohen's 24 years of experience and expertise in business succession planning and retirement plans for business owners make him well-equipped to assist Chicago-based business owners with smooth ownership transitions. His firm manages $2.5 billion in assets and offers flat-fee financial planning services, providing a blend of seasoned insight and flexible fee structures compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $770,709
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