Seasoned, 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're preparing to transfer your business ownership or retire, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of business succession planning. A common mistake is underestimating how intertwined business value, tax implications, and family dynamics can affect your plan's success.
- Comprehensive valuation approach. Look for advisors who assess your business's worth beyond just current profits, considering market trends and future growth potential.
- Tax impact awareness. Even though Illinois doesn't tax retirement income, property taxes can be significant; confirm how they factor these into your succession strategy.
- Family and stakeholder coordination. Effective succession plans address the interests and roles of family members and business partners to avoid conflicts.
- Experience with exit timing. Ask how they help determine the optimal moment to transition ownership, balancing market conditions and personal goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Gordon C
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Gordon Chisholm's 28 years of experience and expertise in business succession planning make him well-equipped to handle complex ownership transitions in Chicago. His flat-fee structure, independent status, and affiliation with ValMark Advisers, which offers diversified, goal-based portfolios, distinguish him from other advisors by combining seasoned insight with flexible fee options and a broad client service approach.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Howard G
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Raymond James Financial
Howard Goodfriend brings 39 years of experience in business succession planning and general retirement planning, supported by his Series 63 and 65 credentials. 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, which may appeal to business owners seeking clear cost options in Chicago.
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 handle complex business succession planning in Chicago, considering tax impacts and family dynamics. Her work with Sequoia Wealth Management, which offers tailored asset management and retirement-plan consulting, distinguishes her through a quantitative and research-driven investment approach, serving a broad client base including trusts and corporations.
Experience: 31 years
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Karl M
Series 66
Chicago, IL
Merrill
Karl Maurer offers seasoned expertise in business succession planning in Chicago, leveraging over 30 years in financial services and a strong background as a CPA and business consultant. His approach integrates tax efficiency and retirement strategies for business owners, supported by advanced credentials like CEPA and CIMA, and he operates within Merrill's large-firm resources, differentiating him through comprehensive, process-driven wealth management.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Melissa D
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
North Star Investment Management Corporation
Melissa Diamond's 27 years of experience and expertise in business succession planning, tax-loss harvesting, and retirement plans for business owners make her well-equipped to handle complex succession needs in Chicago. Her firm, North Star Investment Management Corporation, manages $2.5 billion in assets and offers flat-fee financial planning alongside discretionary portfolio management, providing a broad range of services compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $770,709
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