Seasoned, general estate planning guidance 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.
You might seek general estate planning guidance when you want to organize your assets, appoint guardians, or set up trusts to protect your family’s future. A common mistake is overlooking how local property taxes and state rules affect your estate, which can lead to unexpected costs or complications.
- Experience with local laws. Confirm how they incorporate Illinois property tax considerations into your plan.
- Trust and will integration. Ask how they balance trusts and wills to meet your family’s unique needs.
- Guardianship planning. Ensure they discuss appointing guardians for minors or dependents clearly.
- Legacy goals alignment. Check how they help align your estate plan with your personal values and long-term wishes.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Paul G
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Mass Mutual Investors Services
Paul Gassel offers seasoned general estate planning guidance in Chicago, leveraging 28 years of experience and expertise in multi-generational wealth transfer and divorce financial planning. Affiliated with MassMutual Investors Services, a large firm providing diverse financial planning and asset management services, he also brings insight from his roles on local hospital and community boards, distinguishing him through community engagement and broad client service capabilities.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $249,379
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Ross R
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Morgan Stanley
Ross Richards offers seasoned general estate planning guidance in Chicago, leveraging 44 years of industry experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Affiliated with Morgan Stanley, a large firm managing $2.74 trillion in assets, he provides tailored financial and estate planning strategies supported by structured tools and a global investment committee, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $670,481
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Susan S
CFP®, Series 66
Chicago, IL
Signature Financial Services, Ltd
Susan Szalczynski offers seasoned general estate planning guidance in Chicago, leveraging 26 years of experience and CFP® certification to address local Illinois property tax considerations and integrate trusts and wills effectively. Her firm, Signature Financial Services, Ltd, serves high-net-worth clients with an asset-allocation driven investment approach and charges 2.0% annually on assets under management, distinguishing her from advisors with different fee structures or less specialized investment strategies.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $708,896
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Marcus T
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
SPC
Marcus Trivedi offers seasoned general estate planning guidance in Chicago, leveraging 26 years of experience and CFP® certification to address local Illinois property tax considerations and integrate trusts and wills effectively. Affiliated with SPC, a large firm managing $5.66 billion in assets, he provides flat-fee segmented and comprehensive plans, serving a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals and charitable organizations.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $192,080
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Stephen H
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Merrill
Stephen Half offers seasoned estate planning guidance in Chicago, leveraging 37 years of experience and expertise in wealth management, retirement income strategy, and tax-loss harvesting. As a senior advisor at Merrill, a large firm, he specializes in working with business owners and executives, providing a comprehensive approach that integrates estate coordination and philanthropy, distinguishing him from others with his focus on complex wealth transfer and risk mitigation.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $860,085
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