Seasoned, private / alternative investments 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 considering private or alternative investments, you likely have complex assets that don't fit traditional portfolios. A common mistake is underestimating the unique risks and liquidity challenges these investments carry.
- Experience with niche assets. Confirm the advisor has a track record managing private equity, hedge funds, or real estate investments, not just public markets.
- Liquidity planning. These investments often have lock-up periods; ask how they help you balance access to cash with long-term growth.
- Tax implications. Even though Illinois doesn't tax retirement income, property taxes and other local factors can affect your returns; see how they incorporate this into your plan.
- Alignment with your goals. Private investments can be illiquid and volatile; ensure the advisor understands your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Douglas N
CFA®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Cerity partners LLC
Douglas Nardi brings 25 years of experience managing private and alternative investments, making him well-equipped to handle complex asset classes in Chicago. Affiliated with Cerity Partners LLC, a large SEC-registered firm, he offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning services, focusing on high-net-worth clients and providing access to proprietary quantitative screening and diversified portfolios.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $4,574,620
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Ryan T
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Lake Street
Ryan Todd's 25 years of experience and expertise in private and alternative investments, including real estate and options strategies, equip him to manage complex, illiquid assets in Chicago. His firm, Lake Street, offers flat-fee and discretionary management services with a focus on tax minimization and global diversification, catering to high-net-worth clients and business entities, which distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $1,693,909
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Joseph K
CFA®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Kruse Asset Management, LLC
Joseph Kruse brings 24 years of experience managing private and alternative investments in Chicago, combining Modern Portfolio Theory with proprietary quantitative equity models. His firm serves a diverse client base including trusts and family offices, offering portfolio management with a 1.75% AUM fee and negotiable hourly rates, distinguishing him through a blend of advanced analytics and flexible fee structures.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $765,775
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Rebecca D
CFP®, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Rebecca Deaton brings 27 years of experience managing private and alternative investments in Chicago, supported by her CFP® certification and expertise in options, derivatives, and business exit strategies. Affiliated with NorthCoast Asset Management, she leverages a quantitative, systematic approach within a large firm setting, offering flat-fee and AUM-based pricing that suits high-net-worth established professionals seeking seasoned guidance.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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Joshua R
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC
Joshua Rogers brings 27 years of experience managing private and alternative investments in Chicago, with expertise in active portfolio management and options strategies. His firm offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning, serving high-net-worth clients with discretionary asset management and proprietary models, distinguishing him through a comprehensive approach that integrates multiple financial services and specialized investment vehicles.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $484,172
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