Top planning for children with special needs financial advisors in Des Plaines, 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 have a child with special needs, planning for their long-term financial security is crucial to ensure they have the support they need throughout life. Without careful planning, you might overlook how government benefits and special needs trusts interact, which can jeopardize your child's eligibility for essential aid.
- Government benefits knowledge. Confirm the advisor understands how programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income work with your child's financial plan.
- Special needs trust expertise. Ask how they help set up trusts that protect assets without disqualifying benefits.
- Education and care funding. Inquire about strategies to cover costs for therapies, schooling, and future care needs.
- Estate planning integration. See how they coordinate your overall estate plan to support your child's unique requirements over time.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Lisa J
Series 66
Northbrook, IL
Merrill
Lisa James Pope specializes in planning for children with special needs, leveraging 25 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management and alternative investments. Her expertise includes integrating special needs trusts and coordinating estate plans, with a fee structure of 1.10% AUM for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing her through a seasoned approach and focus on affluent families in the Northbrook area.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Angelo K
CFA®, Series 63, Series 65
Des Plaines, IL
Wells Fargo Advisors
Angelo Kafkes specializes in planning for children with special needs and brings 37 years of industry experience, supported by CFA®, Series 63, and Series 65 credentials. Based in Des Plaines, IL, he operates within Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, which offers extensive planning tools and fee-based services, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with less specialized resources.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Christine E
Series 63, Series 65
Forest Park, IL
Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc
Christine Everett Frantonius specializes in planning for children with special needs, leveraging 25 years of experience and expertise in college savings and cash flow management to address long-term financial security. As an independent advisor with a 1.25% AUM fee, she integrates retirement, estate, and financial planning, serving a diverse client base including parents and established professionals near Des Plaines, IL.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $569,130
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Kelly P
Series 66
Arlington Heights, IL
Edward Jones
Kelly Petersen specializes in planning for children with special needs and general estate planning, supported by four years of experience at Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets. Unlike some advisors, Kelly offers a comprehensive fee structure with an AUM program fee up to 1.35% annually and brings additional insight from prior roles and entrepreneurial experience, providing a well-rounded approach to your family's financial planning needs.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $246,728
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