Independent, active portfolio management financial advisors in Evanston, 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 want to grow your investments actively rather than just tracking the market, you need an advisor who understands how to adjust your portfolio based on changing conditions. The biggest mistake is relying on a passive approach that misses opportunities or fails to manage risk effectively. Independent advisors here operate without ties to big firms, which can mean more personalized attention and fewer conflicts.
- Dynamic decision-making. Ask how they decide when to buy or sell assets, not just what to hold.
- Risk management focus. Confirm how they protect your portfolio during market downturns.
- Fee transparency. Independent status often means clearer fees; check how they charge for active management.
- Local market knowledge. Since property taxes in Illinois can be high, see how they factor local costs into your investment plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Jonathan S
Series 63, Series 66
Evanston, IL
Seed Wealth Management, Inc.
Jonathan Seed offers independent, active portfolio management in Evanston, IL, with 11 years of experience and expertise in options, derivatives, and tax-loss harvesting. His firm serves high-net-worth clients with a 0.30% annual AUM fee, using quantitative analysis and AI tools to support dynamic decision-making and risk management, distinguishing him from other local advisors.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $5,552,941
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Stuart M
CFA®
Evanston, IL
Defender Asset Management LLC
Stuart Mcdermott offers independent, active portfolio management in Evanston, IL, leveraging six years of experience and a CFA® designation to provide personalized investment advisory and financial planning services. Unlike advisors who focus on discretionary trading, his firm emphasizes diversified manager allocations and ongoing performance monitoring, with a flat-fee structure that supports transparent pricing for individuals, trusts, and closely held businesses.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $2,393,353
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Aron R
Series 65
Evanston, IL
Foresight Strategic Partners, LLC
Aron Routman specializes in active portfolio management with expertise in options and derivatives strategies, serving high-net-worth clients in Evanston, IL. His firm, Foresight Strategic Partners, manages $10.5 million across 32 clients using proprietary research and performance-based fees, offering a focused, discretionary approach that contrasts with broader client-load models and standard fee structures.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $467,205
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Preston A
Series 63, Series 65
Evanston, IL
Appleby Advisory LLC
Preston Appleby offers independent, active portfolio management in Evanston, IL, backed by 10 years of industry experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials. His firm refers clients to Geneva Advisors LLC for portfolio management, leveraging their proprietary valuation model and investment professionals, which differentiates his approach by combining personalized advisory with specialized portfolio implementation.
Experience: 10 years
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Joseph R
CFP®, Series 63
Evanston, IL
Romano Brothers And Company
Joseph Romano offers active portfolio management in Evanston, IL, with 30 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to adjust portfolios dynamically. His firm serves high-net-worth clients and employs a conservative, fundamentals-based approach, charging a 1.00% AUM fee and flat fees for planning, which may appeal to those seeking transparent, independent advice with a focus on tax-loss harvesting and business exit strategies.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $1,548,612
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