Top planning for children with special needs 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 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 risk jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits or missing out on important protections.
- Government benefits navigation. Confirm how the advisor helps maintain your child's eligibility for programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about setting up trusts that protect assets while providing for your child's care.
- Coordination with care providers. Look for advisors who integrate financial plans with your child's medical and educational needs.
- Future planning focus. Ensure they consider your child's lifetime needs, not just immediate expenses.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Ralph L
Series 63, Series 65
Glenview, IL
Wells Fargo Advisors
Ralph Lynch Jr. specializes in planning for children with special needs and brings 42 years of industry experience, supported by his Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating from Glenview, IL with Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers fee-based financial planning and integrates investment services, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or less extensive firm resources.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $514,335
-
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 wealth management and alternative investments. She offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million and focuses on integrating financial plans with clients' life priorities, distinguishing her through a personalized approach and extensive expertise in legacy and philanthropic planning.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Christine E
Series 63, Series 65
Forest Park, IL
Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc
Christine Everett Frantonius specializes in planning for children with special needs, offering 25 years of experience and expertise in retirement, college savings, and cash flow management. Operating independently from Forest Park, IL, her firm provides a comprehensive four-step review process and discretionary portfolio management, with a 1.25% AUM fee, distinguishing her through integrated financial and insurance services tailored for families and professionals.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $569,130
-
John G
Series 65, Series 63
Deerfield, IL
Edward Jones
John Gottwald specializes in planning for children with special needs and has eight years of industry experience, supported by Series 63 and 65 licenses. Based in Deerfield, IL, he works with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, offering diverse investment strategies and a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, which may suit clients seeking comprehensive wealth management alongside specialized planning.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Evanston, IL
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)