Large-firm, 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.
When you're planning for a child with special needs, you need an advisor who understands the unique financial and legal challenges involved. Without this expertise, you might miss critical benefits or protections that support your child's future.
- Government benefits navigation. Confirm how they help coordinate Social Security, Medicaid, and other programs to maximize your child's support.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about their experience setting up trusts that protect assets without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits.
- Long-term care planning. Ensure they consider your child's lifetime care needs, not just immediate expenses.
- Coordination with professionals. Look for advisors who work closely with attorneys and therapists to align financial plans with your child's overall care.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Ralph L
Series 63, Series 65
Glenview, IL
Wells Fargo Advisors
Ralph Lynch Jr. is well-equipped to assist families planning for children with special needs, leveraging 42 years of experience and expertise in special needs planning within a large firm environment. Based in nearby Glenview, IL, he serves high-net-worth clients through Wells Fargo Advisors, offering fee-based financial planning and access to extensive research and tools, which may provide a broader range of resources compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Lisa J
Series 66
Northbrook, IL
Merrill
Lisa James Pope offers expertise in planning for children with special needs, supported by 25 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm known for wealth management and alternative investments. She provides personalized strategies that consider long-term care and benefits coordination, distinguishing her with a focus on affluent families and a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $860,085
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John G
Series 65, Series 63
Deerfield, IL
Edward Jones
John Gottwald at Edward Jones is equipped to assist families planning for children with special needs, leveraging his eight years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating within a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a variety of investment strategies and a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or less diverse service offerings.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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