Large-firm, private / alternative investments 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're considering private or alternative investments, you likely want to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. A common mistake is underestimating the complexity and risks involved, which can lead to unexpected losses or liquidity issues.
- Firm resources matter. Large firms often have access to exclusive investment opportunities and research that smaller firms may not.
- Risk assessment approach. Confirm how the advisor evaluates the unique risks of private investments, including illiquidity and valuation challenges.
- Fee structures. Private investments can carry different fees; ask how these are disclosed and managed within your portfolio.
- Experience with alternatives. Look for advisors who understand the nuances of alternative assets like real estate, hedge funds, or private equity, not just traditional investments.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Trevor S
Series 65
Evanston, IL
Edelman Financial Engines
Trevor Santoro is equipped to handle private and alternative investments in Evanston, IL, leveraging his five years of experience and Series 65 designation at Edelman Financial Engines, a large firm known for technology-enabled advisory services and model-based portfolios. Unlike smaller firms, Edelman offers access to exclusive research and diverse client services, with a flat-fee structure that can be negotiated, providing flexibility compared to typical asset-based fees.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $375,508
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James B
Series 63, Series 65
Wilmette, IL
Mercer Global Advisors Inc.
James Bondar specializes in private and alternative investments within a large firm setting, offering access to diverse strategies including options, derivatives, and ESG investing. Based in Wilmette, IL, he serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure and has experience supporting established professionals and business owners, differentiating him through a broad expertise and a proprietary stock-ranking model at Zacks Investment Management.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,214,259
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Ralph S
CIC, Series 63, Series 65
Evanston, IL
William Blair
Ralph Segall's 31 years of experience and CFA® credential equip him to navigate the complexities of private and alternative investments within William Blair's large-firm environment in Evanston, IL. His firm offers active, research-driven management with access to private funds and co-investment opportunities, while his fee structure allows negotiation up to 2.00% annually, distinguishing him from other advisors with different approaches or fee models.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $1,492,448
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Jill M
Series 66
Evanston, IL
Charles Schwab
Jill Matesic at Charles Schwab in Evanston, IL, specializes in private and alternative investments with 23 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Her firm serves high-net-worth clients with a mix of discretionary and non-discretionary guidance, using multi-asset models and thorough due diligence, and charges an annual 0.80% AUM fee, distinguishing her from advisors with different fee structures or less firm support.
Experience: 24 years
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Kathrine C
CFP®, Series 66
Skokie, IL
Sanctuary Advisors, LLC
Kathrine Calahan's 14 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to navigate the complexities of private and alternative investments, supported by Sanctuary Advisors' large-firm resources and diverse client services. Her flat-fee structure and expertise in retirement income and business exit strategies distinguish her from others, offering tailored planning beyond traditional investment management in the Evanston area.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $1,618,113
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