Seasoned, business exit / sale strategy financial advisors in Illinois
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 preparing to sell your business, you need an advisor who understands the full financial impact beyond just the sale price. A common mistake is focusing solely on the immediate payout without planning for taxes, reinvestment, and your income needs after the sale. Seasoned advisors bring deep experience to help you navigate these complexities.
- Tax implications in Illinois. Confirm how they plan for state-specific factors like property taxes, since Illinois doesn't tax retirement income.
- Post-sale income planning. Ask how they help structure your finances to replace business income sustainably.
- Reinvestment strategies. Look for advisors who consider how to grow your proceeds while managing risk.
- Exit timing and sequencing. A strong advisor will discuss how the timing of your sale fits into your broader financial goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Joshua M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
East Peoria, IL
Midwestern Securities Trading Company, LLC
Joshua Miller's 24 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide business owners in Illinois through complex exit and sale strategies, including tax implications and reinvestment planning. His firm, Midwestern Securities Trading Company, offers both discretionary and non-discretionary managed accounts, serving a broad retail client base with a flat-fee option for seminars and negotiable hourly financial planning fees, distinguishing him from advisors with purely asset-based fees.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $161,531
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Michele S
Series 66
Downers Grove, IL
Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc.
Michele Strauts specializes in business exit and sale strategy with 22 years of experience, making her well-equipped to address the complexities of selling a business in Illinois. She offers flat-fee financial planning services and works independently within Ausdal Financial Partners, a firm managing over $2 billion in assets, providing a broad range of investment and retirement plan services that complement her expertise in business owner retirement plans.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $220,873
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Shawn Q
Series 63, Series 65
Rockford, IL
Merit Financial Advisors
Shawn Quam Schulz specializes in business exit and sale strategy, offering 21 years of experience to help Illinois clients navigate tax implications, reinvestment, and post-sale income planning. Based in Rockford, IL, he operates with a flat-fee and AUM-based fee structure through Merit Financial Advisors, a firm managing $10.6 billion with a long-term, diversified investment approach, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned expertise with customizable strategies.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $897,421
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Joel H
Series 63, Series 66
Deerfield, IL
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Joel Hirsh brings over 20 years of experience in business exit and sale strategy, making him well-equipped to address the complexities of selling a business in Illinois. His firm, Focus Partners Wealth, LLC, emphasizes long-term, tax- and fee-sensitive investment strategies and serves high-net-worth clients, offering flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, which may appeal to established professionals seeking comprehensive wealth advisory and investment management services.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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Ann F
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Merrill
Ann Freeman's extensive 34-year career and expertise in business exit and sale strategy make her well-equipped to guide Illinois business owners through the complexities of selling their companies. Based in Chicago and affiliated with Merrill, a large firm, she offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million and brings additional strengths in ESG investing, family business, and supporting women professionals, distinguishing her from other seasoned advisors in the region.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $860,085
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