Seasoned, liquidity event planning 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.
You might need a liquidity event planning advisor if you're preparing to sell a business, receive a large inheritance, or cash out a significant investment. Without focused expertise, it's easy to overlook tax timing and cash flow impacts that can reduce your net proceeds. Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience, helping you navigate complex financial decisions with confidence.
- Tax timing strategies. Ask how they plan the sale or cash-out to minimize taxes over multiple years, not just the immediate event.
- Cash flow management. Confirm they model your post-event income and expenses to avoid surprises after liquidity.
- Investment transition. Look for guidance on reallocating proceeds to align with your long-term goals and risk tolerance.
- Coordination with professionals. Ensure they work closely with your tax and legal advisors to cover all angles of the event.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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John S
Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Merrill
John Smith's four decades of experience and expertise in liquidity event planning, concentrated stock management, and business ownership considerations make him well-equipped to assist with complex financial transitions in Illinois. As a senior advisor at Merrill, a large firm, he offers a comprehensive approach including tax-sensitive wealth transfer and estate planning, serving affluent entrepreneurs and executives, which distinguishes him from others by combining deep industry knowledge with a broad suite of wealth management services.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Bradley S
Series 63, Series 66
Downers Drove, IL
Apollon Financial, LLC
Bradley Schaffnit's 24 years of experience and expertise in liquidity event planning, retirement income strategy, and tax-loss harvesting equip him to manage complex financial transitions effectively. Operating from Downers Grove, IL, he offers flat-fee financial planning through Apollon Financial, LLC, which manages $890 million in assets using a blend of centrally managed models and tax-aware strategies, including ESG overlays, distinguishing him from other seasoned advisors in Illinois.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $1,151,989
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Christopher B
Series 63, Series 65
Elmhurst, IL
Fidelity
Christopher Brunner's 31 years of experience and focus on liquidity event planning make him well-equipped to assist clients in Illinois preparing for significant financial transitions. As Vice President at Fidelity, a large firm, he offers expertise in executive compensation design and wealth management, providing comprehensive support that includes equity compensation analysis and coordination with other professionals, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower scopes or smaller firm resources.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Michael H
Series 63, Series 65
Costa Mesa, CA
Apollon Financial, LLC
Michael Herman's 28 years of experience and expertise in liquidity event planning and business exit strategies equip him to manage complex financial transitions effectively. Operating from Apollon Wealth Management in California, he offers flat-fee financial planning starting at $5,000, serving a diverse clientele including high-net-worth individuals and businesses, with a hybrid investment approach that integrates tax-aware strategies and independent sub-managers, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on local markets or traditional fee models.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $1,151,989
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Marilyn H
Series 66
Pekin, IL
Edward Jones
Marilyn Hawkins specializes in liquidity event planning, leveraging 25 years of industry experience to help clients in Illinois manage tax timing and cash flow impacts during significant financial transitions. As a seasoned advisor at Edward Jones, a large full-service firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, she offers a comprehensive approach that includes charitable giving and retirement income strategy, with an annual program fee up to 1.35% AUM, distinguishing her from smaller or less diversified practices.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $246,728
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