CFP®-certified, private / alternative investments 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 considering private or alternative investments, you likely want to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. A common pitfall is underestimating the complexity and risks involved, which can lead to unexpected losses or liquidity issues. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, which can help integrate alternative assets into your broader financial picture.
- Risk assessment expertise. Confirm how they evaluate the unique risks of private investments, including illiquidity and valuation challenges.
- Portfolio integration. Ask how they balance alternative assets with your traditional investments to align with your goals and risk tolerance.
- Fee transparency. Private investments often have complex fee structures; ensure the advisor clearly explains all costs involved.
- Exit strategy planning. Discuss how they help plan for liquidity events or potential exit scenarios to avoid surprises.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kristen K
CFP®, Series 66
Chicago, IL
McAdam LLC
Kristen Koonce's 12 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to navigate the complexities of private and alternative investments in Illinois, integrating these assets within diversified portfolios using fundamental analysis. Her firm, McAdam LLC, serves a broad client base including trusts and corporations, offering flexible fee structures such as negotiable AUM fees up to 1.75% and flat fees from $500 to $5,000, distinguishing her approach from others with subscription-based planning services.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $481,124
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Cole S
CFP®, Series 66
Wheaton, IL
Brookstone Capital Management LLC
Cole Swearingen is equipped to assist with private and alternative investments in Illinois, leveraging his CFP® certification and four years of experience at Brookstone Capital Management LLC, a large SEC-registered firm. His flat-fee and negotiable AUM fee structures, combined with expertise in ESG investing and active portfolio management, distinguish him from others by offering diverse investment strategies and flexible pricing options.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $231,028
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Sandra H
CFP®
Downers Grove, IL
Capstone Financial Advisors Inc
Sandra Higgins is equipped to assist with private and alternative investments, leveraging her CFP® certification and expertise in options, derivatives, and tax-loss harvesting to address complex portfolio needs. Operating from Capstone Financial Advisors in Downers Grove, IL, she offers flat-fee and hourly pricing, serving a diverse clientele including high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, with a focus on asset allocation, cost control, and tax positioning.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,675,828
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Kenneth Z
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Charles Schwab
Kenneth Zimmer's 25 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to navigate the complexities of private and alternative investments, particularly in Illinois. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, he offers both discretionary and non-discretionary investment solutions, distinguishing him with extensive resources and a seasoned approach compared to smaller firms or less experienced advisors.
Experience: 25 years
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James D
CFP®, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Creative Planning
James Dyer III is equipped to assist with private and alternative investments in Illinois, leveraging his CFP® certification and five years of industry experience. Working at Creative Planning, a large firm managing $217 billion in assets, he offers a financial planning–led investment approach with flat-fee options and serves high-net-worth clients, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee structures.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $2,113,277
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