Large-firm, 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 mistake is underestimating the complexity and unique risks these investments carry, which can lead to unexpected losses or liquidity issues. Large-firm advisors often have access to broader resources and research, which can benefit your investment decisions.
- Due diligence depth. Ask how they evaluate the underlying assets and managers of private investments, not just the headline returns.
- Liquidity planning. Confirm how they help you manage the timing and availability of funds, since alternative investments often have lock-up periods.
- Fee transparency. Understand the layers of fees involved, including fund-level and advisory fees, to see the full cost impact on your returns.
- Portfolio fit. Discuss how these investments complement your overall portfolio goals and risk tolerance, rather than being standalone bets.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Cole S
CFP®, Series 66
Wheaton, IL
Brookstone Capital Management LLC
Cole Swearingen specializes in private and alternative investments within a large-firm setting, offering access to extensive resources and research that can aid in managing the complexities and risks of these investments. His firm, Brookstone Capital Management LLC, provides negotiable fee structures including flat fees and asset-based fees up to 2.5%, serving a diverse client base from individuals to sovereign wealth funds, which may offer broader perspectives compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $231,028
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James A
Series 66
Chicago, IL
William Blair
James Alverson specializes in private and alternative investments within a large firm setting, offering access to proprietary models and private funds through William Blair's active, research-driven approach. With 11 years of experience and a Series 66 designation, he serves a diverse client base including individuals and institutions, charging up to 2% annually on assets under management, which may differ from other advisors' fee structures and client focuses in Illinois.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $1,492,448
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Gregory H
CFA®, Series 63
Chicago, IL
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Gregory Herr specializes in private and alternative investments within a large-firm setting in Illinois, leveraging his CFA® credential and experience at NorthCoast Asset Management. His firm uses a quantitative, systematic approach to portfolio management, including alternatives, which may help address the complexities and risks of these investments. Compared to others, Gregory offers a range of fee structures including flat fees and hourly rates, and serves high-net-worth clients, providing tailored solutions for established professionals.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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Kenneth Z
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Schwab Wealth Advisory
Kenneth Zimmer's 25 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to navigate the complexities of private and alternative investments, particularly within a large firm setting like Charles Schwab. His expertise extends to real estate investing and multi-state taxation, offering a broader perspective compared to advisors focused solely on alternatives, while his 0.80% AUM fee aligns with comprehensive wealth advisory services for high-net-worth clients in Illinois.
Experience: 25 years
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James D
CFP®, Series 65
Chicago, IL
Creative Planning
James Dyer III specializes in private and alternative investments, making him well-suited for clients seeking to diversify beyond traditional assets in Illinois. Working at Creative Planning, a large firm managing $217 billion in assets, he offers a financial planning–led approach with low-cost indexing and buy-and-hold strategies, serving high-net-worth clients with flat-fee structures and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement income strategies.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $2,113,277
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