Top planning for children with special needs financial advisors in Skokie, 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 have a child with special needs, planning for their long-term financial security is crucial, especially to cover ongoing care and support. Without careful planning, you might overlook how to protect benefits or manage funds without jeopardizing eligibility for government assistance.
- Government benefits knowledge. Confirm how the advisor navigates programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income to avoid disqualifying your child.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about setting up trusts that safeguard assets while maintaining benefit eligibility.
- Education and care funding. Look for advisors who consider costs beyond typical education, including therapies and specialized services.
- Family involvement. Check how the advisor includes family members in planning to ensure coordinated support and decision-making.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Ralph L
Series 63, Series 65
Glenview, IL
Wells Fargo Advisors
Ralph Lynch Jr. specializes in planning for children with special needs and brings 42 years of industry experience, supported by his Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating from Glenview, IL with Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers fee-based financial planning and integrates investment services, distinguishing him from advisors focused on smaller client bases or different specialties.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Lisa J
Series 66
Northbrook, IL
Merrill
Lisa James Pope specializes in planning for children with special needs, leveraging 25 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm known for wealth management and alternative investments. She offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million and serves diverse clients including women professionals and LGBTQIA individuals, providing personalized financial strategies from her Northbrook, IL location.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Christine E
Series 63, Series 65
Forest Park, IL
Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc
Christine Everett Frantonius specializes in planning for children with special needs, leveraging 25 years of experience and expertise in retirement, college savings, and cash flow management. Operating independently from Forest Park, IL, her firm offers a comprehensive four-step review process and discretionary portfolio management with a 1.25% AUM fee, distinguishing her through a blend of insurance services and personalized financial planning.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $569,130
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John G
Series 65, Series 63
Deerfield, IL
Edward Jones
John Gottwald specializes in planning for children with special needs and has eight years of industry experience, supported by Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating from Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a comprehensive range of investment strategies with an annual program fee up to 1.35%, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with narrower service offerings.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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