Best Illinois Financial Planners
Finding the best financial planner in Illinois can be a daunting task. Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for college, or managing an inheritance, you need someone who truly understands your unique financial situation. With countless options available, how do you choose the right advisor? In this guide, we’ll dive into what to look for in a financial planner, the essential credentials, and highlight some of the top-rated financial planners in Illinois based on Yelp reviews. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that leads to financial peace of mind.
What to Look for in a Financial Planner
When it comes to choosing a financial planner, there are several critical factors to consider. First and foremost, you need someone who is trustworthy and has a proven track record of success. Look for planners with strong reviews and testimonials from clients. It’s also essential to find someone who communicates well and takes the time to understand your financial goals. A good planner will not only help you manage your investments but will also provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of your financial life.
-In addition, consider the planner’s approach to financial planning. Do they take a holistic view, considering all areas of your finances, or do they focus solely on investments? A well-rounded planner should offer services that include tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, and risk management. Transparency is also key; make sure they clearly explain their fees and how they get compensated. This can help you avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Lastly, consider their experience and specialization. Some financial planners specialize in specific areas, such as retirement planning or working with small business owners. Finding a planner who specializes in your particular needs can make a significant difference in the quality of advice you receive.
Key Credentials to Look For
When evaluating financial planners, their credentials can provide valuable insights into their expertise and professionalism. Here are some of the most respected credentials in the industry:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®): This designation is awarded to individuals who have met rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements. CFP® professionals are held to high standards and must adhere to a strict code of ethics.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®): The CFA® designation is known for its focus on investment management and analysis. CFA® charterholders are highly respected in the financial industry for their expertise in managing portfolios and conducting investment research.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): CPAs are experts in tax planning and preparation. A financial planner with a CPA designation can offer valuable advice on tax strategies and help you minimize your tax liability.
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®): The ChFC® designation is similar to the CFP® but includes additional coursework in areas such as estate planning and insurance. ChFC® professionals are well-equipped to handle complex financial planning needs.
These credentials demonstrate a commitment to professional development and a high level of competence. When interviewing potential planners, ask about their credentials and how they stay current with industry trends and regulations.
-Top Financial Planners in Illinois
Based on Yelp reviews, we have curated a list of some of the best financial planners in Illinois. These planners have received high ratings for their professionalism, expertise, and client satisfaction. Each entry includes contact information, a brief overview, and links to their websites and social media profiles.
1. Savant Wealth Management
Savant Wealth Management is renowned for its comprehensive financial planning and investment management services. Clients appreciate their personalized approach and commitment to fiduciary responsibility.
Contact Information:
- Address: 190 Buckley Dr, Rockford, IL 61107
- Phone: (815) 227-0300
- Website: Savant Wealth Management
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Highlights from Yelp Reviews:
- “The team at Savant Wealth Management truly cares about their clients. They take the time to understand your financial goals and tailor their advice accordingly.”
- “I appreciate their transparency and honesty. They explain everything in detail and ensure you understand your options.”
Client Reviews and Ratings:
-| Client | Review | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| John D. | Excellent service, very professional, and knowledgeable. | 5 stars |
| Sarah M. | They helped me create a comprehensive financial plan that addressed all my needs. | 4.5 stars |
| Michael T. | Their investment strategies have been very successful for my portfolio. | 5 stars |
2. Balasa Dinverno Foltz LLC
Balasa Dinverno Foltz LLC (BDF) offers a wide range of services, including wealth management, retirement planning, and tax strategies. Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping clients achieve financial success.
Contact Information:
- Address: 500 Park Blvd, Ste 1400, Itasca, IL 60143
- Phone: (630) 875-4900
- Website: Balasa Dinverno Foltz
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Highlights from Yelp Reviews:
-- “BDF is fantastic! Their team is knowledgeable and always available to answer my questions. I feel confident in their ability to manage my finances.”
- “I highly recommend BDF to anyone looking for a comprehensive financial planning service. They are professional, courteous, and truly care about their clients.”
Client Reviews and Ratings:
| Client | Review | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Jessica H. | They have provided excellent advice on my retirement planning. | 4.5 stars |
| Robert K. | Their tax strategies have saved me a significant amount of money. | 5 stars |
| Emily L. | Very responsive and attentive to my financial needs. | 4 stars |
3. D3 Financial Counselors
D3 Financial Counselors is known for their expertise in retirement planning, investment management, and tax planning. They take a holistic approach to financial planning, ensuring all aspects of your financial life are considered.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1900 Spring Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
- Phone: (630) 271-0033
- Website: D3 Financial Counselors
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Highlights from Yelp Reviews:
- “D3 Financial Counselors have been instrumental in helping me plan for my retirement. Their advice is always clear and actionable.”
- “The team at D3 is fantastic. They are very knowledgeable and always available to answer my questions. I highly recommend them.”
Client Reviews and Ratings:
| Client | Review | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| David P. | Excellent service and very knowledgeable team. | 5 stars |
| Linda S. | They helped me develop a comprehensive financial plan that addressed all my needs. | 4.5 stars |
| Chris J. | Very responsive and always available to answer my questions. | 4 stars |
Navigating Financial Planning
Choosing the right financial planner involves understanding the different types of services available. Some planners focus on investment management, while others offer a more comprehensive approach, including retirement planning, tax strategies, and estate planning. It’s crucial to find a planner whose services align with your needs.
When interviewing potential planners, ask about their approach to financial planning. Do they take a holistic view, considering all aspects of your financial life, or do they focus solely on investments? A comprehensive planner should offer a wide range of services to help you achieve your financial goals.
Transparency is another essential factor. Make sure the planner clearly explains their fees and how they get compensated. This can help you avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Some planners charge a flat fee, while others earn commissions on the products they sell. Understanding how they get paid can help you make an informed decision.
Experience and specialization are also important. Some planners specialize in specific areas, such as retirement planning or working with small business owners. Finding a planner who specializes in your particular needs can make a significant difference in the quality of advice you receive.
Holistic Financial Planning
Holistic financial planning involves considering all aspects of your financial life. This includes not only your investments but also your retirement plans, tax strategies, and estate planning. A holistic planner will take the time to understand your financial goals and develop a comprehensive plan to help you achieve them.
When looking for a holistic planner, ask about their approach to financial planning. Do they consider all aspects of your financial life, or do they focus solely on investments? A good holistic planner will offer a wide range of services, including tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, and risk management.
It’s also important to find a planner who communicates well and takes the time to understand your unique financial situation. A good planner will not only help you manage your investments but will also provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of your financial life. Look for planners with strong reviews and testimonials from clients, and make sure they clearly explain their fees and how they get compensated.
Transparency is key when working with a financial planner. Make sure they clearly explain their fees and how they get compensated. Some planners charge a flat fee, while others earn commissions on the products they sell. Understanding how they get paid can help you avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Credentials Matter
When choosing a financial planner, their credentials can provide valuable insights into their expertise and professionalism. Some of the most respected credentials in the industry include the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®).
The CFP® designation is awarded to individuals who have met rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements. CFP® professionals are held to high standards and must adhere to a strict code of ethics. The CFA® designation is known for its focus on investment management and analysis. CFA® charterholders are highly respected in the financial industry for their expertise in managing portfolios and conducting investment research.
The CPA designation indicates expertise in tax planning and preparation. A financial planner with a CPA designation can offer valuable advice on tax strategies and help you minimize your tax liability. The ChFC® designation is similar to the CFP® but includes additional coursework in areas such as estate planning and insurance. ChFC® professionals are well-equipped to handle complex financial planning needs.
When evaluating potential planners, ask about their credentials and how they stay current with industry trends and regulations. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to professional development and a high level of competence.
Top Financial Planners in Illinois (Continued)
Continuing our list of top-rated financial planners in Illinois, here are a few more highly recommended professionals based on Yelp reviews.
4. The Planning Center
The Planning Center offers a wide range of financial planning services, including retirement planning, investment management, and tax strategies. Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Contact Information:
- Address: 201 E. Ogden Ave, Suite 120, Hinsdale, IL 60521
- Phone: (630) 323-6401
- Website: The Planning Center
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Highlights from Yelp Reviews:
- “The Planning Center is fantastic! Their team is knowledgeable and always available to answer my questions. I feel confident in their ability to manage my finances.”
- “I highly recommend The Planning Center to anyone looking for a comprehensive financial planning service. They are professional, courteous, and truly care about their clients.”
Client Reviews and Ratings:
| Client | Review | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Mark A. | They have provided excellent advice on my retirement planning. | 4.5 stars |
| Laura B. | Their tax strategies have saved me a significant amount of money. | 5 stars |
| Kevin S. | Very responsive and attentive to my financial needs. | 4 stars |
5. Financial Solutions Advisory Group
Financial Solutions Advisory Group specializes in retirement planning, investment management, and tax strategies. They take a personalized approach to financial planning, ensuring all aspects of your financial life are considered.
Contact Information:
- Address: 300 S. Wacker Dr, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60606
- Phone: (312) 762-6000
- Website: Financial Solutions Advisory Group
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Highlights from Yelp Reviews:
- “Financial Solutions Advisory Group has been instrumental in helping me plan for my retirement. Their advice is always clear and actionable.”
- “The team at Financial Solutions Advisory Group is fantastic. They are very knowledgeable and always available to answer my questions. I highly recommend them.”
Client Reviews and Ratings:
| Client | Review | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Rachel C. | Excellent service and very knowledgeable team. | 5 stars |
| Tom W. | They helped me develop a comprehensive financial plan that addressed all my needs. | 4.5 stars |
| Lisa N. | Very responsive and always available to answer my questions. | 4 stars |
6. Stash Wealth
Stash Wealth is known for their expertise in working with high-earning young professionals. They offer a wide range of services, including investment management, retirement planning, and financial coaching.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1035 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Phone: (646) 448-0325
- Website: Stash Wealth
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Highlights from Yelp Reviews:
- “Stash Wealth is amazing! Their team is knowledgeable and always available to answer my questions. I feel confident in their ability to manage my finances.”
- “I highly recommend Stash Wealth to anyone looking for a comprehensive financial planning service. They are professional, courteous, and truly care about their clients.”
Client Reviews and Ratings:
| Client | Review | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kelly H. | They have provided excellent advice on my retirement planning. | 4.5 stars |
| Daniel F. | Their tax strategies have saved me a significant amount of money. | 5 stars |
| Megan T. | Very responsive and attentive to my financial needs. | 4 stars |
Choosing the right financial planner is a crucial step in achieving your financial goals. By considering their credentials, approach to financial planning, and client reviews, you can find a planner who is well-suited to your needs. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing an inheritance, or looking for tax strategies, the right financial planner can make all the difference in your financial future.