Financial advisors for founders in Chicago, Illinois

Which financial advisor should I talk to as a founder in Chicago?

For founders in Chicago, talk to a fee-only planner who has worked through a liquidity event, ideally well before you sign anything. The most valuable decisions, like QSBS eligibility and gifting shares, usually have to be made ahead of the sale. Records to start with include Robert Riedl of Endowment Wealth Management, Inc., Thomas Van Spankeren of RISE Investments and Arun Soni of Avenue 90 Financial.

How many fee-only financial advisors in Chicago work with founders?

The Wellspent public graph lists 40 fee-only advisors for founders in Chicago, at 21 firms. We counted every advisor record that lists this work, as of October 2026.

How do fee-only advisors for founders in Chicago charge?

The most common fee among fee-only advisors for founders in Chicago is a percentage of assets, used by 93% of the 40 with fees on file. Many use more than one: 38% charge by the hour and 25% charge fixed fees.

How much do fee-only financial advisors charge in Chicago?

Fee-only financial advisors in Chicago charge a median of $7,800 a year for ongoing planning. We found this across the published prices of 14 Chicago firms.

How much does a one-time financial plan cost in Chicago?

A one-time financial plan from a fee-only firm in Chicago has a median price of $1,500. We found this across the published prices of 10 Chicago firms.

See every fee-only advisor fee in Illinois

What credentials should a financial advisor for founders have?

For founders, look for the CPA, CFP and CFA. In Chicago, 45% of the 40 advisors listed hold the CFP.

Does Illinois tax income on top of federal tax?

Yes. Illinois has a state income tax, so a financial plan for a Illinois resident should project it alongside federal tax.

What happens to stock pay if you move to or from Illinois?

States often tax stock pay based on where you worked between grant and vesting, so a move to or from Illinois can split that income across states. Tell any advisor about moves during a vesting period.

What should I ask a financial advisor as a founder in Chicago?

1. How many clients have you taken through an exit, and at what size?
2. How would you check whether my shares qualify for QSBS?
3. What should I do before a term sheet that I can't do after?
4. How would you invest the proceeds in the first year?
5. How will you plan for Illinois tax alongside federal tax?
6. If I move before my grants vest, which states can tax them?

How current is this list of fee-only advisors for founders in Chicago?

Wellspent last checked these records against SEC records in October 2026 and firm websites in October 2026. Each advisor's page shows the date for that record.