Financial Advisor for Chicago, IL Investors

Fee-only wealth management for professionals, families, & business owners

Chicago is a major financial hub, but you don’t need a giant downtown firm to get world-class financial guidance. We provide Chicago-area clients with disciplined, fiduciary planning and investment management that prioritizes clarity, long-term strategy, and your best interest—never product sales or commissions.

Tailored Wealth Management for Chicago Professionals & Retirees

Planning and investment expertise built for real-world financial complexity

Sterneck Capital works with clients throughout the Chicago area who want a long-term financial partner—not just an investment manager. Whether you’re navigating executive compensation, preparing for retirement, or managing substantial assets, we deliver advice structured around your goals, cash flow needs, and long-term security. Our planning incorporates Chicago-specific considerations such as Illinois’s flat-income tax system and the state’s unique approach to retirement income. For busy professionals and retirees alike, our virtual-first model provides direct, convenient access to an experienced team. You get comprehensive wealth guidance without the pressure or conflicts often found in large financial institutions.

Comprehensive Planning & Investment Support

A disciplined process built for Chicago’s financial landscape

Many Chicago investors balance complex portfolios, demanding careers, and long-term family goals. Our structured planning system brings organization and strategy to each area of your financial life. We help you plan proactively, invest intelligently, and make decisions grounded in your values and priorities. Our core services include:


  • Investment Management: Evidence-based portfolio construction, risk management, and tax-aware investment design.


  • Retirement Planning: Strategies tailored for Illinois residents—including planning around Illinois’s exemption for retirement income.




Why Chicago Investors Choose a Fee-Only Fiduciary

Boutique-level service with transparent, conflict-free advice

Chicago is home to many financial firms, but few operate with the independence and alignment of a fee-only fiduciary. Unlike large banks or brokerage houses, we don’t sell products or earn commissions—our sole focus is your long-term success. We offer the sophistication expected in a major financial center, paired with the attentiveness and long-term relationship focus of a boutique wealth management firm. Our team limits the number of clients each advisor serves to maintain high-quality, proactive service. For Chicago professionals with demanding careers or retirees seeking dependable guidance, this creates a stable and trustworthy partnership that evolves as your life evolves.

Serving Clients Across Chicagoland

Strategic guidance for investors throughout the city and suburbs

We work with clients across the greater Chicago region, including the Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, the North Shore, Oak Park, Naperville, Hinsdale, and many surrounding communities. Each household brings unique financial goals—ranging from retirement income planning to managing concentrated stock positions or coordinating business liquidity events. Through virtual meetings, secure technology, and responsive communication, we make distance irrelevant while maintaining meaningful, personal relationships. Whether you prefer to connect during a lunch break downtown or in the evening from home in the suburbs, we adapt to your schedule and communication style.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Supporting Chicago investors through modern, flexible planning

  • How can you serve as my Chicago financial advisor without an office here?

    Financial planning and investment management are fully effective in a virtual environment, especially for busy Chicago professionals. We meet by video, phone, or email—whichever you prefer—and maintain a proactive communication rhythm throughout the year. Many of our Chicago clients actually prefer virtual meetings because they eliminate travel time and allow scheduling flexibility. Our systems, tools, and personal touch ensure a seamless experience without the need for in-person visits.

  • Are you familiar with Illinois taxes and Chicago’s cost of living?

    Yes. We regularly advise Illinois residents and incorporate state-specific considerations into planning. Illinois has a flat income tax and does not tax most retirement income—key details that can materially impact your long-term strategy. We also factor in considerations such as high property taxes in some Chicago suburbs and the cost-of-living differences between the city and surrounding areas. These nuances help us build accurate, realistic financial projections.

  • Will you meet clients in Chicago if needed?

    We can arrange in-person meetings when appropriate, particularly for major planning milestones or annual reviews, depending on scheduling. That said, most of our Chicago clients conduct all planning virtually and find it more efficient and convenient. Our team maintains consistent responsiveness, ensuring you always feel supported—whether you’re in the city, suburbs, or traveling.

  • How do I transfer my accounts from my Chicago bank or brokerage?

    Transferring accounts is a straightforward electronic process handled through our custodial partner. We guide you step-by-step, including assistance with ACAT transfers, rollovers, and consolidating accounts for easier management. You won’t need to visit a branch or handle complicated paperwork alone. Once the assets arrive, we implement your new investment strategy with careful attention to taxes and timing.

  • Do you work with both high-net-worth and mid-career Chicago clients?

    Yes. We partner with a range of Chicago investors, from rising professionals with growing income to retirees and high-net-worth families needing comprehensive planning. Many of our clients come to us when life becomes more complex—such as managing stock options, buying a home, preparing for retirement, or handling large taxable portfolios. If you’re seeking structured, long-term guidance, we can help determine if our approach is the right fit.