Top Financial Advisors in Buffalo Grove, IL

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Highview Capital Management, a fee-only practice, requires clients have at least $2 million under the firm's management, and so most of its clients are high-net-worth individuals. Highview also works with a limited number of charitable organizations. 

For asset management, the firm charges a fee that's based on a client's assets under management. As a fee-only firm, Highview advisors do not sell securities or insurance for third-party compensation. Instead, the firm's revenue comes solely from client-paid fees. 

The advisory team at Highview includes two certified financial planners (CFPs), one chartered financial analyst (CFA) and one certified private wealth advisor (CPWA). 

Highview Capital Management Background

Highview was formed in 2019 and opened for business as an investment advisor in 2020. The firm is registered with the SEC and is owned by Micahel McNitt, Mark Sansoterra and Nicklaus Streit. 

Wealth management, which combines discretionary investment management with financial planning or consulting services, is the primary service offered at Highview. 

Highview Capital Management Investment Strategy

Asset allocation is the core principle that guides Highview investment strategies. The firm may rely on strategic asset allocation, dynamic asset allocation, tactical asset allocation or core-satellite asset allocation when managing client portfolios. 

As for the specific investments that comprise client portfolios, the firm invests in individual stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, options and other public and private securities or investments.

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Fee-based SGL Financial is next on our list of the top-rated firms in Buffalo Grove. Its team includes several investment advisors who are also licensed insurance agents and may receive commissions from third parties on top of client fees. Of course, clients are not obligated to buy these recommended products. Also, SGL has a fiduciary duty to always work in the best interests of the client.  

To become a client, you typically need at least $50,000 in investable assets. The firm, though, may waive this requirement. SGL currently serves hundreds of clients who are mostly non-high-net-worth individuals, although many have a high net worth. The firm also works with one retirement plan.

The SGL staff includes several accredited professionals, including one certified financial planner (CFP), one registered financial consultant (RFC) and a certified public accountant (CPA). 

SGL Financial Background 

SGL officially launched business operations in 2011 as Wealth Financial Advisory Services and changed to its current name in 2017. Gabriel Lewit, Steven Lewit and Steve Thomas are currently the principal owners of the firm.

SGL primarily provides investment advisory services. The firm also can extend retirement planning, income planning, 401(k) rollover assistance, long-term care and medical insurance planning services to clients. 

SGL Financial Investment Strategy 

SGL considers various personal factors, including risk tolerance and financial goals, when making asset management recommendations to clients. The firm uses both long-term investing strategies and short-term trading tactics. In evaluating different securities, it may use charting, cyclical and fundamental and technical methods of analysis.

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Journey Financial Group (JFG), the third firm on our list, currently works with individuals, high-net-worth individuals and retirement plans. To open an account, clients generally need at least $50,000 in investable assets. However, the firm may waive this requirement under certain circumstances. 

The firm employs advisors who may be brokers or insurance agents who earn commissions from third parties on top of client fees, making JFG a fee-based practice. Clients are not obligated to accept these recommendations for products, of course. Despite the conflict of interest that commission-based compensation can create, JFG must uphold its duty as a fiduciary to always work in the best interests of the client. 

Journey Financial Group Background 

JFG launched in 1997. President McLain Tallungan wholly owns the firm today.

JFG offers asset management services through various programs, including ones that involve model portfolios. It also provides financial planning services covering topics like estate planning and retirement savings. In addition, the firm serves as a consultant to corporate retirement plans such as 401(k) plans and pensions. 

Journey Financial Group Investment Strategy

JFG primarily invests client assets in open-ended mutual funds, no-load and load-waived mutual funds, as well as mutual funds purchased at net asset value (NAV). The firm offers the following three management programs to its clients through the Vision 2020 Wealth Management Platforms:

• Vision2020 Advisor Managed Program: JFG advisors design and continuously monitor an investment portfolio built with asset allocation software. The advisor takes into account factors such as the client’s risk tolerance and investment goals. JFG also uses re-balancing and optimization tools when necessary. This portfolio may consist of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, equities, options, debt securities, variable life and variable annuity sub-accounts.
• Vision2020 Genesis Model Portfolio Program: This option involves model portfolios primarily built with mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) across various asset classes and investment styles. These funds generally come from BlackRock Investment Management and Vanguard Advisors. 
• Vision2020 Unified Managed Account Program: This platform provides clients with the opportunity to invest their assets across multiple asset classes, using multiple strategies. This is a wrap account program that offers advisory services, as well as brokerage and custodial services for one asset-based fee.

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Phase III Advisory Services rounds out our Buffalo Grove list. Its investment advisory team features two certified financial planners (CFPs). They work with both high-net-worth individuals and non-high-net-worth individuals, as well estates, trusts and charitable organizations, as well as corporations and other business entities.

Minimum investments vary depending on the type of account you want to open. They generally range from $25,000 to $50,000. However, the firm may waive or lower these minimums at its discretion. 

As a fee-based firm, Phase III advisors can earn commissions for selling or recommending certain products, like insurance or securities, creating a potential conflict of interest. These commissions are paid by third parties and are collected on top of the advisory fees that clients pay. However, the firm is a fiduciary and must act in its clients' best interests no matter what.

Phase III Advisory Services Background 

Phase III has been in business since 1984, making it the oldest firm on our list. President John W. Bever is the sole owner and serves as chief compliance officer. Phase III offers the following services: 

• Asset management programs (including a wrap-fee program)
• Portfolio monitoring
• Financial planning and consultative services
  • Tax planning and tax minimization
  • Cash flow and spending plans
  • Debt reduction
  • Estate planning
  • Charitable giving
  • Education planning
  • Retirement planning
• Review and monitoring of third-party manager programs

Phase III Advisory Services Investment Strategy 

Phase III has an investment committee that evaluates model portfolios, securities and investment decisions. Based on a review of a client’s risk tolerance and other factors, Phase III will choose a Vision2020 Wealth Management model portfolio and allocate assets accordingly. These model portfolios are primarily built with individual securities such as stocks and bonds, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as options, debt securities, variable life and variable annuity sub-accounts. 

The firm also provides ongoing portfolio monitoring services and recommendations for how to reallocate assets. Phase III will review portfolios and provide recommendations for changes at least once a quarter.