Finance Consultants in Chicago to Watch for in 2025

Chicago Finance Strategists to Know in 2025

Chicago’s finance landscape is as diverse and dynamic as its skyline—from boutique advisors in Naperville to mission-driven consultants in Elgin. The Chicago metro area is home to some of the most future-forward financial consultants in the country, and Digital Reference is here to help you meet them.

This list is not just a who’s who of local finance talent. It’s a curated roundup of advisors who are actively shaping the way people save, invest, and build generational wealth in 2025.

Our Methodology: How We Selected These Finance Consulting Services

We spent months researching, analyzing, and diving deep into the stories behind these professionals. Here’s what guided our selection:

• A proven impact in clients’ financial lives—especially those in transition, underserved groups, or growth phases
• A clear digital presence with accessible, tech-enhanced services
• A commitment to financial education, transparency, and innovation
• A demonstrated ability to personalize plans to meet real-world needs

Every person on this list brings a unique blend of strategic insight and real-life empathy to their work. Whether they work solo, with boutique firms, or as entrepreneurs, they are actively changing the game.

Now let’s meet the consultants who are raising the bar in the Windy City 💨

Peter Amling

Amling Investments | LinkedIn

Peter Amling, founder of Amling Investments, brings a blend of Wall Street rigor and personalized Midwestern service to every client interaction. Based in the greater Chicago area, Peter’s firm has carved out a reputation for disciplined, long-term investing with a personal touch.

Why he’s on our radar:

• 💼 Wall Street Experience, Local Focus: Before launching his own firm, Peter worked at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. He’s taken that experience and translated it into boutique, client-first advisory services.
• 📈 Evidence-Based Strategy: His investing philosophy focuses on diversification, low costs, and data-backed decisions. No gimmicks—just sound planning.
• 🧠 Deep Education Approach: Peter emphasizes financial literacy. His blog and newsletter are filled with accessible content tailored for all levels of investors.
• 🖥️ Digital Savvy: With a client dashboard, seamless communication tools, and transparent fee structures, Amling Investments is built for modern planning.

Peter’s approach is perfect for families and individuals who want a steady, structured path to long-term financial health.

Richard Little

Serenity Wealth Management | LinkedIn

If you’re looking for a financial advisor who leads with empathy and holistic strategy, Richard Little is your guy. A co-founder of Serenity Wealth Management, Richard’s work is rooted in helping clients align their finances with their values.

Why Richard makes our 2025 list:

• 🌿 Values-Based Planning: Richard helps clients create investment strategies that reflect their ethics and life goals—including socially responsible and ESG investing.
• 🧘 Financial Peace of Mind: His firm’s name, Serenity, isn’t just branding—it reflects a true commitment to reducing financial anxiety for clients.
• 🏡 Comprehensive Services: From tax planning and estate strategies to charitable giving and education funding, Richard offers a full suite of guidance.
• 📱 Client-Centered Tech: Serenity Wealth’s digital experience includes custom planning portals, performance tracking, and virtual meetings.

For people seeking a calm, grounded, and values-aligned financial strategy, Richard is the Chicago-area expert to know.

Danny Delgado

Arbor Financial Advisors | LinkedIn

Danny Delgado isn’t just a financial advisor—he’s a certified retirement planning specialist with a keen eye for multi-generational wealth strategies. At Arbor Financial Advisors, Danny blends personalized service with decades of market insight.

What makes Danny a standout:

• 🌳 Client Relationships First: Danny’s philosophy is rooted in trust, education, and long-term partnerships. His clients often stick with him for decades.
• 🧓 Retirement Planning Expertise: As an AWMA™ and CRPC™, Danny focuses on maximizing income streams, Social Security strategies, and legacy planning.
• 🛠️ Tech-Supported Service: Arbor’s digital experience includes risk assessments, personalized dashboards, and on-demand video updates.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Centered Planning: Danny works with multiple generations within families to ensure financial strategies evolve over time.

Danny is an ideal choice for families and individuals preparing for the next stage of life—with clarity, compassion, and structure.

James Brewer

Envision Wealth | LinkedIn

James Brewer refers to himself as a Financial Life Architect—and with good reason. As the founder of Envision Wealth, James fuses finance, life coaching, and long-term planning to help clients live with intention.

Why James is a finance leader to watch:

• 🧱 Holistic Life Planning: James doesn’t just plan finances—he plans lives. He uses financial psychology and life planning tools to help clients find clarity.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Champion for Inclusion: James actively works with LGBTQ+, Black, and underserved communities, bringing culturally competent services to groups that are often overlooked.
• 🔐 Highly Credentialed: James holds multiple advanced certifications (CFP®, CFSLA®, and others) and is a frequent speaker on inclusive financial services.
• 📡 Remote-Ready Service: Envision Wealth’s tools and portal are perfect for hybrid work environments and digital-first clients.

James is building a future where financial advising is accessible, intentional, and inclusive—and we’re all better off for it.

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Chris Long

Long Financial Planning | LinkedIn

Chris Long is the founder of Long Financial Planning, and his firm is all about clear communication, long-term planning, and peace of mind. Chris is a fee-only financial planner, which means no hidden incentives—just honest advice.

Why Chris is worth your attention:

• 🧾 Clarity Champion: Chris breaks down budgets, taxes, and retirement plans into digestible, actionable pieces.
• 🌟 Behavioral Finance Edge: He integrates tools that help clients make decisions based on goals—not fear.
• 📞 Open-Door Policy: Chris offers flexible consults, including virtual, in-person, and hybrid meetings.
• 📲 Smooth User Experience: His firm’s website is a one-stop hub for scheduling, paperwork, and updates.

Chris is especially great for young families, newlyweds, and professionals who want a judgment-free financial partner.

Curt Stowers

F5 Financial | LinkedIn

Curt Stowers leads F5 Financial, and his philosophy is simple: finances should empower, not burden. Curt combines financial strategy with life alignment, helping clients figure out how their money fits into their larger purpose.

What makes Curt a standout:

• 🔍 Purposeful Planning: He uses a 5-F framework—Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances, and Fun—to align your money with your values.
• 🧮 Engineering Background: With a PhD in Engineering, Curt brings analytical rigor to each plan.
• ✍️ Content-Rich Website: Curt publishes regular blog posts, whitepapers, and planning tips that serve the broader community.
• 📊 Full-Service Planning: From 529s to estate strategies, Curt handles it all in-house.

He’s especially beloved by tech-savvy clients and those who appreciate structure, clarity, and deeper purpose.

Brian Thompson

BT Financial | LinkedIn

Brian Thompson is a trailblazer in inclusive financial planning. As the founder of BT Financial, he focuses on LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and entrepreneurs, offering strategies that reflect their realities and goals.

Why Brian is a 2025 must-watch:

• 🏳️‍🌈 Inclusive Advisor: Brian is a nationally known advocate for financial equality and representation.
• 📚 Tax Specialist: He’s both a CFP® and a tax attorney—making him uniquely positioned to offer robust financial/tax plans.
• 💡 Entrepreneurial Coach: He guides LGBTQ+ business owners through every stage of growth.
• 🌐 Virtual Ready: BT Financial operates fully remote, using modern tools to serve clients nationwide.

If you want an advisor who sees you fully—and has the financial and legal chops to match—Brian’s your go-to.

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What Comes Next? Stay Smart with Digital Reference

From legacy-focused advisors to digital-savvy strategists, these five professionals represent the best of what Chicago finance has to offer. No matter your goals—whether it's saving for college, retiring early, or building a sustainable business—there’s someone in this city ready to help you get there.

For more expert-curated insight, check out our other Finance Services guides:

• Top Financial Advisors in the USA
• Leading Fractional CFOs in NYC
• What are Finance & Accounting Consultants 

At Digital Reference, we believe that smart decisions start with smart content. That’s why we’re committed to highlighting finance professionals who bring strategy, empathy, and innovation to their clients every single day.

Follow us for more curated guides, expert insights, and content that connects the dots between where you are—and where you want to go. 💼💡

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