Michael Niemczyk

Hi, I'm Larry Pershing, CFP® RMA®, a flat fee financial advisor. I focus on helping people age 55+ with their retirement planning and investment management needs for a FLAT fee. Having worked in various wealth management firms in my career, I was surprised to discover many firms try to service everyone, which leads them to being average for all. Some are more concerned with amassing client assets than providing customized recommendations. I started Optimum Retirement Planning because I saw a need for specialists to help clients navigate the complex and challenging financial aspects of retirement. Our offering is different. We don’t work with everyone. We specialize in helping those who are close to and in retirement. We apply the latest financial research for retirement to help answer your complex financial questions. Optimum Retirement Planning is a flat fee financial advisor. This means we charge differently than most financial advisors. We offer retirement planning and investment management for a flat fee. For too long retirees have been overpaying for financial advice due to large commissions and/or being charged a percentage of their assets. When I’m not in the office, I’m on a tennis court, reading a book (finance or science fiction), or spending time with family and friends. I also volunteer for AARP sponsored events that help seniors receive complimentary financial advice. While I live in Chicago, I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I return often, especially during winter. You can take the guy out of California, but you can’t take the California out of the guy!

As Director of Physician Services at Prism Planning Partners, a fee-only RIA led by CFP® professionals, I lead a dedicated division serving physicians and healthcare professionals nationwide. My team and I specialize in helping medical professionals navigate every stage of their financial journey—from residency and fellowship through practice, career transitions, and retirement. I oversee a team that includes interns, paraplanners, and operations professionals, and collaborate closely with Prism’s Director of Financial Planning and Director of Operations to deliver high-impact, client-centered planning. Focus Areas: • Comprehensive financial planning tailored to physicians and healthcare professionals • Student loan strategies, including PSLF, refinancing, and REPAYE/SAVE optimization • Contract review and benefit analysis • Investment, tax, and estate planning strategies • Risk management (disability, life, long-term care) with no product sales • Burnout prevention and work/life balance strategies • Retirement and career transition planning • Speaking engagements and financial education for medical professionals Select Speaking Engagements: Regular speaker for medical residency and fellowship programs at: Northwestern, Loyola, University of Chicago, Rush, UIC, Cook County, Barnes-Jewish/Wash U, Medical College of Wisconsin, Advocate Aurora, University of Colorado, and more. Also presented for the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, Illinois Pharmacists Association, and multiple private practices and hospital systems.

Blair Chozen is a Vice President Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a role held since 2023. Blair has been with Fidelity Investments since 2011, progressing through various positions including Financial Consultant, Investment Consultant, Investment Solutions Representative, High Opportunity Financial Representative, and Tax Exempt Customer Service Associate. Blair is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Practitioner with a focus on wealth planning. Blair emphasizes listening and asking pertinent questions to understand clients' needs and uses Fidelity's resources to help clients explore financial strategies tailored to their circumstances and potential consequences. This approach aims to educate clients and empower them to make informed financial decisions. Outside of professional commitments, Blair has personal interests that include art, food, football, gardening, music, and pets.

Rob Kubik is an Executive Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, where he has been serving since 2025. Prior to this role, he worked as a Benefits & Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments from 2021 to 2025, and as a Financial Consultant at the same firm from 2016 to 2021. Before joining Fidelity Investments, Rob was a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones from 2014 to 2016. Rob specializes in helping clients maximize their workplace benefits, build wealth, and plan for retirement with a focus on tax-efficient investing. He employs a holistic approach to financial planning, aiming to create intentional and well-structured financial strategies. [No information was provided regarding Rob's education, credentials, personal interests, or community involvement.]