Stephen Knutson
Advisor at Merrill
Updated today
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Some details may be added by the advisor after claiming their profile. Refreshed daily • Updated today.
Firm
Merrill
Location
Rockford, IL 61107
Credentials
Series 63, Series 65
Industry experience
7 years
About
Stephen Knutson is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, offering over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He provides expertise in areas including investing, retirement planning, family wealth management, institutional consulting, small business strategies, philanthropic planning, and tax mitigation strategies. Additionally, Stephen supports clients with specialized services encompassing banking, credit, financing, retirement options, and trust services.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree from DePaul University and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) professional designation. Stephen emphasizes building lasting client relationships based on trust, transparency, and tailored financial advice that aligns with individual priorities and goals. His professional philosophy centers on helping clients identify what is most important and offering guidance on efficiently supporting those values.
Outside of his professional role, Stephen is involved with organizations such as the Aurora Sportsmen's Club and contributes to community groups including 21st Century Game Film at Harlem High School, Carlson Ice Arena, and First Covenant Church. His personal interests include boating, hunting, ice hockey, music, running, scuba diving, swimming, tennis, woodworking, and spending time with his family.
Client services
Portfolio management
Pension consulting
Selection of other advisers
Educational seminars or workshops
Performance measurement reports, allocation modeling, ips, research reports and services, see schedule d
Performance measurement reports, allocation modeling, ips, research reports and services, see schedule d
Expertise
General retirement planning
Wealth management
Tax-loss harvesting
Charitable giving & philanthropy
Work history
Bank of America, N.A.
2023 - Present (3 years)
Merrill Lynch, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
2022 - Present (4 years)
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
2018 - 2022 (4 years)
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
2018 - 2022 (4 years)
Systems Research Incorporated
2017 - 2018 (1 year)
Chef Vince's Zeal
2017 - 2017 (1 year)
21st Century Videography
2015 - Present (11 years)
21st Century Videography
2013 - Present (13 years)
Roanoke Insurance Group Inc.
2006 - 2017 (11 years)
DePaul University
2000 - Present (26 years)
Disclosures
Disclosures include customer complaints, regulatory actions, employment terminations, bankruptcies, and certain legal protections.
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
These affiliations may expand the services this firm offers and, in some cases, how they are compensated.
Is active or affiliated with:
Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Is not active or affiliated with:
-
Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
-
Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
-
Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
Daisy F
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 66
Rockford, IL
Edward Jones
Kristen R
Series 66
Rockford, IL
Edward Jones
Casondra R
Series 66
Loves Park, IL
Edward Jones
Scott J
Series 66
Rockford, IL
Edward Jones
John L
Series 66
Rockford, IL
Merrill
John Larson is a Wealth Management Advisor and First Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since beginning his financial services career in 2000, John has focused on helping clients build comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to their individual needs. His client expertise includes college education planning, managing new wealth, portfolio management services, socially responsible and ESG investing, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Born and raised in the Rockford community, John attended Guilford High School. He is actively involved locally, having served on the board of The First Tee of Rockford, as Chair of the Finance Committee and board member of the OSF College of Nursing, and participating in the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. John is married to his wife Chris and they have two children. His personal interests include golfing, running, and spending time with his family.
Karre C
ChFC®, Series 66
Rockford, IL
Edward Jones
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through – whether you ultimately need an advisor or not.
Warmer provides personalized recommendations and introductions to independent fiduciary advisors. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
Each advisor listed on our site is an independent fiduciary responsible for their own advice. Warmer may receive fees from advisors for participation or referrals; these fees are paid by advisors and do not affect the fees clients pay for advisory services.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before entering into an advisory relationship.
By using our service, you agree to Warmer's Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement and Privacy Policy. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")