David Stevens

There's no need to guess on your next step towards financial independence (FI). Get help designing the best plan for your money and guidance to gain confidence in achieving your dreams. You deserve a simple-to-understand financial life plan, tailored to you, and a dedicated guide to answer your questions and keep you accountable. It took a lot of trial-and-error to grow my financial health. You don't need to struggle as much as I did. I would be honored to be your financial guide so that you can have financial peace of mind sooner rather than later. If you're not sure where to start, or are tired of trying to figure out what’s next on the path to FI, my coaching-centric approach to financial planning will be a relief. You will get organized; gain clarity on your values, goals and dreams; and learn how to intentionally manage your money now and for the future. Along the way, I will be your dedicated financial coach and planner to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and keep you accountable.

Nicholas Harlow is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, with over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has been providing financial guidance to clients since 1988, specializing in areas such as family wealth management strategies, employee financial health, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Mr. Harlow holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earned in 1981. He has earned several professional designations, including the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) awarded in 2000 by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ in conjunction with the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2007, he obtained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC®) designation from the College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. In 2014, he became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certificant, awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. In addition, he holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of his professional role, Mr. Harlow enjoys biking, cooking, golfing, and tennis.

Lissette Barrios is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she has built her career since 1993. As senior partner of the GR Wealth Management Group, she leads a team that takes a comprehensive, client-focused approach to wealth management. The group emphasizes understanding clients and their families deeply—considering financial situations, priorities, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and investment goals—to develop tailored strategies. Their client base includes multi-generation families, corporate executives, business owners, and physicians. Lissette also serves as a Senior Portfolio Advisor within Merrill’s Investment Advisory Program, managing discretionary, customized investment strategies that draw on a broad range of Merrill and third-party solutions. Lissette holds multiple professional credentials, including the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp., the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) designation, Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Economics from Barat College of Lake Forest, which was subsequently acquired by DePaul University. Fluent in English and Spanish, Lissette focuses on client areas such as family wealth management, legacy and philanthropic planning, retirement income, portfolio management, and education planning. Outside of her professional work, Lissette resides with her husband and two sons in the Northern Suburbs. The family supports several humanitarian and research organizations, including the American Cancer Society, United Way, and Special Olympics. In their free time, they enjoy outdoor activities, attending their sons’ soccer games, hiking, interior decorating, and traveling.