I'm Matthew, the founder of Maplewood Wealth, and I'll admit it—I'm a financial planning nerd. While I geek out over optimizing finances and taxes for my clients, what truly excites me is witnessing the transformation in their lives as they gain confidence in their financial decisions. At Maplewood Wealth, I've created a fresh approach to financial planning that resonates with fellow millennials who've found success early in their careers. I understand that for our generation, true financial confidence goes beyond mere numbers—it's about aligning our money with our values and goals to design the lifestyle we want. My approach allows you to enjoy life now while also securing a fulfilling future. Based in the Chicagoland area, I bring both professional expertise and relatable life experience to my practice. As a young father balancing career and family life, I intimately understand the challenges and aspirations you face. Whether you're a young professional building a strong financial foundation, a "surprised affluent" navigating sudden wealth, or part of a growing family juggling multiple financial priorities, I tailor my approach to your unique situation. With Maplewood Wealth, you're not just getting a financial planner—you're gaining a dedicated partner in navigating life's changes and achieving your dreams without stress. Let's work together to create a financial plan that empowers you to live your best life, both now and in the future.

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.

Garrett Dahm is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been providing financial guidance since 2017. He specializes in developing strategies and offering advice tailored to the short- and long-term financial objectives of individuals, families, and businesses. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, Garrett manages discretionary Personalized and Defined Strategies that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios, and third-party investment options. His areas of focus include family wealth management, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, liquidity management, retirement planning, portfolio management, tax minimization, and strategies for sports and entertainment clients. Garrett earned a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He completed his high school education at Prospect High School and attended Harper College without earning a degree. Outside of his professional role, Garrett has a background in classical guitar, having performed solo and with orchestras worldwide since the age of four. Notably, he performed in multiple cities in Australia during the opening ceremonies of the 2000 Olympics. He lives in Mt. Prospect with his wife Tanya and their son Jace. His personal interests include golfing, ice hockey, practicing guitar, and spending time with his family.

Michelle Place is a Wealth Management Advisor and principal of The Place Wealth Management Group based in Northbrook, Illinois. She began her career in the investment industry in 2007 with Morgan Stanley Asset Management and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as a Financial Advisor in 2010. Michelle focuses on serving high net worth individuals and families, providing guidance in areas such as executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, philanthropic planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, and tax minimization. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin System and has completed an Accredited Certificate Program at the University of Chicago. Michelle is a Certified Financial Planner® professional, a Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™. Her team's mission is to deliver confidence and peace of mind to clients by managing the complex aspects of their financial lives with enduring value. Outside of her professional work, Michelle's personal interests include dancing, ice skating, pickleball, yoga, and spending time with her family.

Eric Thonn is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in helping equity-compensated executives and business owners simplify their financial lives by addressing complex planning needs. His approach involves building long-term client relationships through consultative, tailored, and comprehensive strategies focused on multi-generational wealth transfer aligned with clients’ values and aspirations. Eric’s expertise includes long-term wealth strategy, equity compensation, business optimization, college education planning, executive compensation, family wealth management, legacy planning, retirement income, portfolio management, small business strategies, and tax minimization. He holds the title of Senior Portfolio Advisor at Merrill, managing discretionary custom investment strategies to support client objectives. He began his financial services career in 2014 with State Farm and has served as a Financial Advisor with Merrill since 2018. Eric earned a Bachelor’s degree in financial planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Outside of his professional role, Eric volunteers as a mentor for young adults with Erie Neighborhood House. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their dog, Chloe, engaging in activities such as golf, basketball, cooking, and attending concerts.

Michael Parris is Vice President and Wealth Planner at Fidelity Investments, a role he has held since 2026. In this capacity, he collaborates with clients and their families to understand their financial situations and develop comprehensive plans aimed at growing and protecting their wealth while working toward their financial goals. He emphasizes open communication and building strong, enduring relationships with his clients. Prior to his current role, Michael served as a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments from 2022 to 2026. Before joining Fidelity, he held positions at JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., including Private Client Advisor from 2017 to 2022 and Private Client Banker from 2011 to 2017. His experience spans various aspects of financial planning and client advisory services.

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.]