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When you use investment services, you need an advisor that will advocate for your future and give you objective advice.
Along with our broker-dealer, LPL Financial, we work with you to find appropriate investment choices for your life, your money, and your future – right here at Liberty Bank in Chicago. To schedule an appointment, click the button below or give us a call at 773.594.6603.
No matter where you are in your life or career, you deserve access to financial professionals who will get to know you and help you plan an independent financial future that matches your goals.
Young Families
Plan for the future of your family with investments that help you be prepared to raise your kids, send them to college, and build a nest egg for yourself when the nest empties.
Career Starters
Build a smart investment portfolio to help you manage spending today and plan for tomorrow. Getting an early start with saving and investing is a gift to your future self.
Mid-Career Professionals
Take advantage of mid-career stability to fund your investment portfolio and prepare for a bright, secure future through the smart, strategic investment decisions you make today.
Retirement Planners
Approach the prime of life with confidence in your financial future and investment options. Enjoy the freedom to fund your hobbies, travel plans, and other passions.
Investing 101 with Bill Smigiel
You’ve got investing questions, LPL Financial Advisor Bill Smigiel has answers. In this quarterly Q&A, he’ll break down investing into clear, easy-to-understand terms so you can start growing your money.
Financial Traps to Avoid
There’s a good reason so many athletes, entertainers and business people who make seven figures and higher suddenly find themselves filing for bankruptcy. Money mismanagement can eat through even the biggest bankrolls. Here are some specific threats to financial stability that people can avoid to help effectively manage their wealth.
No Budget
In 2019, CNBC reported that even though 93% of Americans believe everyone should have a budget, only one in three actually does. Budgeting does not have to mean skipping coffee and driving a jalopy for the rest of your life. It does mean paying close attention to how much money comes in and where it all goes. Use your financial goals to guide you in steering your money in the right direction.
Too Much Debt
If you have a lot of debt to pay off, a budget is all the more important. It helps reduce the likelihood of reying on more credit to fill the gaps. A budget also helps you to collect all those extra dollars and cents that you could put towards paying more than the bare minimum on debt. When paying off debt, start with the higher-interest accounts first and work your way through to save money.
No Protection
Insurance can be expensive but going without insurance can be even more so. Renters, homeowners, auto, health, disability and life insurance policies are the main ones you should consider. If you have a business – especially if it is your main or only source of income – getting business insurance can protect your livelihood in the event of a mishap with a client or customer.
No Retirement Planning
Forbes estimates that roughly 25% of Americans have nothing saved for retirement. This may be forcing some people to continue to hold stressful, low-paying jobs well into their retirement years. It is never too early to start planning for retirement, no matter how small your contributions are. Remember to take advantage of matched contributions from employers whenever possible.
Too Much Risk
There is no investment that is 100% without risk. If there were, the returns on that investment would be neglible. Even so, taking on too much risk at the wrong time can lead to big financial problems. Taking on high levels of risk is appropriate for young people who have more time to recover and is not advised for people nearing retirement.
Shady Investments
Even worse is when risky investments turn out to be fraudulent or shady. In fact, the more risk-free an investment sounds, the more you should do some digging. This holds true whether the business or individual you plan to invest in is a stranger or your brother. People who miscalculate or fail to do enough research can cause you just as much financial damage as fraudsters.
Poor Tax Management
No matter how much or how little money you make, tax management is a great way to keep money in your pockets. This is especially important after a large windfall, such as an inheritance. For instance, if you inherit an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and choose to cash out, you may lose a portion of this in taxes. Divorce is another time of life when tax management is key.
Mismanaged Assets
Stocks are often traded frequently, making them active investments, but you still need to ensure your portfolio stays balanced. Similarly, if you have a home, keeping up with repairs and improvements maintains and grows its value. Unmanaged assets also pose a problem, such as when people allow large sums of money to sit in accounts with low to no interest rates and high fees.
For some people, money management is a talent and financial literacy is almost an inborn skill. Many other people, however, could use a little help making financial decisions. Contact us – we can help steer your finances in the right direction.
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.
Investment Services To Fund Tomorrow
Goal Setting
Share your goals with us and we can help you build a plan that puts you on the path to financial success. Learn how to manage, spend, save, and meet milestones.
Investment Management
Access knowledgeable specialists right here in Chicago who can help you develop a customized investment strategy based on your individual financial goals and risk tolerance.
Retirement Planning
To enjoy retirement tomorrow, you have to plan for it today. It’s never too early to start saving and investing. Collaborate with Chicago, Illinois-based financial professionals to plan, invest, and monitor your portfolio. Since we’re right here in Chicago, it’s easy to stop by and sit down with us periodically to review your portfolio and talk through changes in your finances, life plans, and the impact they have on your financial strategy.
Wealth Management
Create a wealth management plan that combines a portfolio of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to elevate and support your financial well-being.
Insurance and Risk Management
Identify insurance strategies that consider your risk profile. Protect your assets with a strategic risk management portfolio.
College Planning
Plan for college costs by connecting with our financial specialists to set goals, track progress, and create confidence that you’re ready to fund your or your child’s educational future.
“At the end of the day, my job is to help our neighbors get what they want out of life.
It’s really important work and also incredibly gratifying.“
William C. Smigiel
Financial Advisor
Your Plan, Your Future
You are the most important factor – often overlooked – in building an investment strategy. Your story, your goals, your dreams, and your unique situation are the primary elements to consider when creating an investment plan that works. That’s why we work to:
Get to know you and understand your needs and long-term goals
Identify the level of risk you can tolerate
Evaluate your paperwork and data
Establish a recommended investment strategy
Monitor and adjust your plan regularly to be sure you stay on track
It’s this proactive, consultative approach that helps you devise an investment management strategy that fits your long-term plans.
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Liberty Bank for Savings is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using LPL Financial, and may also be employees of Liberty Bank for Savings. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of Liberty Bank for Savings. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
The LPL Financial Registered Representatives associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: Illinois
