Estate & Trust Advisors

Estate & Trust Advisors is a boutique Wealth Management Firm located in Northbrook, IL, that has been serving clients for nearly three decades. They specialize in capital preservation and enhancement of wealth for business owners, offering services such as investment management, retirement planning, and estate counsel. The firm operates as an independent Registered Investment Advisor with a fiduciary standard, ensuring every recommendation is made solely in the client's best interest.

The business holds a Trustburn rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews. The rating distribution includes several 5-star reviews praising their exceptional service and attention to detail, alongside some 3-star and 4-star reviews that also highlight their professionalism and expertise in estate planning.

The process begins with a personal consultation to define risk profiles and objectives, often involving a client's CPA or attorney. Next, they set an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) that outlines allocation targets and guides decisions. The firm then diversifies across asset classes using custom-built models, followed by continuous monitoring and rebalancing when allocations move outside target ranges. Finally, they communicate and report through detailed monthly statements and quarterly performance updates.

For private, family-owned business owners, the firm provides expertise in building personal wealth, handling liquidity events, and managing charitable planning. They also assist with multi-entity coordination to ensure all financial aspects are aligned with the owner's goals and priorities.

The firm offers divorce financial planning support, helping divorced women organize their accounts and build a realistic budget. They focus on investing with confidence while carefully addressing retirement and tax implications during this new financial chapter.

They help clients turn retirement funds into a sophisticated plan that fits their lifestyle by mapping spending, Social Security, and tax-efficient withdrawals. This ensures the retirement timeline aligns with the client's specific needs and goals.

The firm assists with planning Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), evaluating Roth conversions, and coordinating inherited IRA decisions. Their goal is to ensure withdrawals support the client's long-term financial objectives.

Clients praise the firm for their attention to detail and expertise in estate planning, making the process smooth and hassle-free. They provide clear guidance and are prompt in responding to inquiries, instilling confidence throughout the planning process.

They create purposeful portfolios built around the client's plan rather than a generic model. This involves aligning allocation, risk management, and taxes with life goals and adjusting accordingly through every market cycle.

The firm provides a straightforward path from questions to action, learning what matters to the client to design an investment plan. They implement the right steps and meet regularly to keep finances in sync with the client's life.

Assets remain securely held with their trusted custodian, Charles Schwab & Co, which is noted as the largest custodian for Independent RIAs in the US. This ensures that client funds are managed with a high level of security and trust.

Clients receive detailed statements and quarterly performance updates through a secure client portal. Regular meetings are held to keep them informed and ensure the investment plan adapts to market cycles and changing life circumstances.

The firm collaborates closely with a client's CPA or attorney to ensure investment, tax, and estate strategies are coordinated. This collaborative approach is central to their process, helping to simplify complexity and guide decision-making.

As fiduciaries, they are legally and ethically bound to act in the client's best interest, maintaining full transparency. Every recommendation is guided by the client's goals rather than commissions or product sales.

The firm emphasizes long-term relationships built through steady communication and a deep understanding of unique goals and financial stability. They ensure each client benefits from a full range of expertise through high-touch service to all interactions.