The wealth management firm is a full-service advisor instead of a robo-platform, combining portfolio management with a structured planning process that aligns investments, tax, and long-term goals.
Chicago Partners uses a five-step wealth management process, including portfolio auditing, asset allocation, tax optimization, financial planning, and ongoing monitoring, to build customized strategies for each client.
Its investment management approach includes building a diversified portfolio, rebalancing, due diligence, and engaging with a client’s broader finances by consulting other professionals, such as a certified public accountant (CPA) and an attorney.
The firm also offers advanced financial planning, including retirement planning, cash flow analysis, education planning, insurance reviews, estate and charitable planning, and wealth transfer coordination.
Chicago Partners also provides services such as tax-loss harvesting, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and advice on investment opportunities. Clients can access a secure online portal for performance reports, statements, and to schedule meetings.
Overall, Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors functions as a comprehensive, advisor-led wealth management solution designed for investors seeking a personalized and coordinated approach to managing their financial life.
What are the pros and cons of Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors?
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors provides a comprehensive, advisor-led wealth management model that combines investment management, tax planning, and advanced financial planning.
Its strengths include a structured planning framework, an emphasis on tax efficiency, and access to a wide range of private client services.
However, the firm’s relatively high minimum asset requirement and advisory fee structure may be less accessible for investors with smaller portfolios or those seeking lower-cost, automated solutions.
The pros of Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors:
Integrated wealth management approach: The five-step process combines portfolio management, tax strategies, and financial planning into a single service.
Tax-focused investment strategies: Chicago Partners focuses on tax efficiency through tax-loss harvesting, planning, and customized tax strategies.
Comprehensive planning capabilities: Clients receive advice on retirement planning, cash flow projections, funding education, insurance, estate planning, and charitable giving.
Private-client services and professional coordination: The firm offers additional services such as multi-generational wealth transfer planning, coordination with CPAs and attorneys, customized reporting, and oversight of asset transfers.
Transparent disclosures and a clearly defined process: Chicago Partners outlines its planning steps, fees, and services in detail on its site and Form ADV, providing clarity for prospective clients.
The cons of Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors:
High minimum asset requirement: The firm typically requires at least $1 million in investable assets, which excludes many investors.
Annual minimum fee of $5,000: It has a minimum annual advisory fee of $5,000, which may be costly for investors with smaller portfolios, even if they qualify.
It is not designed for low-cost investors: As the service centers on advisor-led planning, it may not appeal to individuals looking for simple, low-fee portfolio management or automated investing.
Investors considering alternatives to Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors may also want to compare similarly personalised wealth management firms such as Plante Moran Financial Advisors, Mission Wealth or Moneta Group Financial Advisors, which offer comprehensive planning and investment services tailored to clients’ long‑term goals. Those seeking more accessible or hybrid guidance could explore options like SoFi Automated Investing, Empower Personal Strategy or Ally Robo Portfolio for automated portfolios with varying levels of planning support.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors offers several advantages, including a structured planning framework, tax-focused strategies, and access to broad private client services. These features may appeal to investors who want high-touch, advisor-led support.
The firm’s high asset minimum and high fee thresholds mean its services are not easily accessible for investors with smaller portfolios, and its personalized model may not be ideal for those seeking simpler or cheaper investment solutions.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors fees: how much does it cost?
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors uses a percentage-based advisory fee model, with charges determined by the type and amount of assets under management (AUM).
According to its Form ADV, standard advisory fees are generally between 0.3% and 1.25%, subject to a $5,000 annual minimum, while certain programs, such as the CP Optimized Intelligent Portfolios Platform, have fixed tiered rates.
Fees are billed quarterly in advance, and clients may also incur separate custodial or product-level expenses.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors' fees
| Service/Fee type | Annual fee/Structure | Conditions and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard investment advisory services | 0.3%–1.25% of AUM. | Fee varies based on assets and services. |
| CP Optimized Intelligent Portfolios Platform | 0.6% annually for accounts of under $500,000; 0.65% annually for accounts of under $500,000. | Billed quarterly in advance; Product-level ETF expenses apply separately. |
| Private fund management (DEF/DIF Funds) | 0.65% annualized expense ratio. | Charged at the fund level; advisory fee is adjusted to keep blended cost aligned with the client. |
| Consulting/Retirement plan consulting | Fixed fee or negotiated fee. | Depends on services. |
| Additional client costs | Custodial fees, brokerage transaction costs, and mutual fund expenses. | Not included in CP’s advisory fee. |
| Billing frequency | Quarterly, in advance. | Fees are prorated upon termination. |
Chicago Partners charges asset-based advisory fees ranging from 0.3% to 1.25%, with a $5,000 annual minimum and a $1 million minimum account size.
CP Optimized Intelligent Portfolios Platform applies fixed annual rates of 0.6% or 0.65%, depending on account size. All advisory fees are billed quarterly in advance, and clients may also incur separate custodial, transaction, or fund-level expenses.
What is the minimum account size for Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors?
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors primarily serves high-net-worth households and requires new advisory clients to have at least $1 million in investable assets. This reflects the focus on comprehensive, advisor-led wealth management and may be waived at the firm’s discretion.
It also has a $5,000 minimum annual advisory fee, so it may not be cost-effective for individuals with smaller accounts, even if accepted.
For its CP Optimized Intelligent Portfolios Program, the firm has a different standard. Eligible clients include individuals, IRAs, and revocable living trusts, and the minimum investment to open or convert an account is $5,000.
The program’s optional tax-loss harvesting feature requires a higher balance of $50,000.
Certain entities, such as corporations, partnerships, government organizations, and ERISA plans, are not eligible for the program.
Minimum requirements by service type
| Service type | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Standard investment advisory services | $1 million account minimum |
| Minimum annual fee | $5,000 per year |
| Tax-loss harvesting feature | $50,000 minimum balance |
Chicago Partners requires a $1 million minimum account size for new investment advisory clients, making it ideal for high-net-worth individuals.
While the minimum may be waived, the high entry point and a $5,000 annual advisory fee make the service most suitable for households with substantial assets, rather than beginners or investors with smaller portfolios.
Who should choose Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors?
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors is best suited for high-net-worth investors who want a personalized, advisor-led approach to managing their finances.
The firm’s service model focuses on integrated investment management, tax strategies, and long-term planning, making it a strong fit for clients seeking coordinated oversight rather than automated portfolio tools.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors
High-net-worth households: The $1 million account minimum and $5,000 annual advisory fee align with clients with substantial portfolios and require multi-layered planning.
Investors seeking tax-efficient strategies: The firm prioritizes tax optimization, including tax-loss harvesting, planning, and withdrawal strategies, which can be valuable for clients with complex circumstances.
Clients who want comprehensive, advisor-led guidance: Chicago Partners integrates investment management with retirement planning, estate and charitable planning, and cash flow analysis, offering a more holistic experience than basic investment-only services.
Families with multigenerational or estate-transfer needs: Private client services, such as coordinating with attorneys and CPAs, trust planning support, and wealth transfer oversight, benefit clients with long-term family wealth considerations.
Investors who prefer a structured planning framework: The firm’s five-step process provides a defined roadmap for portfolio reviews, planning updates, and tax coordination.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors
Investors with smaller portfolios: The $1 million minimum and $5,000 annual fee make the service inaccessible or too expensive for investors with smaller portfolios.
Individuals seeking low-cost or automated investing: The advisor-centric service model is more extensive and expensive than needed for those who prefer simple, passive portfolios or robo-advisor solutions.
Active traders: The firm’s focus is on strategic, long-term portfolio management rather than frequent trading or DIY investing.
Clients wanting standardized, predictable pricing: As fees vary based on account size, services, and negotiated terms, some investors may prefer a more uniform fee structure.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors: Is it secure?
Yes, Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors has security practices that align with the standards for investment advisors registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Chicago Partners is registered with the SEC, which requires the firm to follow fiduciary obligations, maintain compliance controls, and provide standardized disclosures to clients.
It uses ‘reasonable technical and organizational measures’ to help protect personal information and reduce unauthorized access risks.
Chicago Partners also provides educational guidance encouraging investors to follow best practices, such as enabling two-factor authentication and using strong passwords.
Unlike digital platforms that hold customer assets directly, Chicago Partners doesn’t have custody of client funds. According to its Form ADV, the firm recommends Charles Schwab or Fidelity as custodians for client accounts.
These are well-established, SEC-registered broker-dealers responsible for trade execution, safekeeping of client securities, and issuing independent account statements.
As is standard for US custodians, accounts held at Charles Schwab or Fidelity are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which offers up to $500,000 of coverage per client (including up to $250,000 for cash) in the event a broker-dealer fails. SIPC protection doesn’t cover market losses.
While no online system is entirely risk-free, Chicago Partners’ safeguards are in line with those of major financial institutions.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors: Customer service
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors provides a traditional, advisor-led service model, where clients interact directly with an advisory team rather than automated support channels.
The wealth management firm focuses on personalized communication and ongoing access to advisors, designed for high-net-worth clients who expect individual advice.
Clients can get in touch over the phone, email, or meetings, including in-person consultations at the firm’s Chicago office. There are also direct email contacts for team members, allowing clients to reach advisors or staff members individually.
The firm’s planning and investment process includes regular review meetings, which are coordinated through the client’s advisory team, and serve as a primary touchpoint for updates, questions, or portfolio discussions.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors also offers an online client portal for document access, statements, and updates, giving clients an easy way to monitor their financial information.
Overall, Chicago Partners’ customer service is structured around direct advisor access rather than general support channels. This model aligns with its high-touch planning focus but may be less flexible for clients who prefer instant digital support or 24/7 availability.
Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors: Mobile app
Chicago Partners’ mobile app is designed for high-net-worth individuals and family offices who want a clear, centralized view of their finances. It focuses on real-time visibility, allowing clients to track portfolio performance and monitor their wealth with a streamlined interface.
The app provides detailed, up-to-date performance metrics that help users understand how their investments are progressing relative to their long-term goals. Its integration with each client’s wealth management plan helps keep clients connected to strategies developed with the advisory team, without navigating multiple platforms or requesting manual updates.
The app is primarily built for reporting and oversight. It doesn’t focus on DIY investing, advanced performance analytics, or features for active investors.
Clients who want interactive tools or more control may find it less comprehensive than platforms designed for retail trading or high-frequency portfolio adjustments.
However, for users who value clarity, consolidated reporting, and a simple way to stay aligned with a personalized wealth strategy, Chicago Partners’ mobile app is a practical extension of the firm’s advisor-led service model.
Is Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors worth it?
Whether Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors is worth it depends on the type of investor.
For high-net-worth individuals and families seeking an advisor-led model that integrates investment management, tax strategies, and long-term financial planning, the firm offers a comprehensive and coordinated approach that many lower-cost platforms don’t provide.
The $1 million minimum and $5,000 annual advisory fee mean the firm is suitable for clients with complex financial situations, multigenerational planning needs, or portfolios that may benefit from customized tax-efficient strategies.
However, investors looking for low fees, automated portfolio tools, or DIY investing tools will find the service less aligned with their preferences.
While Chicago Partners provides access to advisors, clients who want technology-driven features or lower entry requirements may prefer firms designed for retail investors.
For individuals who value personalized guidance, coordinated tax planning, and a structured advisory relationship, Chicago Partners may be a good fit. But for those with simpler needs or smaller portfolios, the firm’s minimums and pricing may not be suitable.
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