James Varga

When seeking financial success, choosing the right Financial Advisor is imperative. With more than 35 years of experience at Merrill, Jim Varga has proven his dedication to planning a personalized financial strategy for each client’s unique situation. Jim follows a holistic wealth management approach holding in high regard the importance of getting each client in order to best fulfill their financial needs. Jim focuses on assessing your current financial life and most importantly, your goals so he can help you take control of your finances by mapping out investments, education expenses, estate plans with your attorney, and your retirement.

Jim focuses on a value based, long-term approach to investing and follows a consistent financial strategy that maintains discipline in rising markets and helps investors resist emotional selling during market declines. In order to mitigate the risks associated with investing, a general emphasis is placed on diversification of investments in the major asset classes. Jim tries to discourage clients from “impulse” investing while selecting securities that represent good value, including industry-leading companies that pay high dividends. He advocates regular rebalancing of client portfolios in order to help ensure that the asset allocation strategy remains intact. Alongside his skills and extensive knowledge is Merrill’s investment platform that caters to helping achieve each client’s individual goals. Having access to such software allows for research to be done on both your present and future investments. Jim offers wealth management strategies to affluent individuals and families.

Jim Varga is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor for Merrill. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and has been with firm since 1991. Jim resides in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago with his wife and three daughters. He has been involved in the community through various local charities including a previous board position with the American Cancer Society. He is also active with Chicago Public Schools focused on Friends of Lane and Friends of Alcott, and an avid supporter of Lane Tech Girls Soccer. In his free time, Jim enjoys traveling and, is a sporting clays, skeet and trap shooting enthusiast.

*Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.