Natalie has attracted a loyal clientele in more than ten states for her ability to put their wealth and wishes to work. Devoted to helping her clients articulate their goals and concerns, she has honed a planning-based approach in which frequent and friendly conversations allow for meaningful outcomes beyond dollars and cents.Most gratifying to Natalie are the close relationships and friendships she enjoys with generations of families – many led by ambitious business owners, as well as senior-level corporate executives, attorneys and physicians.Natalie's natural curiosity and training as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, CFP® professional are at the heart of her offering. She enjoys hearing about clients' achievements, difficulties, and experiences. By listening, she learns. And by learning, she can design a multi-faceted strategy that extends beyond investments. In fact, for many clients, Natalie's focus on business succession and legacy planning creates enduring benefits.Complementing Natalie's planning skills is her investment acumen which is highly regarded by Merrill, and evidenced by her designation as a Senior Portfolio Advisor.When it comes to investments, Natalie accounts for market conditions as well as a client's comfort with risk, liquidity needs, tax situation and investment timeline. Only then does she formulate their portfolio, taking strategic direction from the firm's Chief Investment Office and incorporating its award-winning analysts' research-based portfolios.In early discussions with clients (often in their homes and offices), Natalie helps them consider what she calls "wealth and its purpose" – for a fulfilling retirement, a business sale or new venture, a child's education, or family legacy. Meeting with both spouses whenever possible, she asks about their comfort with investment risk and visions for family members. Natalie is well aware that many clients look to pass along values, as well as their wealth."Often, I ask questions that clients hadn't heard from a previous advisor," Natalie explains. "What drives you personally and professionally? What's most important to you? What's your primary concern – financial or otherwise? Who are your responsible for? Why do you work so hard – for your retirement, your kids, or both? Why have you come to me – and why now?"Natalie makes it a point to deliver simple and straightforward recommendations that make conversations both comfortable and educational. Given her years spent in private wealth management, she knows the importance of strengthening a client's overall financial picture – assets, liabilities and using protective components including insurance and trusts. In fact, Natalie often works with clients' CPAs and attorneys to align tax-minimization and estate planning strategies in advance of key decisions.Before joining Merrill in 2023, Natalie earned her stripes in private wealth management at prominent firms including Fifth Third Bank, BMO Harris Private Bank and most recently, U.S. Private Bank. She launched her career at First Bank of Oak Park in 2000.Natalie holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA degree from DePaul University, where she graduated with distinction. She is also aNatalie and her husband, Kelly, make their home in Homer Glen where life revolves around their young son and daughter. Still, Natalie finds time to participate in the Homer Glen Women's Club and actively volunteer at her son's school (Saint Isaac Jogues Catholic School). High energy inside and outside the office, Natalie also enjoys running, boating, golf, reading and cooking.