In 1988, Mark co-founded Vermillion Financial Advisors, Inc. (VFA). His vision for VFA was to fill a niche providing individuals and business owners with true comprehensive financial planning to support objective investment advice, and business planning services. Currently, Mark specializes in assisting high net worth clients in excess of $1,000,000, who are over 50 years of age with Comprehensive Personal Financial Planning and investment advisory services. These services include designing solutions for providing financial security to last throughout retirement, to make sure clients are only paying their fair share of taxes, ensure family members are provided for should an incapacitation (or death) occur and selection of risk appropriate investments. In addition to his client's responsibilities, Mark wears many hats as the company's President and Managing Advisor. Mark is not only involved in the day-to-day direction of the marketing, financial consulting and operations functions of VFA, he also serves as an accomplished public speaker and conducts seminars on an array of financial topics ranging from investment portfolio design, successful retirement transition planning, wealth transfer, and tax reduction strategies. Mark is a member of, and has served on, many boards of directors and committees for various charitable organizations as well as organizations related to the future of the financial planning profession. Because of his background, expertise and position within the financial planning community, Mark has become a favorite resource of many media outlets. He has been involved, or featured, in numerous articles, radio broadcasts, television shows, and on-line websites. Some of the more recognized media outlets include CBS' "60 minutes", the Daily Herald, the Chicago Tribune's "Ask an Expert", the Chicago Sun Times, USA Today, Forbes, CNBC, Financial Planning Digest, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, and Bloomberg Wealth Manager, to mention just a few. (View all media recognition) Mark's experience in financial planning has earned him numerous awards and recognition within the financial planning profession. Over his career he has obtained many professional designations and licenses, including a number of FINRA Stockbroker and General Securities Principal licenses, an insurance license, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), and Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®). In 2009, with Mark's leadership, Vermillion Financial Advisors decided to change platforms and become a "fee for service" advisory firm, affording our clients a more extensive and less restrictive menu of financial planning services, a wider array of financial and investment products. Mark makes his home in Palatine with his wife Laura and four sons, John, Joseph, Christopher and Stephen. Mark's hobbies include running (having completed seven marathons), golf, cycling, hiking, and traveling to experience new places with his family.
Vermillion Financial Advisors has been providing investment management, personal financial planning, and business consulting services since 1988. We specialize in serving individuals over the age of 50, who wish to be proactive in addressing their personal finances. These individuals are often interested in planning for a secure retirement and confirming they have sufficient funds to last throughout retirement. They also want to engage the services of a professional to assist the family when a loved one passes or becomes incapacitated. Clients generally seek Vermillion Financial Adavisors' advice as the result of many common changes in life but most often as of a monetary windfall (e.g. an inheritance, sale of a family business, severance package or retirement buyout), an unexpected life event (e.g. death or change in health status of a loved one). Often it is simply because time is too limited for busy clients to properly address their financial planning needs or because personal finances have become too complex. Business owners often seek VFA advice to evaluate current employee benefits, strategic planning, or business succession.
Jim Stein
Jim has been with Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA) since 2014. He is responsible for sharing the Vermillion story with individuals and business owners who sincerely desire to improve their personal finances. In addition to business development Jim also handles the firms sales and marketing, and the summer intern program.
Jim works closely with Mark La Spisa serving as an additional contact person at VFA. As part of our process, Jim will contact you initially to learn more about you and your financial goals. Part of this discussion will focus on how you believe a financial advisor can guide you towards reaching your financial goals. Your information is then shared with Mark so that during your initial complimentary meeting, Mark has an understanding of what you are looking to accomplish with your finances. Rest assured, all information shared with Jim is confidential.
Designations - Jim has earned his Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®) designation which allows him to consult with business owners interested in offering a company sponsored retirement plan to their employees. Jim is also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, (AIF®), a designation highlighting his ethical behavior and fiduciary services when working with clients. This designation ensures Jim takes a client-first approach when working clients.
Jim lives in Palatine with his wife Sue and their two children, Mackenzie and Danny. Outside work, Jim enjoys running and triathlon, having completed 16 marathons and two Ironman triathlons. He also enjoys traveling with his family exploring our country's beautiful National Parks.
General Information |
| Firm Start Year: | 1988 | |
| No. of Employees: | 10-19 | |
| Number of Years with Current Firm: | 32 |
| Work Experience: | Since 1988, Mark has owner Vermillion Financial Advisors. He serves as President and Managing Advisor of the firm. Mark earned his Certified Financial Planning CFP® certification in 1989 and has maintained the CFP® designation through the years by completing all necessary continuing education requirements required by the CFP® Board. |
| Work with the following types of clients: | Individual Investors, Businesses, Non-Profit Organizations |
| Foreign Languages Serviced: | English |
| Advisory Services Provided: | Retirement Planning, Portfolio Management, Financial Planning, Estate Planning & Trusts, Investment Advice & Management, Financial Advice & Consulting, 401K Rollovers, Risk Management, Education Funding and Planning, Financial Planning for Individuals, Financial Planning for Businesses, Tax Advice and Services, Wealth Management |
Services |
| Investment Types: | Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Insurance, Stocks, Bonds, Options & Futures, Commodities, Mortgages & Real Estate, Mutual Funds |
| Can meet clients in the following ways: | Our Office, Phone, Email, Video Conference |
Compensation and Fees |
| Fee Structure: | Fee-Based |
| Minimum Portfolio Size for New Managed Accounts: | $1,000,000 |
| Compensation Methods: | Based on Assets, Hourly, Flat Fee |
Financial Services |
| Financial Planning for Businesses
Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA) works with business owners offering Strategic Planning services and Employee Benefits. VFA prides itself on consulting with business owners, particularly in the are of employer sponsored retirement plans. From payroll deducted IRAs to Simple IRAs, 401(k)s to pension plans, VFA has the expertise to determine the right type of plan to meet your business needs. Whether it involves creating a new retirement plan or redesigning an existing retirement plan, VFA works with you to identify the features needed to optimize your plan and meet its stated goals. Through our maintenance program your advisor actively monitors your plan to ensure that you are meeting your fiduciary responsibilities. |
| Financial Advice & Consulting
Since 1988, Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA) has been committed to providing both personal and business owners financial planning services for people who sincerely desire to improve their finances. As financial planning and investment services become increasingly complex, we can offer you sound advice to help you find the critical solutions you need for the financial issues you face. We will always take into account all aspects of your finances, including risk, taxes, personal values and current position in life, as we strive to help you achieve your long-term goals. VFA prides itself on providing trusted financial planning and investment services and consultation to high net worth individuals through objective analytical research and consistent investment processes, which we continuously improve and expand. |
| Financial Planning for Individuals
At Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA), we look at Financial Planning as an ongoing process to proactively address financial issues both large and small that fall within one of the seven major categories of personal finances: Portfolio Analysis/Management - Are your investments appropriate for your stage in life? Is your level of risk greater than your investment returns? (Investment Planning). Retirement Income/Forecasting - Ensuring you have retirement assets that will last throughout your retirement (Retirement Planning). Estate Planning - Ensuring your family members are taken care of financially in the event of incapacitation or death. Tax Forecasting/Reduction Strategies - Ensuring your taxes are organized in the most tax efficient manner so that you only pay your fair share of taxes (Tax Planning). Risk Management - Making sure you have appropriate insurance coverage to ease the financial burden in the event of a disaster (Insurance Planning). Budgeting - Understanding where your money is spent and determining if these expenditures reflect your values so that you can achieve your financial goals (Cash Flow). Planning for Major Events/Purchases - Major purchases (buying a home) or paying for college need to be planned to understand the impact they will have on your overall financial picture (Major Purchases/Event Planning). All potential solutions and decisions are filtered through the knowledge of your current overall financial picture and long-term goals. Financial Planning helps you make non-emotional but sensible decisions about money that are founded in facts and based on your entire and complete financial picture. |
| 401K Rollovers
When changing jobs, moving your 401(k), or other workplace retirement account, is an important step that can seem complicated and confusing. When you leave a job, you typically have three options: - Rollover the account to your new employer's 401(k) plan - Rollover the account to a self-directed IRA - Cash in the account (take the money and run) Each of these options has its own pros and cons. Making the right decision regarding your 401(k) requires having all the necessary information. VFA can help you evaluate and understand your options so that you can make the appropriate decision based on your goals so that you preserve your assets throughout retirement. |
| Insurance Planning
Do you have the appropriate insurance coverage for your stage in life? Is it the right type of of coverage? Are you over/under insured? As part of our comprehensive financial planning services, Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA) reviews all of your pertinent insurance documents, your current situation, and your goals and concerns regarding these policies. By understanding your insurance coverage you can feel confident that you are adequately protected to meet your particular needs in the event of a disaster. |
| Retirement Planning
Many Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA) clients in need of retirement planning are interested in learning how and when they can retire or even if they are financially prepared to retire. They are also highly concerned with the idea of how best to transition into retirement and wonder if their finances will last throughout their post-earning years. Additional concerns include making sure they are paying only their fair share of taxes and understanding where their money is going. VFA is a planning firm with trusted advisors who can walk you through the challenges that most of us face as we transition from one stage of life to another. |
| Estate Planning & Trusts
Are you and your family prepared should something unexpected happen to you? Making sure you have provided for your spouse and family in the event that you cannot support them any longer is a major concern to all. It is critical to plan in advance to make sure that your family will be secure should you pass away unexpectedly or suddenly become unable to earn income due to a health condition. A quality plan includes the evaluation of: - Life insurance - Long-term care costs - Health care - Disability income plans - Properly drafted documents transitioning and transferring responsibilities At Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA), we work with you to ensure all aspects of your plan reflect your overall financial goals, while still providing full financial support for your family should something happen to you. |
| Education Funding and Planning
Funding a child's education has become an extremely expensive proposition. The first step when considering educational costs is determining the amount you anticipate covering towards your child's education, 100%, 50%, etc. At Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA) we work with you ensure smart decisions are made based on your finances. Your advisor will work with you so that you understand how educational costs impact your retirement goals. |
| Tax Advice and Services
At Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA), we work with you to make sure that your income sources are organized in the most tax-efficient way possible so that you are only paying your fair share of taxes. Proper tax planning focuses on decreasing your tax liability so that these resources can be directed towards other long-term goals and objectives, such as retirement, college tuition, etc. |
| Risk Management
Minimizing risk is an important part of a comprehensive financial plan. At Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA), we work with you analyzing all your insurance policies. This analysis ensures that you have appropriate insurance coverage. Making sure a client's insurance coverage adjusts as you progress from one stage of life to another is key to helping them avoid exposure to risk. This eases your financial burden in the event that a disaster occurs. |
| Investment Advice & Management
Vermillion Financial Advisors (VFA) offers three investment services to choose from, based on your financial needs and level of complexity. For investors with more complex investment needs, VFA offers Custom-designed portfolios constructed specifically to meet your personal return, risk tolerance and long-term goals. A second investment option is our Target Investment Portfolios. These pre-designed model portfolios are intended to meet a target return and level of risk when compared to the S&P 500. With seven different model portfolios, you are afforded the ability to choose the right model to meet their investment needs. A third investment option, our Foundation Program is designed for new or novice investors. This option allows you to begin investing with the assistance of one of our advisors. Based on the size of your portfolio and its complexity, VFA has an solution to address your investment objectives. You retain freedom of choice. You can choose how often you would like your advisor to review, monitor, and meet with you. . |
FAQs |
Why should I choose you as my financial advisor?Mark is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), and Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®). |
How do you charge for your services?Vermillion Financial Advisors is a fee-for service advisory firm. We allow you to choose those services that will benefit you most. Based on the services you choose, we can be work together providing comprehensive financial planning services, work with you on a project basis, or an hourly basis. What makes most sense for you. |
How are you compensated? How will I pay for your services?Vermillion Financial Advisors is a fee for service company. We are not commissioned based. We do not accept any soft dollars. We are transparent with our fees so that as client you understand fully the fees you will pay based on the services you have chosen. |
If you are going to manage my account, will you obtain my permission every time you buy or sell something?At Vermillion Financial Advisors we take pride in educating our clients so that you have a complete understanding as to why your advisor is making their recommendations. With this information, you then have the choice to agree with the recommendation or not. By educating you and having you involved in the decision making process helps to strengthen your relationship and build your level of trust with your advisor. |
Will you be the only person working with me?Mark and all the certified Financial Planners (CFP®) work directly with you. Our advisors have a team of people who support their efforts so that we can provide you with an exceptional level of service. As a result, you will interact with several members of our staff at the direction of Mark or your advisor. |
Disclosures |
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WiserAdvisor provides referrals to financial professionals. WiserAdvisor is not a current client of advisor or advisory services. Financial professionals pay cash compensation for these referrals, which creates the incentive for WiserAdvisor to make these referrals, resulting in a conflict of interest. |
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Additional Detailed Disclosures |
Registered Investment Advisor:
Yes
Investment Advisor Representative:
Yes
Acknowledged fiduciary:
Yes
| Mon. | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tue. | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wed. | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Thu. | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Fri. | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Vermillion Financial Advisors is located with in South Barrington, IL. Neighborhoods served include: Barrington, Barrington, Hills, South Barrington, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Cary, Crystal Lake, Hoffman Estates, Elgin, Palatine, Schaumburg, and all of the northwest suburbs. In addition Vermillion Financial Advisors utilizes video conferencing and other web-based technologies enabling our clients to meet with their advisor to discuss their finances as if they were face-to-face. No matter if you are close to our office or states away, VFA affords you the option to choose the method of communication that best benefits your needs giving you peace of mind knowing your advisor is available to you. |
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