About The Firm
Background
Tom established his independent practice, continuing to provide comprehensive and modular financial planning solutions and investment recommendations both to individuals and business entities. Tom's knowledge base encompasses the several functional areas of personal financial planning, related tax guidance, asset allocation strategies, estate planning issues and implementation of tax qualified retirement plans for businesses. Consultation and referral to qualified sources are available for accounting, audit, tax and valuation services.
Mission
The Firm's mission is to counsel clients to employ their talents and financial resources to attain the objectives envisioned in their plans. This approach encourages open and frequent communication in identifying each client's needs and concerns, thorough research, incisive analysis and realistic solutions. Integrity, confidentiality and sensitivity are the hallmarks of each client relationship.
PRACTICE
Tom established his independent practice in 2005 after fourteen years as a senior financial planner, retirement planning consultant and financial advisor with two national securities firms. Tom’s practice emphasizes comprehensive and modular personal financial planning, investor risk profiling, asset allocation, portfolio recommendations and ongoing asset management. Service offerings include the assembly and analysis of financial data, preparation and explanation of written financial plans and presentation of strategies and product recommendations to achieve financial goals. Implementation programs are structured in accord with each client’s risk profile. Ancillary services are available for individual tax consultation and development and installation of retirement plans for small and mid size businesses.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Prior to developing expertise in the financial advisory profession, Tom had twenty plus years of increasingly responsible experience in controllership, planning, finance and administration positions with three major Midwest banks and small and midsize wholesale distribution businesses. He also operated as President in turning around a failing trust company, restoring it to viable operating status. Tom began his business career with a major public accounting firm in Washington, D.C.
EDUCATION AND LICENSES
- Bachelor of Science, Accounting, Marquette University
- Graduate Studies, Accounting, The George Washington University
- Graduate, Controllership Program, The School for Bank Administration, University of Wisconsin
- Certified Public Accountant, Illinois and Wisconsin
- Personal Financial Specialist, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Licenses 7, 24, 63, 65
- Illinois Department of Insurance, Life, Health and Long Term Care
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants-AICPA
- Illinois Certified Public Accountants Society-ICPAS
- Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants-WICPA
- Financial Planning Association-FPA
PUBLICATIONS
- EVEREN Securities Investor-Monthly Client Newspaper-Frequent contributor on the topics of retirement planning, education planning, personal tax issues, 1991-99
- EVEREN Securities-“Working Taxes”, the Firm’s annual tax planning brochure, 1993-96
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Northeastern Illinois University Foundation Board, Chicago, IL, Treasurer, 2002-Present
- Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., Co Chairperson, College Parents’ Council, 1999-2000
- Career Resource Center, Lake Forest, IL, Founding Board Member and periodic speaker
- St. Malachy School, Chicago, IL, Chairman, Big Shoulders Patron Board, 2002-05
- Deerfield, IL Senior Men’s Club-Periodic Speaker
- Holy Cross Church, Deerfield, IL, Several Ministries
tgraminscpa@comcast.net 847.205.1368
