Dario Kerkez, CFP®, CEPA®, is a Chicago-based wealth advisor who brings together nearly two decades of holistic financial planning and thoughtful exit planning to help individuals, families, and business owners make confident, disciplined financial decisions. He provides forward-looking guidance designed to simplify financial complexity, and build long-term, sustainable wealth.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, he provides comprehensive wealth management, integrating investments, tax strategies, retirement planning, insurance, and estate planning into a unified approach tailored to each client’s goals. Dario is a go-to resource for employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plans, guiding small and mid size companies, through fiduciary requirements, plan design review, and employee financial education.

As a CERTIFIED EXIT PLANNING ADVISOR (CEPA®), he specializes in helping privately held businesses plan for growth, succession, and future transition. He works with owners to accelerate value, reduce business risk, and coordinate the personal financial impact of an eventual sale or generational transfer. His work bridges the gap between the owner’s personal balance sheet and the enterprise they have built, ensuring both are prepared for a successful exit, whenever that time comes. Dario’s process incorporates succession planning, leadership continuity, and collaboration with the owner’s CPA, attorney, banker, or M&A team.

Mission

To give business owners clarity, confidence, and control, so they can make the right decisions today while preparing for the day they choose to step away from the business on their own terms.

What Makes Dario Different

Most advisors focus on one side of the owner’s life, either the business or the personal finances. Dario integrates both. 

Areas of Expertise

·      Personal Financial and Wealth Planning Services for Business Owners

·      Investments and Portfolio Management

·      Tax planning, Risk Management and Insurance planning

·      Estate planning & Asset preservation strategies

·      401(k)/Defined Benefit Plans for Business Owners

·      Retirement readiness planning and projections

·      Income Replacement Oversight Post-Exit

·      Risk Management & Liquidity Planning

·      Multi-advisor Coordination

Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IHT Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.