After graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Finance in 1985, I worked in myriad roles before founding Opus Financial Solutions, including securities compliance, investment analysis, institutional portfolio management, and teaching investments and financial planning topics at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Those roles and hard-earned education and financial designations converged to ultimately building a fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm. 

My objective as an advisor is to help my clients improve and/or be aware of the implications of the financial choices they make. That requires me to listen and truly understand my client's past, present, and anticipated journey before offering strategies and solutions. For some of my clients, that means helping them attain the financial freedom and peace of mind to live as they choose.  For others who have accumulated significant wealth, it is helping them with portfolio optimization and management, taxes, distribution planning, and estate matters.

In addition to my Finance degree from Illinois, I obtained my MBA in International Business from DePaul’s Graduate School of Business. I later attained my Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations in order to provide the highest level of financial and investment counsel. Along the way, I also developed an expertise in divorce financial planning in order to help people make more informed financial decisions in divorce matters and make the process of divorce less painful and less expensive. I've served as a divorce advisor, financial neutral and mediator for individuals and/or divorcing couples (Refer to “Pre-Divorce Planning” for more detail).

I grew up in the Chicago area, now live in Denver, and serve clients across the United States. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in natural settings hiking, camping, mountain-biking, skiing, playing with my pups, or whatever the weather dictates. I have served in many volunteer roles over the course of my life, mostly relating to educating and mentoring the underprivileged. Thus far, one of my greatest joys has been watching my children—now both young independent adults--evolve into kind, smart, empathetic human beings who I believe will change the world for the better.

Lisa can be reached at lisa@opusfinsolutions.com.

Matthew is currently a Wealth Manager at Opus Financial Solutions. He began his career in accounting and finance more than 25 years ago when he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s of science degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois (Champaign/Urbana). Over the years Matthew has held various roles as an accountant, auditor, investment banker, business valuation expert, and litigation consultant. He also previously provided financial planning advice, investment management, and other concierge financial services through his own independent wealth management firm.

Matthew believes strongly in the application of proven academic principles to financial planning and investment management. His quest for knowledge has driven Matthew to many accomplishments. Notably, Matthew has been awarded several prominent financial designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certificant, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charter holder, and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Matthew also earned his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with concentrations in finance and economics.

In working with clients, Matthew draws upon his diverse background and extensive financial education and training. He provides clients with unique and highly informed perspectives on realizing both their life and financial aspirations, goals, and dreams. From short-term budgeting to retirement and estate planning, Matthew utilizes his people-focused style to assist clients in developing an appropriate balance between the trees and the forest. Where others may see conflicts in allocating limited financial resources, Matthew seeks creative resolutions through holistic wealth management solutions.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his two young-adult sons, competing at fantasy baseball, and reveling in most Chicago sports teams. Matthew is a long-time resident of the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

Matthew can be reached at matthew@opusfinsolutions.com

As a Financial Planner at Opus Financial Solutions, my primary goal is to improve clients’ relationship with money by providing holistic financial planning and investment management services. I began my career in finance after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in both finance and economics. I have held various roles within investment management, all sharing a common thread of client engagement and a listen-first approach to service. Specifically, I have served as a Financial Advisor to local governments and other public entities, an Investment Consultant for public pension plans, higher education endowments, and non-profits, and most recently as a Marketing Strategist and Investment Consultant for publicly traded investment funds. 

Throughout my career, I have grown ever more passionate about serving as a translator and liaison, bridging the gap between the client and the complexities of their financial situation. I believe success in this role hinges on building and maintaining trust, a keen sense of what is important for the client to understand, and thoughtful, tailored education so that each unique audience grows increasingly confident in their financial journey. 

In both my personal and professional life, I have thrived on organizational skills and striking the right balance of depth and breadth of planning. Understanding the various financial levers and dials at hand and how adjusting each can impact the short, medium, and especially the long-term, is a puzzle I enjoy walking clients through as they march toward retirement. 

I originally hail from the suburbs of Philadelphia, but after earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) designation in 2021, my wife and I moved to sunny Colorado. Outside of work, I am enthusiastic about community involvement, having served on several local nonprofit boards. My wife and I also enjoy hiking, backpacking, skiing, and exploring the finest craft beer this country has to offer! One of my greatest thrills is planning trips with friends and family, so I look forward to hearing about your own adventures soon!

Matthew can be reached at mattsmith@opusfinsolutions.com