Chicago Fiduciary vs. Commission-Based Financial Advisors: Key Differences for Families If you are searching for a financial advisor in Chicago, you will likely encounter the terms “fiduciary” and “commission-based” early in the process. These terms are not marketing slogans. They describe different regulatory standards and compensation structures that shape how [...]
The Championship Mindset: Lessons from IU Football for Long-Term Wealth Planning Watching my alma mater, Indiana University, complete an undefeated season and win a national championship under Coach Curt Cignetti was an unforgettable experience. Being there in person, surrounded by a sea of crimson and cream, the energy was electric. [...]
The S&P 500 Index delivered another strong year in 2025, achieving a 17.88% total return and extending a multi-year stretch of gains. Along the way, markets navigated volatility driven by tariff uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, a government shutdown, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. Despite an 18.9% decline following the [...]
We're excited to share that Robert Finley, Principal at Virtue Asset Management, was recently quoted in NerdWallet's comprehensive guide, "6 Fast Ways to Simplify Your Finances in 2026." As a certified financial planner serving Chicago-area families, Robert shared practical insights that can help you streamline your financial life in just [...]
High-net-worth investors in Chicago are often given conflicting advice about portfolio construction. Some wealth management firms emphasize traditional, long-only investment strategies focused on pre-tax returns. Others highlight tax-aware investing approaches designed to manage taxes alongside market exposure. So which approach is better? The reality is that neither strategy is universally [...]
Summary New in 2026: a 0.5% AGI floor on charitable deductions and a top rate drop from 37% to 35% may reduce your deduction value. In 2025, QCDs can satisfy RMDs, keep income off your return, and may help with AGI-based items—but funds must reach charities by December 31. Additional [...]
When you're searching for financial guidance in Chicago, the term "fiduciary" should be at the top of your priority list. But what exactly does this mean, and how do you identify a true fiduciary advisor among the hundreds of financial professionals in the Chicagoland area? A fiduciary financial advisor is [...]
Aligning Wealth with Purpose — Featured on the Smart Money Circle Podcast We’re excited to share that Virtue Asset Management Founder and Principal, Bob Finley, was recently featured on the Smart Money Circle podcast. The conversation covered the importance of integrating financial planning and investment management into one cohesive strategy [...]
Please write a short biography about yourself: Hi! My name is Margarete Byrd, and I am a rising junior at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor studying Economics. I hope to pursue a career in business, specifically finance, that allows me to take my classroom knowledge and apply it [...]
Please write a short biography about yourself. I am a finance professional driven by curiosity, continuous growth, and a passion for strategic investing. Currently, I am pursuing my Master of Science in Finance at the Illinois Institute of Technology. I am committed to deepening my financial expertise and expanding my [...]
