Andy Baxley, CFP®, CIMA®, CeFT®

Sr. Financial Planner

|

Chicago

Phone:

312-664-4090

My approach to financial planning goes beyond the numbers; it’s about helping the individuals and families I serve achieve clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose around their money. Ultimately, I don’t just want my clients to feel financially secure; I want them to feel empowered to plan with a sense of optimism and possibility.

I work with clients from a variety of professional backgrounds, but I am uniquely positioned to serve those who work in higher education and other large non-profit institutions. Utilizing my background as a former educator and my experience as a Wealth Management Advisor at TIAA, I take pride in approaching my work with the heart of a teacher and insights gained from years of relevant experience.

“The ability to do what you want, when you want, with who you want, for as long as you want, is priceless. It is the highest dividend money pays.” -Morgan Housel

As a Colorado native, I cherish moments in nature with my wife, Yi, and our son, Bo. While a piece of my heart will always be in the Rocky Mountains, I’ve found much to love here in Hyde Park, Chicago. On any given Saturday, you’re likely to find us riding our bikes along Chicago’s beautiful Lakefront Trail, spending lazy afternoons with friends at Promontory Point, or taking a stroll to get pastries and coffee at Plein Air, our favorite neighborhood cafe.

Like the clients I serve, I take pride in being a lifelong learner and can often be found working my way through new degrees, designations, and courses. In 2021, I was proud to complete Kansas State University’s master’s in personal financial planning with an emphasis on advanced financial planning and financial therapy. Studying under some of the preeminent researchers in my field was a rewarding intellectual journey. Recently, my focus has turned to mentoring young planners and helping them build rewarding, purposeful careers.

Credentials

Affiliations: Fee-Only Planning

Areas of Expertise: Financial life planning, financial planning for academics, financial independence/early retirement, retirement planning

Education:

  • B.S. in Psychology, Colorado State University
  • Master’s in Financial Planning, Kansas State University
  • Certified Financial Planner®
  • Certified Investment Management Analyst®
  • Certified Financial Transitionist®

Memberships: Financial Planning Association (FPA), National Association for Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)

Who inspires me: 

My wife, Yi, is the most thoughtful and inspiring person I’ve ever known. Meeting her was the best thing that ever happened to me.

My favorite things:  

A great book, a comfortable chair, and a hot cup of coffee

Favorite destination:  

Bali, Indonesia

My greatest extravagance (under $100):

My LL Bean moccasins. They are THE BEST.

Most effective saving tip:  

Spend generously on the people, experiences, and things you truly care about. Be frugal with all the rest.

Latest Posts

My University Offers a Phased Retirement Plan. Should I Accept It?

Phased retirement programs have long been a tool used by universities to retain key faculty members, facilitate institutional knowledge transfer, manage costs, and attract new talent.
As a professional financial advisor dedicated to helping professors plan for retirement, I’m an advocate for phased retirement programs, but that doesn’t mean they are right for everyone.

Read More »
Play Video

We’d like to meet you!

Schedule a free 15 minute conversation and we’ll spend a few minutes getting to know each other so we can learn if what you are seeking and what we provide are a good fit for each other. If it seems like a fit, we’ll talk about next steps. If we’re not, we’ll help you find the right group for your needs.

My University Offers a Phased Retirement Plan. Should I Accept It?

Phased retirement programs have long been a tool used by universities to retain key faculty members, facilitate institutional knowledge transfer, manage costs, and attract new talent.
As a professional financial advisor dedicated to helping professors plan for retirement, I’m an advocate for phased retirement programs, but that doesn’t mean they are right for everyone.

Read More »