The Schwartz LaPorta Group
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
110 N Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60606
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Understanding your life priorities is an important part of the relationship with you. It’s not just about markets and returns, it’s about what matters most to you.  We can collaborate to help create a personalized plan designed around you, your family, your goals and your aspirations.
The Schwartz LaPorta Group
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Welcome

Our mission, first and foremost, is to understand you and what matters most to you. Armed with that information I can ask thoughtful questions -- listening carefully, then understanding in detail where your wealth stands today and where you’d like it to be tomorrow. We help you design and implement a personalized plan intended to help you and your family pursue financial goals while helping manage investment risk. Our approach is to focus on potential solutions that can help turn goals into reality.

Recognition
Steven Laporta
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2019-2023
(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2024
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
Vincent Clemente
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2024
(Published on January 12, 2024. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2023.)
Josef Weber
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2024
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
Forbes "Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State", 2023
(Published on August 8, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2023.)
Click here to learn more about advisor recognitions
About Us
Philosophy

We believe the best financial approach is the one that helps you pursue your goals. That's why, from the start, we talk about your aspirations and encourage you to ask questions about issues that matter most to you. Calculating how to manage future health care expenses? College on the horizon? Considering the sale of a business or purchase of a home? Preparing to pass your wealth to future generations? It all starts with a plan intended to help you manage, grow, and preserve your wealth today, while also considering the impact it can have for years to come. With access to the investment insights of Merrill and banking solutions from Bank of America, We will work with you to develop an approach designed to help address your financial needs.

Meet Our Team
Steven Laporta, CFP®,CPFA™
Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
312.696.7501
Josef Weber, CPWA®
First Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
312.696.2152
Kevin King, CFP®
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
312.696.7684
Joseph Guediguian
Financial Advisor - AGP
312.269.5129
Peter Paxinos
Financial Advisor
312.696.2094
Alexis Sferra
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
312.696.2157
Elizabeth Ortega
Wealth Management Client Associate
312.696.7655
Jake D Orlowski, CFP®
Registered Wealth Management Client Associate
312.269.5125
Vincent Clemente
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
312.696.7578
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Kurt Lorenzen
Wealth Management Lending Officer
NMLS #228680
Gabriel Reginald David Ruiz
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
About Merrill

Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life

The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.

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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and the CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CPWA® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor®. Use of CPWA®, and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for wealth advisors.