Bridget Sullivan Mermel, CFP, CPA

Ever since I was growing up in Mequon, Wisconsin, I have been fascinated with money and how people earn it, invest it, and spend it. Nothing got my attention like the stock market contest my econ teacher ran.
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When I went to college, I wanted to learn as much about money and business as I could, so I majored in accounting and marketing. I had to take a writing class; creative writing was supposed to be an “easy A, ” so I signed up. Unlike the other business majors in the class, I loved it. My avocation was born.

In 1997, I started a tax practice. At the same time, I was drawn to writing about personal finance and fascinated by how people handle their money. As my practice developed, I was increasingly turned off by the financial services industry, yet increasingly aware of the need that clients had for good personal financial advice. From my perspective as a CPA, much of the industry seemed to be geared toward working with the super-wealthy, selling products of questionable value, or promoting schemes that benefited the sales person more than the customer.

Then I found out about fee-only financial advising, particularly ACA (the Alliance of Cambridge Advisors.) Fee-only advisors are upfront about what clients are paying, so there are no hidden agendas. I felt an instant recognition of being among like-minded people. I’ve since joined ACA as well as NAPFA (the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, another fee-only group) and have developed my own fee-only financial advisory practice. I love it.

My current areas of specialty coincide with some of my interests and experience. I naturally draw clients who are writers, as well as other creative people and creative professionals. They often don’t fit the standard mold of how to handle money and have unique issues with cash management and retirement savings.

I also work with many clients who have inherited money or been given gifts from their family. I probably never would have made the switch from tax specialist to financial advisor without the assurance I received from a small inheritance from my dear mother. So-called sudden money, even if it isn’t a large amount, often comes with mixed feelings as well as added responsibility.

I also work with many attorneys and their families. They especially understand the advantage of integrated investment and tax advice. In rushed lives, dealing with one professional is the most efficient way to operate.

While these are areas of specialty, I have clients who don’t fit into any of these categories and clients who combine them all.

Degrees and designations
BA in Accounting and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin, Madison
Masters in Liberal Arts from DePaul University in Chicago.
Certified Financial Planner ™
Certified Public Accountant

Other experience
I worked at Peterson & Company supporting high-profile litigation, as a manager, then district manager at Starbucks during their start-up phase, and supporting derivatives trading at O'Connor & Associates.

Affiliations
ACA (Alliance of Cambridge Advisors)
(Currently I serve on the Board of Directors)
NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors)
Lakeview Chamber of Commerce
(Served as board member and Treasurer for 3 years.)

For fun
I love running, music, and reading!

Want to get in touch with me? Check out Contact



Fee-only Financial Advisor in Chicago, Illinois | 773-404-9344