Douglas’s Approach
Douglas Close
CFP®, CPA
Financial Advisor / Member Owner
Overview
Doug Close is a financial advisor in Savant’s Evanston, Illinois, office. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Doug is knowledgeable in all areas of financial planning, including wealth transfer and philanthropy, proactive income and estate tax planning, retirement cash flow projections, retirement income optimization, insurance needs analyses, debt management, and education funding.
Involved in the financial services industry since 1991, he was the founder and a principal of Gryphon Advisors until it joined with Savant in 2025. Prior to forming Gryphon, he was president of Takaki Close and Associates, Ltd. He has held various positions throughout the financial planning sector, focusing on a comprehensive, fee-only service structure.
Doug earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Loyola University Chicago. Outside of the office, Doug can be found cycling or coaching young athletes in the sport. He is especially proud that he has coached several national champions over the last 30 years. Doug and his wife Karen have three daughters and live in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Areas of Focus
Comprehensive Wealth Management
Integrated guidance for your full financial life, bringing together investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning to support your goals.
Financial Planning
Our planning process helps you evaluate key areas of your financial life, uncover opportunities, and make decisions aligned with your goals.
Investment Management
Evidence-based investing designed to help you stay focused on long-term goals while navigating changing market conditions.
Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer
Thoughtful estate planning guidance to help organize your affairs, support your wishes, and prepare for future generations.
Trust Services
Comprehensive trust administration supported by integrated investment, tax, estate, charitable, and business succession planning services.
Accounting & Consulting Services
Integrated accounting, tax, payroll, and advisory services that help business owners navigate complexity, evaluate opportunities, and plan for the future.
Education
- Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor of Business Administration
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
- Certified Public Accountant
Insights & Perspectives
Thought leadership on wealth management, tax strategy, and financial planning.
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CFP®
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.