Stephen’s Approach
Stephen D. Cummings
ChFC®
Lead Advisor / Financial Advisor / Member Owner
Overview
Stephen “Steve” Cummings is a lead advisor and financial advisor based in our Chicago Loop office, where he works closely with clients to help them navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. He holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation, reflecting his commitment to advanced financial planning and lifelong learning.
Steve has more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. He launched his investment career at Continental American Trading Company in London before returning to Chicago, where he spent 15 years as a member and market maker on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, specializing in bond trading. In 2007, he joined Orion Capital Management and continued serving clients when it joined Savant in 2015.
Steve stays actively involved in his community. He is a member of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, serves on the nominating committee at the Wausaukee Club, and belongs to the American Platform Tennis Association.
Away from client work, Steve enjoys staying active and being social. He spends summers on the golf course and winters playing platform tennis. He also likes attending concerts, sporting events, and neighborhood gatherings with his family. Steve and his wife, Kara, have two sons, Ben and Charlie.
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.
Affiliations
- Evanston Chamber of Commerce – member
- Wausaukee Club – nominating committee member
- American Platform Tennis Association – member
Professional Designations
- Chartered Financial Consultant®
Insights & Perspectives
Thought leadership on wealth management, tax strategy, and financial planning.
The QSBS Tax Exclusion Just Got Bigger: What Business Owners Need to Know
Section 1202 changed in 2025, raising the QSBS exclusion to $15 million and adding new holding-period tiers. Here’s…
Five Items Every Retirement Plan Sponsor Should Review Before Year-End: A Practical Mid-Year Check-In for Fiduciary Committees and Business Owners
Year-end deadlines can arrive quickly. Learn five areas retirement plan sponsors may want to review, including compliance, fiduciary…
How Taxes Impact Your Retirement Plan Video from Savant Wealth Management
Watch the video "How Taxes Impact Your Retirement Plan" to learn expert strategies on taxation. Get practical tips…
How to Recreate Your Paycheck in Retirement
Learn why retirement income planning matters and how to create a strategy for withdrawals, taxes, Social Security, and…
Get Started!
Schedule a No-Obligation Introductory Call
Schedule a Call