William’s Approach
William J. Gauger
CFP®, MBA, M.Div.
Financial Advisor
Overview
William “Bill” Gauger serves as a financial advisor in our Rockford, Illinois, headquarters. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, he brings a unique blend of corporate finance experience and pastoral leadership to his role.
Bill spent a decade in corporate finance and accounting, supporting senior managers, before transitioning to financial services. He previously worked as an associate representative for a financial advisory firm in Downers Grove, Illinois. Earlier in his career, he served as a full-time pastor for 15 years, a role that shaped his commitment to guiding others through life’s important decisions and transitions.
Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from DePaul University in Chicago, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He continues to occasionally serve as a guest pastor locally.
Away from work, Bill enjoys time with his wife, adult stepdaughter, and their Corgi-Pomeranian-fox mix, a certified comfort dog. He’s an avid fan of Chicago sports teams, including the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls.
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.
Education
- DePaul University
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy - Northwestern University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Concordia Seminary
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
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.