Matthew joined Sullivan Mermel in 2020.  Matthew became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in 2015.

 

Matthew first acquired an interest in comprehensive fee-only financial planning while in high school.  His interest was cemented when he interned at a financial planning firm and tax practice in Urbana, while in college. He enjoys the puzzle-solving aspect of the work, as well as the satisfaction of seeing clients become more comfortable with their financial lives.  Before joining Sullivan Mermel, Matthew developed his financial planning knowledge by first working for a multinational brokerage firm and 401(k) provider, and later in the home office of a regional insurance company.

 

Starting in 2019, Matthew began to volunteer for the CFP Board of Standards.  He has created individual questions for the exam and has served as a subject matter expert while reviewing existing questions.  He also serves as a mentor through the CFP Board for individuals that are in the process of fulfilling the requirements of the exam.

 

Matthew holds a bachelor’s degree in Consumer Economics with a focus in Financial Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Matthew also holds a master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University.

 

Matthew and his wife, Deena, live in Norwood Park. They enjoy watching the Cubs, trying out new food venues, and exploring the city with their two dogs.