Richard LittleCFP® • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
A fiduciary financial advisor in Chicago helping professionals, pre-retirees, and retirees plan for equity compensation, retirement income, and taxes with a clear, coordinated strategy.
Meet Richard
Richard Little is a CFP® professional and the Managing Partner of Serenity Wealth Management, where he helps clients make major financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
Richard's interest in investing started early. As a boy outside Chicago, his grandfather gave him a few shares of Coca-Cola and explained that he would earn a little each time someone bought a bottle. The math was not exact, but the lesson stuck. A few years later, when new computers arrived at his school, he asked his father to buy the stock behind the logo with a bite taken out of the apple. His father chose a more popular name instead, and Richard learned an early lesson about favoring quality over whatever is in the headlines that day.
After his first year at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Richard earned a scholarship to Auburn University, where he completed a degree in Business Administration and Finance. When the scholarship ran out during the recession, he used his own investing gains to help cover the rising cost of tuition. He earned his securities licenses and began his career as a financial advisor at the Edward Jones headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, supporting branch offices across the country.
Richard later returned to the Chicago area to build his own advisory practice, then joined a smaller firm early in its growth and helped it expand. Along the way he added services and adopted technology that let him serve more clients without giving up the level of attention he believes each one deserves. In 2020, he founded Serenity Wealth Management to provide that standard of service on his own terms.
Today Richard focuses on the planning needs of Chicago professionals, including equity compensation and RSU and ISO strategies, retirement income, and tax planning. Away from the office, he enjoys time with his wife, Vanessa, their daughter, Layla, and their rescue dog, Luna. Together the family likes to cook, travel, and take in the food and sights of the city they call home.
How Richard Helps
Comprehensive planning for people who want more than investment management alone: a clear plan, coordinated advice, and a long-term relationship.
Equity Compensation, RSUs and ISOs
Strategies for restricted stock and incentive stock options, including timing, taxes, and concentration risk for equity-heavy pay.
Retirement Income Planning
A plan to turn savings into dependable, tax-aware income built around your goals and timeline.
Investment Planning
Portfolios aligned with your written plan and comfort with risk, reviewed as your goals change.
Tax Planning
Roth conversions and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies designed to reduce drag over time.
401(k) and Rollover Guidance
Clear direction on consolidating and positioning retirement accounts as you change jobs or retire.
Estate and College Planning
Coordination with your attorney and CPA on legacy goals and education funding for the next generation.
Areas Richard Serves
Based in the Loop at 333 South Wabash Avenue, Richard works with clients across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, and nationwide by secure video and phone.
Chicago Loop
Downtown professionals and business owners planning for equity compensation, retirement, and taxes.
North Shore
Established families near Evanston and Wilmette seeking coordinated, fiduciary advice.
Naperville and Western Suburbs
Growing households and executives building long-term wealth outside the city.
Oak Park and Near West
Professionals who value independent, conflict-free guidance and a written plan.
Schaumburg and Northwest Suburbs
Pre-retirees and retirees planning dependable, tax-aware income.
Nationwide by Video
Clients across the country who prefer to meet securely by Zoom or phone.
Have questions? Let's talk.
Whatever stage you are at, Richard is glad to answer your questions. Book a complimentary introductory call, or reach out directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richard Little a fiduciary financial advisor?
Yes. As an investment adviser representative of a registered investment adviser, Richard provides advice in a fiduciary capacity and is committed to acting in his clients' best interest in that role. He is also a CFP® professional, and CFP® professionals commit to a fiduciary duty when providing financial advice.
What credentials and experience does Richard Little have?
Richard is a CFP® professional and the Managing Partner of Serenity Wealth Management. He earned a degree in Business Administration and Finance from Auburn University and began his career at Edward Jones before founding Serenity Wealth Management in 2020.
Where is Richard Little located and what areas does he serve?
Richard works from 333 South Wabash Avenue, Suite 2700, in downtown Chicago. He serves clients across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, and nationwide by secure video and phone.
Who does Richard Little work with?
Richard works with professionals, business owners, pre-retirees, and retirees, including people with equity compensation such as RSUs and ISOs. His clients typically want a clear written plan, coordinated tax and estate advice, and a long-term relationship.
What services does Richard Little provide?
Richard provides equity compensation and RSU and ISO planning, retirement income planning, investment planning, tax planning, 401(k) and rollover guidance, and estate and college planning coordinated with your attorney and CPA.
How do I schedule a meeting with Richard Little?
You can schedule a complimentary introductory meeting through the booking link on this page, or call (312) 734-1415. The first conversation is a no-pressure discussion to see whether his experience fits your situation.