Michele Westmaas
State(s) Licensed: CA Insurance Lic. #4395964, IL, IN, MN, MO
1411 Opus Place Suite 210
Downers Grove, IL 60515
State(s) Licensed: CA Insurance Lic. #4395964, IL, IN, MN, MO
Helping Families Build Financial Security and Legacy — with Heart, Clarity, and Purpose.
I’m Michele Westmaas — a financial advisor, parent, advocate, and lifelong learner.
I help families and individuals build financial security, protect what matters most, and live generously according to their values.
For over 20 years, I’ve walked alongside families raising children with disabilities, navigating the financial and emotional complexities that come with lifelong care.
I also have a heart for working with women seeking greater financial empowerment, and LGBTQ+ individuals and families building their futures on their own terms.
Whatever your story, you deserve a financial advisor who listens first, plans thoughtfully, and helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Let’s build a plan that reflects your life, your values, and your dreams.
Special Needs Financial Planning
When you have a child with disabilities, financial planning isn’t just important — it’s essential. You’re not just planning for your own retirement or future needs. You may also need to fund your child’s care, quality of life, and financial security long after you’re gone.
I understand these challenges firsthand, both personally and professionally. That’s why I focus on creating clear, actionable plans for families like ours.
Through holistic special needs financial planning, I can help you:
🔹 Protect your child's access to vital benefits
Government programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have strict asset and income limits. Without the right legal and financial structures, a well-meaning gift or inheritance could accidentally disqualify your child from receiving essential services. I help you navigate how to protect those benefits while securing additional resources for your child’s future.
🔹 Create and fund a Special Needs Trust
A Special Needs Trust (SNT) can be a powerful tool to ensure your child has financial support without jeopardizing public benefits. I can guide you through how to establish, fund, and manage a trust using strategies like life insurance, investments, or retirement assets — while coordinating with attorneys and other professionals as needed.
🔹 Plan for your own retirement and financial security
Your future matters too. I help families strike the right balance between saving for their own retirement, providing for other children, and preparing for a child’s lifelong needs. Financial security for parents is often the first, critical step toward securing a child’s future.
🔹 Address guardianship, trusteeship, and successor planning
Choosing a future guardian, trustee, or advocate for your child can feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll discuss practical considerations and build a plan that reflects your family’s values and priorities.
🔹 Educate extended family
Sometimes, grandparents or other relatives want to help but aren’t sure how — or might unintentionally cause harm by giving gifts directly to your child. I can help you have these important conversations and set up structures like gifting to a trust to keep your child’s future secure.
🔹 Build a legacy of generosity and resilience
Thrivent’s unique programs — like Action Teams, Choice Dollars, and our Charitable Division — allow you to continue giving back to the organizations and communities that support your family, while maintaining tax efficiency and honoring your values.
You don’t have to juggle the financial ball alone.
I am here to be your partner, coach, and advocate, helping you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Financial Empowerment for Women
Women often juggle multiple roles — professionals, caregivers, leaders, and community builders — and face unique financial challenges at every life stage. I’m passionate about helping women grow wealth with confidence, plan for financial independence, and create lasting legacies. Whether you’re managing career transitions, planning for retirement, or balancing caregiving responsibilities, we’ll build a plan that supports your life and dreams.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Financial Planning
Your values, relationships, and future deserve to be honored and protected. I proudly offer inclusive, affirming financial planning for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, including support for legal protections, family-building costs, retirement security, and charitable giving. Every client deserves to be seen, respected, and empowered — and I am committed to helping you design a financial future that reflects who you are and what you care about.
Let's Connect
Building your financial future is a personal journey — and you don’t have to do it alone.
Every story is different, and so is every financial plan.
Whether you’re just starting to plan or looking for a partner to refine and strengthen your strategy, I’m here to help.
I invite you to schedule a conversation so we can start building a plan that supports the life you envision — for yourself, your family, and your community.
I’m licensed to meet virtually with clients in multiple states, but I believe an in-person first meeting is the best way to connect. If you're local, we can meet at my Downers Grove office or in downtown Wheaton. Prefer a more informal setting? I’m a foodie who loves coffee shops, ice cream, and exploring new spots. I’m also passionate about community organizations, so if there’s a cause close to your heart, I’d love to join a meeting as your guest and learn more.
My hope is that friends may become clients and clients may become friends.
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Location
Downers Grove Office
- Phone:
- 630-333-4848