Thrivent

For Michele Westmaas, financial planning is deeply personal. In addition to her professional training as a financial advisor, Michele is the parent of an adult child with disabilities and a longtime advocate for individuals and families navigating disability-related systems. That lived experience shapes how she supports clients.

Michele understands that financial decisions are rarely just about numbers. They are about people, caregiving, dignity, independence, and long-term security. Her goal is to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions that support their lives today while planning for the future.

Michele provides holistic financial planning services to individuals and families throughout Illinois, with particular experience supporting people with disabilities and their caregivers. Services include:

• Cash flow and budgeting strategies
• Retirement planning
• Investment guidance
• Insurance and risk management
• Estate and legacy planning
• Public benefits coordination
• Special Needs Trust planning
• Long-term care planning and decision-making

She believes financial planning works best as an ongoing partnership built on education, collaboration, and trust. Because needs, circumstances, and goals evolve over time, Michele focuses on providing guidance that helps families navigate change with clarity and confidence.

Michele meets with clients both in person and virtually. In-person meetings are available throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, and virtual meetings allow her to serve individuals and families across Illinois. This flexibility helps ensure families can access support wherever they live while building long-term relationships grounded in respect, understanding, and shared goals.

Important Disclosures

Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.  

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Advisory services available through investment adviser representatives only.Thrivent.com/disclosures.

Services: 

• Comprehensive Financial Planning
  Ongoing financial planning that integrates cash flow, retirement income, investments, insurance, and estate planning considerations
• Special Needs & Disability Planning
  Planning support for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan, including considerations for public benefits eligibility, Special Needs Trusts, caregiving transitions, and long term care planning
• Support for Caregivers & Aging Families
  Financial planning for parents, caregivers, and aging family members navigating changing roles, responsibilities, and future care needs
• Virtual & In Person Planning Services (Illinois)
  Statewide virtual planning and in person meetings in the Chicago metro area

A Note From Michele:
My approach is grounded in both professional expertise and real world experience. As a parent and advocate, I understand how overwhelming financial conversations can feel, especially when layered with uncertainty about care, benefits, housing, or long term planning for a loved one with disabilities. My goal is to provide a calm, respectful, and supportive environment where questions are welcome and decisions can unfold at a manageable pace.

I regularly collaborate with other professionals such as attorneys, care coordinators, and CPAs when appropriate, helping families coordinate decisions across different areas of their lives. I work with people at many levels of financial complexity and am committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming practice. Whether a family is planning ahead, responding to a transition, or simply trying to understand their options, I focus on helping them move forward with clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.