Waverly Advisors
Partner, Regional Director, Wealth Advisor
CFPยฎ, CRPCยฎ

Jeremy D. Schares

Jeremy joined Waverly Advisors in January of 2024 after StrategIQ Financial Group was acquired by Waverly Advisors, LLC. He serves as a Partner, Regional Director of Chicagoland, and Wealth Advisor at Waverly. In his leadership role, Jeremy works to support the continued growth and success of the Chicagoland team while helping foster a culture centered around collaboration, client service, and delivering an exceptional experience for clients.

Jeremy brings more than 20+ years of diverse wealth management experience to Waverly and works with high-net-worth individuals, families, highly successful business leaders, and executives in developing and providing customized, holistic financial planning and investment management services. His work includes addressing complex tax and estate issues, developing strategies to help reduce both income and estate taxes, monetizing and protecting assets, and creating thoughtful multi-generational wealth planning strategies.

His passion is helping clients navigate complex financial decisions by simplifying sophisticated financial needs into comprehensive wealth strategies designed to help make specific goals and aspirations attainable.

Jeremy has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERโ„ข (CFPยฎ) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselorโ„ข (CRPCยฎ) designations.

Jeremy enjoys building relationships with people, taking complex strategies and making them easy to understand and execute, and utilizing his experience and knowledge to help clients plan for their goals. As Regional Director of Chicagoland, he is committed to supporting both clients and colleagues through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a dedication to Waverlyโ€™s mission.

Jeremy loves spending time with his wife and two sons. In his spare time, he hikes, coaches and plays baseball, and enjoys watching the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

Areas of Expertise

The framework is organized intoย six primary pillars, each with detailed sub-specialties that advisors can select as self-identified areas of expertise.ย 

Investment strategy & portfolio management

Comprehensive investment oversight across public and private markets.

Wealth Planning & Strategy

Holistic financial planning and multi-generational wealth stewardship.

Private Markets & Alternative Investments

Access to private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets.

Family Enterprise & Business Advisory

Business transition, succession planning, and family governance.

Tax, Estate & Legacy Planning

Tax optimization, estate structuring, and multigenerational legacy design.

Specialized Clients Needs

Customized solutions for unique life events and complex situations

Serving with Purpose

A Culture of Connection

Waverly takes its name from a meadow of quaking aspen trees, an ecosystem where individual trees are connected by a shared root system. Since 1999, that idea has inspired our firm: strong relationships, shared values, and the belief that we are better together.

Comprehensive Wealth Management, Connected by Design

Like an aspen grove, every part of a clientโ€™s financial life is interconnected. As an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we bring together investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, trust and estate planning, and family office services to create coordinated solutions that simplify complexity and support long-term success.

A Culture Rooted in Service

Our culture of stewardship is guided by Integrity, Family, Grace, Team, Drive, Empathy, and Community. These values shape every client relationship, every decision, and every interaction. They are the foundation that keeps our people connected and ensures a consistent, high-touch experience across the firm.

The Difference Is Our People

While many firms offer financial advice, our greatest differentiator is our people. Waverlyโ€™s advisors, planners, investment professionals, tax specialists, and support teams work together to deliver thoughtful guidance and personalized solutions. It is this collaborative approach, and our commitment to serving clients with excellence and care, that transforms financial advice into lasting relationships.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Major Finance
    Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
  • Certified Financial Planner
    College for Financial Planning, Denver, CO

Community Involvement

  • Ira Township Little League

Ask Me About

  • Business Transactions
  • Charitable & Family Gifting
  • Generational Wealth Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning
  • Hiking Mt. Rainier