Our Story

With family roots in the financial industry dating back almost a century, The Chicagoland Group has helped ultra-high net worth families and individuals address the complex multi-generational challenges of managing significant wealth. Our team is comprised of experienced financial professionals with individual specialized talents to deliver the personnel and resources needed to function as an outsourced family office. Combining our team’s experience with Morgan Stanley’s deep global resources and open platform, The Chicagoland Group is positioned to help you create and implement comprehensive wealth management plans based on personalized objectives.

The Chicagoland Group build relationships with our clients by gaining an extensive understanding of who they are; needs, wants, lifestyle, family and dreams. We use thoughtful wealth-planning insights and opportunities which are tailored to your goals and needs to help you preserve your family’s legacy. Life and circumstances change – so must each individual client’s wealth management plan. Since we have ongoing mutual relationships with our clients, we assist them with whatever life brings them by adjusting their path to ensure they have a sense of financial comfort.

We look forward to discussing your family’s aspirations and challenges, and presenting meaningful solutions to managing the issues that significant wealth can create.
AWARDS
  • Being named to Forbes’ 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Management Team list is a testament to our experience, focus, and dedication to our clients’ financial future. Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC for the period 3/31/22-3/31/23. Disclosure: https://mgstn.ly/3J3ywqw
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Financial Planning

Each generation faces unique challenges related to market uncertainty, education expenses, retirement benefits, and taxes. We offer multi-generational financial planning solutions that help our clients, their children, and grandchildren plan for these challenges and achieve a more secure financial future.

By leveraging your relationship with Morgan Stanley, you can ensure that each member of your family receives the highest degree of care from an experienced group of financial professionals.

Contact us to learn more.

Family Wealth Services
• Investment Advice
• Financial Education and Literacy
• Debt and Lending Services
• Education Funding Strategies
• Retirement Planning
• 401(k) Rollovers
• Employer Benefits
• Roth IRAs and Conversions
• Gifting and Wealth Transfer Strategies
    Create a Well-Ordered Life
    This brief exercise will enable you to strategically assemble the critical details of your financial life so that you will then be ready to begin the process of; providing for your loved ones, clarifying your personal and financial goals, updating your estate plan and articulating clear letters of instruction.
    Please click here to access The Private Wealth Organizer
    Financial Goal Analysis and Financial Plan
    Our relationship begins with a thorough understanding of you - your needs, your lifestyle and family, and your goals for the future. To create a personalized comprehensive financial strategy please complete the Financial Client Profile.
    Please click here to access the Financial Client Profile

Working With Us

Our customized process begins with a thorough understanding of your future needs and potential sources of income. Comparing your retirement living expenses with the income you might receive from Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s and other investments; our complimentary retirement income plan can allow you to confidently arrive at a retirement date and provide an estimate of what your retirement paycheck may look like.

Together, we can help evaluate all these pieces of your financial life and uncover any potential gaps while you still have time to address them.

Holistic Retirement Planning Services
• Asset Management
• Retirement Income Strategies
• Rollovers and Lump Sum Distributions
• Pension Elections
• Employer Stock and Option Grants
• Social Security Benefits
• Healthcare and Long-Term Care Planning
• Access to Lending and Banking Services
• Investment Tax Management
• Estate Planning Strategies

Personalized Women and Wealth Experience

Women’s investment needs and concerns often are very different than men’s.
We recognize those differences and address them with compassionate listening, empathetic understanding, world-class financial knowledge and credentialed experience.

Our goal is to ensure you are comfortable with your decisions around finances and investments. We are your partners through thick and thin - especially during those challenging times, such as…

• Changing jobs or starting a new career
• Getting married
• Going through a divorce
• Becoming widowed
• Preparing to be a family
• Dealing with elderly parents
• Re-entering the workforce
• Navigating retirement
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    Women In Wealth
    Planning to Fund Long-Term Care Expenses
    As health care costs continue to rise, it’s important to understand the options you have to help control your financial exposure to uncovered care costs.
    Planning to Fund Long-Term Care Expenses
    Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Tying the Financial Knot
    You know what the Beatles said about love being all you need, and we agree. Still, couples argue about money. That’s a given. The more you talk about it early on the better you’ll be prepared to reconcile those differences later. A little awkwardness now could save you from a lot of heartbreak later on.
    Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Tying the Financial Knot
    Setting Yourself Up for Success as a Caregiver
    Assembling a caregiving team—a circle of trusted advisors—can help smooth the transition to the multi-faceted responsibilities you will be taking on as a caregiver. The key is to start planning while you still have choices and can get your loved ones involved in the process.
    Setting Yourself Up for Success as a Caregiver
    The Next Chapter of Your Life: Planning for Retirement
    You have a unique vision for your retirement. Whatever that vision is, proactive Planning is the first step toward bringing it to life. But one in three adults feel that their retirement is “too far away to think about.” The truth is, the sooner you start planning for your retirement, the better.
    The Next Chapter of Your Life: Planning for Retirement
    A Guide for Women: Taking Control of Your Finances After Divorce or Death of a Spouse
    You don't want to delay key steps in the planning process, but you also don't want to rush into decisions. The first year after a death or divorce can be very rough. It is wise not to make any major changes, such as selling a house, right away. The same is true of coming up with a financial plan. A good Financial Advisor will take.
    A Guide for Women: Taking Control of Your Finances After Divorce or Death of a Spouse
    529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
    Of all the things that keep parents awake at night, their children's looming college costs are among the most daunting. With costs so high, many students and parents are taking on significant student loan debt to pay for college.
    529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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    Evening for Good
    Once again, The Chicagoland Group was a proud sponsor of The Zac Plantz Foundation's Evening for Good event. The Foundation is dedicated to shepherding young men and women who are committed to creating a better tomorrow.
    Pictured: Randy Scianna, ChSNC® Insurance Planning Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, Vice President, Financial Advisor
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    Arizona Concours d'Elegance
    Craig Cunningham, Senior Portfolio Management Director, Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor volunteered at The Concours event which was a non-profit event benefiting the arts and local artists.
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    Toys for Tots
    Alexandria (Aleka) Lach, Portfolio Associate, of The Chicagoland Group, volunteered with other Morgan Stanley employees at the Toy Collection Center in Lombard, IL.
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    34th Annual Better Together Dinner Dance & Auction
    The Chicagoland Group was a proud sponsor of Trinity Services' 34th Annual Better Together Dinner Dance & Auction for the benefit of people with developmental disabilities and mental illness who receive support from Trinity.
    Pictured: Debbie Schultz, Assistant Vice President, Business Development Associate, Financial Planning Specialist
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    Our Fallen Hero 5K Run/Walk
    The Chicagoland Group was once again a proud sponsor of the Our Fallen Hero 5K Run/Walk event, honoring the sacrifice made by PFC Aaron Toppen.
    Pictured: Debbie Schultz, Assistant Vice President, Business Development Associate, Financial Planning Specialist
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    The Farm's Got Talent
    The Chicagoland Group was a proud sponsor of The Farm's Got Talent presented by Navarro Farm. The Navarro family 5-acre farm has the purpose to create a place for individuals with special needs to participate in an agricultural experience - with hopes of increasing their social skills and independence.
    Pictured: Craig Cunningham & Randy Scianna
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    Northern Illinois Food Bank
    Alexandria (Aleka) Lach, Portfolio Associate, of The Chicagoland Group, volunteered with other Morgan Stanley employees at the local Food Bank in Joliet, IL.
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    Evening for Good
    The Chicagoland Group was a proud sponsor of The Zac Plantz Foundation's Evening for Good event. The Foundation is dedicated to shepherding young men and women who are committed to creating a better tomorrow.
    Pictured: Randy Scianna, ChSNC® Insurance Planning Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, Vice President, Financial Advisor
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    Our Fallen Hero 5K Run/Walk
    The Chicagoland Group was a proud sponsor of the 9th annual Our Fallen Hero 5K Run/Walk event, honoring the sacrifice made by PFC Aaron Toppen. This year's race beneficiary was the USO of Illinois.
    Pictured: Debbie Schultz, Assistant Vice President, Business Development Associate, Financial Planning Specialist
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    Networking in Las Vegas, NV
    Craig Cunningham and Randy Scianna of The Chicagoland Group make connections and build relationships wherever they go.

Location

15341 S. 94th Ave
Ste 200
Orland Park, IL 60462
US
Direct:
(708) 226-5478(708) 226-5478
Toll-Free:
(844) 384-4013(844) 384-4013
Fax:
(708) 226-5444(708) 226-5444

Meet The Chicagoland Group

About Craig Cunningham

Biography 
I have been a Wealth Advisor with Morgan Stanley for over 20 years and co-founder of The Chicagoland Group. As a team, we are all driven to make a difference in the lives of our clients and the communities in which we live.  I manage the investment strategy for the team and continually work closely with new and existing clients to solve their complex financial scenarios.  Our approach is simple – analyze options to distinguish the most appropriate course of action that can lead to the desired solution.  These are explained in an easily understood manner. I believe in investing in a way that aligns with one’s personal values.  Believing that every dollar invested can make a positive impact; I develop investment strategies that allow investors to focus on what is important to them and invest in ways that can contribute to their personal vision of an ideal world.  My team and I strive to make a difference in our clients’ lives by engaging people of all ages in basic financial literacy concepts.  I truly enjoy the personal side of our business – problem solving, translating the complicated to something more understandable and helping make family financial decisions.

I received my BA in Economics from Eastern Illinois University and Morgan Stanley Advanced Studies with the College for Financial Planning.  I am Series 3, 7, 31, 63, 65 and 66 registered and licensed in life, health, variable annuity, and long term care.

In addition to contributing locally to our public schools, service leagues, and children’s museum I am a member of the Family Advisor Alliance with Advocate Hospital. This allows me the opportunity to be a part of a collaborative partnership for families and Advocate Children’s Hospital associates to promote the delivery of patient and family-centered health care.  

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife Melissa and our four young adult children, dirt bike riding, playing golf and attending classic cars exhibits.
Securities Agent: VT, MO, SC, ID, IA, WA, KY, AR, WI, VA, MI, MD, NY, NV, ND, NC, IL, NJ, CA, PA, NH, DC, CT, CO, AL, TX, PR, MS, MA, AZ, IN, GA, TN, OH, MN, KS, DE, NM, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1265049

About Me

While attending the University of Notre Dame studying Finance I enjoyed playing the game I love – football. However, an injury abruptly ended my playing career and NFL dream. It was during this time I learned some of life’s most valuable lessons; overcome adversity, always do your best, and be a team player.

After graduating from Notre Dame, I utilized my Bachelor of Business Administration and applied the life’s lessons learned to my careers in finance and sales market. In 2017, I joined Morgan Stanley and dedicated my profession to addressing clients’ individual situations uniquely with recommendations suitable for their financial, insurance, retirement, charitable gifting strategies and estate planning needs.

I recently received the ChSNC® credential from The American College of Financial Services. This designation is awarded to financial advisors focused on the unique requirements of people with a disability and those requiring special needs financial planning and estate planning. I sought out this designation in order to provide guidance on special needs trust and help with special needs planning for an individual’s present and future security, including long term care, retirement planning, life insurance, Medicaid, Social Security, and government benefits, as well as elements of financial planning for caregivers.

My motto – teamwork makes the dream work. I am part of The Chicagoland Group where we work together to have our clients’ dreams become a reality.

I'm happily married to my lovely wife Tracey who's a paraprofessional at the local high school. Together we have an amazing blended family of six children, one grandchild and three Shih Tzus dogs. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, working out and traveling.
Securities Agent: ND, IL, TX, NJ, MD, IN, FL, WI, PA, MS, CA, TN, MN, DE, DC, AZ, WA, NV, NH, KY, IA, SC, NC, MO, ID, AL, VA, NM, KS, PR, NY, MI, VT, MA, GA, CT, CO, AR, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1660217
AR Insurance License #: 18492180

About Alexandria "Aleka" Lach

The responsibilities of being a Portfolio Associate provide the opportunity to build personal relationships with our clients by ensuring a seamless and simplified transition when moving from the planning and investment decision making phase to the implementation phase. Efficient and accurate execution of operational requirements requires knowledge and consistency and, when coupled with excellent and timely communication, creates comfort and confidence in our relationships.  This fits my thirst for knowledge, desire to provide opportunity to others and intention to make a difference through my work.  Joining The Chicagoland Group has allowed me to utilize my over 30 years of industry knowledge and series 7, 63 and 66. I am bilingual and look forward to my annual trips to Greece.  In my spare time I enjoy gatherings with my family and friends whether it is at a local venue or just around my kitchen table.
direct: 708-226-5443
Email Aleka 

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Jordan Hoerter

Jordan Hoerter is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Illinois.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Jordan began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, he was Vice President, Private Banker at Associated Bank.

Jordan is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.. Jordan donates his time with United Way, Emerging Leaders, Blessings in a Backpack and Junior Achievement.

When not in the office, Jordan enjoys running, snowboarding, traveling and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1445073
Wealth Management
From Our Team

7 Tips for Talking Money with the Person You Love


Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Chicagoland Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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3Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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7Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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8Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.

Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.

The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

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The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.  The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)