Our Story and Services

Our top priority at the Lake Forest Group is to gain a deep understanding of our clients and their unique needs and financial goals. With this information we strive to simplify their lives by crafting and implementing comprehensive financial plans that ultimately provide clarity, confidence, and a path to success.

At The Lake Forest Group, we provide the high touch service of a boutique wealth advisory firm with the backing of a global financial services leader, Morgan Stanley.

Our clients include wealthy families, small business owners experiencing liquidity events, executives, real estate professionals, and women experiencing life transitions.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS

As your wealth grows, so does its complexities and the resources needed to manage it effectively. We leverage our experience and relationships to deliver innovative strategies that are tailored to your needs. We look forward to speaking with you to understand your challenges, so we may map out a strategy to achieve your particular priorities and goals.
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    Retirement Planning
    One of our key areas of strength is helping you prepare for and thrive in retirement. From IRAs to RMDs, we manage the complexities of your comprehensive retirement plan assets, helping you easily transition to the next phase of your life with security and confidence.
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    Wealth Management
    Wealth management brings all the dimensions of your life together. We listen carefully to understand the connections across your personal life, your family, your career, and your legacy goals to develop an integrated strategy that is uniquely yours.
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    Lending Products
    We believe it’s important to consider all aspects of your finances when building your plan for the future. We offer a broad array of lending solutions that work together to complement your existing investment strategy – from flexible lines of credit and home mortgages to state-of-the-art cash management systems.
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    Estate Planning Strategies
    Delivering an estate to the next generation or favorite charity requires more attention than families often realize. We coordinate with your estate and tax professionals to align your legacy goals with the appropriate asset titling and beneficiary designation requirements, incorporating best practices to help enhance results.
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    Planning for Education Funding
    Helping meet the educational costs of children and grandchildren may be one of the most personal fulfilling investments you can make. We are here to help you develop strategies and investment recommendations that can help ensure the people in your life get the education they need to succeed.
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    401(k) Rollovers
    If you have a 401(k) from a previous job, we make it easy to consolidate your assets into one account so you can monitor your progress and investment results all in one place. This helps simplify your financial life, keeps you organized and helps make your money work harder for you.
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    Alternative Investments
    Morgan Stanley’s global network affords us the ability to offer suitable clients a wide array of alternative investments to consider – from private equities and exchange funds to hedge funds and real estate investments. Our recommendations are based on your own goals and your tolerance for investment risk.
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    Life Insurance
    Life’s risks can manifest themselves in many ways – from loss of life to loss of health – and have the potential to impair the efficiency of a thoughtfully developed plan. We proactively help address these concerns in a number or ways, ranging from insurance reviews to liquidity strategies.

MANAGING YOUR MONEY IN A DIGITIAL WORLD

We offer a comprehensive suite of tools to manage your wealth more effectively in today’s busy world. We are happy to assist you in signing up for any of these services.
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    Goals Planning System (GPS)
    GPS is our financial planning software. It helps define what you want out of life, so we can create a financial framework to bring these goals to fruition.
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    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
    When you sign up for MSO, you can conveniently and securely manage your account online or on your mobile device.
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    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    The Morgan Stanley Mobile App gives you the same capabilities as Morgan Stanley Online – all from the convenience of your own phone. It also offers features to simplify your everyday finances. These include mobile check deposit and Send Money with Zelle a convenient way to send and receive money.
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    Total Wealth View
    With this service, you can view all your assets and liabilities together – whether held at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere – in one place for a comprehensive overview of your assets.
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    Zoom Calls
    Given today’s complexities, we make it easy to do face-to-face meetings from the comfort of your own home, utilizing the Zoom platform.
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    E-Authorization
    With E-Authorization, you no longer need to sign a paper Letter of Authorization (LOA) to authorize a wire transfer request.

MEDIA AND RESEARCH

Morgan Stanley seeks to make complex financial ideas more digestible so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future, and why. The links below provide in-depth analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the worlds of business and finance not only now, but in the future.
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Learn More
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
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    The Morgan Stanley Minute
    Explore our 1-minute investment insights videos, in this on-going series, from our firm’s leading thinkers. Discover current investment trends and topics like green bonds, active investment, monetizing small businesses, cybercrime and more.
    Learn More
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    Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Learn More

Sharing What Matters Most

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Reserved Living & Giving is a complimentary loyalty program for eligible and enrolled Morgan Stanley clients* designed to enhance your lifestyle and go beyond traditional wealth management services. The program provides access to exclusive offers and discounts from luxury brands and curated content.
Enjoy Reserved Living & Giving Partner Offers and Experiences
Enrolled Reserved clients and their families can take advantage of a wide range of discounts and offers such as preferred pricing on a selection of luxury vehicles, best-in-class providers of travel planning and hotels, boutique wine sourcing, hard-to-get tickets, art advisory, gifts, personal insurance, and health and wellness services You will find exciting offers from premium brands as well as select emerging brands we think you will enjoy. Some of our exceptional partners include Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Tourneau, Hotel Engine, Red Door Spa and Godiva.
Learn More

Location

207 East Westminister
Floor 3
Lake Forest, IL 60045
US
Direct:
(847) 604-7318(847) 604-7318

Meet The Lake Forest Group

About Me

Susan Milanak, CFP® focuses on comprehensive financial and wealth management for her clients and families. From establishing initial investment plans to guiding her clients through retirement, Susan engages in holistic wealth management that seeks to accommodate changing economic conditions, meet unforeseen expenses, while helping her clients achieve their financial goals and freedom.

Susan grew up in Lake Forest, IL and has since been a longtime member of the community with her family. She serves as the Executive Director of the Reichert Foundation, a charity founded by her parents to support the disadvantaged.

She holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) designation and received her B.A. in Economics from Depauw University and an MBA from Harvard Graduate School of Business. With more than 25 years of experience in the Finance and Investment field, her approach to working with clients is to first understand their goals and aspirations then focus on the investments.
Securities Agent: OK, NC, GA, TN, PA, IN, TX, SC, OR, NV, NM, IL, CT, CA, NY, MO, MN, MI, MD, CO, WY, WI, NE, FL, AL, AZ, WA, VA; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2466597

About William Douglass

With over 30 years' experience working in capital markets, I started in the financial services industry in 2007 and joined Merrill Lynch in 2011. In 2021 I moved my practice to Morgan Stanley. My focus is on developing strategies for individuals, families and businesses to help preserve and grow their wealth, investments and retirement plans. By gaining a deep understanding of each client's unique goals, needs and risk tolerance we will customize a financial strategy tailored specifically to that individual. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1992 with a BBA in Business. Prior to entering the financial services industry, I spent 15 years trading commodities at The Chicago Mercantile Exchange. I live in the town I grew up in, Lake Forest, Illinois, with my wife Sondra and four children, Jackson, Olivia, Halle and Ava. In my spare time, I enjoy coaching youth basketball. Additionally, I was awarded a “Five-Star Wealth Manager” award in 2023 and 2024.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.


Disclosure
2012-2022 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2023-2024) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:

2023 Award - 10/22/2022-3/9/2023
2024 Award - 10/22/2023-3/9/2024
Securities Agent: MI, TX, PA, MN, NY, FL, AK, WY, GA, IN, CA, AL, CO, SC, OH, MO, KY, AZ, NJ, CT, OK, NC, MD, IL, DC, VA, OR, NM, NH, MA, LA, WI, WA, TN, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 560259

About Bradley Rish

As your Senior Registered Client Service Associate, Brad provides superior “red carpet” service to every client, treating every member of your household as if they were members of my own family. He is a graduate of The Georgia Institute of Technology (Go Jackets !!) and has worked in banking, software support and e-commerce before returning to financial services.

Brad is an enthusiastic amateur home cook, always trying new recipes and always expanding his culinary repertoire. Brad is also an avid reader, especially enjoying biographies and memoirs. In the warmer seasons, Brad enjoys riding his Trek bicycle, and can be seen cycling at various parks and venues in Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire and Riverwoods

About Michelle Hagman

Michelle joined Morgan Stanley in 2022 and has been in the financial industry over 12 years. Her experience along with her commitment provides the perfect blend for our clients. Being attentive to their needs, providing a high level of service along with building long term relationships is her priority.

She’s a graduated from Millikin University with a Bachler of Science in Music, with a minor in Business Administration. A Lake County resident for over 24 years with her husband, Dave a Lake Forest native. Michelle enjoys quality time with her family in addition to gardening, traveling, and is always looking for a good book recommendation.

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 Andrew Dittbenner

Andrew Dittbenner 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.

Andrew began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Premier Banker at BMO Harris Bank, as well as a Financial Center Manager with the Fifth Third Bank.

Andrew received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He and his wife live in Saint Charles, Illinois. When not at the office, Andrew volunteers with the Make a Wish Foundation. He also enjoys attending sporting events, as well as spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 718951
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.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Lake Forest Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals 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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2Morgan 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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3Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4Morgan 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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5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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6When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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7Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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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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9Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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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.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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.

Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication.  No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented.  Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)