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PATH℠ Process by Vertex Planning Partners

Your Roadmap to Financial Security with Vertex Planning Partners.

Why PATH℠

We believe that financial security is about more than numbers; it’s about your life, your goals, and your journey. That’s why we’ve developed PATH℠ – a personalized process that guides you every step of the way towards pursuing financial independence, as you define it.
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Personalized Understanding

We start our partnership by getting to know you, not just your finances. We listen carefully to understand your values, worries, and dreams. This way, we create a bond that's more than just advisor and client – it's a relationship built on trust and mutual understanding. Our focus is on your future and what's important to you, not just your current financial status.

Assessment of Goals & Values

At Vertex, we believe that assessing your goals and values is both an art and a science. It involves a meticulous review of your financial documents and a technical analysis, but it goes much deeper. Our team engages in meaningful conversations, asking insightful questions to understand the emotional and familial aspects that shape your financial decisions.

Team Designed Planning

In today’s multifaceted financial landscape, a collaborative approach is key. Our team, comprised of experts from various fields, works together to bring a wealth of perspectives to your financial plan. We leverage cutting-edge technology to create a concise, written plan that outlines a clear path forward. This plan is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a personalized strategy, meticulously crafted to align with your unique values and goals.

Holistic Strategy

Our holistic strategy is about integrating every aspect of your life into your financial plan. We understand that your financial goals are intertwined with your family, community, spiritual beliefs, and personal aspirations. Our approach ensures that every element of your life is harmonized, transforming your hopes and dreams into a tangible and adaptable life plan. This strategy evolves with you, adapting to life’s changes and ensuring that your financial independence is always within reach.

Recent Articles

Introduction to the Different Investment Vehicles

When it comes to building wealth and planning for your financial future, investing plays a critical role. But with so many options available, navigating the world of investments can feel overwhelming. That’s where understanding investment vehicles comes in. Investment vehicles are the tools or methods you use seeking to grow...

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Cleaning Up Your Financial Records for Due Diligence

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The Middle East Conflict: How Wars Impact Investors

The conflict between Israel and Iran has captured global attention and created uncertainty in financial markets. Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets began on June 13 and quickly led to retaliatory attacks. Then, on June 21, the U.S. launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The situation is...

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Understanding Credit Scores and Credit Reports

Your credit score isn’t just a number—it’s a key to unlocking financial opportunities. Whether you’re applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or even job hunting, your credit score and credit report play a crucial role in your financial journey. The better you understand them, the more control you have...

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Understanding and Improving Your Business’s Cash Flow

Cash flow is often described as the lifeblood of a business, and for good reason. It’s not just about profitability; it’s about having the liquid assets to keep your operations running smoothly day-to-day. Let’s dive into what cash flow really means and how you can improve it to ensure your...

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Monthly Market Update – May 2025: A Positive Month Despite U.S. Debt Downgrade

Financial markets rebounded in May with the S&P 500 recovering its year-to-date losses. This positive month occurred against a backdrop of new trade agreements, mixed economic signals, and ongoing concerns about U.S. fiscal health. While many reports continued to show that the economy is strong, consumers remained pessimistic about the...

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Download Our PATH℠ eBook

Unlock the secrets to a tailored financial future with our exclusive PATH℠ eBook. Dive into a wealth of insights and strategies from Vertex Planning Partners, and start shaping your journey towards financial peace of mind today.
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Meet Our PATH℠ Advisors

Michael D. Bellis, 
CFP®, CLU®

Managing Partner

Gregory P. Benner,
CPWA®, CFP®, CLU®, CHFC®, AIF®, RMA®

Managing Partner

Scott A. Sandee, 
CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA

Managing Partner

Julie Hupp, 
CFP®, MBA

Partner

Peter M. Babilla, CFP®, CRPS®

PARTNER

Justin J. D'Agostino, CFP®, CRPC®, AIF®

PARTNER

Let's Talk

Vertex Planning Partners is committed to guiding you on a PATH℠ that leads to financial independence, defined on your terms. Our process is more than just financial planning; it’s about understanding your life’s journey and helping you navigate it with confidence and clarity.
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3000 Woodcreek Drive
Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515

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Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Vertex Planning Partners, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Vertex Planning Partners, LLC is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

The LPL Financial registered representative(s) associated with this website may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.

© 2025 Vertex Partners. All rights reserved.

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Michael D. Bellis, CFP®, CLU®

MANAGING PARTNER

Michael D. Bellis, CFP®, CLU® began his career as a financial planning professional in 1994. His practice is centered on holistic financial planning, astute risk management strategies and empirical, research-driven portfolio construction. He began his career in partnership with his father under the name Bellis & Associates. Together, their practice and reputation for excellence dates back more than 40 years and includes multiple generations of the same families. After his father’s retirement several years ago, Mike continued to build a client-centric, consultative practice before forming Vertex.

Mike holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and is also a Chartered Life Underwriter. He has been an active member of both the Society of Financial Services Professionals and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He earned a B.S. in Business & Marketing from Illinois State University. Mike is a lifelong resident of Naperville, Illinois. He and his wife Tanja have three children.

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Gregory P. Benner, CPWA®, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AIF®, RMA®

MANAGING PARTNER

Gregory P. Benner, CPWA®, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, AIF®, RMA® has over twenty-two years of experience as a financial advisor. Greg’s practice is based on developing holistic financial plans that help his clients integrate sophisticated retirement, tax, risk management and estate planning strategies into an actionable plan, then stay the course as their behavioral coach.

Prior to founding Vertex Planning Partners, LLC, Greg spent four years as a founding partner of a Registered Investment Advisory firm affiliated with LPL Financial. He also spent seven years with JPMorgan Chase as a Senior Financial Advisor and was a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Life.

Greg holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certificant. He also holds the Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, Accredited Investment Fiduciary™, and Retirement Management AdvisorSM designations. He earned a B.S. in Finance from Miami University.

He and his wife Lindsey reside in Naperville, IL with their daughter and twin sons.

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Scott A. Sandee CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA

MANAGING PARTNER

Scott Sandee brings over 20 years of experience as Managing Partner. He is responsible for leading the firm’s efforts in assisting middle-market business owners and seven and eight-figure families to plan and realize financial goals based on their unique aspirations and situations.

With a privately held family business background, Scott has helped owners prepare for and execute a successful transition. In addition, he works with business owners and their advisors to develop financial strategies to maximize sales proceeds and minimize future taxes.

Before joining Vertex, Scott served in financial planning and investment strategy roles at Oxford Financial Group, Capital Group, and The Northern Trust Company, working with Chicago’s HNW/UHNW families clients.

Scott holds the Certified Financial Planner®, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Certified Investment Management Analyst®, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor designations. Scott earned his B.S. in Computer Science from Northern Illinois University, and his family resides in Wilmette, IL.

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Julie Hupp CFP®, MBA

PARTNER

Julie Hupp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has worked in the accounting and corporate finance field since 1987. She began her career as a CPA with Deloitte & Touche, specializing in the financial needs of small businesses. Then spent the next 13 years in corporate financial planning and business development at Baxter and TAP Pharmaceuticals. Recognizing her passion for personal financial planning, Julie started her business in 2006 where she focuses on comprehensive financial planning strategies and implementation.

Julie graduated from University of Illinois with a BS in Accountancy. She received her Master’s in Management with a concentration in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1994.

Outside the office, Julie is the co-founder of the 12 Oaks Foundation, which has merged with Cal’s Angels, and is a former Board member. Julie enjoys cooking, reading, running, triathlons and doing almost anything outdoors. A great weekend is spending time with her husband and two adult kids boating at their lake house in Wisconsin.

Peter M. Babilla, CFP®, CRPS®

PARTNER

Peter Babilla brings 40 years of experience in investment management and fiduciary* financial consulting to Vertex Planning Partners, LLC.

Pete graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance.

He began his career in 1983 with a focus on institutional fixed-income portfolio management, primarily working with community banks. After a decade serving institutional clients, Pete shifted his focus to working with individuals, families and business owners, providing guidance and education in all areas of Wealth Management.  Among his areas of focus are accumulation and retirement planning, investment management, risk management, and estate and wealth transfer.

Pete’s planning philosophy allows him to create a personalized program for clients, based on their own unique goals and circumstances.  The extensive investment and planning platform offered by Vertex enables him to create a highly customized program, tailored to each individual client.

Pete and his wife Suzanne have two children, and have resided in Wheaton, Illinois for the past 30 years.  He enjoys golf, reading, and traveling with his family.  Pete gives back as a past Board Member of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, where his focus is on improving the lives of those living with epilepsy.

Pete works as fiduciary for his clients and holds the CERTIFIED FIANANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation and the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®) designation.

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JUSTIN J. D'AGOSTINO, CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC®, AIF®

PARTNER

Justin D’Agostino joined Vertex Partners in 2019 and serves a select group of business owners and affluent families. He specializes in investments, financial planning, and succession planning. His interest and knowledge in providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services to clients was sparked when he worked at a boutique tax and wealth management firm in Michigan. He has nine years of experience in the financial services industry, and his mission is to provide every client with targeted, comprehensive financial advice and to help them implement customized strategies designed to move them closer to accomplishing their unique goals.

Justin attended Hillsdale College where he earned his BA in Accounting and Financial Management and was a member and captain of the football team. Justin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, holds the Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ designations.

Justin and his wife, Alexandra, reside in Chicago, Illinois. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys golfing, playing soccer and spending summer weekends with his family.

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Connect

Connecting with Vertex Planning Partners is your first step towards a tailored financial future. Reach out to discuss guidance that aligns with your unique financial goals and aspirations.

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Schedule a meeting with a  Vertex Planning Partner Advisor who will answer any questions you might have. 

p: 630.836.3300 – e: in**@************rs.com

We’re here to help. Email or call us and speak with a Vertex Planning Partner Advisor who will answer any questions you might have: 630.836.3300 or in**@************rs.com

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Steven P. Franzen, CPA, PFS, CGMA

MANAGING PARTNER

Steven P. Franzen, CPA, PFS, CGMA is a public accountant and consultant with more than 23 years of experience helping individuals and businesses reduce their tax liability.  He began his career under the guidance of Patrick M. De Sio, CPA, CGMA and in 1996 became Mr. De Sio’s partner in De Sio, Franzen & Associates, Ltd. Steve’s expertise include entity design, complex tax strategies and multigenerational wealth transfer.  As Managing Partner, Steve conducts his practice under the philosophy that the client’s investment in their CPA should yield a return on that investment – most of the time that return is realized when working with clients on planning for their future. In an effort to increase the planning capabilities of the firm,  Steve formed Vertex Accounting Partners, LLC to ensure their guiding philosophy will continue well into the future.

Steve is a certified public accountant and has earned the professional designations of Personal Financial Specialist and Chartered Global Management Accountant.  He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.  Steve earned a B.S. degree in accounting from Millikin University.  He and his wife Kristie live in Sugar Grove, IL with their three children.

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