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Portrait of Bahdan Yakavenka
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In 2004, I arrived in the U.S. with just $600 and a dream to explore, grow, and create a life full of possibilities. Driven by adventure, I became a snowboarding and surfing instructor, embracing new experiences while supporting my family back home. After two years of exploration, my journey took me to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I pursued degrees in Finance and Accounting, played competitive soccer, and met my wife, Vera.

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Post-graduation, my passion for finance led me to the dynamic world of investment management and trading. Throughout my career, I managed teams and portfolios at two prominent hedge funds before founding my own hedge fund. Additionally, my experience in corporate finance at both a large bank and a Fortune 500 company deepened my expertise in budgeting and forecasting—essential components of financial planning.

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Today, my greatest satisfaction comes from helping clients build and protect their wealth through comprehensive, tax-efficient financial strategies. I believe a strong financial plan frees you to focus on what truly matters in life.

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Beyond finance, I embrace the philosophy that “health is the new wealth.” I've completed multiple marathons, triathlons, and even a Half Ironman. Adventure continues to fuel me, leading me to organize climbing expeditions to peaks like Mt. Rainier.

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My wife Vera and I live in Lake Forest, Illinois, and our lives are joyfully busy raising our three energetic sons: Timothy, Andrew, and Anthony. Passionate about early investment planning and education, each of our boys is enrolled in a 529 plan. Though they might prefer soccer over my finance lectures, we're building memories and a legacy together.

Credentials

Committed to lifelong learning, I earned my CFA® charter in 2015—one of the finance industry's most respected designations.

Favorite Quote

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." – Benjamin Franklin

Bahdan Yakavenka - Associate Financial Planner

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