In the world of wealth management, where strategies shift with economic tides and wealth can be lost by the wrong approach to investing, Sanford “Sandy” Schmidt has built a legacy on clarity, precision, and trust. As Founder and Chairman of Schmidt Financial Group (SFG), he has spent more than 30 years helping affluent families safeguard their assets and secure their financial futures through personalized, carefully designed plans. Beyond his expertise and credentials, what sets Schmidt apart is his steady vision and commitment to building lasting relationships.
“I noticed a gap in the market for personalized, strategic financial services that catered specifically to affluent individuals and families,” he says. “That’s what inspired me to establish Schmidt Financial Group.”
Schmidt’s philosophy is rooted in more than numbers—it’s about understanding the personal motivations behind every financial decision. Whether advising entrepreneurs, business executives, or multigenerational families, Schmidt’s approach is always the same: listen deeply, strategize thoughtfully, and execute with integrity.
From Numbers to Strategy
Schmidt’s path to founding SFG began with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. A strong academic foundation evolved into a passion for financial planning, eventually supported by important industry credentials: Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). His professional licensing, which includes FINRA Series 6, 63, 65, and 22 securities registrations, rounds out a resume that speaks to both depth and breadth in financial advising.
“After earning my degree and acquiring various certifications, I saw how underserved high-net-worth families were when it came to long-term planning,” Schmidt recalls. “There was a clear demand for a more strategic, relationship-driven model.”
From that realization, Schmidt Financial Group was born. Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, SFG operates as a boutique planning firm, offering comprehensive services to clients who require more than off-the-shelf solutions. Instead of volume, Schmidt built his firm around value, providing top-tier expertise with personal attention.
Evolution Through Innovation
Since its founding, SFG has grown steadily, fueled by both referrals and a reputation for results. While Schmidt’s deep understanding of finance has always been a cornerstone, he attributes much of the firm’s growth to its adaptability and its embrace of innovative planning methods.
One such strategy, what Schmidt calls the “qualified leverage strategy,” has been a game-changer.
“This approach restructures highly taxed qualified retirement plan assets into a leveraged, tax-free asset class called life insurance,” he explains. “It’s been incredibly well-received because it helps convert potentially taxable assets into an estate-tax-free inheritance for clients’ heirs.”
In an industry where the rules are constantly shifting and the tax code can be complex, Schmidt’s ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence has earned him a place among the field’s top professionals. He is a lifetime member of the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU), Forum 400, and the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) – Top of the Table, a distinction reserved for the upper echelon of financial advisors globally.
Enduring Values
For Schmidt, financial excellence is just one part of the equation. The real foundation of SFG’s success lies in its values: integrity, strategic thinking, and personalized service.
“Every decision we make starts with the client’s goals and objectives,” Schmidt says. “We also take their risk tolerance into account and make sure any strategies we recommend have a solid legal and financial framework. We work hand-in-hand with their attorneys and accountants to ensure everything is aligned.”
That collaborative approach has served his clients well, especially when navigating complex estate and insurance planning issues. Schmidt’s commitment to personalization ensures that no two plans are the same; each one is designed to reflect not just a client’s financial standing but their aspirations, legacy goals, and family dynamics.
“Our job isn’t just to grow wealth,” Schmidt notes. “It’s to preserve it, protect it, and position it for the future. That takes more than algorithms—it takes understanding people.”
A Mentor’s Mindset
Today, as Chairman of Schmidt Financial Group, Schmidt remains deeply engaged in the day-to-day work of the firm. While he continues to develop complex planning and wealth management strategies for longtime clients, he’s also focused on the next chapter—mentoring the new generation of advisors.
“The core values of the firm—integrity, strategic thinking, and client service—must live on,” he says. “That means passing them on. I take that responsibility very seriously.”
It’s a natural evolution for someone who sees financial planning not just as a profession but as a calling. For Schmidt, mentorship is about more than technical training. It’s about modeling how to build trust, how to listen, and how to provide advice that holds up under scrutiny and pressure.
Schmidt has found that understanding personalities, along with the underlying strengths and weaknesses of employees, maximizes their creativity and effectiveness in meeting overall goals and objectives.
“Inspiration and fresh thinking come about by giving our people the freedom to make decisions on their own, the same as what an owner would do in their own company. This freedom has resulted in good ideas and execution in the day-to-day decision-making process,” Schmidt explains.
He’s also an advocate for broader financial education and community involvement, often speaking on the importance of long-term planning not just for individuals but for families and communities as a whole. “Financial literacy is transformative,” Schmidt says. “It changes lives, and it shapes legacies.”
Staying Ahead in a Shifting Landscape
In a world of increasing complexity with rising interest rates, evolving tax laws, and volatile markets, staying ahead of the curve is no small feat. But Schmidt is no stranger to adaptation. He’s built his career on anticipating change and helping clients prepare not only for the expected but also for the unknown.
“Most of the strategies we recommend have been around for decades and are supported by case law,” he says. “But we’re always watching the landscape—looking for smart, proven ways to adapt.”
That forward-thinking mindset has earned Schmidt the respect of both peers and clients. It’s also what continues to position Schmidt Financial Group as a leader in the field, even as the wealth management industry faces mounting disruption from fintech firms and robo-advisors.
“There’s always going to be a place for personalized, values-driven advice,” Schmidt says. “Because behind every balance sheet is a story—and our job is to help our clients write it well.”
Legacy in the Making
For Sanford Schmidt, legacy isn’t just something he helps clients build—it’s something he lives every day. As a financial professional, mentor, and community advocate, Schmidt has shaped a career defined by foresight, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people he serves.
His work has touched countless lives, securing futures, protecting wealth, and creating peace of mind in an often uncertain world. But perhaps the greatest testament to his legacy is the one being carried forward by those he mentors, and the enduring values that guide his firm.
“Financial planning isn’t just about numbers,” Schmidt reflects. “It’s about people, families, and future generations. That’s what drives me, and that’s what keeps me going.”