Rick Scheeler, CFP®, 
MSFS, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®, RICP®, ChSNC®, AEP®, CAP®, CKA®

I grew up in Northfield, Illinois, a quiet suburb outside Chicago. When I was eleven, my father died. That loss crystallized something fundamental in me: a sense of purpose rooted in responsibility and care for others.

After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with distinction in the Continental Color Guard of the 3rd U.S. Infantry ("The Old Guard") at Arlington National Cemetery. The military forged my discipline and integrity, and taught me that individual excellence exists to serve something larger than oneself.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Mason University and worked at Celera Genomics on the Human and Drosophila genome projects, contributing to the landmark mapping of human DNA. My work was published in Science magazine. But even in that prestigious role, I saw myself as part of a larger mission: to advance human knowledge in ways that could ultimately improve lives.

On September 11, 2001, while at home with my young children, I watched the plane strike the Pentagon. That moment prompted a decision to return to my roots near Chicago and seek work more directly connected to people's wellbeing and security. I joined Northwestern Mutual, beginning a 17-year career dedicated to helping families protect what mattered most to them.

I rose through the organization, first as a life-insurance underwriter in the home office, then as Director of Client Relations in Cincinnati. My expertise deepened with each role, but so did my understanding that technical knowledge alone was never enough. I pursued a Master of Science in Financial Services and earned 9 professional designations: CFP^®, CLU^®, ChFC^®, CASL^®, RICP^®, ChSNC^®, AEP^®, CAP^®, and CKA^®. Each one represented a commitment to understand a different dimension of my clients' lives so I could serve them more effectively.

In 2012, I founded Scheeler Financial Group as an independent wealth-management firm to create a place where financial planning became a gateway to a more purposeful life. In 2019, I partnered with Private Advisor Group, deepening our capabilities while maintaining complete independence and fiduciary alignment.

I remain an avid student of history, theology, science, business, and Scripture. I believe that wisdom about money and meaning cannot come from finance alone. I pursue intentional growth across seven key life dimensions: spiritual, intellectual, physical, relational, emotional, financial, and vocational. Real wealth flourishes only when a person's entire life is in balance, and this conviction shapes how I work with every client.

My wife, Ellie, and I have walked through both profound joy and deep sorrow. In 2018, we lost our oldest daughter, who had Down syndrome. That loss deepened our compassion for families navigating complexity, disability, and loss. Together, we helped found the Ken Anderson Alliance, supporting adults with intellectual and developmental differences. We remain active in prison re-entry, housing, and faith-based community initiatives. Our five living children, spread across the country, are a source of deep joy.

I lead Scheeler Financial Group with the conviction that has guided my entire life: 

Wealth is not the end—it's a means to live with purpose, generosity, and peace.

Designations/Certifications in order of attainment:

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP^®)
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU^®)
• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC^®)
• Chartered Advisor in Senior Living (CASL^®)
• Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP^®)
• Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC^®)
• Accredited Estate Planner (AEP^®)
• Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP^®)
• Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS)
• Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA^®)

CASL and RICP conferred by The American College.

Licenses:

• Series 6, 7, 63 registrations held through LPL Financial and 66 registration held through LPL and Private Advisor Group.
• Life & Health
• Licensed in AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, WI.