About

Now is the time. This is the place.

At Brian Thompson Financial, my goal is simple: to help a new generation of LGBTQ+, mission-driven entrepreneurs live fulfilling lives professionally and personally.

I want to see underrepresented entrepreneurs create the world they enjoy living in and build the life they’ve dreamed of. Building a thriving business is the fastest way to freedom and financial independence.  And I want to help get you there.

I accomplish this mission and vision by abiding by four core business values:

  • Lead by example: We take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually to be the best we can in serving our clients and show them by example what living a fulfilling life looks like.
  • Choose Courage: We embrace our uniqueness and dare to be who we are in the face of uncertainty, discomfort, risk, and emotional exposure. Belonging in this firm doesn’t require changing who you are but being who you are.
  • Listen Deeply & Speak with Care: We approach each conversation with an open mind rather than the “right answer.” We tell the whole truth to ourselves, our clients, and each other.
  • Appreciate all that we have: Rather than focus on extraordinary moments, we appreciate the everyday joy of showing up for our clients and helping make their lives better.

Financial Planning Designed for Your Life

Owning and operating your own business is challenging. You may have a passion and vision but don’t know how to make it a reality. In other words, instead of being lost in the forest, you don’t even know where the forest is. Or you may have already thrown yourself entirely into your passion only to look up and realize it’s become something you don’t even recognize. As a business owner, you’ll have a tangle of conflicting obligations and a lot of opportunities for richness, joy, and choice in the future.

Now more than ever, Generation X and Y LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs need a trusted guide and someone who can help manage many business and life decisions that will inevitably arise. That’s where I come in.

The Advice You Need, When You Need It

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and tax attorney, I have the experience and expertise to help you get clarity around your values, dreams, and goals to ensure you’re building something that will serve your great life as well as make a difference in the lives of others. I can guide you through the foundational steps in setting up, organizing, or improving your business. I also provide ongoing support and adjustments that help you respond to what is happening in your business and create new opportunities.

Whether you’re starting a business, growing an existing one, or realigning your vision, together, we’ll tackle your questions to help you thrive now and in the future by making good decisions today.

Hi. I’m Brian!

As a tax attorney and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I provide comprehensive financial and business planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. Whether you’re a small business, freelancer, or consultant, this is the place for you.

I hold a special place in my heart for small-business owners. I spent a decade defending them against the IRS as a tax attorney and have become one as a financial advisor. It’s a position filled with hope and opportunity. It gives you the most freedom and flexibility to create the life that you want. I also understand the added stresses of running a business while being a person of color and a part of the LGBTQ+ community.  You may feel like you don’t have access to the knowledge that others do. I’m here to help lift some of that weight from your shoulders.

Because of my service to the LGBTQ+ community, I was awarded the Inspiring Leader Award by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) in 2018. I was also named to InvestmentNews’ 2018 “40 under 40”. I’m a senior contributor to Forbes and NAPFA Advisor Magazine’s Efficient Planner Column. You can learn more about me and my story in my profile in the New York Times and on my podcast interview featured on The Huffington Post.

I graduated cum laude from DePauw University and obtained my Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. I earned my Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University Center for Professional Planning and received my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2012. I became a Registered Life Planner through the Kinder Institute of Life Planning in 2020.

When I’m not doing what I love professionally, I enjoy working out, cooking (and sometimes baking), and exploring Chicago, the best city in the world!

 

 

Hi, I’m Jessica!

As Operations Manager at BTF, I help keep our practice running smoothly so we can provide an organized, responsive, and supportive experience for our clients. My responsibilities include bookkeeping, tax preparation, improving our systems and processes, and helping create a seamless client experience.

I have more than twenty years of experience practicing tax law, helping individuals and businesses navigate complex tax matters. Throughout my career, I’ve analyzed financial records, helped clients navigate tax issues, and developed a deep appreciation for the importance of accurate, well-maintained financial information. That experience has shaped the way I approach my work at BTF, with a focus on organization, accuracy, and providing clients with thoughtful, responsive support.

I enjoy creating order from complexity and finding ways to improve the client experience. Whether I’m refining our internal processes, maintaining accurate financial records, or helping ensure our clients receive timely, thoughtful support, I believe that attention to detail, clear communication, and strong systems make all the difference.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, staying active, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.