The Mather Group is a fee-only financial advisory firm based in Chicago with billions of dollars in client assets under management. It specializes in financial planning, portfolio management and retirement planning services. The firm was also ranked on Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms of 2024 at No. 38.
The Mather Group's fee-only title means it earns all compensation from the fees that its clients pay. This differs from the structure of a fee-based firm, which includes both client-paid fees and third-party compensation, like insurance sales commissions.
The Mather Group Background
The Mather Group first began offering its services in 2011. While the firm is owned by Mather Holdings, LLC, a private equity firm called the Vistria Group acquired an ownership stake in 2022 when it made a "strategic investment" in the business. The firm is led by CEO Jennifer Des Groseilliers.
Many of the staff members at The Mather Group have financial certifications to their name. These include the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), certified public accoutant (CPA), chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA) and chartered financial analyst (CFA) designations.
The Mather Group Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
The Mather Group works with a variety of clients. Its client base consists of both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans and charitable organizations.
The Mather Group generally requires a minimum account size of $1 million for financial planning and portfolio management services. However, the firm may reduce or waive this minimum at its discretion.
Services Offered by The Mather Group
The Mather Group offers combined financial planning and portfolio management, as well as holistic family office services. The firm delivers its financial planning and portfolio management services as a combined package in order to assist clients with all aspects of their financial lives. Depending on client needs, this can address some or all of the following:
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning
- Investment management
- Insurance planning
- Education funding
The Mather Group usually meets with clients in order to get a grasp of their investment goals, risk tolerance and other factors. It uses this information to customize and construct diversified portfolios.
Additionally, the Mather Group can support 401(k) plan sponsors and other organizations that oversee a benefits plan under the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act (ERISA). The firm can provide these plans with advice around several components such as investment options, plan design and participant education.
The Mather Group Investment Philosophy
The Mather Group follows an investment approach rooted in evidence and backed by academic research and historical data. They provide seven risk-based asset allocation portfolios, aiming to balance risk and return while maximizing tax efficiency. The firm customizes portfolios with a mix of global stocks, bonds and alternative investments, primarily using low-cost index funds. Their Tax Synchronized Portfolios focus on minimizing tax impact and boosting after-tax returns. The Mather Group also emphasizes diversification, long-term growth and regular rebalancing to meet each client's specific goals and risk profile.
Fees Under The Mather Group
The Mather Group typically charges fees based on a percentage of the client's AUM, ranging from an annualized 0.25% to 2%. The Mather Group bills these fees quarterly and either in advance or arrears, based on the value of your account on the last day of the previous quarter.
These are advisory fees paid to the firm. They do not cover other charges associated with your account, including custodial fees and expenses related to the management of the underlying funds in your portfolio. Clients should refer to publicly accessible fund prospectuses and fee-related documentation that The Mather Group provides.
Family office fees are charged on a case-by-case basis.
What to Watch Out For
The Mather Group has no legal or regulatory disclosures present on its SEC-filed Form ADV.
Opening an Account With The Mather Group
To open an account with The Mather Group, you can visit its website and fill out a contact form, stop by its office in Chicago or call (630) 537-1078.
All information was accurate as of the writing of this article.
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