Our Ethos:
Set Clear Expectations
Provide Clarity
Communicate Proactively
Elliott Vaughn, CFP®
Founder
Elliott is a Roosevelt University graduate with a degree in mathematics and a numbers enthusiast with a passion for planning. He's always found comfort in spreadsheets, his trusty calculator "Pat," and a steaming cup of coffee.
Elliott's transition from studying calculus and proofs to delving into tax and estate law was natural. He thrives on applying his analytical skills to help clients optimize their financial situations. His motto, "You know how to spend your money better than Uncle Sam does," reflects his dedication to reducing clients' lifetime tax burdens through honest and legal strategies.
Beyond taxes, Elliott leverages his understanding of risk to craft personalized investment portfolios. He recognizes the crucial difference between seeking excess returns and fearing market downturns. His proactive approach to reviewing client allocations and setting clear expectations ensures a confident and informed investment journey.
With nearly a decade of industry experience, Elliott's career is defined by a commitment to providing exceptional value. As a CFP®, he adheres to the highest ethical standards and fiduciary duty, putting his client's interests first. His ethos, "The value I provide should be some sort of multiple of the fee I charge," underscores his dedication to exceeding client expectations and delivering tangible results.
While he takes pride in always being available to clients, his first pride is in his son, Graham. When he's not in the office, Elliott spends time with his family and dog.
Ben Storm
Operations
Ben is a seasoned operations professional with a proven track record of success in the financial services industry. A graduate of Roosevelt University with a degree in Business and Accounting, he brings a strong foundation in financial analysis and operations management.
A dedicated athlete, Ben honed his competitive spirit and teamwork skills on the Roosevelt University basketball court. This same drive and determination has fueled his career, leading him to achieve Series 66 and 7 licenses, and pursue the prestigious CFP® certification.
Living and working in the heart of downtown Chicago, Ben is deeply connected to the city's vibrant business community. His sharp analytical skills, combined with his passion for delivering exceptional client service, make him an invaluable asset to our team.
Ellen Vaughn
Client Relationship manager
With over a decade of experience in account management and client relationship management, Ellen Vaughn is passionate about building meaningful connections and delivering exceptional service. Before joining Harbor Wealth, she honed her expertise in account management at two leading risk and insurance software companies, where she worked closely with clients to provide tailored solutions and strategic support.
A proud graduate of Roosevelt University, Ellen earned her business degree while also competing as a Division II volleyball player—an experience that shaped her teamwork, dedication, and drive. But above all, her greatest pride and most rewarding role is being a mother to her son, Graham. Whether in her professional or personal life, Ellen’s passion for people is at the heart of everything she does.
Yussef Gheriani, CIMA®
Portfolio Specialist
Yussef Gheriani is the Chief Investment Officer at IHT Wealth Management and a trusted investment partner to Harbor Wealth. As a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) with over 15 years of experience in financial services, Yussef brings deep knowledge in portfolio construction, risk management, and capital market analysis.
Yussef and his investment team are integral to Harbor Wealth’s investment process, working behind the scenes to evaluate market conditions, review portfolio allocations, and ensure our clients’ investments are positioned for long-term success. His disciplined, research-driven approach supports our mission to deliver institutional-quality investment oversight in a personalized, client-first environment.
Prior to joining IHT, Yussef held investment and advisory roles at J.P. Morgan, Northern Trust, and UBS, where he advised high-net-worth individuals and institutions. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with the Yale School of Management.
Yussef holds a degree in economics from the University of Michigan and currently resides in the Chicago area.
The Harbor Wealth Process:
Making an Informed Decision
If you’re retired—or getting close—Harbor Wealth offers a complimentary, no-obligation planning process designed to answer three essential questions:
- Are you at risk of running out of money in retirement?
- Are you paying more than necessary in taxes?
- Is your portfolio properly positioned for this stage of life?
You’ll receive clear, personalized answers in a plan that outlines where you stand, what’s working, and what may need adjustment.
For those who are a good fit for our firm, there’s no cost or commitment for this process. We believe you should fully understand how we can help—before paying a single dollar in fees or entrusting us with any of your savings.
Step 1 - Introductory Call
Let’s Make Sure It’s a Good Fit
This 15-minute phone conversation allows us both to determine if your needs align with Harbor Wealth’s expertise. Think of it like choosing the right specialist—you wouldn’t see a dentist for a heart issue.
If it turns out we’re not the right fit, we’ll point you toward a firm that’s better suited to help you!
Step 2 – Discovery Meeting
Clarity Comes Before Advice
Before we make any recommendations, we take time to fully understand your goals, concerns, and financial landscape.
Through thoughtful questions and the documents you provide, we build the foundation for a meaningful analysis.
This meeting sets the stage to answer four essential questions in plain, straightforward language.
Step 3 - Our Analysis
This Is Where insight Meets Experience
Behind the scenes, our team applies decades of combined experience, thousands of hours of education, and insight from the industry's leading minds.
We work to answer:
- Can you afford to retire—on your terms?
- Are you unintentionally overpaying in taxes?
- Can your portfolio be made more efficient?
- Are there avoidable risks threatening your retirement?
Step 4 - Planning Meeting
Turning Insight Into Action
In this meeting, we’ll walk you through your personalized financial roadmap, clearly showing how Harbor Wealth can help improve your financial outcomes.
You’ll see—without jargon or confusion—how our recommendations align with your goals.
At the end, we’ll ask if you’re ready to take the next step, or if you'd prefer to take time to think it over.
Step 5 - Making an informed decision
The Decision Is Yours—Without Pressure
We’ve been doing this long enough to know that thoughtful decisions require time.
As you reflect, consider:
- Do I trust and respect the team at Harbor Wealth?
- Will the value they provide exceed the cost?
- Do I understand and believe in their investment approach?
- Do their recommendations feel right for me?
Step 6 - Putting the Plan in Motion
Getting Started Should be Simple
This meeting is designed to answer any final questions you may have. If you feel confident and ready, we’ll begin the process of becoming a Harbor Wealth client.
Ahead of this meeting, we’ll provide a clear overview of what to expect, along with answers to any outstanding concerns.
While we’d be honored to work with you, if you decide it’s not the right fit, we’ll simply wish you well. There’s never a sales pitch—just a commitment to doing what’s best for you.
Our Fee Structure
Hourly + Project Based Planning
If you just need help with a specific question or financial decision, Harbor Wealth offers planning on an hourly or project basis. We’ll meet with you—either virtually or in person—to walk through your situation and provide straightforward advice you can act on.
If you later decide you'd like ongoing support, we can also talk about how our ongoing investment management services work.
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Asset-Based Fee Model
Most Harbor Wealth clients work with our firm using this arrangement. For an average fee of 1% annually, our team helps you navigate your way toward — and through — your retirement. Our role is to help you plot the course and steer the way toward your destination through rough waters and calm seas.
Do you need Harbor Wealth's financial planning expertise? Consider this question: Does it seem probable that our guidance will:
- Cause your lifetime portfolio return to be at least 1% a year higher than it would otherwise have been?
- Save you the equivalent of 1% a year in time, effort, worry and record keeping? And/or
- Save you more than 1% a year in the cost of mistakes I may be able to help you avoid?
If any combination of these three benefits sums to more than 1% a year, your economic decision would seem to be made.
Let's Get Started.
Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll discuss where you are now, where you want to go and how the team at Harbor Wealth can help you get there.
