Sheila founded Padden Financial Planning, based in Chicago, to provide comprehensive, fee-only financial planning for individuals and families. Focused on the big picture, Sheila puts the pieces of the puzzle together to define goals, optimize investments, minimize taxes, and create a roadmap for reaching goals and financial independence. As a fee-only fiduciary, Sheila accepts no commissions or referral fees - ever. As a CPA for over 25 years, Sheila brings a long history of integrity, quality and value to her practice. Sheila is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and a NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor, as well as a member of the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners (ACP) and Financial Planning Association (FPA). Sheila is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs and its Personal Financial Planning Section. Sheila was drawn to personal financial planning through her work with small business owners and through strategic planning work. Also, in her personal life, Sheila managed the family finances and became frustrated that their advisors did not have the big picture.After completing Northwestern University's CFP Program and passing the rigorous CFP Exam, Sheila knew that she would re-focus her career on Personal Financial Planning. At the NAPFA conference in Chicago, Sheila learned about fee-only practice models, met amazing fee-only advisors, and felt relieved that she could continue working as a trusted advisor and not sell commission-laded products.Sheila graduated with Honors from the University of Notre Dame and holds a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Accountancy. Sheila is actively involved in Notre Dame Women Connect where she is national chair, and in the Center for Economic Progress where she is a tax preparer for low-income families.Favorite activities include: tennis, golf, reading and spending time with family and friends. Sheila has been married to Mike for over 25 years and they have 4 amazing children together.