Our team

Keith Mooney

Managing Partner

Keith is a managing partner and Fiduciary at Mooney Lyons Financial Advisors. He focuses on providing wealth management solutions to owners of closely held businesses and wealthy families. Together with his advisors, he helps clients address their five biggest concerns: preserving their wealth, mitigating taxes, taking care of their heirs, ensuring their assets are not unjustly taken and charitable giving.

Keith, one of the founding partners of Mooney Lyons Financial Advisors, started his career in 1993 and now serves a small group of families, who have entrusted Mooney Lyons with over $500 million in total client assets under management (as of 12/31/22). He uses a consultative process to gain a detailed understanding of his client’s deepest values and goals. He then employs customized recommendations designed to address each client’s unique needs and goals beyond simply investments. He is a frequent speaker at Northwestern University, DePaul, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Elgin Community College, and at several fortune 500 companies. He hosted his own radio show, “Mooney talks Money”, in Chicagoland for over 10 years on matters concerning wealth management, personal finance, risk management, and investment planning. He regularly writes articles and does podcasts on various financial topics. He has also written the book, Unphased.

Education:

• Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
• Chartered Financial Consultant®
• Chartered Life Underwriter®
• Series 6, 7 and 24 Securities Registrations
• Series 65 Investment Advisor Registration
• Purdue University BS Engineering

Joe Lyons

Managing Partner

Ask Joe Lyons what he enjoys most about his job, and he gives a simple answer: People. From clients to coworkers, financial planning and being a Fiduciary is more than a business to Joe. He co-founded Mooney-Lyons with his childhood friend Keith, so the firm feels like family.

Growing up in Rockford, IL, Joe learned to value honesty and doing the right thing. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Illinois State University in 1996, Joe dove straight into finance. He believes in providing great service, never over-promising, and always delivering more than his clients expect. When you work with Joe, you get an experienced CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with over two decades of experience. But you also get a man who loves what he does and who treats his clients like family.

His book, Unphased, goes into detail as to the many obstacles you and your family may endure throughout your lifetime and how to effectively navigate them. One of the most rewarding parts of the job for Joe, is creating a financial plan and watching it come to life.

Joe and his wife, Julie, live in the Village of Lakewood, with their daughter Savannah and dog, Mugsy. On the weekends, you’ll find Joe and his family eating at local restaurants, spending time with friends, attending festivals, and simply enjoying life. When Joe’s schedule allows him to get away, he enjoys snow skiing, shooting clay pigeons, and taking his daughter to Disney.

Education:

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
• Chartered Financial Consultant®
• Series 6 and 7 Securities Registration
• Series 65 Investment Advisor Registration
• Illinois State BS Finance

Greg Scheider

COO

Greg has been with Mooney Lyons since 2003 in various roles and is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer in charge of strategy, business development, marketing, and implementation of new processes and technology. Prior to joining Mooney Lyons, Greg spent 10 years in corporate America as an accountant for several suburban Chicago-based companies. He is also the owner/operator of Greg Scheider, LLC (not affiliated with Mooney Lyons or Triad advisors) which has provided tax and accounting services to individuals and small businesses since 2005.

Greg currently lives in Elgin but grew up in a small town 2 hours west – Lena, IL. He is married to Nadine and has 2 stepchildren, Kelly and Nick. As an avid DIY’er, he spends a lot of time testing those skills around the house. He loves outdoor activities but not the hard ones like biking and running. The preferred ones can be enjoyed with some adult refreshments…. golf, music festivals, sporting events, or sitting poolside. When not at home, Greg can be found at a local restaurant, a friend’s house, or on a warm-weather vacation.

Education:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Illinois State University BS in Accounting
• Series 6 and 63 Securities Registrations
• IRS Authorized Tax Preparer
• QuickBooks ProAdvisor

Ted Buckley

Financial Consultant

Ted understands that life can be overwhelming, busy, and hectic. That is why he works with you as a fiduciary financial advisor who many of his clients call the CFO of their family. As Chief Financial Officer of your household, Ted will prepare and update a financial game plan that is in line with your goals and financial wellbeing.

As a group, Mooney Lyons manages over half a billion dollars in total client assets under management (as of 12/31/22). Ted works with select client families that he feels he can have an impact on, so he has time to focus on each situation personally. Ted is your direct advocate, leveraging the 13 team members in his office to uncomplicate your financial goals.

Any successful plan has more than one part. Ted and his team monitor your investments and financial plan and adjust along the way. He will coordinate the efforts of your attorney and CPA to help ensure all parts are aligned.

Ted saw an additional need for his clients to develop a resource on the mental preparation of retirement. “RETIRED- What do you want to do for the next 30 years? – this is the popular Amazon book Ted authored. It’s all about living your retirement to the fullest and having the time of your life. This book is not about the money. It’s all about being happy in Retirement!

Ted is very active in the local community and focuses his efforts on those groups who assist those in need. Ted is an active member of St. Catherine’s Knights of Columbus and Sleepy Hollow Service Club.

Ted graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Ted is married to his college sweetheart, Kelly and together they have 4 young adult children. He enjoys golf, playing acoustic guitar, and volunteer work. He is also an avid Chicago sports fan.

Education:

• Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™)
• Series 7 Securities Registration
• Series 66 Investment Advisor Registration
• Illinois Life and Health Insurance Producer License

ERIC MESKO

Financial Consultant

Eric was a banker at Chase in 2003 before starting as an Independent Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed in 2008. He joined Mooney Lyons in 2017 and is a Fiduciary that works with families and business owners on making informed and efficient financial decisions.

His passion for helping people with their finances stems from his childhood experience watching his grandmother and mother live from paycheck to paycheck. He personally understands the importance of planning, discussing money and pursuing a secure future.

Eric graduated from Northern Illinois University. He lives in Warrenville with his wife, Nancy, and their cats. Eric is on the Board of Directors of Bartlett Learning Center. He enjoys golf, bowling, cooking, travel, and music. A favorite destination is Napa Valley.

Education:

• Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)
• Series 7 Securities Registration
• Series 6 Securities Registration
• Series 65 Investment Advisor Registration
• Illinois Life and Health Insurance Producer License

BRET MOONEY

Financial Consultant

Bret Mooney joined the Mooney Lyons Financial Team in January of 2019. Bret is a Financial Consultant and serves as a fiduciary. Bret graduated from Ferris State University in December of 2018, where he also played quarterback and was the captain of the football team.

Bret was born and raised in Dundee, IL with his father Keith who is a managing partner at Mooney Lyons, and his mother Lori who is a mortgage broker. Bret recently got married and resides in Crystal Lake, IL with his wife, Courtney and their dog, Maya.

Growing up in a household with two parents in the financial industry, Bret understands the importance of having a good grasp on your financial situation. His ability to iterate complex financial situations, in an easy-to-understand manner, is one of his best qualities as a financial consultant. As many financial situations can become difficult, Bret believes having a sense of simplicity is important for clients to feel comfortable and to have a good grasp on the financial practices we incorporate at Mooney Lyons.

Education:

• Certified Financial Consultant®
• Series 7 Securities Registration
• Series 66 Investment Advisor Registration
• Series SIE
• Illinois Life and Health Insurance Producer License
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Minor in Economics

RIKK RODRIGUEZ

Financial Consultant

Rikk Rodriguez joined Mooney Lyons Financial Advisors September 2021 as a Financial Consultant. With a passion for helping clients succeed financially, he began his financial career in November 2006.

Rikk, his wife Angela, and their daughters Adalyn and Evelyn, reside in South Elgin. An active part of their community, they enjoy serving at Christ Community Church, Feed My Starving Children, Coats for Kids, Habitat for Humanity, and Prepare/Enrich. Additionally, he has traveled on various mission trips.

Rikk’s passion has him working with a select group of individuals, families, business owners, and businesses; helping them build, manage, preserve, and transfer their wealth.

Rikk’s process for the development of customized plans is simple and straightforward. It starts with the client. During the discovery meeting, Rikk gets an understanding of what is on his clients’ mind and focuses on what is important to them. With an understanding of their priorities, risk tolerance, values, and goals, he develops a customized plan designed to help clients utilize various financial strategies, such as investments and retirement planning, risk management, insurance, education, and legacy planning.

Once developed, the strategy is studied, evaluated, and analyzed. Rikk meets with his clients to explain his findings, and, with their permission, implements his recommendations. Upon implementation, Rikk evaluates and monitors the plan on an ongoing basis, meeting clients regularly to adjust the plan as needed based upon changes in their lives, markets, or regulations.

Education:

• Chartered Financial Consultant®
• Judson University Bachelor of Arts Management and Leadership
• Illinois Life and Health Insurance Producer License
• Series 7 Securities Registration
• Series 66 Investment Advisor Registration

JEFF SCHEIDER

Investment Strategist

Jeff Scheider has been a crucial part of the growth of Mooney Lyons Financial Advisors. Jeff teamed up with Joe and Keith in June of 1997 and is responsible for several aspects of the day-to-day operations of the firm. He specializes in assisting our Advisors with investment research and portfolio construction along with his intricate knowledge of trading, cost basis, and markets.

Jeff’s blue-collar midwestern work ethic stems from his beginnings as a farm kid in Northwest Illinois where getting things done wasn’t optional on the family farm. That has transitioned to his adult life not only professionally through his constant thirst to further his education, but also personally as he has spent a majority of his fatherhood teaching and mentoring youth baseball players and leading local baseball organizations. Golf and hunting serve as a respite during downtime as well as spending time with his wife, Shawna, and his son, Calen.

Jeff has made a career in the securities industry with over 20 years of investment experience. He specializes in investment research and portfolio construction along with expert knowledge of the intricacies of trading, cost basis and markets.

Along with a wealth of career knowledge of the investment environment, Jeff also has an extensive network of Portfolio Managers, CFA’s, Analysts and Portfolio Specialists that he and the firm rely on for their expertise.

He has extensive education including the Certified Investment Management Analysts® designation as well as completion of the Yale School of Management Executive Education Investment Management Theory and Practice Program.

Education:

• Certified Investment Management Analyst®
• Graduate of Yale School of Management: Investment Management Theory and Practice Program
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
• Chartered Financial Consultant®
• Chartered Life Underwriter®
• Series 6, 7 and 24 Securities Registrations
• Series 65 Investment Advisor Registration
• Northern Illinois University BS in Finance

LUCAS WANDELL

Financial Analysis Manager

Lucas began his career working part-time at Merrill Lynch in 2014. He worked in downtown Chicago while taking a full course load to finish his Bachelor of Science in Finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Upon graduation, Lucas began working full-time at Merrill as a financial advisor. Lucas joined Mooney Lyons in December 2019, after relocating to St. Charles, IL with his wife and two children. In his free time, he enjoys reading, biking, recreational basketball/softball, and spending time with family and friends. As the financial planning manager and a fiduciary, Lucas works with the advisors of Mooney Lyons and its clients to drive the financial planning process. Lucas discovered a passion for working with families and helping navigate all of life’s challenging financial decisions. He enjoys listening to clients’ goals and obstacles and working towards success on a customized path.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago
• Chartered Financial Consultant®
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®
• Series 7 Securities Registration
• Series 66 Investment Advisor Registration

BRENDAN DONLEVY

Financial Analysis Associate

Brendan Donlevy first started with Mooney Lyons as an intern in the Summer of 2018. The following Fall Semester, Brendan returned to school and graduated from The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with an emphasis in financial planning. Upon graduating, Brendan worked with a forensic accounting firm as a Portfolio Analyst but ultimately found his way back into financial planning. After a brief stint with Northwestern Mutual, Brendan reunited with Mooney Lyons in January of 2022.

Growing up in the Saint Charles area, Brendan was heavily involved in athletics, playing football, basketball, and volleyball. Currently, he resides in Arlington Heights, where he enjoys hanging out with friends and family, hiking, watching football, playing board games, and trying new and interesting foods.

As a Financial Analysis Associate, Brendan works closely with the Advisors at Mooney Lyons to assist with the financial planning process. His passion for financial planning stems from his childhood where he was the beneficiary of what was a sound financial plan. He recognizes the importance of building wealth for the future and also preparing for the unexpected. Both of these factors are at the top of his mind when building a comprehensive financial plan.

Education:

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
• Illinois Life and Health Insurance Producer License
• Series 7 Securities Registration
• Series 66 Investment Advisor Registration

ERIC MOONEY

Client Services Specialist

Eric Mooney joined the Mooney Lyons Financial Team in June 2022.

Eric recognizes what it means to set aside emotions and just look at the facts when it comes to one's financial situation. With a passion for helping others, he graduated the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance with a concentration in Personal Wealth Management.

Eric currently resides in West Dundee with his father Keith and mother Lori. Through their hard work, determination, and perseverance Eric has been able to learn about the value one can have when working with others. These qualities have been passed down to his brother Bret, a Financial Consultant, and sister Alex, who is actively pursuing a degree to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Eric has been able to instill the same characteristics in his own daily life, which has helped him in other areas beyond the office. During his time at the University of Northern Iowa, he played football as a defensive back and linebacker. He achieved the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar Athlete four times. This recognition was awarded to athletes for their exemplary academic performance.

Eric is a person that will consistently aim to learn more about you, your needs, and this industry. He firmly believes in giving his all and striving to be the best assistant for our clients.

Education:

• University of Northern Iowa Bachelor of Arts in Finance with a Concentration in Personal Wealth Management
• Series 7 Securities Registration
• Series 66 Investment Advisor Registration
• Illinois Life and Health Insurance Producer License

MISTY PARRILLO

Client Services Specialist

Misty has been proud to call Mooney Lyons Financial Advisors her home since 2004. Her attention to detail and procedural approach to her work makes her well suited to her role. While leading the annuity research and servicing for the office, she also handles the licensing, registration, and compliance.

Misty’s small-town, rural Iowa roots have instilled in her the values of community and family. Of which she now shares with her husband the duty of passing these values to her two sons. When Misty is not at work, she enjoys reading, playing board games, and traveling with her family.

Education:

• Series 6 and 7 Securities Registrations
• Illinois Life and Health Insurance Producers License
• Loras College BA in Social Work

Jason Randl

Client Services Specialist

Jason Randl joined Mooney Lyons Financial Advisors in 2006. Jason’s focus with Mooney Lyons is the transition of new clients to the firm along with client’s shift from employer Retirement Plans to Individual Retirement Accounts.

Jason enjoys spending time with his wife at his kids sporting events. He does take some time out to play a little golf and likes to throw some cornhole bags.

Jason is a National Social Security Certificate Holder which is the only accredited social security certificate program in the nation.

CINDY JACOBS

Client Services Specialist

Cindy Jacobs is an integral part of the Mooney Lyons Financial Advisors team. Cindy joined Mooney Lyons in November of 2010.

Cindy grew up in the Dundee area and currently lives in St. Charles. After graduating from college, her first job was with a financial firm where she received her first introduction into the finance world as a sales assistant and also as a wire operator sending trades to the floor. After taking years off to raise her two sons, John Connor and Carson, she returned to the workforce and joined Mooney Lyons.

Cindy manages the move money requests, prepares the reports for upcoming client reviews, and oversees the case notes after the reviews. She is also the first point of contact for new clients onboarding.

In her spare time, Cindy enjoys the outdoors by walking, hiking, biking, canoeing, and staying active. She also likes to travel, try local cuisines, and listen to live music.

Cindy graduated with an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management from Robert Morris College.

Education:

• Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management
• Illinois State Life and Health License
• Certificate in Supervision and Management
• Certificate in Leadership

SHAWNA SCHEIDER

Client Services Specialist

Shawna Scheider joined Mooney Lyons in 2015 as a Client Services Specialist.

Shawna has spent 25 years in the customer service business, primarily in the retail industry. Shawna is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of all schedules for the advisors and office staff, as well as scheduling client meetings, investment meetings and meetings with our colleagues in our community.

Shawna serves as the primary point of contact when calling our office, coordinates client events and communication.

Originally from Nebraska, Shawna now resides in Gilberts with her husband, son and their dog, Cooper. She enjoys watching her son play sports and attending Cubs games with her family.