Kathryn E. Humecki CFP®, ChSNC®, CPA

Story

I am the 6th of 7 children and the 1st generation of my family to attend college.  Dad had amazing math skills.   He owned a masonry company.  I recall my father’s business partner telling me that Dad could estimate a job in his head with stunning accuracy; bricks, mortar, labor, everything.  Mom’s talent was in the written word.  She worked in the newspaper industry back when spelling and grammar was reviewed by sharp women and “cut & paste” meant using scissors, razor blades and glue to put the newspaper together before it went to press.  Mom loved word games and even in her 90’s could beat anyone at scrabble.

I leaned more towards Dad’s talents than Mom’s (don’t check my spelling or grammar). I’ve always loved working with numbers.  Becoming a CPA and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional was a natural fit for me.   Numbers speak to me; they tell me a story.  In the financial planning process, the numbers that I gather - income, expenses and savings - tell me not only where the client is now, but they are part of story of where they could be - the goals and dreams they could achieve.  

My sister Laura was born with an intellectual disability.  I was fortunate to become involved in my mother’s financial planning before she passed.  Even though Mom worked with a financial advisor for decades there was very little planning put in place for our sister with special needs.  I worked with Mom and a team of people, setting up a special needs trust and applying for government programs about which she was unaware.  Laura now lives with me, attends a wonderful day program and has a financial plan for her lifetime.

Government programs provide a variety of support and services…if one knows where to look. There isn’t a knowledge gap for families with loved ones with special needs, there is a chasm.  When COVID closed-down our world for a while, I took advantage of the stillness and became certified as a Chartered Special Needs Consultant®.  I am happy to be able to empower families to navigate programs and financial plans to benefit their loved one with special needs.

Expertise

My passion is helping families navigate the many financial decisions they encounter throughout their lives.  It’s my belief that information, guidance, and a plan can vastly change the financial success of a family.

KHA started out as a Certified Public Accountant firm helping families and family-owned businesses take advantage of tax credits, deductions, expenses, and tax strategies to keep more of their hard-earned income. 

While it was very satisfying work, there seemed to be a hole in my clients’ financial pictures.  They continually expressed the need for someone they could trust help them with their investments and plan for their future.  “Why can’t you just do this for me?”  

At their request, the financial planning arm of the firm was born.  Today I spend my days helping individuals, families and businesses achieve their financial goals in tandem with a tax strategy to maximize the retention of income empowering them to live the life intended.

Value

I believe in community - bringing people together - and in neighbors sharing knowledge and expertise.  I believe in meeting people where they are and helping them to get where they want to be.  Our office is specifically designed to be a gathering place for events, to educate, to fellowship and to give back to our community.

Interests

I enjoy camping at the various US state parks, bicycle trail riding, experimental cooking in the camper kitchen, gathering with family and friends and quiet nights around the fire with our terriers, Mister and Stoney.   I love reading and participate in a variety of book clubs:  non-fiction, fiction, spiritual and leadership.  In the summer you may find me golfing or tending to my herb garden. In winter my interests turn to knitting wool sweaters and baking fresh bread.

Community Involvement

• Prairie State College Foundation - Board member, past president
• Progressive Careers – Bingo Night Host for adults with developmental disabilities
• Professional Women’s Network – Member, past president
• Jones Center – Host charitable events
• Tall Grass Arts Assoc. 
• Northwest Indiana Community Art Assoc. Inc 
• Ladies Who Golf League – Founding member
• Girl Scouts - Past leader, lifetime member
• Graymoor Cocktail Club – Founding member
• Graymoor Landowner’s Assoc. – Social Committee
• VFW Auxiliary Post 8141 – Lifetime Member

Awards & Honors

• Illinois Governor’s Entrepreneurship Award
• Illinois State Treasurer Woman on the Rise Award
• Village of Olympia Fields Ambassador Award
• CenterPoint Business Development Center Success Story
• Prairie State College Wall of Fame

Licenses & Certifications

• Chartered Special Needs Consultant®
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
• FINRA Series 66
• FINRA Series 7
• Insurance
• Certified Public Accountant