Building Towards Wealth

Helping Gen X & Gen Y Business Owners Make Smart Financial Decisions

President

Strategic Financial Group

Chicago-based wealth management practice providing financial planning to business owners.

Financial Planner & Wealth Advisor

Christopher Clepp Financial Solutions

Providing financial solutions to the Chicagoland area. We specialize in two areas.
1)Helping small business owners plan for the protection and growth of their business. 

2)Helping high-income earners, above find unique ways to protect and grow their income for retirement.

Owner

ASUREA

Area Manager, representing 60 Life, Disability, Mortgage Protection, Annuity and LTC carriers

Chicago Area Manager

Integrated Financial and Insurance Strategies

Opened and developed 4 insurance offices across the country

Specialized in insurance solutions for high-income earners and business owners.

Partner and Business Insurance Specialist

Promark Financial

Sales Manager

Marriott

Phone sales for their Vacation Club division

Team Leader

I am a native Chicagoan, father of 3 wonderful children, and a 20 year veteran of the financial services industry. 

-I am passionate about working with business owners who would benefit from having an objective partner in their financial lives.   
-I am trying to help my clients realize their best selves. We use financial tools to help them achieve the freedom, control, or time that they desire. 

How do I know if I'm a good fit?

-Business Owners between 35&55 who want to have the ability to make work optional

-Household income of at least $150,000

-People who want to delegate so you can spend more time with the people they care about and doing the things they love


What is the benefit of working with Chris?

-Create an easily understandable 1 page financial gameplan so you always know what the next steps we will take are

-Knowing there will be a day when you can make work optional so you can have a defined goal to work towards.

-Optimize insurance policies to maximize coverage and reduce costs.

-Proactive tax planning to minimize your lifetime tax bill

-Provide financial partnership and help solve your financial problems so you can focus on the most important things in life

 I love working out, cooking, bourbon and cigars. 


Please note: While I appreciate endorsements of my services, I cannot accept endorsements or recommendations on my LinkedIn profile, as these are considered a prohibited testimonial under SEC regulations.

I can be reached at (312) 850 3600 x16 or you can schedule at https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12813504&appointmentType=1941784

Securities offered through The O.N. Equity Sales Company, Member FINRA/SIPC, One Financial Way, Cincinnati, OH 45242 513.794.6794. Investment Advisory Services offered through the O.N. Investment Management Company

Christopher Clepp

Financial planning has a branding problem.

It’s been boxed into “retirement.”

But the real purpose is far more practical: it’s a roadmap to autonomy.

Autonomy means having the flexibility to walk away from a job that no longer serves you, pivot when your industry evolves, or say yes to opportunities without wondering whether the numbers will break your life.

If you’re a high earner who thinks planning doesn’t apply to you because retirement feels distant, ask yourself:

How stable is your field in the coming AI wave?

And if the landscape shifts, are you prepared—or exposed?

Planning isn’t about ending your career. It’s about protecting your ability to shape it.

President @ Building Towards Wealth | ChFC, Financial Planning, Wealth Management

If your business is thinking about growth, whether that means expanding into new regions, attracting international talent, or building a stronger global strategy, this upcoming session from Carl Kutsmode is worth your time.

Carl’s been advising executives and ownership teams on how to align vision, operations, and talent strategy for years. This webinar brings together those lessons in a practical way for leaders navigating expansion or transformation.

Plus, you get legal powerhouse SohYoon Atac and Togai Atac giving their great legal insights.

I’d highly encourage any founders, business owners, or growth-minded professionals in my network to register.

If you are an executive in a global company trying to make sense out your 2026 strategic plan for doing business in the US, then be sure to register for my upcoming webinar on Nov 12th below!  Registration link and video preview of our panel discussion topics are in the comments below. #globalbusiness #strategicplanning #usabusiness #ustariffs #usimmigration #b2b-vip #talentrise #praxialliance #praxi #aleroninc

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

No alternative text description for this image

Honoring all that have served 🇺🇸


#financialplanning #businessowner #buildingwealth #financialplanner #wealth #smallbusiness #genx #geny #buildingtowardswealth #henrys #abundantwealthprocess #stability #financialfulfillment #highearner #strategicfinancialplanning

A lot of high earners dismiss financial planning because they’re not thinking about retirement yet.

Here’s the truth:
Financial planning isn’t about retirement.

It’s about autonomy—having the ability to choose your next step without being handcuffed to your paycheck.

And with AI transforming industries faster than most people realize, autonomy matters more than ever. Even strong careers are facing uncertainty, and the professionals with a plan will be the ones who stay in control.

You don’t plan because things will go wrong.

You plan so that if the path changes, you’re not caught off guard.

If you value control, clarity, and optionality, you’re the exact person financial planning is built for.

✅ Financial progress starts with awareness.

Taking a few minutes to check in on your finances—reviewing expenses, savings, or financial goals—can make a huge difference over time. 

When was the last time you did a quick financial check-in?

#financialplanning #businessowner #buildingwealth #financialplanner #wealth #smallbusiness #genx #geny #buildingtowardswealth #henrys #abundantwealthprocess #stability #financialfulfillment #highearner #strategicfinancialplanning

Most people hear “financial planning” and immediately jump to “retirement planning.”
 
But retirement is only one version of the real goal: autonomy.
It’s about having control over your decisions so your career, your family, and your life aren’t dictated solely by money.
 
If you’re a high earner who says, “Financial planning isn’t for me—I’m nowhere near retiring,” it’s worth asking a different question:
 
Do I want to be able to make decisions without fear?
 
We’re heading into an era where AI is reshaping entire industries. Even talented, high-earning professionals may see their roles shift faster than expected.
 
Having a plan isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about preparing for a future that might look different from the one you assumed—and keeping your options open if the path changes.
 
Autonomy > retirement. Always.

🚀 Are You Running a Business or Just Owning a Job? 🚀

Many business owners get stuck working in their business instead of on it. They’re buried in daily tasks, leaving no time to grow or strategize.

The Fix?
✅ Create systems and processes to delegate effectively.
✅ Focus on building a scalable asset—not just income.
✅ Plan for the future with an exit strategy that works for you.

Pro Tip: Stop being the bottleneck in your business. Build systems that let your business run even when you’re not there.

https://lnkd.in/g2TqT_8V

#financialplanning #businessowner #buildingwealth #financialplanner #wealth #smallbusiness #genx #geny #buildingtowardswealth #henrys #abundantwealthprocess #stability #financialfulfillment #highearner #strategicfinancialplanning

Open article: 5 Common Problems Business Owners Have by buildingtowardswealth.com

Long-Term Success Comes From Consistency

Success in financial planning, like anything in life, isn’t about one big decision—it’s about the habits built over time.

Small, consistent actions—whether it’s reviewing financial goals, planning ahead, or learning something new—lead to long-term results.

#financialplanning #businessowner #buildingwealth #financialplanner #wealth #smallbusiness #genx #geny #buildingtowardswealth #henrys #abundantwealthprocess #stability #financialfulfillment #highearner #strategicfinancialplanning

🚫 Not everything we hear about money is true.

There are plenty of financial myths out there. Some people think debt is always bad, or that investing is only for the wealthy. 

What’s a common money myth you used to believe?

#financialplanning #businessowner #buildingwealth #financialplanner #wealth #smallbusiness #genx #geny #buildingtowardswealth #henrys #abundantwealthprocess #stability #financialfulfillment #highearner #strategicfinancialplanning

Wealth isn’t built overnight.

 It comes from consistent, intentional financial decisions over time. 

Understanding how different strategies work together—such as savings, investments, and risk management—can help create a strong foundation for long-term success. 

Every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to financial security. 🏗️📈

#financialplanning #businessowner #buildingwealth #financialplanner #wealth #smallbusiness #genx #geny #buildingtowardswealth #henrys #abundantwealthprocess #stability #financialfulfillment #highearner #strategicfinancialplanning

Helping Entrepreneurs Scale Profits & Save Time | Virtual Bookkeeper | QuickBooks Online Specialist | Financial Reporting & Cash Flow Expert

Messy books stealing your time and stressing you out?

Most small business owners don’t start their business to crunch numbers. But when bookkeeping falls behind, it costs you profits, clarity, and peace of mind.

That’s where I come in. At Thank Heavens Bookkeeping, I specialize in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners:

Clean up and catch up messy books
Set up and streamline QuickBooks Online
Manage payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable
Create accurate financial reports so you can make smarter decisions

As a Virtual Bookkeeper and QuickBooks Online Expert, I provide remote bookkeeping services that save you time, reduce stress, and give you a clear picture of your business finances. My goal? To help you focus on growing your business while I handle the numbers.

Flexible options: monthly bookkeeping, clean-up projects, or full outsourced bookkeeping

📩 Ready to stop worrying about your books?
Let’s connect here on LinkedIn or schedule a call: https://calendly.com/thankheavensbookkeeping/30min

Joshua Parsley

5 QuickBooks Tips Every Small Business Owner Should Know Before Year-End

Numbers should help you, not stress you.

I see some business owners search old boxes, check paper piles, and hope nothing is missing.

I do things a little different.

Here’s how I make QuickBooks less scary:

– Automate tasks you hate doing (invoices, bank matches). You save time, and mistakes shrink away.

– Throw out the paper (yes, even the shoe box). Scan and upload receipts. Your future self will thank you.

– Open your Profit & Loss each week. You see wins and losses before they surprise you.

– Don’t wait for April panic. Update your books now. Deductions are easier to track if you keep up.

– Ask for help if you feel stuck. I have cleaned up wild messes before (you are not alone). 

Peace of mind is possible.

You deserve it.

Let’s chat if you want bookkeeping to feel lighter.

#QuickBooks #Bookkeeping #SmallBusiness #YearEnd #Entrepreneur #Finance #ThankHeavensBookkeeping

Joshua  Parsley

QuickBooks Online Bookkeeper | Helping Small Business Owners Simplify Finances, Save Time & Increase Profits

Today is my dad’s birthday. He would have been 63.

Losing him on November 11, 2025 is something I’m still trying to comprehend.

Grief comes in unexpected waves — some days I feel strong, and other days it stops me in my tracks. No matter how much we prepare ourselves, there’s nothing that fully prepares you for losing a parent.

What I’ve learned in these past weeks is this:

In business and in life, we like to think we’re in control. We plan, we build, we push forward. But moments like this remind me that we’re not in control of everything — and that’s okay. 

This is where trust comes in. Trust in God. Trust that there’s a purpose, even when the pain is overwhelming. Trust that the people we love never really leave us.

My dad shaped the person I’ve become. He taught me how to work hard, how to show up for people, and how to keep going even when life feels heavy. I will miss him deeply — every day, in ways I’m only beginning to understand.

To the business owners and leaders reading this:

We’re all human first. Take the time to slow down. Be present with your family. Lean into your faith. And remember that even in the hardest moments, we are being guided.

Dad, I miss you. And I’ll carry your lessons with me as I continue building the life and business you were proud of.

#GriefAndGrowth #FaithInBusiness #TrustGod #FamilyFirst #LifeLessons #BusinessOwner #LossAndHealing

Why You’re Wasting Time in QuickBooks — and How to Get It Back ⏰

Ever open QuickBooks just to “check one thing and lose two hours instead? 

You’re not bad at bookkeeping.

You’re just trying to do it all — and when QuickBooks isn’t set up right, it becomes a time trap.

I once worked with a client who spent every Sunday catching up on her books.
She thought it was the only way to stay “on top” of things.

After we automated her bank feeds, cleaned up her chart of accounts,
and built a simple weekly routine…

She went from spending 6 hours a week in QuickBooks
to less than 30 minutes.

Now she uses that time to actually enjoy her weekends again — guilt-free. ☀️

Here’s how you can start getting your time back too 👇
✅ Automate recurring transactions (use bank rules).
✅ Connect every account — stop importing manually.
✅ Review weekly, not when you’re already behind.
✅ And if bookkeeping keeps slowing you down — delegate it.

Every hour you lose inside QuickBooks
is an hour you could be growing your business.

Let the numbers work for you — not steal your time.

#SmallBusinessOwners #BookkeepingTips #QuickBooksOnline #TimeManagement #BusinessGrowth #FinancialFreedom

Wasting Time for Business Owners in QuickBooks

Small Business Owners: These QuickBooks Tips Will Save You Hours

If QuickBooks has ever made you question your sanity — this is for you.

Last week a client told me she spent three hours trying to “fix whatever QuickBooks messed up.”

But here’s the truth:
QuickBooks didn’t mess anything up — it just wasn’t set up right.

And once we fixed a few simple things, she finally breathed and said:
“That just saved me so much time.”

Here’s how you can do the same:
⏱️ 1. Automate Bank Rules
Recurring transactions? Let QBO handle them. Instant time savings.

📑 2. Use Receipt Capture
Take a picture → upload → matched. No more paper, no more searching.

💳 3. Reconcile Weekly
Five minutes a week prevents the monthly panic.

📥 4. Fix Undeposited Funds
Match payments before depositing. No duplicates, no confusion.

🧘 5. Simplify Your Chart of Accounts
Too many categories = unnecessary chaos. Keep it clean.

QuickBooks should save you time — not stress you out.

Which tip would save you the most hours each month?

QuickBooks Online Isn’t Confusing — You Just Weren’t Taught the Right Way

If QuickBooks makes you want to shut your laptop and walk away you’re not alone.

Most business owners open it, stare at the screen, and think:

“I’m smart… so why does this still feel impossible?”

Because no one actually taught you how to use it.

You were handed the software and expected to figure it out while running a business.

QuickBooks isn’t the problem. Bad training is.

3 Quick Wins That Make QuickBooks Click

1️⃣ Treat the bank feed like your to-do list
Match it, categorize it, done.
One-touch only.

2️⃣ Stop entering what QuickBooks already imports
Automation exists for a reason — use it.

3️⃣ Look for patterns, not perfection
Your books don’t need to be art. They need to be consistent.

When you learn QuickBooks the right way:

✔ Tax time gets easier
✔ Your numbers make sense
✔ You save hours
✔ Your stress drops

If you want the “easy way” instead of the “figure-it-out-yourself way,”
drop QB in the comments for free tutorials — or DM me “QB” if you want them privately.

#QuickBooksOnline #SmallBusinessTips #Bookkeeping #BusinessFinances
#BusinessOwner

QuickBooks Online Should Save You Time — Not Stress You Out.

Here’s How.
Most business owners open QuickBooks the same way they open an overstuffed closet:

“Everything’s in here somewhere… but I’m scared to see what falls out.”

If QuickBooks stresses you out more than running your business — you’re not alone.

Here’s the real difference between doing it yourself vs. having a pro handle it:

When You Manage QuickBooks Alone:
❌ Clicking through tabs trying to “fix something” you didn’t break
❌ Bank feeds that never match right
❌ Income that looks higher (or lower) than reality
❌ Receipts still sitting in a shoebox
❌ Month-end panic because nothing ties out
❌ Stress spiking every time someone mentions “taxes” 😩

This is the version of QuickBooks that drains your time and your confidence.

When a QuickBooks Pro Handles It for You:
✅ Auto-matching transactions correctly
✅ Clean, accurate, tax-ready books
✅ Real profit — not a guess
✅ Sales tax filed on time (with zero panic)
✅ Invoice tracking that actually makes sense
✅ Weekly clarity instead of monthly chaos

This is what my clients experience within 30–45 days of a cleanup.

QuickBooks becomes a tool again — not a problem.

Here’s the ROI of letting a pro handle your books:
➡️ Better decisions
➡️ Better cash flow
➡️ Better time management
➡️ Better sleep

QuickBooks isn’t the issue.

Trying to run a business and your bookkeeping is.

What part of QuickBooks stresses you out the most?
Comment “TIME” and I’ll send you my guide that shows where business owners lose the most hours (and how to get them back).

#SmallBusinessTips #BookkeepingHelp #QuickBooksOnline #BusinessOwnerLife

If You’re a Business Owner Still Doing Your Own QuickBooks — Read This.

I get it — you wanted to save money.
But now QuickBooks has turned into your late-night side hustle.

I’ve been there.
When I started my business, I tried to do it all myself.
But the truth?
Every hour I spent in QuickBooks was an hour not spent growing my business.

Your books aren’t just numbers — they’re the story of your business.
And when they’re clean and accurate, you finally have clarity, control, and peace of mind.

That’s why I started Thank Heavens Bookkeeping — to help business owners take back their time and make smarter financial decisions.

P.S. 💬 Comment “AUDIT” below if you’d like a free checklist to see if your QuickBooks is helping or hurting your business.

#Bookkeeping #QuickBooks #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ThankHeavensBookkeeping

Business Owner Anxiety Is Real — Here’s the Hidden Source No One Talks About 😰

Most business owners carry stress they never admit.

It’s not the clients.
It’s not the employees.
It’s not the long hours.

It’s the quiet fear that something is wrong in your numbers…
and you won’t know until it’s too late.

Let’s be honest — bookkeeping is the #1 hidden stress in most businesses.
Because when your books are messy:

🔹 Every decision feels like a guess
🔹 Cash flow feels unpredictable
🔹 Tax season feels like a threat
🔹 Growth feels risky
🔹 And everything feels heavier

Here’s the truth:
Financial clarity reduces 80% of business anxiety.

And the first step is simple:

1️⃣ Reconcile your accounts regularly
2️⃣ Categorize expenses consistently
3️⃣ Know your cash-on-hand number daily

Small steps. Huge peace of mind.

When you fix that…
you get your time back. ⏰
Your business runs smoother.
And you finally feel in control.

If your books are behind or messy, you’re not alone — I’ve helped business owners who were 6, 12, even 24 months behind. There’s always a way forward.

📩 Want to finally stop the financial stress? Send me the word CLARITY, and I’ll show you the exact steps to get your numbers under control — no pressure.

#SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #BookkeepingTips #FinanceForBusiness #BusinessGrowth

Business Owners: If Your Numbers Keep You Up at Night… Read This.

Let’s cut straight to it:

If opening QuickBooks makes your chest tighten…
If you avoid checking your bank balance…
If your mind races at 2AM wondering, Am I even profitable?

You’re not alone.
And you’re not the problem.

The problem is trying to run a business without a simple, repeatable system for your money.
So here are 3 things you can do TODAY for free that will instantly lower your financial stress

1️⃣ The 10-Minute Reality Check

Set a timer. Open your books.
Answer only one question
What came in and what went out this week?
Clarity kills anxiety.
It’s not perfect bookkeeping—but it is control.

2️⃣ Give Every Dollar a Job
Starting today, split incoming money into 3 buckets:

👉 Expenses
👉 Taxes
👉 Profit / Owner Pay

3️⃣ Clean One Thing Per Week
Financial overwhelm comes from trying to fix everything at once.
Pick one micro-task weekly

👉 Reconcile one month
👉 Clean uncategorized transactions
👉 Review subscriptions
👉  Organize receipts

Small wins → major relief.

Here’s the truth

Your numbers shouldn’t scare you.
They should guide you.
And with a simple system, they will.

If you want help building that system or cleaning up the mess, that’s what I do at Thank Heavens Bookkeeping
but even if you do this alone, start today.
Your future peace depends on it.

#SmallBusiness #BookkeepingTips #EntrepreneurLife #QuickBooksOnline #BusinessFinance #StressFreeBusiness

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The Battle

Christopher Clepp

Joshua Parsley

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The Battle

Christopher Clepp

Joshua Parsley

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Christopher Clepp's LinkedIn Performance

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