Insight-based advice

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Where are you today and where do you want to be tomorrow? We recognize that a lasting relationship starts by listening and understanding your priorities and concerns. We'll work together to look at the big picture, discuss your vision for the future and help you confidently pursue your life goals.

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Pursuing your goals together

Our mission is to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. Our goal is to be your primary source of financial advice. To this end, we concentrate our efforts on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service.

  • Stephen Steve Smith Profile Photo

    Stephen Smith

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

    CA Insurance License 0E36971

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    Steve received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Truman State University in 1993 and has since devoted his entire career to working at UBS.  Steve obtained the highly regarded Certified Investment Analyst (CIMA®) certificate in 2004 and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) in 2006.  In 2004, Steve co-founded a wealth management team which has transitioned into the Zaharski/Smith Wealth Management Group.  Steve utilizes his advanced analytical skill set to help high net worth individuals develop goal oriented investment strategies.  He evaluates a clients entire financial picture to implement a plan that is customized based on their agreed upon needs and aspirations.  Helping families confidently accumulate, preserve, and transfer wealth through our planning based approach, allows families to successfully achieve their critical life goals. Steve believes in giving back and participated in a UBS mentorship program where he provided a small business owner with six months of pro bono financial advice.  Continuing as a mentor, Steve has been working with a U.S. Veteran transitioning to a business career. After losing his wife in December 2011 to a 16 year battle with metastatic breast cancer he became actively involved in supporting breast cancer research and organizations that help care for cancer patients and their loved ones.  Steve, his wife Gale and their 3 children Grace, Charlie and William reside in Hinsdale.  Steve enjoys coaching their children's soccer teams as well as their annual ski trip out West.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

    • Truman State University, Bachelor's degree in Business Administration
    • CA Insurance License 0E36971
    • Certified Investment Management Analyst®
    • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
    • Wealth Advisor
    One North Wacker Drive
    Chicago, IL 60606
  • Kristen Zaharski

    Kristen Zaharski

    Account Vice President

    CA Insurance License 4149532

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    Kristen earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 2005.  She worked as an orthopaedic research specialist at Shriners Hospital for Children and subsequently received her law degree in 2012 from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.  As an attorney, she concentrated her practice in representing physicians and hospitals in actions alleging medical negligence and was selected as a Leading Lawyers “Emerging Lawyer” in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

    Kristen joined Northstar Partners at UBS in 2020.  She adds value for her clients by recognizing the importance of liquidity, longevity, and legacy.  She helps individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals by constructing individualized portfolios and creating comprehensive financial plans that are unique to each client.  By understanding their needs, and the relationships most important to them, Kristen strives to ensure the financial wellbeing of all her clients. 

    Kristen enjoys spending time with her daughter, Samantha, attending the ballet, and cheering on her alma mater at the Big House.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

      • CA Insurance License 4149532
      One North Wacker Drive
      Chicago, IL 60606
    • Alexandra Coxe Fitzgarrald Profile Photo

      Alexandra Coxe Fitzgarrald, CRPC

      Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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      A key member of the Zaharski/Smith Wealth Management Group since 2008, Alexandra works closely with clients close to retirement, developing customized financial plans for their retirement needs and lifelong goals.  Her priority is to help her clients get the plans they need while they still have the ability to affect the outcome.   Alexandra graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, and began her career with UBS Financial Services Inc. in 2005. She holds the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 security licenses as well as her life insurance license.  Alexandra's work with both qualified plans and retirement-age individuals prompted her to study for the advanced Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM designation, which she received in June 2012.  Alexandra, her husband Donnie and their two children live in Chicago.  Alexandra is a devoted runner and enjoys travelling with her family.

        • Tulane University
          One North Wacker Drive
          Chicago, IL 60606
        • Becky West

          Rebecca "Becky" West

          Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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                One North Wacker Drive
                Chicago, IL 60606

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              Managing wealth is our craft

              We’re committed to understanding what wealth means for you.

              At UBS, excellence comes from nurturing the best of our heritage, mastering the details and delivering the expertise you need to turn your financial vision into a reality. The result? Financial advice that is finely crafted for what matters most to you.

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