ABOUT
We Care.
Two simple yet powerful words.
We know that so often in this high-tech world, you can feel lost in the shuffle.
Here at Focused Up Financial, we have two goals:
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To partner with you to help you understand and take control of your financial picture.
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To help enable the life you are truly meant to live, and together journey towards it.
We want to partner with you to help turn your dreams into reality.
ABOUT CHARLIE
ABOUT CHARLIE
CHARLIE HORONZY, CFP®, CPA
“There is always more you can do.”
I founded Focused Up Financial because finances are important, yes, but finances are a means to an end, not the end. I founded this firm to help people ultimately focus on their lives. I want to help people who are passionate about striving for more—those who want to better themselves not only financially but in every aspect of their lives.
I traveled a unique path to the financial planning industry. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Accounting Sciences, I entered the public accounting world. After a few years in the public accounting space and earning my CPA license, I took my shot at the corporate accounting world.
Something was missing, though.
I figured out that my passion for helping people was not being fulfilled. So, with bright and starry eyes, I boldly decided to dedicate a year to service work. Was I nervous? You bet. Did I know what was going to happen? Not in the least. Am I glad I did it? No doubt in my mind. It changed the whole direction of my life!
When I returned to Chicago, I knew I wanted to integrate my CPA background with helping people, which led me to financial planning. I think about that decision a lot. I feel blessed that I can meet and help so many dynamic and diverse families and individuals.
Being a fee-only planner is one of the greatest freedoms in the financial planning industry. As a fee-only firm, we are only compensated by our clients. We do not accept fees for recommending products. Because of this, I take pride in offering recommendations that benefit each client’s individual goals.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicagoland, biking on the wonderful Salt Creek trail (which I hardly do enough of!), and volunteering at various organizations, including the Financial Planning Association, my church, and the Knights of Columbus.
I look forward to learning about what drives you so that we can build on your finances and help you live your best life together.
