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Richard J. Kasher

Richard J. Kasher E.A.*, AIFA

Managing Director, Founding Partner
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Brandi L. Ruffalo

Brandi L. Ruffalo MBA, CDFA, AIFA, CVA*, CBA*, MAFF*

Managing Director
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Stephen R. Kasher

Stephen R. Kasher E.A.

Managing Director
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Alison Silver

Practice Manager
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Pam Reineke

Insurance Manager, Practice Manager
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Some Info on
Our Credentials And Affiliations

Our team has made and continues to make significant investments in our professional development and knowledge base. We don't just meet the required regulatory and licensing requirements, we continually expand our knowledge base so that we can better serve our clients. The product offerings in the financial and regulatory environment are constantly changing and our team invests our time and energy to follow the changing landscape. Some of the credentials held by our team are described below.

AIFA® Designation training is the master’s level coursework to the AIF® Designation. The AIF designation is conveyed to individuals who have met educational, competence, conduct and ethical standards to carry out a fiduciary standard of care and serve the best interests of their clients. Richard Kasher and Brandi Ruffalo hold the AIFA® Designation.*

An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. Richard Kasher and Stephen Kasher hold the EA designation.*

A CDFA® (certified divorce financial analyst) professional is a financial professional skilled at analyzing data and providing expertise on the financial issues of divorce. The role of the CDFA® professional is to assist the client and his or her attorney in understanding how the decisions he or she makes today will impact the client’s financial future. CDFA). A CDFA® uses knowledge of tax law, asset distribution, and short—and long-term financial planning to provide in-depth financial analysis and advice relating to the divorce. The CDFA® designation was awarded by The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA®) to Brandi L. Ruffalo.*

The Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designation is a professional designation awarded by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) to business valuation professionals. CVAs may also provide exit strategies to business owners or partners, guidance on dissolving or dividing a business, advice on financial matters in the event of a lawsuit, and input in generational wealth succession matters. The CVA was awarded to Brandi L. Ruffalo.*

The CBA/MCBA is a very prestigious credential in the eyes of all who are familiar with it and it earned the reputation of being the industry’s most difficult credential to obtain.. NACVA will continue to acknowledge, promote, and support the many seasoned professionals who hold the CBA/MCBA because their influence, contributions, and prestige in the valuation industry is not, nor has ever been, in question. And, this goes back to the early beginnings of the industry when the CBA/MCBA was alone, the sole credential, when no other valuation credentials existed. Brandi L. Ruffalo is a CBA credential holder.*

The MAFF designation indicates to the business, professional, and legal communities that credential holders have met rigorous standards of professionalism, expertise, objectivity, and integrity in the field of financial litigation support, which includes commercial damages, lost profits, matrimonial litigation, bankruptcy, restructuring, intellectual property damages, personal injury and wrongful death, forensic accounting, fraud investigations, and fraud risk management. The MAFF designation established by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts® (NACVA®) and was awarded to Brandi L. Ruffalo.*

The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) provides the resources, connections, and knowledge needed to properly prepare your clients’ returns, to advise on tax matters, and to minimize tax liabilities. (NATP) is the largest nonprofit organization that serves individuals specializing in tax preparation by providing tax education, federal tax research, in-depth explanations of tax law change and other important tax content needed to successfully run a tax practice. Diversifed Tax Services is a member of NATP.*

CDI (Collaborative Divorce Illinois) divorce professionals are client-centered and dedicated to maintaining professional excellence. Each fellow is highly qualified and licensed in their respective profession. All CDI Fellows are also specially trained in Collaborative Practice and must complete mandatory continuing education. Additionally, CDI fellows have also completed a minimum of 40 hours of training in mediation, communication, and conflict resolution. Brandi Ruffalo is a Fellow of CDI.*

The Amicable Divorce Network is an association of seasoned, licensed professionals who are dedicated to helping reasonable people navigate the divorce process. Amicable Divorce Network members are vetted to ensure that they are leading experts in their areas of practice and have demonstrated a dedication to the Amicable Divorce Process. Network members provide expert advice and guidance while avoiding traditional, destructive litigation. Brandi L. Ruffalo is a founding member of the Amicable Divorce Newtork Illinois Chapter.*

*These are credientials held to facilitate the services provided as OBA (outside business activities) that are conducted through other businesses that have no direct relationship with DTS Financial Advisors, LLC or Independent Financial Group. These services related to these credientials are only offered through a signed engagement agreement with these entities that specifically define the entity providing service and separate these services from DTS Financial Advisors and IFG.

Our Outside Business Activities
Expand Our Knowledge Base

 

Diversified Tax Services

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The firm is dedicated to serving all of your accounting, tax, and business consulting needs.
Services offerred by Diversified Tax Services, Inc.

  • Personal (1040), Corporate (1120/1120S), Partnership (1065), Fiduciary Trust (1041), and Estate (706) taxes for All States
  • Tax Planning
  • Monthly and Quarterly Write-up services
  • Quarterly and Annual Payroll Reporting
  • Business Start-up and Consulting

More information is available at www.d-tax.com.

 

DTS Insurance

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DTS Insurance provides peace of mind by assisting you to insure your home, auto, business, and recreational vehicles. We also assist you to insure your health, life and Medicare supplement plans. Offerings include: Vehicle Insurance, Life Insurance, Property Insurance, and Business Insurance.

More information is available at www.dtsins.com.

 

Valuation & Forensic Partners, LLC

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Valuation & Forensic Partners, LLC provides business valuation and litigation support to businesses, individuals, and families. VFP brings more than 25 years of working with business owners, divorcing couples, and families facing complex financial disputes. We are experienced working as a financial neutral and as an expert witness in disputes. Learn more at www.valuation-forensic.com.

 

Diversified Tax Services

Hover to View

The firm is dedicated to serving all of your accounting, tax, and business consulting needs.
Services offerred by Diversified Tax Services, Inc.

  • Personal (1040), Corporate (1120/1120S), Partnership (1065), Fiduciary Trust (1041), and Estate (706) taxes for All States
  • Tax Planning
  • Monthly and Quarterly Write-up services
  • Quarterly and Annual Payroll Reporting
  • Business Start-up and Consulting

More information is available at www.d-tax.com.

 

DTS Insurance

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DTS Insurance provides peace of mind by assisting you to insure your home, auto, business, and recreational vehicles. We also assist you to insure your health, life and Medicare supplement plans. Offerings include: Vehicle Insurance, Life Insurance, Property Insurance, and Business Insurance.

More information is available at www.dtsins.com.

 

Valuation & Forensic Partners, LLC

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Valuation & Forensic Partners, LLC provides business valuation and litigation support to businesses, individuals, and families. VFP brings more than 25 years of working with business owners, divorcing couples, and families facing complex financial disputes. We are experienced working as a financial neutral and as an expert witness in disputes. Learn more at www.valuation-forensic.com.

 

Diversified Tax Services

Hover to View

The firm is dedicated to serving all of your accounting, tax, and business consulting needs.
Services offerred by Diversified Tax Services, Inc.

  • Personal (1040), Corporate (1120/1120S), Partnership (1065), Fiduciary Trust (1041), and Estate (706) taxes for All States
  • Tax Planning
  • Monthly and Quarterly Write-up services
  • Quarterly and Annual Payroll Reporting
  • Business Start-up and Consulting

More information is available at www.d-tax.com.

 

DTS Insurance

Hover to View

DTS Insurance provides peace of mind by assisting you to insure your home, auto, business, and recreational vehicles. We also assist you to insure your health, life and Medicare supplement plans. Offerings include: Vehicle Insurance, Life Insurance, Property Insurance, and Business Insurance.

More information is available at www.dtsins.com.

 

Valuation & Forensic Partners, LLC

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Valuation & Forensic Partners, LLC provides business valuation and litigation support to businesses, individuals, and families. VFP brings more than 25 years of working with business owners, divorcing couples, and families facing complex financial disputes. We are experienced working as a financial neutral and as an expert witness in disputes. Learn more at www.valuation-forensic.com.

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Most Recent Blog Posts

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5 Damaging Myths About Money Talks & the Facts Behind Them

Brandi Ruffalo | Dec 10, 2024
Categories
Investments
Finance
Lifestyle
Savings
Family
What money topics are the most taboo to talk about? Earnings, debt, inheritance, or net worth? For most of us, many financial topics are simply off-limits. 1 That means that many of us are not discussing money as much as we probably should be. 1 Without those talks, myths about money and financial conversations can get a much stronger grip on our perspective and our financial decisions. That silence may end up stunting our financial...
Man reading newspaper next to laptop and phone

Your Brain on Fear & Greed: Why It’s Hard to Stop the Fear-Greed Cycle (& How to Break It)

DTS Financial Advisors | Jun 4, 2024
Categories
Investments
Savings
What happens when you start to feel afraid or greedy? Do you feel like taking your time and waiting to make your next move?
Older couple embracing on a boat overlooking a body of water

5 Signs You’re Headed for a “Cushy” Retirement

DTS Financial Advisors | Jun 4, 2024
Categories
Retirement
How much do you need to retire wealthy? Believe it or not, there’s no set number for anyone. Lifestyle and the quality of your retirement plan are certainly two big factors. But when considering the economy and inflation, a definitive picture of our financial future can feel somewhat elusive. So, to shed a little light (and provide a little guidance), here are a few telltale signs you might be set up for a “comfortable” post-work lifestyle.

Contact Rich Kasher and Steve Kasher

 847-380-7121

 1375 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 230
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

Contact Brandi Ruffalo

 847-380-3075

 1375 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 240
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

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Richard Kasher and Brandi Ruffalo offer securities and advisory services through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered investment adviser. Member FINRA/SIPC. Stephen Kasher offers securities through IFG. DTS Financial Advisors, LLC and IFG are unaffiliated entities. Members of our team are licensed to sell securities in AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, OH, PA, TX, VA, & WI.

The information provided herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable however we cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate, complete or current. Because situations vary, any information provided on this site is not intended to indicate suitability for any particular investor. Hyperlinks are provided as a courtesy and should not be deemed an endorsement. When you link to a third party website you are leaving our site and assume total responsibility for your use or activity on the third party sites. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against a loss.

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