Hi, I’m Sarah Bourdon, a Financial Planner at The Next Level Planning Group based in Chicago.

Everything changed for me the morning the magic of the Tooth Fairy vanished, only to be replaced by the clarity of currency. I woke up thrilled to find cash under my pillow, but my excitement was quickly eclipsed by the sound of my dad grumbling outside my bedroom door. In a state of exhaustion, he had mistakenly left a $20 bill instead of the usual $1. The look of mild distress on his face over that simple mistake stayed with me.

That moment reshaped how I see money. It showed me how easily financial confusion can lead to stress, even when intentions are good. It’s why I chose to become a financial planner; I believe sound planning has a profound impact on a person’s life that goes far beyond just managing numbers.

I see my role as an engineer of financial security. I love taking complex situations—the unique puzzles of your goals, assets, and anxieties—and solving them by building a robust, individualized strategy. My passion is helping you move from simply dreaming about your future to actively mapping it out and achieving it.

But here is what drives me most: I want to replace your financial anxiety with absolute certainty.

Too many people I meet are living in a state of reactive avoidance, feeling a knot of worry every time the market dips or an unexpected bill arrives. I help them move from feeling scattered and overwhelmed to a place of assured empowerment. My goal is to provide the mental liberation that allows you to enjoy your life today while moving confidently toward your future.

When I’m not in the office, my world revolves around my husband and our two energetic dogs. Some might say my life is busy with distance running and hiking. I say my life is proactive. Hitting the pavement for a long run is my favorite way to clear my head and solve the trickiest problems. Whether I’m hosting a dinner for friends or exploring a new trail, I value the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.

I am a graduate of The Ohio State University, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, and an Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional™.

If you’re ready to stop worrying about “doing it wrong” and start engaging with your future with confidence, let’s talk.