John Lopez

As an advisor at TIAA Wealth Management, I help clients navigate the full spectrum of their financial lives — from building and growing wealth, to creating tax-efficient income strategies, to planning for the legacy they want to leave behind. I consider myself an educator first and foremost. My goal is to take the complexity out of financial planning, help clients truly understand their options, and then translate that understanding into clear, actionable plans that evolve alongside their lives and needs. That commitment extends beyond the individual — I enjoy partnering with families across generations, helping clients' children step in and play an active role in their financial journey as well. I have been with TIAA since 2018, drawn here by the organization's deep commitment to serving those who serve others — a mission that resonates strongly with me. My path to financial planning was anything but traditional, and I believe that is one of my greatest strengths. I began my career as a software engineer, just before the dot-com bubble burst — an experience that gave me a firsthand, grounded perspective on market cycles and the technology trends shaping our world today. From there, I spent four years in auto, home, and life insurance, building a strong foundation in risk management and protection planning. I then joined JPMorgan Chase, where I spent 10 years deepening my expertise in personal banking and lending before finding my true calling on the investment and financial planning side of the industry. I have been partnering directly with clients on their financial journeys since 2013. Outside of the office, my world revolves around my family. My wife and I have two children — one in college and another not far behind — and when I am not helping clients, you will most likely find me with them. Education: Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Technologies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale