CMSS is proud to introduce Board Member Christina I. Collins, CFP ®, CPWA ®, CLU ®, ChFC ®, CASL ®, RICP ®, CPFA ®, a Private Wealth Advisor affiliated with Northwestern Mutual. Christina guides clients in navigating complex financial landscapes to achieve their income and retirement goals as they prepare for and transition into retirement. She joined the CMSS Board in the spring of 2024.
Christina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Elmhurst University and earned her Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) designation through the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business Executive Education program and holds among other designations the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) and the Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL) designations. Forbes has recognized Christina as one of “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” (2020 and 2021) and a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor (2024-2025), and Barron’s “Top 100 Women Financial Advisors” (2018, 2019, 2020).
[Disclosure: Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2025. Ranking published 1/9/25. Data as of 3/31/24. Forbes Top Women 2025 list. Ranking published 2/11/25. Data as of 9/30/2024. Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list (April 2025), Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Based upon data as of 6/30/2024. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.]
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Q: When and how did you first hear about CMSS and what initially interested you about the organization?
I have always been interested in the field of aging, as I grew up surrounded by elderly great-aunts and uncles whose wisdom and stories continue to inspire my work today. As a young adult, I cared for my grandfather and ran the meals program for seniors in Elmhurst through the DuPage Senior Citizens Council. These experiences inspired me to pursue a degree in Economics and a career in financial services, as I recognized the need to support Baby Boomers in retirement.
My cousin, Rev. Martin L. Deppe, a longstanding board member of CMSS, introduced me to the organization. I was excited about the opportunity to support aging adults through my work on the CMSS board.
Q: Your career is focused on helping families and businesses manage their finances to meet their long-term goals. What common misconceptions do you encounter among your clients when preparing for their financial futures, particularly retirement?
My clients often believe that retirement planning is solely about accumulating wealth, but it’s much more nuanced. It involves aligning financial strategies with personal values to ensure peace of mind and confidence in the future. Many overlook the importance of reliable income strategies, tax considerations, and legacy planning, which are crucial for comprehensive financial security.
Q: What changes or shifts have you seen in the field of financial planning or in how individuals think about their financial futures throughout your career?
Today there is more we can do to help. The science of retirement income distribution planning continues to evolve. Today’s techniques are invaluable in helping retirees who often lack pensions, face extended life expectancies, and who worry about the challenges of aging and the potential need for care.
Q: How has your academic and professional background informed your leadership on the CMSS Board?
Over the course of my 30+ year career I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients retire. I have supported many clients through the last decades of their lives, which has deeply informed my understanding of the challenges and needs of older adults.
My experiences as a small business owner working in the field of retirement planning as well as my background in senior services equipped me with the skills to contribute effectively to the CMSS Board. I bring with me leadership experience through the Northwestern Mutual Financial Representatives Association, where I chaired the Annuity Committee and serve on the Wealth Committee.
These roles have taught me the importance of strategic planning and values-based decision-making, which I apply to my work with CMSS.
Q: We greatly appreciate your leadership on our Board. Could you share which CMSS programs and initiatives you are most enthusiastic about and what you eagerly anticipate for the organization?
I am excited about the strategic direction of CMSS, particularly the impact on seniors and the younger generation through Senior Connections, which matches trained volunteers with older adults to create mutually beneficial intergenerational friendships.
Q: We know no one is all business, all the time. How do you enjoy spending your free time?
Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my husband, Michael, and our son, Josh. We often fly our TBM aircraft to visit clients and family and attend business conferences. At home, I love gardening, orienteering, and enjoying outdoor activities like running, hiking, and canoeing. For intellectual stimulation, I attend Lyric Opera performances, participate in a book club, and host game days with friends.