Our History

The Financial Center, Inc., of Illinois (TFC) was founded in 2002 after Edna Steidinger had worked for 10 years for a parent company that dictated the types of investments she should sell to her clients. Edna realized this wasn’t the best situation for her clients, many of whom had different financial goals. Given the complexity of the financial services industry today, many other clients were confused by the number and type of options available to them. Edna decided to set out on her own and create the type of firm she thought was needed in this day and age of rushed and sometimes impersonal service. Edna shares her outlook with her staff to make sure investors feel comfortable seeking help with their financial goals and to assist them in a knowledgeable, courteous, and professional manner.

This personalized service, that Edna envisioned, has led to clients in many states.  And in 2023, with the hiring of James Schneider, a branch office was established in Salem, Oregon.  

TFC chose to partner with Commonwealth Financial Network^®, a Registered Investment Adviser–broker/dealer. The alliance with Commonwealth ensures that clients receive a wide variety of investment choices to complement their goals. It also helps the company best serve clients in a seamless and efficient manner by providing back office, investment, and technology support.