About Clarus

Liane Warcup
Liane Warcup, CFP®, is the founder of Clarus Financial Planning, Inc.  A financial advisor since 1997, Liane sees an increasing need for flexible, as-needed financial advice.  Many financial advisors accept clients only if they meet certain income and net worth requirements.  Liane believes, however, that independent, objective advice is something all Americans need, at least periodically, to achieve their goals, dreams, and financial peace of mind.  Holding to this philosophy, Liane is proud to offer the same quality, professional advice to all clients, not just the affluent.  If you simply need a one-time or periodic consultation, she is happy to meet with you on an as-needed, hourly basis. 

More about Liane
Liane is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, graduating with both academic and military honors.  While serving in the Air Force, she earned her Masters in Public Sector Financial Management from the University of Maryland.  As a financial analyst and budget officer, she advised senior managers on financial planning, fiscal management, and internal management controls.  She also volunteered as a financial counselor to Air Force personnel.  After her Air Force career, Liane became an investment advisor for a brokerage firm in Washington State.  She assisted clients with their investment portfolios by providing financial reviews, retirement planning, college savings analysis, and other beneficial financial advice. 

When Liane and her family moved to Illinois in 2001, Liane began to shift her focus from investments and securities brokerage to financial planning.  After a brief time as a financial consultant at a brokerage firm in Geneva, Liane decided to create Clarus Financial Planning – a firm where advice is rendered commission-free, without long term contracts or retainers. 

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Liane earned the right to use the CFP® mark of distinction by completing a professional course of study followed by a rigorous two-day certification examination and by providing proof of extensive practical experience.  To maintain certification, CFP® practitioners are required to satisfy ongoing ethics and education requirements.

Liane is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), an organization of Fee-Only financial advisors.  She is also a member of the Garrett Planning Network, an international organization of professional, Fee-Only financial advisors.  Members are dedicated to providing independent, objective advice to people from all walks of life.  Locally, Liane is a member of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and the Geneva Women in Business group.

Liane is happily married to Brian, her spouse since 1993.  They reside in Geneva, Illinois, with their two daughters and son, and one rather small Bernese Mountain Dog. 

About Michelle Borkowicz
Michelle Borkowicz began working for Clarus Financial Planning in 2007.  She brings strong advocacy and problem solving skills to help people achieve their life goals and improve their quality of living.  She holds a Master Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  Before joining Clarus, she spent several years working as both patient advocate and family therapist.

Michelle earned her certificate in Financial Planning from The American College in 2008.  She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and abides by their code of ethics.  Michelle is in the process of becoming a Certified Financial Planner and looks forward to helping clients in all areas of comprehensive financial planning.

Michelle resides in Geneva, IL with her husband and two young children.  She is actively involved in her church, the PTO, and her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.