Financial planner · Rolling Meadows, IL · reviewed since 2018
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%93+54.6Reliability 26%80+20.9Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 91Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.91SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#36 of 51 retirement planningiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 30%
5.0★★★★★176 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate The Dala Group five out of five stars based on 176 reviews, with the owner responding to 48% of them. Clients frequently praise the firm's personalized financial planning, investment management, and retirement services, highlighting clear communication, prompt responsiveness, and detailed education on complex monetary issues. While most feedback emphasizes professionalism and trust, a small number of low-star reviews criticize the company for perceived breaches of privacy and inappropriate handling of personal information in owner responses.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 176 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 176 Google reviews (161 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 48% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 24, 2026.
Service: Retirement Planner serving Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
Data from Google, last updated October 31, 2026.
Score profile vs other retirement planning
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and value; weakest: reliability.
The Dala GroupRetirement Planning median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Dala Group: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
93
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Dala Group: 80/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
80
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.The Dala Group: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Dala Group: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Dala Group: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 55.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
176 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars17499%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star21%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 161 written reviews
98%praise
Praise28998%
Complaints52%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price847%
Reasonable953%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude8930%
Would recommend5619%
Honesty & trust5519%
Quality & results3713%
Communication2910%
Speed & response248%
Price & value41%
What customers talk about
We read 161 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Very personable and committed to our financial success.”
“Would strongly recommend The Dala Group to my friends and family.”
“We cannot recommend the Dala Group highly enough!”
“Mike Heatwole is a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and caring provider of personalized financial plans and advice.”
“Do not trust this firm, how they will support you, or what they will do with your personal information.”
“I’d like to acknowledge the exceptional service provided to me and my family by The Dala Group.”
“Stacy spent a great amount of time explaining several different options for me to contact.”
“They are always responsive to all our queries and respond in a timely manner.”
“The annual cost is a little high for us at this time but we hope to be in position soon to sign up with them.”
People customers mention
Mike63 reviews
Heatwole30 reviews
Stacy9 reviews
Kim9 reviews
Michael8 reviews
Trey5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired The Dala Group for 7 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
BBala,10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I’d like to acknowledge the exceptional service provided to me and my family by The Dala Group. From the very first interaction, they have been very welcoming, cordial, and wanting to work with us. They are always responsive to all our queries and respond in a timely manner. They address all our concerns. Many a…
Great priceFinancial planInsurance purchase consultingEstate planning
JJames2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Excellent staff. Very personable and committed to our financial success. I would highly recommend working with The Dala Group.
MMichael4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I called The Dala group seeking advice on credit repair. Stacy spent a great amount of time explaining several different options for me to contact. Stacy was very informative and helpful. I feel very confident that her advice has started me down a very positive road. Thank you Dala group, Stacy
LLisaLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Kim has been a fabulous advisor to/for me, and so very versed and detailed in her knowledge. She has been a wonderful guide as she helps me navigate through monetary issues-steering me on a course of sensible financial decisions for long-term stability.
My yearly review with her was exceptional. She provided me with…
LLauraLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Kim and Trey have helped carry me through a lot of changes this past year, including but not limited to: losing a job and gaining a new one, dealing with unexpected expenses, estimating taxes, updating insurance coverages, and planning for the long term. They are prompt to respond, set expectations well, and have…
LLinda5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
After The Dala Group moved to their new location in Hoffman Estates, I jokingly told the CFPs Kim & Trey that I would stand on their rooftop and shout my appreciation & recommendation for their work. I have been with The Dala Group for a little over a year and couldn’t be happier with their professionalism,…
I’d like to acknowledge the exceptional service provided to me and my family by The Dala Group. From the very first interaction, they have been very welcoming, cordial, and wanting to work with us. They are always responsive to all our queries and respond in a timely manner. They address all our concerns. Many a time, they go out of their way to help us. A special shoutout to Mike Heatwole, Stacy Bromann, Kim Velasco, Trey Roach, and Tina Barrile. Would strongly recommend The Dala Group to my friends and family.
Thank you for your kind words and for recognizing so many members of our team! We truly appreciate the trust you and your family have placed in us, and it means a lot to know that our team has made such a positive difference.
J
James Jackson2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews James has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I called The Dala group seeking advice on credit repair. Stacy spent a great amount of time explaining several different options for me to contact. Stacy was very informative and helpful. I feel very confident that her advice has started me down a very positive road. Thank you Dala group, Stacy
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for sharing this. We’re glad Stacy was able to spend some time with you, answer your questions, and help point you in the right direction. We really appreciate your kind words and wish you all the best moving forward!
L
Lisa NeufeldLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kim has been a fabulous advisor to/for me, and so very versed and detailed in her knowledge. She has been a wonderful guide as she helps me navigate through monetary issues-steering me on a course of sensible financial decisions for long-term stability.
My yearly review with her was exceptional. She provided me with both short term and long term pursuits with a polished, thorough analysis of my finances. I am so very fortunate to have her confidence, recommendations, and financial acumen for this most important aspect of my existence. The Dala Group is well-represented with her on their team, and I would recommend her to anyone who seeks an intelligent, supportive advocate for their financial journey.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about Kim. We’re grateful to have her on The Dala Group team and are so glad to hear that her guidance has helped you feel confident in both your short-term and long-term financial decisions.
L
Laura ShieldsLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Laura has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kim and Trey have helped carry me through a lot of changes this past year, including but not limited to: losing a job and gaining a new one, dealing with unexpected expenses, estimating taxes, updating insurance coverages, and planning for the long term. They are prompt to respond, set expectations well, and have been professional and enjoyable to work with. Their advice has given me confidence in moving forward with big decisions and understanding whether I am on track to reach my goals. I look forward to working with them more.
Services: Financial plan, Insurance purchase consulting, Retirement savings consulting, Investment advising, Tax planning, Wealth management, Service not listed
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for the kind words and for trusting our team to help you navigate so many changes over the past year. We’re glad to hear Kim and Trey have been such a helpful resource, and we look forward to continuing to work with you for many years to come!
L
Linda Markotic5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Linda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
After The Dala Group moved to their new location in Hoffman Estates, I jokingly told the CFPs Kim & Trey that I would stand on their rooftop and shout my appreciation & recommendation for their work. I have been with The Dala Group for a little over a year and couldn’t be happier with their professionalism, knowledge, guidance, management & education of my retirement funds. I highly recommend The Dala Group.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Financial plan
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Linda - Thank you so much for your kind words and shouting your appreciation from the rooftop. We love to hear that you are happy with the care and service we provide!
J
judy pLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews judy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Congratulations to the Dala Group for the well deserved recognition and accolades. Everyone we've met with this exceptional personalized financial team has been professional and helpful. We like the clear communications always available. They offer an educational and informed approach to each individuals financial planning while keeping up with expert trends. We know we're in great hands with Kim and Trey, they have been absolutely wonderful to work with, understanding our needs and goals, always helpful and easy to communicate with. It's assuring to be able to focus now on our careers, while working knowing we have a solid, comprehensive plan for the future.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It is great to hear that our team's personalized approach, clear communication, and commitment to education have given you the ability to focus on your careers.
L
Lorin Kitch5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lorin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Mike Heatwole is a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and caring provider of personalized financial plans and advice. He has been very helpful to us over many years. We appreciate his comprehensive approach and guidance.
I am so happy to work with the Dala Group. They are knowledgeable, helpful and happy to answer any questions. Dana and staff are awesome!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Financial plan
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Marianne - Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with you and truly appreciate your trust in The Dala Group. And we agree - Dana is great!
W
william maniates5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews william has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We’ve worked with The Dala Group for several years, initially through one-off financial consultations, and more recently by having them actively manage our family’s accounts. Throughout every stage of the relationship, their team has consistently demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a genuinely personal approach to financial planning. They didn’t just focus on our investments; they also helped guide us through estate planning considerations, tax planning, and insurance reviews to ensure our overall financial picture was aligned with our long-term goals. As parents of a disabled adult child, it was especially important for us to work with advisors who would take the time to understand our family’s unique needs and help us plan appropriately for the future. The Dala Group has done exactly that with care, patience, and thoughtful guidance.
Kim and Trey, our account managers, have both been exceptional to work with. They are knowledgeable, responsive, friendly, and always willing to take the time to answer questions thoroughly. Our experience with the entire team has been equally positive.
We truly appreciate the partnership and highly recommend The Dala Group to anyone looking for a financial advisory and wealth management firm that combines expertise with genuine care for their clients.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for trusting The Dala Group over the years. It means a great deal to hear that you’ve felt supported not only in your investment planning, but across the broader financial decisions that matter most to your family.
Kim, Trey, and our entire team truly appreciate the opportunity to work alongside you, and we’re honored to help you plan for the future.
