Unicorn Wealth Solutions - Wealth Management & Insurance Services
Sara Samuels
Founder & Wealth Management Advisor|J.D., CLU®, RICP®
One-of-a-Kind Planning for One-of-a-Kind People
One-of-a-Kind Team
At Unicorn Wealth Solutions, we don't just plan - we partner with you to build a financial strategy as dynamic as your ambitions. Our team of experts brings deep experience, innovation thinking, and commitment to empowering high achievers to create wealth with purpose.
Sara Samuels, J.D., CLU®, RICP®
Founder & Wealth Management Advisor
A Legal Mind Turned Financial Visionary
After graduating with honors from the University of California San Diego, Sara relocated to Chicago in 2001 to attend Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she earned her law degree with distinction and passed the Illinois Bar in 2004.
While her legal and family business background initially led her to litigation, she soon realized her true passion—empowering people through financial planning. In 2008, she made a bold pivot, leaving law behind to become an advocate for financial confidence and independence. Over the last 15 years, Sara has built a planning practice serving clients in 42 states. Her mission? To bring financial empowerment to the masses—one person, one family, one business at a time.
Beyond the Office
Sara is more than just a powerhouse advisor—she’s a competitive league-level tennis player, an avid concert-goer, and a passionate home chef. When she’s not crafting financial strategies, you’ll find her traveling the world, skydiving, ziplining, surfing, and seeking out her next adventure. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and she shares a deep bond with her mom, Lauren, her sister Rachael, and her brother-in-law, Jeremy.
Recognition & Achievements
We’re top ranked by Forbes Best-in-State 2023 and 2024. Forbes has recognized Sara Samuels as one of the top financial security professionals in Chicago, IL.
(Forbes Best-In-State Top Financial Security Professionals list (July 2023, 2024), Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Based upon data as of December 31st of prior years. Northwestern Mutual (NM) and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating or ranking lists. NM and its advisors do, however, pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating or
ranking(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.)
Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) – Top of the Table Qualifying Member: 2023-2024. Court of the Table Qualifying Member: 2013, 2017, 2019-2022
(MDRT is the premier association of financial professionals. MDRT status designation is granted for one year and must be earned annually.)
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Quality Award: 2012-2014
(Recognized for excellence in service to clients and the financial industry.)
A Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) is a financial professional with extensive knowledge of the life insurance industry and the underwriting process. A CLU® has obtained a level of life insurance expertise that exceeds general insurance and basic life insurance underwriting requirements.
A Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) is a financial professional who specializes in retirement income planning and executing retirement strategies.
Your UWS Wealth Team
At Unicorn Wealth Solutions, our team isn't just here to advise - we're here to empower, guide, and support you at every step of your financial journey. We believe in a high-touch, personalized approach, ensuring that every client receives the one-of-a-kind service they deserve. Whether you're navigating complex financial decisions, planning for your future, or seizing new opportunities, our team is committed to providing expert insights, tailored strategies, and unwavering support.
Kenneth K Wilson
Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Kenneth K Wilson (they/he), our lead advisor, is a New Jersey native now living, working, and performing in Philadelphia. They graduated with their degrees from Montclair State University after being unable to afford to finish their program at the University of Southern California. This directly resulted in Kenneth’s last 6 years working in financial planning and building a client base of successful creatives, business owners, and LGBTQ+ folks across the country.
In addition, Kenneth serves on multiple boards and committees, and holds several memberships to groups both internally and in the local/national community.
Outside of business hours, Kenneth stays busy writing, performing, and enjoying music, skating/rollerblading, and performing in drag across the country as Shometha Monet!
Tracy Holcomb
Director of Operations and Client Service
Tracy has been in the industry for 15 years and has been a part of Team Samuels since 2011. Tracy serves as Director of Client Services and Operations and has her IL life and health license. She specializes specifically on insurance services and works with clients on establishing new policies and servicing policies for existing clients. She also works hard to make sure the overall operations are running smoothly so that our clients receive superior customer service. Tracy’s favorite part of working on the team is helping others find peace within their financial and personal lives as well as building trusting relationships every day. Outside of work, Tracy enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter. She is an animal lover, enjoys music and is learning to play the flute in her spare time.
Carol Ann Duschinsky
Director of Wealth Management
Carol was raised Hyde Park, NY. Her early career days included being a TWA stewardess and a co-owner of a jewelry manufacturing firm in LA. Both careers introduced her to integrating with people and the experience of doing business in a global setting. She began her financial career in 2004, working with investments and insurance and helping people meet their financial goals.
She joined Northwestern Mutual and Sara’s team at Unicorn Wealth Solutions in 2023. Her 20 years of industry experience aids her in researching complex solutions and investment strategies. Carol works directly with Sara, the investment and insurance team members to help deliver the pathway for the client’s success.
Carol resided in California since 1977 prior to her recent move to Tuscon, AZ. She is enjoying the sunshine, exploring her new state, and sharing time with her family who have lived there over 40 years. She loves athletics and golf is her indulgence. She also enjoys spending time reading and gardening.
Planning and Investment Support to keep the Business Running
Our team partners with a Financial Planning Business Consultant from the Home Office to ensure that we have more time to spend helping our clients. Our dedicated consultant works as a member of our team to continue strengthening our relationship with collaborative planning and investment analysis, allowing us to stay in front of you.
Financial Planning Services Team
Erika Lenart
CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, CLTC®
Assistant Director, Financial Planning Services
Erika is an Assistant Director on the Financial Planning Services Team. She oversees a team of Financial Planning Associates and Business Consultants, focusing on their growth and development as effective consultants for our field. Erika worked in the field as an Associate Financial Representative for 5 years before joining the Home Office in July of 2015 as a Financial Planning Consultant. Erika recently joined the Financial Planning Services Team in October of 2024. Erika earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds the CLU, ChFC, RICP and CLTC designations, FINRA licenses 7, 6 and 63 and the Wisconsin Life, Accident and Health Licenses. Erika lives in Caledonia, WI with her husband Steve and 2 boys, James and Luke. They spend as much time outdoors as possible, hiking, fishing and camping
Yvette Brown
Financial Planning Business Consultant
Yvette joined Northwestern Mutual and the Full Support team in December 2021. Prior to her role as a Financial Planning Business Consultant, she was a Financial Advisor at UBS and a Senior Financial Planner at Ernst & Young. Yvette has obtained a BS degree in business management from Thomas Edison State University, a Certificate in Financial Planning from Florida State University, and an MBA - Finance at UNC. She has also passed the CFP® exam as of July 2024. She holds her FINRA SIE, Series 7, 65, 63, and 24 securities registrations.
Faith Clark
Financial Planning Business Consultant
Faith began her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2008, spending the majority of her early NM career in the field. During that time, Faith worked with the FR internship program; full-time training, development and coaching; district office administration; the network office CRC program; direct advisor support contracting, licensing & registration; and was an advisor herself. Faith holds her FINRA Series 6, 63, and 7 securities registrations. She maintains the CLU® designation.
Erik Daniels
Financial Planning Business Lead
Erik comes to Northwestern Mutual from a local financial advisory firm where he was the financial planner for two Wealth Management Advisors. Immediately prior, he was the director of a local Northwestern Mutual CFS team with a majority of advisors in the office subscribing to the service. In addition to working with advisors as a financial planner, investment educator and overseeing practice management, he also shared in the responsibilities of compliance oversight. Erik holds Series 7, 66, 9, and 10 licenses, as well as Life/Health and Property & Casualty. Erik is a graduate of UW Whitewater with a major in Finance and a minor in Financial Planning.
Beth Mayer
CFP®
Financial Planning Business Consultant
Beth joined the Northwestern Mutual Full Support Team in July of 2022, from Robert W. Baird where she was the financial planner supporting a group of Financial Advisors in the high-net-worth space. Prior to that, she worked as an accounting professional for more than six years. Beth is a graduate of Drury University, holding a BS in Accounting. She holds her FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and CFP® designation.
Sarah Mayet
CFP®
Financial Planning Business Consultant
Sarah joined Northwestern Mutual and the Full Support team in 2024. Prior to her role as a Financial Planning Business Consultant, she was a Financial Planning Specialist at New York Life. Sarah has obtained a BS degree in entrepreneurship at University of Illinois Chicago, a Certificate in Financial Planning from Northwestern University and is currently working toward an MBA- Finance & Investment Management at University of Iowa. She holds her FINRA Series 7 & 66 securities registrations and CFP® designation.
David Mulder
ChSNC®, FSCP®
Financial Planning Business Lead
David came to Northwestern Mutual in 2016 with an established background in insurance, investments, and financial planning going back to 2004. His experience includes financial advisor, lead planner, educational speaker, business management and compliance. He also has experience with various planning and investment systems including eMoney, Naviplan (PPA) and PX. He holds the series 6, 7, 63, 65 and Life/Health licenses, and has earned the Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP®) and Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) designations. David has a master's degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor's degree from Northland International University.
Frederick J Pilipuf
CLU®, ChFC®
Financial Planning Business Lead
Freddie joined the team in August 2022, bringing with him 22 years of financial services experience, including 19 years at NM. He has served in roles within several NM departments, including financial planning sales support, information technology, and enterprise compliance. As a significant contributor in the company's estate and business planning space, the business planning analysis software, and our underwriting process involving key employee and business valuation, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his current role. He has provided many years of consultation as a deep subject matter expert, best practice thought-leader, traveling field trainer, and phone support resource for personal planning (PPA/PX), estate and business planning (EBPS, BPA), and business retirement markets (401k, SEP, SIMPLE, cash balance plans, etc.). Prior to NM, he served as a securities principal, branch manager for Raymond James. He holds FINRA Series 7, 66, 9, and 10, as well as the CLU® and ChFC®.