Wisely Advised is a financial planning and investment advisory firm that has served Northwest Indiana for over 15 years. After years in Illinois, the firm opened an additional office on Calumet Avenue in Dyer last year. Along the way, it has helped people across the Region plan for retirement, invest with purpose, and make thoughtful decisions about their financial future. That same personal approach to financial planning continues to shape the firm today.
Tony Velasquez grew up in a family of six, where his father worked in construction, and his parents instilled the importance of hard work, responsibility, and planning for the future. Seeing the sacrifices they made taught Tony an early lesson: if you want to get ahead, you have to work hard and plan for the future.
After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, Tony took a job at an investment firm in Oak Brook, Illinois. He did well and earned several promotions. But over time, he realized he wanted to build something different, an advisory firm where people could get thoughtful financial guidance without having to meet high account minimums or already having significant assets. He wanted to work with people earlier in their financial lives and help them build, invest, and plan for the future. So he went out on his own and created Wisely Advised.
That decision still shapes how the firm operates today. Wisely Advised is independent and acts as a fiduciary, giving advice based on what is best for each client rather than the priorities of a larger investment company.
The process starts with a conversation, taking the time to understand where each client is today, where they want to go, and what matters most to them. From there, they build a financial plan together and stay involved with their clients as life and their goals change.
Tony couldn’t do it alone. Maria Bushey, the firm’s Director of Operations, was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and studied business administration at Indiana University Northwest. She keeps the office running smoothly for both advisors of the firm and their clients. Ken Michaels joined Wisely Advised as an intern in 2021; his role quickly grew into being a full-time investment advisor; he now works one-on-one with clients to plan around their goals. Ken has also been active in the local business community, serving two and a half years as president of the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce.
Together, the team works with individuals, families, business owners, and union employees as they prepare for retirement and make decisions about the wealth they have built.
When he’s not at the office, Tony spends his time with his wife, Kelli, and their three kids. The family enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, and visiting their family’s ranch in Texas. Tony also enjoys giving back to the community by coaching his children’s sports, including Hanover Jr. Wildcats Basketball, Dyer Kickers Soccer Club, and St. John Youth Baseball.
10261 Calumet Ave, Suite 104, Dyer, IN 46311
Phone: 219-214-1212
Email: [email protected]
Website: wiselyadvised.com
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