I'm a fiduciary & CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER living in Indianapolis, Indiana but serving clients nationwide. For years I've helped individuals and families plan for retirement and other imporant financial decisions. In college, I studied economics with a concentration in finance. After college, I worked for large wealth management firm in Indiana and then a boutique financial advising office specializing in retirement planning. That firm was later acquired and after a few years working for the acquiring firm I left to start WealthGuides. As an advisor I've worked with clients age 22 to 92. While I've worked with a wide range of people, I've always found my passion was with working with people to create a plan for retirement. As an advisor I provide guidance to my clients on taxes, their investment portfolios, estate planning, & charitable giving amongst others areas. I show people where they can save on taxes and I give clarity and strategies for how my clients can maximize the potential for what they can spend on themselves and give to others. On the personal side I'm a runner, a reader, a cat dad, and a traveler. I also enjoy sipping on a nice glass of wine or whiskey.

Tyler Merkel serves as a Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill. Since joining the firm in 2015, he has developed a relationship-driven approach to wealth management, focusing on customized, long-term strategies tailored to clients' specific needs. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, Tyler is authorized to manage client portfolios on a discretionary basis, utilizing a blend of individual stocks and bonds, model portfolios, and selected third-party investment strategies. Tyler holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Ball State University with distinction and competed on the men's golf program for four years. He is affiliated with the Ball State University Alumni Association. Outside of his professional role, Tyler supports his church and maintains close ties with Ball State University and its men’s golf program. He resides just south of Indianapolis with his wife, Tara, and their three children. His personal interests include golf, basketball, running, fishing, and spending time with his family.