When Chuck Vercellone talks about financial planning, it’s never just about the numbers. The longtime Troy-based financial advisor, owner of Wealth Strategies (wsgllc.net) and an Investment Advisor Representative with Osaic Advisory Services, believes that true financial wellness comes from clarity, purpose and relationships built on trust.
“I don’t want to be looked upon as just the financial guy,” he says. “I want clients to turn to me for whatever issues they have going on. It’s not just about how much money you make; it’s about whether you’re on track to live the life you want.”
That human-first approach has defined Vercellone’s work for more than four decades. Since entering the industry in 1984, he’s helped hundreds of clients navigate life’s milestones — sending kids to college, buying their dream home or finally stepping into a well-earned retirement. Yet for him, the heart of the work isn’t about spreadsheets or markets. It’s about dignity.
A Lesson in What Matters Most
Vercellone’s career is rooted in a deeply personal story. His father, a pencil-and-paper draftsman for a small firm, lost his job in his early 60s when the company was sold. With no pension and only a small IRA, he was forced to take part-time custodial work to make ends meet.
“I believe he aged 10 years that first year,” Vercellone says. “I do what I do so my clients never have to go through what my father did. I want them to retire on their own terms and live out their years with dignity.”
That experience became his lifelong motivation — to educate clients early, help them plan intentionally and build a foundation strong enough to weather the unexpected.
Before he ever handled a financial portfolio, Vercellone was the assistant manager of the women’s shoe department at Hudson’s in Ann Arbor. A chance call from someone in the financial industry planted a seed, though he didn’t act on it immediately.
“I turned him down at the time,” he says. “Four years later, I called him back.”
The early years were challenging. Starting out with little training, he learned through persistence and real-world experience. Over time, he built a client-focused practice that reflects his values: honesty, education and empathy.
Financial Wellness 101
For readers hoping to start their own journey toward financial well-being, Vercellone’s advice is simple but powerful.
“You’ve got to have goals,” he emphasized. “Without knowing why you’re saving, you’re wasting your time.”
He encourages clients to start by building a solid emergency fund — three to six months of expenses — before diving into long-term investments.
“Don’t clean out your bank account to start saving for retirement if you can’t afford to replace the muffler on your car,” he says.
One of his most timeless lessons: Pay yourself first.
“When you get paid, make saving your first expense,” he says. “If you wait until the end of the month, there’s never anything left. Even $100 a month adds up. You’ve got to move yourself to the front of the line.”
A Life in Balance
Away from the office, Vercellone finds peace in the simple things — family, music and the occasional round of golf. He cherishes time with two grown daughters and granddaughters.
“They’re three and five now,” he says. “That’s what really drives me.”
And while he jokes that he rarely makes it to the golf course, there’s one constant he can’t live without: the sound of music.
“I’ve got it playing all day long,” he says. “Mostly blues, some ’60s and ’70s rock — the good stuff. I can’t always tell you what song just played, but I know when the music stops.”
Focus, Family & Fulfillment
After 40 years in the business, Vercellone’s focus has sharpened. He’s learned the power of saying no, the importance of narrowing his practice and the value of surrounding himself with other experts.
“Clients appreciate that my focus is on their financial plan and not on selling products,” Vercellone says. “I don’t try to be everything to everybody. I’m a specialist. I do planning and money management. If someone needs insurance or Medicare advice, I’ve got trusted partners for that.”
His advice: “Don’t try to be everything to everyone,” he advises. “Find what you love, focus on that and build relationships with people who share your values.”
For Vercellone, success isn’t measured in quarterly statements; it’s measured in gratitude.
“When a client who never thought they could retire calls to say, ‘Thank you, you made it possible,’ that’s what fills my tank,” he says.
In a world driven by numbers, Chuck Vercellone brings something rarer to the table: heart. His message is clear — financial wellness isn’t about wealth alone. It’s about confidence, connection and living a life that, like good music, never stops playing.
SIDEBAR
CHUCK VERCELLONE’S TOP-3 FINANCIAL WELLNESS TIPS
1. Pay Yourself First. Before you pay the bills, pay you. Even $100 a month makes a difference. “If you wait until the end of the month to save,” Chuck says, “there’s never anything left.” Automate transfers to savings or investment accounts so it happens without thinking.
2. Build Your Foundation. A strong financial plan starts with an emergency fund. Aim for three to six months of expenses in a liquid account.
“Don’t invest every dollar you have,” he advises. “If your car breaks down, you don’t want to dip into retirement savings to fix it.”
3. Know Your ‘Why.’ Goals give your money purpose.
“If you don’t know what you’re saving for, you’ll lose motivation,” he says. Define what matters most — whether it’s college, retirement or travel — and align your plan with that vision.