Founded by Jonathan Merckens CFP®, The Financial Planning Group is an experienced, full-service wealth management firm based in Ohio with clients throughout the US. Jonathan began building his independent financial services firm in 2000, where he has served clients faithfully over the past 20+ years.
Owner | Financial Planner
Jonathan grew up in Marblehead, Ohio, and Toms River, New Jersey. He served four years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force before attending Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Finance and International Business in 1998. Jonathan then began his career in the Financial Services industry in 1999, became a Registered Representative in 2000, and earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2009.
Jonathan is an active US Air Force Reservist, serving as a C-130 Flight Engineer. He currently resides in Huron, OH, with his wife, Heather, two daughters, Rachel and Sydney, and two dogs. He and his wife spend much of their free time teaching the girls about history and the outdoors. In Jonathan's pursuit to give back to the community, he currently serves on the Firelands Montessori Academy Board, Huron Joint Recreational District Board, and his church's Finance Committee. Jonathan is a proud Eagle Scout and enjoys volunteering with the Boy Scouts, Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society, and the Marblehead Lion's club.
Financial Planner
Judi brings strategy and organization through the financial guidance she provides- especially as people go through life's transitions. She specializes in investment management and retirement planning for individuals, families, and small businesses. Her approach brings organization, clarity, and direction to people's financial lives. Clients gain a sense of control as they go through significant life transitions.
Judi graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of Arts in Finance. She spent the first ten years of her career in the banking world of investment management at institutions in Michigan, New York City and London, England.
Judi attained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) designation in 1996. Her education and 25+ years of investment experience enable her to effectively help clients work toward achieving their financial goals. She is a Registered Representative and an Investment Advisor Representative with Commonwealth Financial Network®, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. She is a strong advocate in assisting women and serves as a resource in regards to their financial education and independence. Judi has also worked with employer sponsored retirement plans and educating employees,. She brings a personal touch to working with clients and believes in a holistic approach to solving problems.
Dedicated to ongoing education, Judi understands the importance of professional standards and is committed to competent and ethical behavior.
Judi is a certified Pilates instructor and avid skier. She and her husband, Pat, reside in Commerce Township, MI and enjoy extensive travel and fitness,
Director of Operations
Rhona has worked in the financial services industry since the 1990s and has served as a Client Relationship Manager with Jonathan since 2009. In addition to her extensive financial administrative experience, she coordinates compliance measures, handles bookkeeping, and implements internal auditing. Rhona's friendly, outgoing personality helps foster the warm, family atmosphere within The Financial Planning Group.
Rhona and her husband Steve have two grown boys and are enjoying their "empty nest" with lots of traveling.
Senior Client Relationship Manager
Erin has a strong background in client service and valuable experience working with Registered Investment Advisory firms. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Sociology with a specialization in Social Welfare & Social Services.
Erin's committment to client service makes her a valuable addition to the Michigan office. Her heart is to help take the worry and confusion out of the client experience by providing smooth and well-organized guidance.
When Erin isn't working, you'll find her exploring one of Michigan's parks, smiling at a local cider mill or enjoying family time with her husband and their two children.