Meet the Team

Serving You Through a Family-Oriented Approach

We believe that a plan is a powerful tool. As a team, we focus on helping our clients establish such a plan that aligns their finances with a prosperous future. Over time, we are here to advise and take care of your financial details, while you focus on being present for your life.

As a family-led firm, we serve all of our clients with uncompromising integrity, a value we’ve held highly as a family since founder Joseph I. Wells started in the industry in 1976. His son Nathan C. Wells joined the industry in 2008 while attending college at Drake University. After a couple years on his own, Nathan joined his father in 2012 and Wells Financial Services was created with the idea of continuing the legacy of excellence, integrity and trust that Joseph has always exemplified. Today, Wells Financial continues to serve as a trusted partner to you and yours and looks forward to doing so for many more years to come.

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Joseph I Wells, CFP®

Founder & Investment Advisor Representative

Joseph I Wells, CFP^®

Founder & Investment Advisor Representative

Joe.wells@ceterawealth.com

815-526-7643

Since founding Wells Financial, we’ve been fortunate to guide many clients and their families to financial wellbeing that endures over time. With a passion for helping people become financially educated and independent, I work closely with clients to answer and solve their questions as we prepare a tailored plan for their future. Overall, my goal is to help you become as prepared for retirement as possible.

I bring 45 years of experience in the financial services industry and am also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Since I first started, I have been committed to providing financial guidance through a high level of integrity and a commitment to always serve in your family’s best interest.

When I’m not working, I enjoy golfing, boating, and being outdoors working in the yard.

Designations & Licenses

CFP^® designation Series 24, Series 7, and Series 63

Affiliations

Certified Financial Planners Board of Standar
Board member of Abiding Word Church

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Nathan Wells, CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC®

President & Investment Advisor Representative

Nathan Wells

President & Investment Advisor Representative

nathan.wells@ceterawealth.com

As a third-generation financial advisor, I have been around the business my entire life. My father molded me from a young age to honor and understand the value of money, hard work, dedication, and service to others. I strive to live out these values every day.

Financial security is a vital part of our clients’ lives. Through the best and worst of times, through life changes, and through all market conditions, my goal is to help people make sound financial decisions. It is an honor to be tasked as a trusted advisor, and I deeply appreciate the confidence my clients place in me.

My mission as president is to ensure a well-run firm that translates to heightened value for our clients. I regularly interact with clients on high level and important issues concerning comprehensive financial planning and portfolio construction. Whatever your financial needs might be, we as a firm are here to help every step of the way.

I hold my BSBA in finance and international business from Drake University and have worked in the financial services industry for 13 years. I started as an Investment Advisor Representative for Mass Mutual before joining my father and creating Wells Financial Services. In 2017, I took over as acting president.

In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors. In the summer, you can find me golfing, playing sand volleyball, or boating—and in the winters, I enjoy traveling, playing ice hockey, and snow skiing. As an avid Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bears fan, trips to Chicago are made regularly during hockey and football season.

Designations

CFP^® professional
Chartered Financial Consultant
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor

Affiliations

Board Member of Rock River Hospice and Home

Dylan Devers, MBA

Investment Advisor Representative & Operations Manager

Dylan Devers

Investment Advisor Representative & Operations Manager

dylan.devers@ceterawealth.com

Coming from a strong financial background, I bring education and dynamic experience to my role at Wells Financial Services. In my role as a Financial Advisor, I look forward to building new relationships and working one-on-one with clients to help them pursue their financial goals alongside planning for life goals.

I understand that clients are the most important part of our firm, and that personalized service is essential when matching clients with the right financial products and services. Whether your goals involve purchasing a first home, financing a child’s college education, or planning for retirement, I want to help you make the best decisions with your money.

As Operations Manager, I enjoy working one on one with individuals to educate them on our process and services designed to help them pursue their financial goals. On the back end, my focus is on the process and what we can do internally to navigate the challenges presented to best serve our clients.

I hold a B.S. in Accounting from Southern Illinois University and completed my M.B.A. at the University of Delaware with concentrations in Finance and Data Analytics. Previously, I worked as a financial planning accountant and analyst for Wahl Clipper Corporation and before that was a senior financial accountant for a bank.

Outside of work, I like to travel and stay active outdoors doing things such as golfing, kayaking, fishing, cornhole and hunting. I also enjoy cooking a nice meal, especially those involving my smoker for outings with family and friends.

Security Registrations

Series 7 and Series 66

Affiliations

Board member of Sterling Rock Falls Jaycees
Board member of Self Help Enterprises

Tanja Babel

Administrative Assistant

Tanja Babel

Administrative Assistant

Tanja.babel@ceterawealth.com

815-526-7643

At Wells Financial, I support both our advisors and our clients to ensure our processes are handled efficiently and seamlessly. Our goal as a firm is to help our clients achieve financial health, and we are with them through every stage of pursuing success. However, dealing with investments and retirement can be intimidating, so I care deeply about making sure the people I come in contact with feel important and heard. I have always enjoyed curating connections and am lucky enough that this skill translates directly to my work.

I bring a unique experience to my role having previously worked in the healthcare and event planning industries. I received an Associate's Degree with an emphasis in Social Sciences in December 2021 and am currently in school to get my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband. We find ourselves outside as much as we can. I am also a big fan of our two cats. Another passion of mine is food, both creating it and eating it. Recently, I have begun weaving tapestries and expanding my garden in between classes.