Our Team

Marijo "MJ" Dluzak, Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), entered the financial services industry in 1984. Marijo provides outstanding service and sound investment advice through her own independent office, Dluzak & Associates. She attended the University of Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. MJ lettered in both basketball and volleyball while completing her degree. She is actively involved with "Fighting Illini" alumni activities. Ms. Dluzak develops specific investment strategies to fit the needs of her clientele of business owners, pre-retirees, and retirees. Her work involves wealth creation, retirement planning, investment services and estate transfer strategies. She shares her experience and knowledge by conducting workshops, such as a recent presentation, "Dances With Retirement," co-presented with a local Certified Public Accountant. In addition, her current focus is on educational workshops to help individuals and businesses understand the benefits of planning for pre and post retirement needs. MJ's philosophy and goal is "to educate and motivate my clients on how to make and invest money wisely, to reduce their tax burdens and create an income flow that allows then the financial freedom to do all the things they want to do in their life. And then, make sure that their family, or whomever they choose, receive the proceeds of what they have worked so hard for, not their "Uncle Sam". Ms. Dluzak is a member of the Institute of Certified Financial Planner (ICFP), International Association of Financial Planners (IAFP), Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), the National Association of Life Underwriters, Past President of Kiwanis Club, the University of Illinois Varsity I Club and the National Parks and Conservation Association. For more information, please call Marijo at 1-888-755-PLAN.

Amy Boedeker serves as the Client Relationship Manager at Dluzak & Associates, Inc.  Amy’s primary focus is to ensure clients receive the best service possible.  She brings over 10 years experience in Customer Service and her organizational skills ensure all clients will receive top service and smooth operations.

Amy graduated with her a Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology from Purdue North Central.  Boiler Up!  But then she went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Indiana University Northwest. Go Hoosiers!  The best of both college worlds!

Amy currently resides in Chesterton, IN with her husband and 2 sons.  She enjoys shopping, scrapbooking, bike riding, and spending time with family and friends.  She is active member of her church serving on the Family Ministry board as well as playing in the Handbell Choir. 

Melynda Bauswell is the Special Projects Coordinator at Dluzak & Associates, Inc.  To date the biggest undertaking that she has overseen is the transitioning our office to “paperless”.  Other projects include our “Holiday Cook Book” and company events.  Melynda also contributes with day to day general client service operations. She also works as a 1^stgrade teaching assistant and elementary remediation teacher in the Portage Township Schools.

Melynda lives in Portage, IN with her husband Mike and has 3 children, Mary, Anthony and Grace. She enjoys spending time at the local dog park with her dogs Scooby, Aaron and Bob. Other hobbies Melynda enjoy are painting, decorating, reading, playing guitar, shopping and spending time with friends and family.    

Diane D. Hodges is the Information Technology Manager at Dluzak & Associates, Inc.  Diane organizes and manages our company technology and computer resources.  Diane brings over 17 years of business experience to our company.  Diane obtained her bachelor's degree in English from Govenor's State University and her Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Keller Graduate School of Management.  Diane is currently completing her final classes to complete her MBA focus in Employee Human Resources.  Diane is also employed as a Graduate Admissions Advisor at Keller Graduate School of Management.

Diane currently resides in Valparaiso, IN with her three dogs, Eddie, Zak and Vinnie.  Diane enjoys spending time at the Valpo Canine Country Club with her dogs and friends, reading, the Chicago White Sox, anything relating to computers, and exploring the cuisine at new restaurants with friends and family.