Our Team

Tom Varga brings over twenty-five years experience in investments, estate planning, estate/gift taxation, life insurance, individual income taxation, and personal financial planning to Financial Associates.

With the formation of the company in 1986, Tom established a unique, specialized firm that offers multiservice work. Investments, individual income taxes, estate planning, retirement plans, and life insurance. With an extensive background in the accounting, tax, financial, and insurance fields, Tom is committed to providing clients with customized solutions to meet their complex needs.

He is a Registered Representative and Registered Principal for the securities firm of LPL Financial. He is a member of the American Institute and Indiana Association of Certified Public Accountants. He is also a member of the St. Joseph County and American Bar Associations.

Tom has served or is currently serving on several not-for-profit and civic boards, including Logan Center for the Developmentally Impaired and the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. He is a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award for his distinguished service to the State of Indiana.

Tom graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame in 1975 with a BBA in Accounting. He earned his JD in 1980 from the Notre Dame Law School with an emphasis on Business and Taxation. He began his career at the accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand as an Accounting Senior and later became a Tax Manager responsible for planning, implementation, and compliance for corporations and individuals.

Tom resides in Granger, Indiana with his wife, and has three adult children and one grandchild. Currently an enthusiastic golfer, Tom played varsity basketball at Notre Dame from 1971-1975, and also enjoys running, biking and reading.

Chris Varga brings a wealth of multiple-industry experience to Financial Associates. Chris graduated from Ball State University in 2003 with a degree in Marketing. He began his career as a sales representative for Georgie Boy Mfg LLC in Edwardsburg, MI, a recreational vehicle manufacturer and subsidiary of Coachmen Industries. In his most recent position, he served as an employee of Boyd Tinsley, violinist of the American music group Dave Matthews Band, coordinating elements of extensive tours in the U.S., Europe, South America, and Australia. Chris aided in the recording and promotion of one of the band’s major label releases. Chris holds a Series 7, 65, 63, and 24 license, and is currently a Registered Representative of LPL Financial.

Chris resides in South Bend, Indiana with his wife and three children. He currently enjoys tennis and golf. At Ball State University, Chris had an impressive career as a scholarship tennis player, helping lead his team to four Mid-American Conference championships and three NCAA tournament appearances, culminating in 2003 when he was named the Mid-American Conference’s men’s tennis Player of the Year.

Sue Machowiak has been with Financial Associates since its formation. She brings a wealth of experience to her job helping with all things administrative. Sue has been the face and voice of Financial Associates, and clients are immediately comfortable working with her. Sue has for many years been heavily involved with The Royal Majestics, Northern Indiana’s premier baton corps. Based in Mishawaka, the Majestics have won numerous national championship titles. Her daughter Ashlee competed with the squad and now helps coach the team. She lives in South Bend with her husband John.