I’m Frank McLaughlin
Wealth Advisor, CFP®, CSRIC™
Helping you spend more time doing what you love.
Planning with your goals in mind
We work hard to understand who you are and what you want to accomplish, both personally and professionally, so we can best support you and your family in achieving your goals.
We're more than just investments
Together, we’ll implement a customized plan for all areas of your financial life: Investments, taxes, estate planning, insurance, charitable giving, and more.
My focus is Investing Wisely. You focus on Living Fully.
Growing up, my family did everything together — but my parents missed out on financial opportunities that could have made a real difference for them in their older years. I became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional because I believe that nobody should have to choose between having sound financial strategies and living a life.
Today, the planning work that I do gives families clarity. Sometimes, it’s about knowing that they are on track toward achieving their financial goals. Other times, it’s about making changes in a purposeful and intentional way. I also manage investments and help prepare my clients for the next phase of their lives, so that they get to spend time (and money) doing what matters most to them. I especially enjoy helping hard-working people prepare for and overcome the emotional aspects of transitioning to retirement.
One might imagine that shifting to a life where work is optional should be easy — but I have seen, time and again, that it can require a big adjustment. By making the right tax decisions and developing healthy spending habits, I empower my clients to make the most of their nest eggs. Whether my clients intend to travel or spend more time with their loved ones, I always look for a way to make it possible.
How much do you need to save in order to meet your goals?
Would you like guilt-free spending?
Do you know the optimal time for you to being collecting Social Security?
Do you want to make work optional?
Does your portfolio reflect what is most important to you?
How do you minimize what you pay in taxes and maximize what you get to keep for your family?
What is the best Roth conversion strategy?
How do you maximize charitable giving?
Define Your Goals
The first step in any plan is to define your goals and write them down. Having realistic and achievable goals is key.
Pay Attention to the 'Why'
The reasoning behind your goals is a much bigger motivator than the goals themselves. Keep the ‘why’ in the forefront.
Make Lifestyle Changes
There are many different paths to achieve your goals. I’ll help you find a path you can stick with, and hold you accountable.
Track Your Progress
It’s okay if your goals change over time. It’s my job to help you decide when a change is appropriate and adjust along the way.
About Me
I joined the Merriman family in 2013 because I’m passionate about helping families get everything they want out of life. By focusing on the financial decisions that support their long-term goals, I help individuals and their families stay focused on doing what they love. I understand how difficult it is for many people to invest the time that is necessary to maximize wealth assets. My work with busy working families and professionals focuses on intelligent financial decision-making.
During my free time, I enjoy everything the beautiful city of Seattle offers along with my wife and our golden retriever, Jet. We also enjoy exploring the surrounding nature and greenery that’s abundantly present here in the Pacific Northwest.
What is wealth management?
Wealth management is a comprehensive approach to financial planning. It covers all areas of your financial life, making wise use of your assets to help you in achieving your goals and living life to the fullest. Do you want to spend more time doing the things you love and worry less about your finances?
Then wealth management is for you!
Wealth Enhancement - make your assets work for you
- Minimizing taxes – now vs future?
- Managing appropriate cash reserves
- Should you pay off your mortgage early?
- How can you get the most out of Social Security?
- Evaluate your options for college savings
Wealth Preservation - strategies to help reduce risk
- Diversification
- Asset allocation and rebalancing
- Trend following
- Stock option planning
- What to do with concentrated stock positions?
Wealth Protection - proper coverage is key
- Disability or Long-Term-Care insurance planning
- Is umbrella insurance right for you?
- What type of life insurance makes the most sense?
- What level of homeowner’s coverage is appropriate?
- Is your rental property adequately protected?
Wealth Transfer - leaving a lasting legacy for your heirs
- How can you leave the most behind to your heirs without sacrificing too much now?
- Are your assets correctly titled so they’ll pass on in the way you intend?
- Are your healthcare directives and letters of instruction in place?
- Does a trust make sense for you? Which kind?
Charitable Giving - make the most of your contributions
- What charities are important to you?
- How can you make the most of your gifts to charity?
- Is a charitable trust right for you?
Plan with intention,
not by default.
Online Blog Resources
You’ve Decided to Donate – Now What?
There are more than one and a half million nonprofits in the U.S. and ten million worldwide. No wonder the process of deciding where you want to donate can be overwhelming! Whether you are donating for the first time, consolidating donations, or considering making a large gift: Begin by reflecting on your motivation for giving. Continue reading to learn how you can maximize the impact of your donation.
Quarter in Review: Q1 2023 Market Update
Q1 2023 Market Update from Merriman CIO, Kristi de Grys
April is Financial Literacy Month
Since April is Financial Literacy Month, Wealth Advisor Alan Hensley shares some personal and professional stories highlighting how Merriman empowers our clients to live fully by providing peace of mind in their financial lives.
