I’m Paige Lee
Wealth Advisor, CFP®, CFA, CSRICTM
Empowering you to make smart financial decisions.
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.
I provide the support you need to make your plan a reality.
I worked in the tech industry for several years, and learned how hard it can be to find the time and energy to prioritize your finances. I watched incredibly talented professionals juggle a seemingly never-ending list of obligations, with retirement and financial planning inevitably falling to the bottom. Now as an advisor, I am passionate about helping tech employees and other mid-career professionals bridge the gap between their intentions and actions. I believe it is important to not only create a well thought out financial plan, but to also provide my clients the support they need to make that plan a reality. I recognize that money is incredibly personal, and I strive to create an open and non-judgmental space where we can make progress towards your goals.
I’m also passionate about helping those with an interest in Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and Impact Investing. I believe there is no one “right” way to invest. I want to understand what is important to you and will ensure your portfolio reflects those values while also achieving your investment objectives.
Are you saving enough for retirement?
Do you have RSUs, ESPP, Deferred Compensation, Options, or a Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k)?
Does your portfolio reflect what is most important to you?
What strategies are available to lower taxes?
Do you need help making healthier financial choices?
Financial Planning
Together, we’ll create a cohesive financial plan to use as our guide for meeting both your short and long-term goals.
Investment Analysis
With the support of our dedicated research department, I’ll continuously evaluate and implement the best tools to meet your needs.
Values
I want to understand what is important to you and incorporate those values into your investments and financial plan.
Benefits
I can help you leverage complex benefits, including Deferred Compensation, RSUs, Options, and the Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k).
About Me
I grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Notre Dame with majors in Finance and Psychology, moving to Seattle shortly thereafter to work in corporate finance at Microsoft. After a few years, I began looking for a profession that would allow me to focus on my passion for personal finance. I feel truly lucky to have found a career where I get to help people make smart financial decisions that improve the quality of their lives.
I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and currently hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. The CFA designation is globally recognized as the highest set of credentials in the investment management industry and requires several years of rigorous study to successfully complete the program. I’m also passionate about helping people invest with their values. I’m a Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC™) and have expertise providing guidance around sustainable, responsible, and impact investing options.
On the weekends you’ll find me out in the mountains backpacking or snowshoeing with my partner and our two dogs. I’m an avid reader and am always looking for a good book recommendation.
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?
Don’t let retirement and financial planning fall to the bottom of your list.
Online Blog Resources
Supreme Court Upholds Washington State Capital Gains Tax – What You Need To Know
On March 24, 2023, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in favor of a state capital gains tax, which was originally passed in 2021 to take effect starting January 1, 2022. The state will continue as planned and collect the tax due for tax year 2022, leaving just a few short weeks to file a return and pay the tax (the federal tax return filing deadline lands on April 18 this year). With the clouds of uncertainty dispersed, it’s important for Washington residents to understand what is at play.
Can You Afford to Spend More and Give More? You Might Be Surprised by the Answer!
What I didn’t realize when I started my career was just how difficult it can be for clients to feel comfortable spending money and giving away their wealth to family or charities they feel good about (and the regret that can come later in life by these decisions). Whether you are currently retired, soon to be retired, or just looking ahead to the future, you can learn about options and make smart decisions that may enable you to spend more and give more.
The SVB Bank Collapse and What It Means For You
The speed at which the SVB collapse happened showed us what a run looks like in an age when information travels almost instantaneously and money can be requested from anywhere via a simple request from a phone. Here are some insights from Merriman Chief Investment Officer, Kristi de Grys.
