I’m Sierra Butler
Wealth Advisor, CFP®, CSRIC®
Demystifying your financial life
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’ll cut through the noise and build a plan tailored to you.
Early in my career, money was an area of stress. I was earning a good salary but constantly worried whether I was spending too much and saving too little. I was overwhelmed by all of the generic advice I found online, attempting to tailor it to my unique situation and goals. And frankly, after a long day of work, I didn’t have the time or energy to feel confident that I was managing my money well.
Looking back, it is clear why my younger self was so concerned. Money is very personal, and every individual has a unique background and values that inform how you view your money.
You deserve to be heard – I am here to listen and partner with you to create a plan for achieving your goals. I will be a phone call away as you go through life’s biggest transitions: Welcoming a new child to the family, buying a new home, changing jobs, retiring and more. We will reduce your mental load so you can be present in doing the things you most enjoy.
Do you have multiple savings goals, such as kids' college expenses, a new home, retirement, or financial independence?
How do you know if you are saving enough to meet your goals?
Does your investment portfolio reflect your values?
Are you maximizing your employer benefits? (RSUs, 401ks, stock options, etc.)
Does thinking about taxes cause stress?
Do you have an estate plan in place to take care of your family when you are gone?
Navigate Complexity
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You have goals that are competing for your attention and resources. We will partner to identify and prioritize the things that are most important to you. |
Compare Options
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Personal financial decisions aren’t always binary. Together, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of different strategies on a quantitative and qualitative level. |
Offload
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You’re busy enough with your work, family, and interests. I’ll do the heavy lifting to execute your customized financial plan. |
Reduce Stress
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We’ll work together to alleviate your worries so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy. |
About Me
Sierra is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Chartered SRI Counselor™. She earned her B.S. in Finance and B.A. in Business (Law) from Arizona State University, also graduating with honors from Barrett, The Honors College. Prior to joining Merriman, Sierra worked in the Global Client Group at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where she discovered the benefits of evidence-based investing. In Arizona, she worked on a NASA mission that operates a satellite camera system orbiting the Moon.
Born and raised in Western Washington, Sierra enjoys all the Puget Sound area has to offer when away from the office. She can be found hiking, kayaking, and enjoying a good book alongside her husband, AJ. They have also rescued three cats, Luna, Teddy, and Daisey, who are absolutely spoiled and provide endless hours of entertainment.
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
Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Surcharge – What Does It Mean, What Can I Do, and How?
The first question on many retirees’ minds is how to pay for expensive healthcare costs and health insurance when you’re no longer covered by the employer plan you relied on throughout your career. Let’s explore Medicare premiums and an important potential speedbump known as IRMAA.
Take Advantage of New Tax Adjustments in Planning for 2023!
Tax adjustments happen every year, but this provides an excellent opportunity to review and plan for a better personal tax situation for 2023. Let’s take a look at the changes!
The Appeal of Becoming a Snowbird
Tired of the gray skies and rain? Have you considered being a snowbird? Once a term associated with retired, older adults who really feel the sting of a brisk winter, these days the life of a snowbird can be just as appealing to younger people, especially those with flexible career options.
