Financial Advisors and Wealth Managers in Charlotte, NC
Contact us today to learn more about what our award-winning team can do for you.
Accolades:
Our Charlotte, NC Office
Contact
Phone: 704.357.8500
Fax: 704.357.8300
Toll-Free: 888.955.8500
Location
4235 South Stream Blvd.
Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28217
Business Hours
Mon - Fri (8AM - 4:30PM)
Sat - Sun (Closed)
Our Team
Kelly Straub
Regional Director, Partner
Meet Kelly >
Kelly Straub
CFP®
Senior Managing Partner
Kelly Straub is a Senior Managing Partner and the Founder of SHARP ADVISORS. He is a “CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™” and an active member of the Charlotte Financial Planners Association.
Kelly feels that “Retirement planning is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event.” He helps his clients take control of their retirement planning, by providing advice designed to help avoid costly mistakes and accumulating wealth while they are still working and then professionally managing that wealth during their retirement.
He believes in the “Golden Rule”, treat others the way you would like to be treated. Kelly says, “If we help enough people get what they want out of life, we’ll get what we want out of life. Most people want to do business with someone they know, like and trust. Personal relationships, customer service, and consistent professional advice are the three most important values and services we can provide to our clients.”
Prior to founding SHARP ADVISORS and Straub & King Retirement Planning, Kelly was a Regional CEO, for a national financial planning firm, responsible for advisors in North and South Carolina. Mr. Straub is a Registered Representative with LPL Financial., Member FINRA/SIPC, and an Investment Advisor Representative with Merit Financial Group, LLC a SEC registered investment adviser.
Kelly has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida State University and Florida Atlantic University. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife Sheri and three children, Jason, Adam and David. Kelly is a volunteer at the Telecomm Pioneers.
Jason Straub
Client Service Manager
Gina Rhyne
Client Service Manager
Meet Gina >
Gina Rhyne
Client Service Manager
Gina Rhyne is a Client Service Manager at Merit. Gina is often a main point of contact when customers call or come into our offices. With her background in customer service, she is eager to help our customers feel welcome, comfortable, and confident in their experience at Merit.
She studied English, Communications, and Media at UNC Greensboro.
Gina lives in Cramerton with her husband, Travis, and son, Luther.
Carly Hensley
Wealth Manager, Partner
Meet Carly >
Carly Hensley
CFS®
Wealth Manager | Partner
Click here to schedule a meeting with Carly!
Carly Hensley is a Wealth Manager and Partner. She has been a valued member of our firm since 2003. Carly is a graduate of Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication. She began her career as a newspaper reporter for The Citizen News in Edgefield, South Carolina, and The Augusta Chronicle in Aiken, South Carolina.
Carly is a native of North Carolina and the Charlotte Area. She returned home to be closer to her extensive friends and family. She was referred to Straub & King Retirement Planning by one of our valued clients. In January 2009, Carly completed the Financial Planner Program at Queens University of Charlotte.
When not in the office, Carly enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Carly lives in Charlotte with her husband Brian, son Waylon and daughter Ruby. She is a Registered Representative with LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Deb Stamets
Client Development
Manager
Marcus Anderson
Wealth Manager, Partner
Meet Marcus >
Marcus Anderson
CFP®, CIMA®, AIF®
Wealth Manager | Partner
Click Here to schedule a meeting with Marcus!
Marcus Anderson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional and has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designee with a B.A. in Business Economics from University of California, Santa Barbara.
At age 20, he was compelled to serve in this industry after experiencing a family crisis and vowed to guide and help as many people as he could with Estate, Retirement, and Investment Planning. He started as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley in 2001 and later joined LPL Financial and spent the last 8 years there as a Vice President, Regional Advisory Consultant specializing in consulting with financial advisors on delivering high quality and meaningful services to their clients.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing the sense of relief and confidence my clients feel when they know they are prepared.” Marcus believes that “Financial Planning is an ongoing process that needs to move with the motion of life and by having a trusted partner to guide you through the turbulent times, makes for a much smoother ride.”
Originally from San Diego, he moved his family to Charlotte, NC in 2008 with his wife Kathy and his two children, Hana and Ace. He has a passion for traveling, backpacking, 4 wheeling, adventure racing, and anything to do with the outdoors. He also volunteers with his wife at the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Sarah Elder
Regional Operations
Director
Our Financial Solutions
Financial Planning
We create personalized financial plans that adapt to your life’s twists and turns. By understanding your unique needs, we help you make smart decisions that support your goals now and in the future.
Wealth Management
Our wealth management strategies are all about growing and protecting your assets. We’ll work together to build a plan that makes sense for you, so you can confidently navigate the ups and downs of the market.
Life Transitions
Life is constantly changing, but that doesn't mean your financial goals have to. Whether it’s retirement, divorce, a career change, or widowhood, our team is here, ready to tackle whatever transition you are preparing for or already are experiencing.
Insurance Planning
Life happens—our insurance planning services help protect what matters most. We’ll find the right solutions to safeguard your assets and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
For Businesses
Running your business is both a joy and a challenge that deserves careful planning and guidance. We’ll work closely with you to understand your business’s unique challenges and opportunities and offer customized strategies to address them.
Your Path to
Financial Success
Tailored financial plans that cater to your unique needs and goals
Expert guidance and strategies backed by years of industry experience
Wide range of services, including retirement planning, investment management, and tax planning
Frequently Asked Questions
At Merit Financial Advisors, we specialize in managing complex financial portfolios. Our team of experts uses a comprehensive approach to provide sophisticated solutions tailored to your diverse investment, business, and real estate holdings. We ensure every aspect of your wealth is strategically managed to meet your unique needs.
The Details
Understanding Financial Planning
Financial planning is a comprehensive process that helps set and achieve long-term financial goals. At Merit Financial Advisors, we assess your current financial situation and create tailored strategies for saving, investing, and managing your wealth. Our advisors ensure your plan is aligned with your goals, providing ongoing support and adjustments as needed.
Types of Financial Planning Services We Provide
At Merit Financial Advisors, we offer a comprehensive range of financial planning services designed to meet your unique needs:
- Financial Planning: Comprehensive analysis of your financial health, including budgeting, savings strategies, and debt management to build a strong financial foundation.
- Wealth Management: Personalized investment management to grow and preserve wealth, continuously monitoring and adjusting to optimize performance.
- Estate Planning: Creating wills, trusts, and legal documents to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and minimize tax liabilities.
- Insurance Planning: Identifying and mitigating financial risks with life, disability, and long-term care insurance to protect you and your family.
- Retirement Planning: Setting retirement goals, estimating future expenses, and creating savings plans to ensure a secure and comfortable retirement.
Why You Need a Financial Advisor
- Expertise: Specialized knowledge in financial planning, investment management, and wealth management.
- Customized Plans: Tailored financial plans to meet your specific needs and goals.
- Access to Financial Products: Wide range of financial products and services, including advanced investment strategies and estate planning tools.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous guidance to keep you on track with your financial goals.
- Commitment to Service: Personalized service and continuous support for achieving and maintaining financial success.
Finding the Right Financial Advisor in Charlotte
- Certifications: Look for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® or Chartered Financial Analyst® designations.
- Reviews: Check online reviews and client testimonials.
- Experience and Expertise: Evaluate their background and the services they offer.
- Fiduciary Duty: Required to act in the best interests of clients.
- Transparency and Communication: Clear and honest about fees and services.
- Approach: Understand their strategy for financial planning and investment management.
How Financial Advisors Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
Financial advisors create customized financial plans tailored to your individual needs and goals. They offer ongoing support and guidance, ensuring your plan adapts to life changes and market fluctuations. At Merit Financial Advisors, we provide comprehensive advice and support to help you achieve financial success. Our team makes informed decisions during significant life events and maintains focus on your long-term goals.
Overview of Merit Financial Advisors
Merit Financial Advisors enriches clients' lives with personalized financial planning and wealth management. Our team includes CFP®s and CFA®s who excel in managing complex portfolios, optimizing taxes, and developing estate plans. We provide detailed, tailored plans addressing all aspects of your financial life, ensuring your success with confidence and clarity.
Merit’s Service Areas Outside of Charlotte, NC
Our service areas include:
- Myers Park
- Ballantyne
- SouthPark
- Dilworth
- Providence Plantation
- Lake Norman
Achieve Financial Success with Merit Financial Advisors
Merit provides expertise, personalized planning, and ongoing support to achieve your financial goals. Our services in Charlotte and surrounding areas include advanced investment management, tax optimization, and estate planning. Partnering with Merit ensures comprehensive financial solutions tailored to your unique needs, guiding you to long-term success with confidence and clarity.