Financial Advisors and Wealth Managers in Seattle, WA
Contact us today to learn more about what our award-winning team can do for you.
Accolades:
Our Seattle, WA Office
Contact
Phone: (425) 392-2200
Fax: (425) 392-6459
Location
6415 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE
Suite 100
Issaquah, WA 98029
Business Hours
Mon - Fri (8:30AM - 5PM)
Sat - Sun (Closed)
Our Team
Tait Lane
Regional Director, Partner
Meet Tait >
Tait Lane
Regional Director, Partner
As a Wealth Manager, Tait believes that with financial planning comes clarity. By taking a holistic approach to his client’s finances, he’s able to better advise and serve them. Tait’s desire to be a fiduciary advisor continues to be his primary focus so that he and the team can serve our clients in the manner that they desire and need.
Tait is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University and serves on multiple boards locally for non-profits and within his local church. He’s passionate about his community and contributing to the area where he lives and works. Married to Sunday and a father of five, Tait enjoys skiing, hiking, spending time with his family in their RV, and experiencing the outstanding opportunities the PNW has to offer.
Max Baer
Wealth Manager, Partner
Meet Max >
Max Baer
CFP®, AAMS®
Wealth Manager | Partner
Max, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP), prides himself on his holistic financial planning process. He enjoys working through complex issues with clients, monitoring their progress, and accompanying them through major life transitions. He seeks to understand his client's priorities, translating these goals into a financial framework that meets their needs.
In his free time, Max enjoys roaming the Washington wilderness in his Jeep and snowboarding with his family on Crystal Mountain. He and his girlfriend Alex are proud parents of a yellow lab named Remington, who loves to explore the local parks and trails. Max is also an avid Washington State University football fan and spent his years at WSU serving as their mascot, Butch T. Cougar!
Susan H. Bentley
Wealth Manager, Regional Portfolio Manager, Partner
Meet Susan >
Susan H. Bentley
CIMA®
Wealth Manager, Regional Portfolio Manager, Partner
Susan has over 30 years of experience providing wealth management services and specializes in investment policy, portfolio construction, money management, risk management, and legacy planning. She dedicates her time to implementing and monitoring clients' investment portfolios. Using a dynamic process, she works to help clients pursue and manage their goals.
Susan is one of only 7,675 Certified Investment Management Analysts® (CIMA®) worldwide(1). This designation is earned through the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). The CIMA® designation reflects experience, education, and ethical standards. It requires broad experience in investment management, an extensive background check, and completion of a demanding graduate-level program of study in conjunction with the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. Susan earned her bachelors of arts degree from Brigham Young University.
Her experience communicating complex financial strategies in simple terms has made her a requested speaker - she has conducted financial seminars for over 10,000 people during her professional career. As seen in Seattle Magazine, she has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager from 2012-2018 and 2020-2023. She and her team are featured in the October 2014 Edition of Forbes Magazine(2).
She is currently a member of the Washington Women's Foundation, a former board member of Economics America, and the former president of the Seattle chapter of the BYU Management Society.
A native of the Puget Sound area, Susan lives with two of her four children in Issaquah, Washington. She enjoys snow skiing and reading about history, world cultures, and biographies. She holds a brown belt in karate and maintains a private pilot's license. Susan is active in many philanthropic organizations locally and internationally, with a very special focus on the needs of orphans and children throughout the world.
1) Information and details about the CIMA® designation can be found here: http://investmentsandwealth.org/investors
2) Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2012-2018 and 2020-2023 Five Star Wealth Managers.
Ashley Julson
Client Service Manager
Clarice Lamb
Regional Operations Team Leader
Cherise Glass
Regional Operations Director, Partner
Meet Cherise >
Cherise Glass
Regional Operations Director | Partner
As the Regional Operations Director, Cherise believes strongly in extraordinary client service. With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, she understands the importance of continually improving the quality of service we provide. She takes pride in offering a positive experience and her goal is to ensure our infrastructure runs seamlessly for our employees and clients.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Cherise enjoys spending her time with her husband and son exploring the beauties of Washington state. When she is not in the not in the office she enjoys boating, snowboarding, and training her dogs.
Cassandra Rehorst
Client Development Manager
Meet Cassandra >
Christopher S. Loutsis III
Wealth Manager, Regional Portfolio Manager, Partner
Meet Christopher >
Christopher S. Loutsis III
Wealth Manager, Regional Portfolio Manager, Partner
Christopher S. Loutsis III is a Financial Consultant with more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. His role for the team is to pursue the highest level of client satisfaction.
Christopher has sought to build an industry reputation for best-in-class client satisfaction. He takes time to become genuinely acquainted with each client and gives them confidence. By drawing out the details of their lives and being focused on their best interest, clients have confidence the team is implementing the best strategy for them. Clients greatly appreciate his solution-oriented manner. For each client issue, he quickly assembles and utilizes the team's experience and skillset, then flawlessly executes what is needed in a timely manner. Christopher acts as a catalyst for clients and helps them address things they may have put to the wayside. To save time and energy for the client, he takes the lead by assisting clients every step of the way and seeing things to completion.
Christopher understands and anticipates clients' needs. Then, if possible, takes tasks off their plate so clients can go about their daily lives doing the things they enjoy. He has an innate ability to gather, access, and prioritize clients' complex issues. Best of all, he simplifies information so recommendations are presented clearly and concisely, allowing clients to have confidence in their decisions.
Using his education from the University of Washington with a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Christopher brings the team an understanding of the interrelationship of global markets and their impact on portfolios. He assists the portfolio managers in being abreast of issues that could impact the client's financial independence. His ability to collaborate with the team allows the portfolio manager to focus on essential details of portfolio construction.
As a native to the Puget Sound region, Christopher lives in Bothell, Washington with his wife, their six-year-old daughter and four-year-old son. He is truly a "family man" and takes interest in his wife and children's activities. When he does chisel out some personal time, he enjoys outdoor activities ranging from gardening to listening to live music. Sharing a common interest with his wife, Christopher appreciates finding and restoring old furniture.
Shawn Ratzi
Relationship Manager
Randy Kim
Wealth Manager
Meet Randy >
Randy Kim
ChFC®, AIF®
Wealth Manager
In 2005 Randy Kim created R.W.KIM and Company, an independent financial services and wealth management firm and subsequently created PATH Wealth Management in 2009. In 2018 Randy co-founded Triad Investment Management, an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm, which merged with Merit Financial Advisors in 2022. Prior to 2005, Randy spent 30 years managing financial planners and wealth managers at two of the largest international broker-dealers. He is a Chartered Financial Consultant, ChFC® and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®.
As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, he is an active member in good standing with FI360 and the Financial Services Institute. Randy has served as Director and Chapter President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Professionals. Randy is a frequent speaker to CPAs and other trusted advisors on best practices in financial planning and wealth management.
Born in Hawaii and of Korean descent, Randy (aka"Pineapple") was raised in Boise, Idaho and spent six years in New Mexico prior to settling in the Puget Sound area in1992. Outside of work, you’ll find Randy and his wife, Anne, enjoying their children and grandchildren, squeezing in almost anything related to the outdoors, whether it’s hiking, skiing, fly fishing, playing soccer or a round of golf.
Tom Bakamus
Wealth Manager, Partner
Meet Tom >
Tom Bakamus
CFP®
Wealth Manager | Partner
As a Wealth Manager, Tom looks forward to implementing a strong financial plan and helping his clients create a roadmap to fulfill their personal goals. He specializes in providing comprehensive guidance that includes investment advice, tax awareness, retirement income strategizing, insurance coverage analysis, and more. He understands the importance of using a holistic approach as every client has a dynamic set of goals and values that makes their situation unique.
Tom is a graduate of Central Washington University and is an Issaquah native. He enjoys spending his free time away from the office golfing, snowboarding, and rooting on our amazing local sports teams.
Shawna Bain
Client Relationship Manager, Partner
Meet Shawna >
Shawna Bain
Branch Operations Manager, Partner
Shawna has more than 29 years of experience in the securities industry. She specializes in providing concierge services to clients by assisting them with their administrative needs. As a registered associate, Shawna can assist the team and clients with securities trading execution. She facilitates income distributions to our clients so they receive their income as requested. Shawna has extensive knowledge of administrative procedures and makes it easy for clients to obtain and understand documents such as statements, tax reporting, & performance reports, to name a few. Shawna has a vast knowledge of the variety of account types and is diligent in ensuring accounts are titled and coded accurately, and funds are deposited correctly. She sets up review meetings with clients and assists in gathering from them what is needed for the meeting.
Shawna has worked in the securities industry since 1987, with her focus on operations and administration. She is a graduate of Griffin Business College.
Shawna has lived in the community for over 40 years. She lives in Issaquah with her husband and two children. Shawna enjoys gardening with a focus on growing a variety of dahlias. She and her family love camping and riding all-terrain vehicles.
Julie Nicol
Relationship Manager
Meet Julie >
Julie Nicol
Relationship Manager
Julie Nicol brings two decades as a biologist and environmental professional to her career as a Relationship Manager. She has her bachelor’s in biology from Carleton College and her master’s in evolutionary ecology from Boston University. She holds her Series 7 and 66 with LPL Financial and she excels at translating technical information and employing analytical frameworks in highly individual contexts.
Julie was born and raised in Seattle and is a proud Garfield alum. In her spare time, Julie enjoys tabletop games, spicy food, several book clubs, and volunteering with The Mountaineers, the Washington Trails Association, and the Master Naturalists. She is an avid outdoorswoman who loves learning new skills (and buying new gear). Julie is the not-so-proud owner of two delinquent cats, Pocket and Apollo.
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 Seattle
- 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 Seattle, WA
Our service areas include:
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Clyde Hill
- Laurelhurst
- Queen Anne
- Capitol Hill
Achieve Financial Success with Merit Financial Advisors
Merit provides expertise, personalized planning, and ongoing support to achieve your financial goals. Our services in Seattle 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.