Financial Advisors in Spokane, WA
Contact
Phone: (509) 462-0747
Location
111 South Post Street
Suite 2260
Spokane, WA 99201
Financial Services Offered in Spokane, WA
At Merit Financial Advisors in Spokane, WA we offer a comprehensive suite of financial services designed to cater to your evolving needs. Our team of professionals is committed to providing personalized solutions that align with your long-term goals and aspirations. Whether you're seeking wealth management, investment strategies, retirement planning, tax strategies, financial or estate planning, we have decades of experience and resources to guide you and your loved ones every step of the way. With a client-centric approach and a deep understanding of the financial landscape, we deliver tailored strategies and insights to help you navigate the complexities of today's market. Experience the Merit way and embark on a journey toward financial success and confidence. Let’s build your tomorrow, together.
- Financial Planning
- Wealth Enhancement
- Wealth Transfer
- Estate Planning
- Estate Administration
- Tax planning/strategies
- Retirement Planning
- Life Transitions
- Charitable Giving
- Risk Management
- Wealth Protection
- Insurance gap analysis
- Life and Disability Insurance and Underwriting
- Investment Management
- Portfolio Performance Analysis
- Risk tolerance
- Asset Allocation
- Withdrawal Strategies
- Concentrated stock divestiture strategies
- Comprehensive investment analysis
- Concierge Services which Include:
- Coordination with Other Professionals
- Proactive Family Meetings
- 401k Plan Management and Advice for Employers and Participants
- Employee Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability
Our Team
Paul Viren
Wealth Manager, Partner
Paul Viren
CLU, ChFC, AEP
Wealth Manager, Partner
Paul is a graduate of Whitworth University, Spokane, Washington and has received his credentials from the American College as a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant. He is an LPL Investment Advisory Representative along with securities registrations 7 and 24 held at LPL Financial and 66 held through LPL Financial, as well as life and health insurance.
He works with his spouse, Beth, and together they have built a successful practice of financial planning, managing over $250 million in client assets. They also provide services to employers and individuals for retirement plans, health insurance, life, disability and long-term care insurance.
In 2017 he became President of the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils having served on the Board since 2011. He is the past president of the Spokane Estate Planning Council, is an active member with Spokane Rotary Club 21, active member of the Spokane Club and has served on many boards and civic groups in the community.
Paul is an avid backpacker and runner, loves to turn wooden pens from exotic wood from around the world and wine tasting…not at the same time!
CA Lic #0D31713
Mike Smalley
Wealth Manager
Mike Smalley
CFP®
Wealth Manager
Mike Smalley is a Wealth Manager for Merit. He was employed by Charles Schwab in their Seattle, Washington office where he worked as a Registered Financial Associate. He has been in the financial services profession since 2008 and brings a wealth of experience with him. Mike grew up in Spokane graduating from Mount Spokane High School. He received his B.S. from Purdue University with a degree in Financial Counseling and Planning. Mike holds his FINRA securities registrations Series 6, 7, 63, through LPL Financial & 66 through LPL Financial. Mike is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.
In his spare time, Mike loves the outdoors. His favorite time of year is summer when he can get out to Diamond and Spirit Lake, as well as floating down the Little Spokane River. He enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his family in the Spokane area.
Cassie Frederiksen
Wealth Manager
Cassie Frederiksen
CFS
Wealth Manager
Cassie Frederiksen is a Wealth Manager for Merit. She has worked hard to complete the training and testing required to become securities registered. Over the years, Cassie has proven to be a dedicated employee with a go-getter attitude receiving several promotions. She is excited to be meeting with some of our Advisory clients as well as many of the 401(k) participants in the plans that we manage.
Cassie is FINRA registered with her Series 6, 7, and 63 registrations held through LPL Financial and her Series 66 registration and has also earned her Life & Health Insurance License in Washington State and her CFS® (Certified Fund Specialist®).
Cassie grew up in Spokane and, after graduating from Central Valley High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho – GO VANDALS! She, along with her husband, stays busy working full-time and raising two beautiful girls (born in 2014 and 2017). Cassie thoroughly enjoys being a wife and a mommy! In her free time, she can be found traveling, enjoying her family cabin on Lake Coeur d'Alene, curled up with a good book, or exploring local events, attractions, and restaurants.
Holly Byrum
Branch Operations Manager
Holly Byrum
Branch Operations Manager
Holly joined the team in August 2016. She started as the Administrative Assistant where she assists Paul, Mike and Cassie with the preparation of client portfolio reviews, creating new accounts, completing various client requests and special projects. Currently, she was promoted to Branch Office Manager, where she will oversee the Spokane office, ensuring excellent customer service and continuing to work alongside the advisors and supporting our clients.
Holly obtained her Life & Health Insurance License in 2012 and sold Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans. After her career change, she obtained FINRA registration in 2019 by passing her series 6 and 63.
Holly was born and raised in Spokane where she met her husband and married in 2010! She stays busy with her two kids playing sports, exploring the outdoors, riding bikes, fishing and hiking.
Gwen Giddens
Client Service Manager
Gwen Giddens
Client Service Manager
Gwen has been part of the team since January 2009 after working in the life insurance industry for Jim O’Connell for 23 years. She is our Insurance Coordinator. Licensed in Life and Health Insurance, she uses her wealth of experience to guide clients through the insurance process.
Gwen spends her free time being a “Grammy,” camping, watching sports and enjoying time with her family.
Karen Holcomb
Client Service Manager
Karren Holcomb
Client Service Manager
Karen has been in the insurance industry since 1991 and obtained her Life and Health License in 2009. She has spent this time assisting clients on both the corporate and employee service side. This experience gives her a unique knowledge of how to best serve individuals and groups with the sometimes complicated web of ever-changing regulations that comprise life insurance, individual and group benefits. As part of the Team, Karen is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service to clients on both the Employee Benefits side along with the Policy Service side.
Karen enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys traveling, reading, entertaining and watching sports.
Alisha Smithson
Client Service Associate
Alisha Smithson
Client Service Associate
Alisha joined our team in January 2022. As an Client Service Associate she works closely with Paul and our advisors, primarily focusing on the 401(k) and Retirement Plans. This includes participating in client meetings, preparation of participant meetings, and the annual contract reviews with our clients; and helping to manage the administration of client portfolios, handling client requests, and special projects.
Alisha is from the Spokane area and brings an extensive background in the legal field where she worked and met her husband! They were married in 2010. Alisha has three children and now a granddaughter! She and her family enjoy the outdoors whether it is camping, riding their side-by-side, or heading out on a hike.
Ready to discuss your financial future?
Schedule a free consultation with one of our Wealth Managers today.