Profile

Since 2003, Paul Weathers’ wealth management career has afforded him relationships beyond what he ever expected. Today, those friendships span generations of families in Texas, Tennessee, and seven other states – including clients who followed him to Merrill in 2018. Many of his clients are active recruiters, attorneys, professionals in the biomedical and defense industries, as well as couples nearing retirement.

Working from his offices in Frisco, Texas, and Brentwood, Tennessee, Paul has honed a highly personal, planning-based approach that continues over the course of each relationship. To gain a genuine appreciation of what holds meaning to each client, he asks questions such as, “What’s important to you about your money? Are there any family dynamics or special circumstances you would like to discuss? What would your ideal financial situation look like in 5-10 years?” And quite often, “What are you trying to accomplish with this rollover or inheritance?”

“Many clients come to me at a decision point – when they realize it’s time to get serious about managing their investments or when they’re not sure they can retire comfortably. It’s important to earn trust and show them what their future can look like given alternate scenarios. It’s not a one-time event – it’s an ongoing, dynamic process. No fancy jargon. Just simple, straightforward explanations and thoughtful conversations meant to manage risk and identify opportunities,” Paul says.

Beyond each client, he dedicates time to meeting with entire families. Putting a premium on organizing their financial affairs in order to help enhance generational wealth, Paul is detail oriented – often reviewing multiple documents to help clients pass along wealth efficiently. He also finds time to educate the next generation in clients’ families so that the lessons of hard work, good financial habits, and family values can be shared.

When it comes to investments, Paul recommends holdings he can describe in basic terms so that clients can understand what they own and why. Using Merrill research, he creates portfolios across asset classes, taking a long-term view to help achieve desired objectives. Paul points out, “I really appreciate Merrill’s award-winning research, depth of industry knowledge, and breadth of financial tools.”

Paul believes that his rigorous industry training has given him an extra measure of knowledge that can benefit clients and their families. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards as well as the Chartered Financial Consultant® ChFC® designation from the American College.

Originally from Nashville, Paul is an honors graduate from the University of Tennessee. He launched his career in 2003 at Raymond James Financial and moved to Merrill in 2018. Paul’s favorite moments are spent with his wife and their children. When time allows, he also enjoys a good game of golf.

*You have choices about what to do with your 401(k) or other type of plan-sponsored accounts. Depending on your financial circumstances, needs, and goals, you may choose to roll over to an IRA or convert to a Roth IRA, roll over a 401(k) from a prior employer to a 401(k) at your new employer, take a distribution, or leave the account where it is. Each choice may offer different investments and services, fees and expenses, withdrawal options, required minimum distributions, tax treatment (particularly with reference to employer stock), and provide different protection from creditors and legal judgments. These are complex choices and should be considered with care. For more information, please contact your Merrill Financial Advisor.

*Institutional Investor magazine announced BofA Global Research as one of the Top Global Research Firms in 2022 based on surveys held throughout the year. The magazine creates rankings of the top research analysts in a wide variety of specializations, drawn from the choices of portfolio managers and other investment professionals at more than 1,000 firms. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Learn more about the methodology at Institutional Investor. Rankings and recognition from Institutional Investor are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement.

*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.