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.

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