Client Journeys

Turning Financial Goals into Lifelong Achievements

We measure success not just in numbers, but in the peace of mind and confidence we aim to provide to our clients. Every financial journey is unique, and we take pride in walking alongside individuals, families, and businesses to help them achieve their goals. Here are just a few of the stories that inspire us every day.

We are thrilled anytime we can help clients optimize and simplify a complex wealth management picture.

For example, one client came to us with investment accounts at three different custodians, had significant unrealized capital gains and a desire for risk management, didn’t have professional tax help and didn’t have an estate plan. From the beginning, we made a plan to tackle each facet one by one. First, we consolidated the assets into one custodian, for simplicity and also to be able to more closely monitor and recommend changes to portfolio allocations.

Then, we completed a full financial plan complete with life goals and a retirement map. We came away from the financial planning phase with the conclusion that it didn’t make sense to sell particular securities because it would result in unnecessary capital gains. However, from the financial planning process, we also recognized a need for risk management. We were able to develop a customized risk management solution for the client that didn’t involve selling positions at a large gain in order to add downside protection. As the relationship blossomed, we helped our client get established with a trusted CPA for tax services and we coordinate directly with that CPA for any complex tax issues that may arise for this client.

Finally, we guided the client through the estate planning process to help them execute an estate plan that was consistent with their values and goals for their life savings after they pass. We are now able to conduct precise investment management and monitoring, update the financial plan at least annually, make sure every decision is considered alongside taxes, and execute periodic estate plan reviews.

— Bryce Coward

One of my favorite client success stories is when our collaborative and strategic decisions come to life in real time.

A standout example happened in late 2024. When I first met this couple in 2019, we learned during our discussions that they owned rental properties they planned to sell someday. While the timing wasn’t clear, they shared that taxes would be a major concern. Together, we decided to implement an investment strategy that balanced market exposure while harvesting losses during that period.

Fast forward to tax planning season in December 2024. The clients had sold one of their properties in November. Our work together allowed them to cancel out all the capital gains from the sale!

In that moment, it wasn’t about the market ups and downs. It was about knowing their advisor had listened and was working to optimize their financial journey. These moments are what inspire me every day.

— Shawn A. Best

Balancing Passion and Legacy: A Wealth Management Success Story

One of my long-time clients had already achieved financial success, and through our deep conversations, we identified that his most important legacy goal was funding private college educations for his three grandchildren. We carefully designed a financial plan that prioritized this while still allowing him to enjoy his wealth.

A few months later, a new challenge arose. The client, a passionate sailor, wanted to purchase a new sailboat to fulfill his dream of sailing around the world. However, the $400,000 price tag put his grandchildren’s college fund at risk. Instead of simply telling him, “No, you can’t buy the boat,” my role was to present options—laying out the financial impact visually and verbally, so he could make an informed decision.

Through our discussions, he realized he didn’t need the most expensive boat to fulfill his dream. He found a beautiful sailboat for $250,000, and because of our financial plan, he was still able to send his grandkids to Duke University—achieving both his passion and his legacy goal.

This experience reinforced the power of having a strong client relationship and a well-designed financial plan. It wasn’t about saying no—it was about finding a way to say yes while staying true to his priorities.

— Bruce Ward

Why I Have a Passion for planning, investment management and most importantly close customer relationships.

Clients I began working with a couple of years ago, got notified that the husband was going to be forced into early retirement. This created concern for him and his wife as they had both planned on working another 5-10 years. We immediately went back to the financial plan and ran multiple scenarios around “what if this, what if that”. Part of the planning process discovered a need for Long Term Care(LTC) as they didn’t have any in place, which we were able to find a solution.

Well fast forward, the early retirement came even quicker and the bonus that was expected didn’t happen either, so the importance of the buffers put in the plan became even more important. Within months of his retirement, the client started showing some declining health issues and within a year became completely immobile. His wife was now forced to be making some tough decisions about her husband being moved into an assisted living home. She and I met multiple times running different scenarios as she kept me updated on her husband’s status. Unfortunately, within a few months of being in the assisted living home, he passed away. My client was now in a situation she never expected to be but through our constant communication, running scenarios on the plan and making sure items were in place, she is confident from a financial standpoint that she will be able to move forward. It has been a reminder that life happens and no matter what plans you have in place, situations arise and require adjustments, sometimes drastic, to be made.

— Dave Lundgren

Real Results: How Comprehensive Planning Delivered Major Tax Savings

Our team takes a holistic approach to wealth management that integrates ongoing tax planning with investment management along with other strategic planning areas. A recent client experience illustrates how this approach can uncover significant opportunities for savings and better financial outcomes.

During a review of a client’s prior-year tax return using our planning software, we identified an oversight with the reporting of a Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) transaction. The incorrect basis led to overstated taxable income and a much higher tax liability than necessary.

We worked together with the client’s accountant to amend the return, correcting the NUA reporting and reducing the client’s taxable income by approximately $150,000. This adjustment resulted in nearly $60,000 in tax savings—savings the client may not have realized without our comprehensive and coordinated approach.

This example highlights the value of proactive, comprehensive financial planning. By reviewing the full financial picture and working closely with each client’s team of professionals, we aim to align every aspect of their financial plan and discover meaningful ways to add value.

— Chase T. Gelardi

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— Sergio V. Ortiz

Providing Compassionate Assistance to a Client in Need

Recently, I had the opportunity to go above and beyond to help a client during a challenging time. The client, who is dealing with the dementia of their spouse, needed assistance completing some crucial paperwork to list their son as Power of Attorney on their accounts. Recognizing the difficulty they faced in leaving their home, I made the decision to visit their apartment directly, offering a more convenient and less stressful solution.

During the visit, I was able to assist them in completing the paperwork, which was critical for their financial management. As a notary, I also notarized the necessary documents, ensuring everything was in order. The situation became more complex as they required witnesses, so I took the initiative to reach out to a couple of their friends who also live at the assisted living facility. These friends kindly agreed to serve as witnesses, helping to ensure all legal steps were properly followed.

As we were talking, the client’s son mentioned that he also needed notary services. I was happy to assist him with this need, ensuring that both their immediate concerns
were addressed in one visit.

The family was incredibly appreciative, expressing how grateful they were that they didn’t have to leave the comfort of their home during such a trying time. Knowing that the wife’s condition made travel difficult, it felt incredibly rewarding to provide the support they needed in a way that honored both their time and emotional wellbeing.

This experience reminded me how important it is to go the extra mile for clients, not just professionally but personally, by offering genuine care and assistance when it matters
most.

— Karen Brauer

authentic connections and meaningful conversations that truly make a difference.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have met a client who had at the time recently moved to Arizona on her own. From the very first meeting, we built a strong sense of trust. She thanked me for not making her feel rushed or undervalued, as she often did in other places. From that day forward, she began coming in every month, and over time, she made it clear that she only wanted to speak with me.

We would have our monthly check-ins, or sometimes she would stop by just to say hello & tell me what was new in her life or what she did over the weekend. During our conversations, we’d go over her expenses, pay bills, and discuss her “fun” budget. But beyond the numbers, I learned so much about her life—about her amazing children and grandkids who lived out of state, and the little joys that brought her happiness.

Every time I have the privilege of helping a client, I remember that my role is more than just about financial services. It’s about showing respect, kindness, and understanding, as I would want someone to do for my own family. You never know the challenges people may be facing or what they’re going through in their personal lives. But what I do know is that it’s these authentic connections and meaningful conversations that truly make a difference.

This journey with my client reminds me every day why I love what I do. The trust we built, the genuine care we shared, and the sense of peace.

— Roxy Borquez

I feel most successful when I have opportunities to support my team in a meaningful way.

My team values my operational and procedural experience, and I have had the opportunity to implement and streamline many of our internal workflows to further enhance our efficiency and ultimately our clients’ experience. I am so thankful to be working with my Strategic Wealth Group at Meridian Wealth Management, LLC team!

— Valerie Farris

Schedule a Consultation with Your Team of Wealth Management Advisors

Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with your personal team of wealth management advisors. At The Strategic Wealth Group at Meridian Wealth Management, LLC, we believe that financial planning involves more than just helping our clients make money. It also involves forming client connections, building trust, understanding goals and needs, and helping clients prepare for each stage of their life’s journey. We serve clients in Arizona, including Tucson, Phoenix, Saddlebrook, Green Valley, and Sierra Vista and Northern Colorado, including Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins.