ROBYN ROBERTS

When people ask how I became a Financial Advisor, they're often surprised by the answer.
It didn't start in the investment world.
I grew up in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where my sister and I spent much of our childhood working in our family's restaurant. It was there that I learned some of my earliest lessons about relationships, service, and hard work. My parents believed that if you're going to do something, you do it right, and if someone needs help, you find a way to help them.
My father especially led by example. He was always giving his time to others in the community, usually without any recognition or fanfare. Looking back, I realize those lessons shaped far more than my work ethic. They shaped how I connect with people and how I approach serving others.
After studying Business Administration at The University of Southern Mississippi, I thought my career path would take me in a completely different direction. Instead, the best opportunity that came my way was working in a skilled nursing care facility.
At the time, I had no idea how impactful that experience would be.
Every day, I worked with families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They were trying to care for an aging parent or loved one while also being asked important financial questions they often weren't prepared to answer. I saw firsthand how stressful it could be when plans hadn't been made ahead of time.
That experience taught me a lesson I still carry with me today:

The best financial decisions are often made long before they're needed.

Today, as a Financial Advisor with Merrill, I help individuals and families create plans for the future so they can approach life's opportunities and challenges with greater confidence. Whether we're planning for retirement, navigating a life transition, or working toward long-term financial goals, my focus is always the same: providing guidance, building relationships, and helping clients find financial well being.
Because at the end of the day, financial planning isn't really about money.
It's about helping people feel prepared for whatever comes next.