Profile

With over a decade of experience in financial services and a deep commitment to client-centered planning, Matthew helps individuals and families navigate the complexities of wealth with clarity and confidence. As a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Matthew focuses on retirement and estate planning services, tax-efficient asset management, and customized family financial planning.
Matthew works closely with pre-retirees and retirees, high-net-worth individuals, and young families preparing for the future and delivering customized strategies tailored to each stage of life. His planning philosophy is rooted in a detail-oriented approach to every facet of his clients’ financial lives, helping to ensure that each decision aligns with their long-term goals. Using Merrill’s proprietary financial modeling process, called the Personal Wealth Analysis®, he and his team are able to analyze scenarios and create strategies to assist in finding a path to each of his clients’ goals.
What sets Matthew apart is his multigenerational approach to financial planning: working with grandparents, parents, and children to foster continuity, communication, and long-term financial health across the entire family. Alongside his team, he provides white-glove service to help ensure every client receives personalized attention, proactive communication, and a trusted relationship built to last.
His investment philosophy emphasizes risk mitigation through diversification and active portfolio management, while incorporating tax-efficient strategies to help preserve and grow wealth.
Matthew earned his undergraduate degree in finance from the University of North Alabama, followed by a master’s degree in financial planning from the University of Alabama. He also later went on to earn his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification.
Matthew lives in Killen, Alabama with his wife, Abigail, and their children, Micah and Madelyn. Outside of work, he enjoys tackling home projects, spending time with family, serving through his church, and, when time allows, finding his way onto a golf course.

About Me

How We Begin

Every relationship starts with a conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch, just an honest discussion about what's important to you. We'll talk about your financial goals, your family, and the challenges you see ahead. I'll ask questions, but more importantly I'll listen. By the end of our first meeting, you'll have a sense of what to expect in our next meeting as we discuss results, and I'll have a better understanding of how I can add value to your life and your family.

Goals: We will speak in more details about this when we next meet. But begin thinking about what you'd like me to help plan/solve for. Retirement? Paying down debt? Travelling abroad? Inheritance for your family?

Liquid Assets: (Investable assets)

Retirement assets: (Roth, IRA, 401k): for each: Balances and how they are held/investedAre you currently contributing and to what degree?
Current balance of each asset
Having a statement for these assets will be helpful for me in completing your wealth analysis. Please email these if you're able/comfortable
General Assets: for each: Balances and how they are held/investedSavings account
General Investment accounts
College Assets: Balances and how they are held/invested

Real Assets: (Tangible assets): for each: Value/debt owed and at what % if you know

Home
Vehicles
Rental Properties
Other: (boat, trailer, ATV, etc)

Income:

Your annual salary: Company name, longevity
Spouse's Salary: Company name, longevity
Other forms of income:

- Royalties
- Rental properties
- Disability
- Other

Debts:

Credit cards
Student Loans
HELOC
Other

Our Planning Process

At the end of the first meeting, we'll decide on whether we want to move forward with a financial plan. After the meeting, we follow a disciplined, step\-by\-step process: **Analyze Your Current Picture:** I'll take a deep dive into the financial data that you've provided. I'll review your assets, income, risk tolerance, and more so we know exactly where you stand and how it relates to the goals you stated. **Design a Tailored Strategy:** After data entry and analysis, I'll build a plan that seeks to balance growth, income, tax efficiency, and long\-term protection for your wealth. This may include tweaks to asset allocation, creating a tiered system of retirement income, or other options to help optimize your financial plan. Utilizing the Merrill Personal Wealth Analysis^®^ allows us to take the necessary steps and to plan for the best way forward. **Presentation of Your Plan:** At the second meeting, we'll sit together and look at the financial plan together. I'll discuss the deep dive that we took and what we found. If changes were suggested, I'll present those with the reason behind the change. At the end of the day, this is *your* plan and we want to make sure that you know every detail behind it. **Implement with Precision:** Implementing the plan gives you a look into the type of white glove service that you can expect from our team. We'll guide your through the next steps, from investment allocation to tax\-aware decisions, helping to make sure every piece of your plan works together. This process seeks to keep us organized, ensure nothing gets overlooked, and give you confidence that your financial plan isn't just a document. It's a roadmap.

Ongoing Partnership

Life changes. Markets shift. Priorities evolve. That's why our relationship doesn't stop once the initial plan is in place. I'll meet with you regularly to review progress, discuss any changes in your life, and make the necessary adjustments to your strategy. My role is to help you stay focused on what you can control, while making sure your plan remains flexible enough to adapt to the unexpected. Whether it's new tax laws, market volatility, or family milestones, my team and I will be there to help you navigate each stage with clarity.

What You Can Count On

When you work with me, here's what you can always expect: * Straightforward Guidance I'll tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. My goal is to give you clarity, not confusion. * A Customized Plan No two clients are the same. Your strategy will be built around your unique goals, values, and priorites. * Consistent Communication You'll never wonder where you stand. I'm proactive in keeping clients updated and available when questions arise. * Long\-Term Stewardship My focus is not only on today's success but also on helping to preserve wealth, wisdom, and opportunity for generations to come

Saturday, July 18th 2026

Cramer's Paddle for a Cause presented by Long-Lewis Foundation

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About Merrill

Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life
The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.

Matthew Vest