Jessica Merino launched Merino Wealth because she knew she could more effectively help her clients without the product requirements of a big financial firm. Merino Wealth’s Independent, fee-only structure enables everyone on the team to put clients first, exemplifying the firm’s core values.
Merino Wealth takes on clients who are interested in comprehensive financial planning and asset management, advising them with an open and down-to-earth approach. Jessica has built the perfect team to help with every aspect of your financial life — read about their motivation below and get started today!
Jessica Merino, CIMA®, CFP®
President & Financial Advisor
Jessica’s interest in finances started long before she knew what financial planning was, back when she was about 9 years old. For birthdays, she asked for shares of stock, as she was much more fascinated with the stock market than with dolls and board games.
In high school she began investing her own money which led her to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Investments, & Banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. She took a position as a financial advisor at a large firm where she worked for 12 years. In 2016, fueled by her unwavering dedication, she ventured to establish Merino Wealth.
Not only is she the firm’s founder, but she’s also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA) certificate through the Investments & Wealth Institute. Jessica is also a member of The Professional Women’s Club of Chicago and the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, an organization that recognized her as the 2019 Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Over the years Jessica has helped clients in all walks of life, but has become especially proficient in helping high-income earning professional women who consider themselves Gen Xers, Xennials, and Millennials earning equity compensation. She understands their challenges and recognizes the complexities that equity involvement brings to the table. Her goal is to help them feel more confident and less stressed as they pursue their financial goals. She loves her work because she finds that it leads to a domino effect of financial empowerment as her clients help themselves and others.
Jessica's personal life finds her residing in Oak Park with her husband, Mike, and their lively toddler, Jax. When she's not immersed in the world of finance, she nurtures her passion for travel, cherishing moments with loved ones, and indulging in the simple pleasure of cozying up in pajamas with a captivating book.
Sadie Weiss
Executive Assistant
Sadie has worked in a number of administration roles for different industries, such as financial, sales, and customer service. Sadie graduated from Montana State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film & Photography, and has lived in various cities throughout the West coast. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Sadie moved to Chicago in 2020 and enjoys exploring the city and seeing all the art and history Chicago has to offer.