Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and founder of Merlin Wealth Management (MWM), Michael Merlin, is dedicated to demystifying financial, estate, investment, and philanthropic planning for his clients. In 2020, his firm merged with Rockefeller Capital Management to combine the two companies’ high standards for client service and multigenerational advisory practice.
Along with his book Financial Longevity, Merlin is focused on several initiatives, including The Perpetual Path Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing financial education and courses at Kennesaw State University. He aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate their financial futures successfully.
Michael Merlin
Merlin pursued a career in wealth management because of his grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. He was the only one who could explain her finances in a way she could understand. Today, he has over twenty years of experience as a financial advisor to families, helping clients understand various financial planning options much like he did his grandmother. He has extensive experience in multi-generation planning, advisory techniques, and asset management.
Education is the driving force behind Merlin’s career, philanthropic efforts, and book. The author teaches an investment class at a local high school, and because it has become evident to him there is no formal financial education requirement at any stage of schooling, Merlin allocated the funds from his book sales to address this educational gap and fund financial education initiatives throughout Georgia.
Accomplishments
Merlin’s philosophy that failures are necessary for success has led to many accomplishments. His work ethic and approachable method have earned Merlin Wealth Management recognition by Barron’s, On Wall Street, Forbes, and The Financial Times. He and his team were named the best advisors and best advisory team in Forbes and Barron’s in 2024.
Other accolades include being named one of America’s Most Honored Financial Professionals numerous times and listed in the Top 400 Financial Advisers.
Merlin has also received awards for his philanthropic service, including the Daniel Ginsberg Award from the Anti-Defamation League and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Epstein School. His personal and professional mission is to bridge the gap between education and financial planning, which he does through several initiatives partly funded by his book sales.
Financial Longevity
In Financial Longevity, Merlin simplifies the complex world of financial planning, offering a clear roadmap to increasing one’s wealth and enjoying a bigger, more fulfilling future. He’s pleased to be able to use the proceeds from the book to fund The Perpetual Path Foundation with the goal of establishing more financial education programs throughout middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the United States.
Merlin is watching his dream become reality in the recently launched Merlin Wealth Management Financial Education Micro-Credential at Kennesaw State University. Thousands of students have already completed the eight-module program, demonstrating a strong demand for accessibility to financial education.
Merlin’s proven track record and many accomplishments in his storied career position him to become a leader in financial education and help others navigate their financial paths with confidence and success.
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