Laura Wiedeman

About Laura Wiedeman

Clients fascinate me – especially their stories of how they acquired wealth, the bumps they\'ve taken and what they learned along the way. Above all, their visions and values tell me about how I can be most effective. Since joining Merrill and forming The Freeman Wiedeman Group in 2016, I\'ve found that the most effective wealth management strategies begin with a genuine appreciation for each client – their personal passions, most cherished goals and greatest concerns. WHO DO I SERVE? In addition to my group\'s high-net-worth clients – engineers, educators, business owners and their families – I\'ve attracted a growing circle of women that can benefit from my \"ears-open\" approach. Many of those relationships begin at seminars where I speak about making wise financial choices and decisions, rather than emotional ones. CARE AND CURIOSITY DEFINE MY CLIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH. I believe it\'s critical educate clients (when possible) and be straightforward, even when candid recommendations may be difficult to hear. I also find it important to reassure clients during periods of market volatility and personal difficulty. Ultimately, I want each client to understand where they stand financially and what\'s possible, given their ability to follow a strategy that extends beyond disciplined investing to managing cash flow, liabilities and other areas. WHAT MAKES ME PROUD? • My awesome family. My husband, Nick, and I have a baby daughter and enjoy making memories on Cape Cod with our growing family and good friends. • Supporting my community. I serve on the Board of Directors with Dress for Success in Worcester, as a Community Investment Committee member of the United Way, and as an enthusiastic volunteer for Big Sisters through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts.*Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.*NMLS ID 15•••15

Experience

1. Senior Financial Advisor

   Merrill Lynch

   Jun 2010 — Present

   I am inspired by the clients I serve. Many explain that wealth brings comfort and the potential to achieve financial and emotional wellness. To help clients articulate their vision of a fulfilling life, I ask questions,\"What do you envision in retirement? What\'s your greatest achievement and proudest moment? Who are you responsible for? What\'s the most important thing in your life?\" In turn, I answer clients\' questions about how to increase cash flow, utilize debt wisely, pay for college or a second home, and take Social Security. As a team, my colleagues and I help clients \"see around corners\" to prepare financially and emotionally for what they envision. In crafting a thoughtful financial strategy, we aim to optimize both sides of clients\' balance sheets – assets and liabilities. Why? Because effective liability management is critical to our mission and client success. In addition to residential lending, we offer access to securities-based lending through Bank of America, N.A. We also can coordinate with clients\' CPAs and attorneys to align tax-minimization and estate planning strategiesFinancial AdvisorApril 2016 - presentFinancial Center Operations ManagerFebruary 2015 - April 2016Relationship ManagerMay 2014 -February 2015Teller Operations SpecialistJanuary 2013 - May 2014Sales and Service SpecialistMay 2012 - January 2013Teller June 2010 - May 2012

Education

• Worcester State University

  Bachelor's Degree

  2011 — 2017