A Retirement Planning Specialist You Can Trust
Laryssa Freeman, CFP® is the founder of Meritage Wealth Management, an independent fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm based in Carlsbad, California serving retirees and families nationwide.
Since beginning her career in 1999, Laryssa has specialized in retirement income planning, Roth conversion analysis, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, inherited IRA planning, and helping clients transition from accumulation to retirement distribution planning.
What I See Working With Retirees Every Day
After more than two decades working with retirees, I’ve seen the same costly retirement mistakes repeat themselves:
Delaying tax planning until RMDs force higher taxable income
Triggering Medicare IRMAA surcharges through poorly timed income
Widows inheriting large IRAs without understanding the 10-year withdrawal rule
Roth conversions done without a long-term tax strategy
Concentrated company stock creating unnecessary tax exposure
Withdrawal strategies that don’t last through market downturns
These are not theoretical planning concepts to me. They are real conversations I have with clients every week.
Areas of Retirement Planning Expertise
Roth Conversion Analysis
Social Security Claiming Analysis
Retirement Income Planning
Retirement Cash Flow Planning
RMD Planning
Widow & Divorce Financial Transitions
Medicare IRMAA Planning
Estate & Beneficiary Coordination
Inherited IRA Planning
High-Net-Worth Retirement Planning
Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategies
Retirement Tax Planning
Credentials & Professional Standards
Laryssa Freeman has worked in financial services since 1999 and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
Meritage Wealth Management is an independent Registered Investment Advisor operating under a fiduciary standard, meaning we are legally obligated to place our clients’ interests first.
Unlike commission-based brokerage models, we operate as fee-only and do not sell proprietary investment or insurance products.
- CFP® Professional
- Member – CFP Board
- Independent Registered Investment Advisor
- Fee-Only Fiduciary – No Commissions
- Comprehensive Fiduciary Bond
- Our ADV Part 2A Brochure is available upon request.
Retirement Planning Education
I believe informed clients make better decisions. That’s why I create free educational content on important retirement planning topics.
Roth Conversion Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands in Taxes
Meritage Wealth Management
Medicare IRMAA Surcharges Explained: How to Avoid Higher Premiums
Meritage Wealth Management
Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule Explained: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Meritage Wealth Management
RMD Planning Strategies to Reduce Taxes in Retirement
Meritage Wealth Management
My Story
I began my career in financial services at age 26 in a largely male-dominated industry. Over the past 25+ years, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of retirees and families navigate market cycles, tax law changes, retirement transitions, and major life events.
Retirement planning became my passion because I saw how the right strategy at the right time can create confidence, reduce taxes, and help clients truly enjoy the retirement they’ve worked so hard for.
Today, I particularly enjoy helping successful women, widows, and retirees gain clarity and confidence around complex financial decisions.
Laryssa Freeman, CFP®
Founder, Meritage Wealth Management
Quick Facts
Headquarters
Carlsbad, California
Founded
2002
Serves Clients
Nationwide
Experience
Since 1999
Specializes In
Retirement Income & Tax Planning
Focus
Fiduciary Advice, Financial Clarity, Confident Retirement
We Base Our Guidance on Facts, Not Opinions
We stay current on tax laws and retirement regulations so you can make confident decisions based on accurate information.
Primary sources we reference:
SSA.gov
Medicare.gov
SEC.gov
Editorial & Educational Disclosure
Educational content on this website is written or reviewed by Laryssa Freeman, CFP® and is intended for informational purposes only. Financial planning strategies discussed may not be appropriate for all individuals and should be evaluated based on your personal circumstances and tax situation.
Last Updated: May 19, 2024
Let’s Talk About Your Retirement Goals
Schedule a complimentary call to see if we’re the right fit.
