Rebecca Yerby

I am Jessica McDonald, a financial advisor and owner of Southern Wealth Builders, based in Birmingham, Alabama and accepting virtual clients. I know how it feels to experience financial uncertainty. I've been there, staring down at the myriad of possible paths, unsure of which one will lead to financial security and success. It's disconcerting and frustrating, and at times, it can feel as though your dreams are slipping away. Through my journey, I have armed myself with the knowledge and experience that can turn financial anxiety into financial empowerment. As a CFP® Professional, I've devoted my life to mastering the art of financial planning, learning how to distill complex financial concepts into practical, easy-to-understand strategies that cater to each individual's unique needs. Whether you're an athlete looking to capitalize on a lucrative sponsorship or NIL deal, a seasoned professional striving to make your money work harder for you, or a veteran preparing for a comfortable retirement, I've got you covered. I have helped numerous individuals, just like you, break free from their financial constraints and confidently stride towards their financial goals.

Edward Powell is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has built a career spanning over three decades in financial services, beginning his advisory work in 1988 after a career as an entrepreneur in the building materials distribution industry. Edward has spent his entire advisory career with Merrill, developing long-term relationships with clients, many of whom have remained with him since the start of his tenure. With over 36 years of experience at Merrill, Edward specializes in creating personalized financial strategies tailored to each client's risk tolerance, investment objectives, and time horizon. His approach emphasizes a disciplined process that involves getting to know clients and their families to deliver service aligned with their unique financial situations. Edward holds the designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University. Edward and his wife Sarah live in Mountain Brook, Alabama. They spend much of their free time at Lake Martin with their five children and seven grandchildren.

Ulysses Myers is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has dedicated over 30 years to the financial advisory profession since graduating from Samford University in 1992. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping clients identify and achieve their financial goals, emphasizing a personalized approach to wealth management. His areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, retirement income, portfolio management services, and tax minimization. Ulysses believes that effective wealth management involves listening carefully to clients’ needs across various stages of life and providing guidance on priorities such as finances, work, family, health, and philanthropy. He emphasizes disciplined investing and customized advice in navigating the complexities of the financial markets. Ulysses holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Outside of his professional work, he is involved with Hunter Street Baptist Church and enjoys fishing, golfing, table tennis, and traveling.

Robert Stein is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, where he has been serving clients since 2011. He has over twenty-five years of experience in the financial services industry, having held various roles including Investment Representative, Client Service Specialist, Financial Representative, and Branch Service Representative at Fidelity Investments, as well as Shareholder Services Representative at BISYS Fund Services. Throughout his career, Robert has focused on partnering with clients to help them pursue their financial goals, build and preserve wealth, and maintain a focus on what matters most to them. This client-centered approach has enabled him to develop long-term, trust-based relationships. Outside of his professional work, Robert enjoys fitness activities such as golf, hiking, running, skiing, and traveling.

Aimee Barnes is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 2018, she has focused on developing personalized strategies for individuals, families, and businesses, addressing a range of financial objectives including college education planning, divorce transition planning, executive compensation, family wealth management, retirement income, and wealth strategies for women and clients in sports and entertainment. Aimee employs a Goals Based Wealth Management Approach and collaborates with attorneys and CPAs to coordinate her clients’ financial plans. Aimee holds a bachelor's degree from Auburn University and has earned several professional designations, including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She is actively involved in professional and community organizations, serving on the Parish Council of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, participating as a founding member of the Women’s Business Council of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, and supporting institutions such as the McWane Science Museum and Oak Mountain Schools. Residing in Birmingham with her husband and two children, Aimee engages in horseback riding, soccer, and traveling. She has contributed to the community through previous board memberships with Special Equestrians and the McWane Science Center Junior Board, as well as involvement in the Birmingham United Soccer Association.

Kim Lepley is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a member of the Taylor-Lepley & Associates team. She has been recognized on the Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list for multiple years, including 2023 through 2026. Kim joined Merrill Lynch in 2010 following her tenure as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. She holds the designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), along with Life and Health Insurance licenses. Kim’s professional experience spans financial advising, credit and lending, as well as finance, accounting, and information technology from previous positions at Alabama Power Company and Southern Company. She works closely with families and individuals to guide them through financial life planning, with particular expertise in retirement planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, and other focus areas such as college education planning and special needs planning. Active in her community, Kim has served on several nonprofit boards and has been involved with organizations including Girls Inc. of Central Alabama and The Bell Center. A native of Winfield, Alabama, she holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina. In her personal time, Kim enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, tennis, and traveling, as well as cooking.