Walter Emmerling

Advisor at Merrill

Updated today
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Firm

Merrill

Location

Wilmington, NC 28405

Credentials

Series 63, Series 66

Industry experience

4 years

About

Walter Emmerling is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He assists clients by tailoring financial plans to align with their unique ambitions and priorities, helping them pursue goals such as education funding, retirement planning, legacy planning, liquidity management, and small business strategies. His approach emphasizes simplicity and transparency in wealth planning and portfolio management services.

Walter holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He is involved with the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, reflecting his commitment to community engagement. Outside of his professional work, Walter enjoys antiquing, billiards, bowling, cooking, fishing, hunting, reading, running, and watching movies.

Expertise

General retirement planning Wealth management Business exit / sale strategy General estate planning guidance Retirement income strategy

Work history

Bank Of America, N.a.

2023 - Present (3 years)

Merrill Lynch, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

2023 - Present (3 years)

Fidelity Investments

2021 - 2023 (2 years)

East Carolina University

2020 - 2020 (1 year)

Carolina Financial Services Group

2020 - 2021 (1 year)

East Carolina University

2018 - 2021 (3 years)

Cape Fear Community College

2017 - 2018 (1 year)

Whaley & Son Construction

2017 - 2020 (3 years)

H&W Glass

2016 - 2016 (1 year)

South Columbus High School

2013 - 2017 (4 years)

Disclosures

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Megan K

CFP®

Wilmington, NC

Kopka Financial, LLC

Megan Kopka is passionate about helping women—especially caregivers and widows—find financial security and the freedom to live fulfilling lives through intentional life planning and investing. Drawing from her diverse experiences as a former math teacher, wife, mom, widow, solo parent, caregiver, medical advocate, business owner, and feminist, Megan offers unique insights on integrating money with life values. Megan is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and a Registered Life Planner (RLP®), blending her personal, professional, and altruistic missions to serve clients meaningfully. She specializes in working with widows and caregivers, providing holistic financial guidance to help them navigate life transitions confidently. About Kopka Financial, LLC. Kopka Financial, LLC is a fiduciary-focused financial planning and investment management firm dedicated to meeting each client’s unique needs with integrity and transparency. As a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, Kopka Financial operates with your best interests as the top priority, ensuring every decision aligns with your goals, values, and financial well-being. Our mission is to guide you to your financial aspirations while easing your peace of mind. We simplify complex processes by assisting you with cumbersome paperwork and educating you in a way that eliminates industry jargon. The nuances, rules, and account types are explained based on how they fit your specific needs, risk tolerance, tax structure, and earning capabilities. At Kopka Financial, we strive to allocate your resources efficiently so you can confidently pursue your dreams. Working with Kopka Financial begins with a comprehensive financial plan. This plan serves as the foundation for understanding your goals, savings, and spending habits. We aim to ensure your money provides a lifestyle that fulfills you and aligns with what matters most to you. Planning gives us a framework for ongoing investment management, allowing us to adapt as your life and market conditions evolve. Kopka Financial takes a holistic approach to financial planning, helping you confidently navigate life’s transitions. By integrating personalized strategies into every plan, we work to grow and preserve your resources while advising you on using your cash flow to achieve your life goals. Our commitment to personalized service helps ensure clients feel empowered, informed, and secure in their financial future.

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Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Wealth management General estate planning guidance Multi-generational wealth transfer

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Retirement income strategy Wealth management Military & Veterans Women Professionals Widow/Widower

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Retirement income strategy Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business ownership considerations Business exit / sale strategy General estate planning guidance Founder/Business Owner

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Business ownership considerations Business succession planning Retirement income strategy General estate planning guidance Multi-generational wealth transfer Founder/Business Owner Intergenerational Families

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College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Charitable giving & philanthropy Wealth management General retirement planning
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