Evan Roberts

We help you write your own Smart Plan. A Smart Plan is your ongoing work in progress to get you where you want to go financially. We want to be your partner to make the job easier and more efficient. We will help develop your Smart Plan, coordinate it with your other advisors, and assure that it stays on track. We’re not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom about investing and preserving wealth. We utilize all available resources in pursuit of your goals with confidence and calm. At the end of the day, this effort is committed to you. It's about planning your voyage with purpose and intent, charting a course for an enviable outcome.

Kaitlyn Cruse is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She leads the Cruse Wealth Management Group and holds the title of Portfolio Manager as well as Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor. Kaitlyn has been advising clients since 2008, initially working with ultra-high net worth individuals at Merrill Private Wealth Management Group in Boston before relocating to San Diego in 2016. Her approach emphasizes understanding clients’ relationships with money to create tailored wealth plans that address needs such as tax minimization, income planning for retirement, legacy planning, and socially responsible investing. Her expertise includes managing employer-sponsored retirement plans, discretionary portfolio management, and collaborating with estate attorneys, tax preparers, and other specialists to deliver comprehensive financial strategies. Kaitlyn holds several professional designations including Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She also maintains California insurance and multiple FINRA registrations. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant University with a focus in Financial Services and a minor in Communications, as well as studying abroad at the University of New South Wales. Kaitlyn is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Merrill Women's Exchange, where she has held leadership roles, and Merrill’s Military Support & Assistance Group. Based primarily in Carlsbad, California, she balances her career with family life alongside her husband and two children, enjoying skiing, cooking, Pilates, and travel in her spare time.

Lucy Wagner is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a member of the SWP Group, a team that collectively brings 75 years of industry experience. In her role, Lucy focuses on delivering disciplined investment approaches combined with transparent fees and proactive communication to help clients reach their financial goals. She works closely with multigenerational families and business owners to develop personalized financial strategies, emphasizing trust and comprehensive financial planning. Beginning her career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as an intern, Lucy joined full-time in 2007 and has since held several roles, including Registered Client Associate and member of the Practice Management Consulting Group. Her experience includes work on the Optimal Practice Model strategy, advisor training, diversity and client acquisition initiatives, and mentoring emerging Merrill advisors. Lucy’s areas of expertise encompass family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and supporting women and wealth. Lucy holds a bachelor's degree from Wagner College and holds the professional designations of CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She resides in New Hampshire, where she enjoys hiking, bicycling, and participating in her community. Lucy is also actively involved with several organizations, including New York Cares, New York Says Thank You, Room to Grow, The Bowery Mission, and Thetford Academy.

Sheldon Stansfield is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in personalized wealth management strategies. He collaborates closely with clients to develop financial plans tailored to their individual goals, drawing on Merrill's investment insights and leveraging the resources of Bank of America to provide comprehensive banking and lending solutions. Sheldon’s approach integrates a full understanding of each client's financial picture to navigate changing market conditions effectively. With extensive experience in areas such as education planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, socially responsible investing, and tax minimization, Sheldon and The SWP Group offer clients access to a global network of specialists and in-house managed investment portfolios. The group’s collective expertise spans over 60 years, emphasizing integrity and thoughtful leadership to support clients’ long-term financial objectives. Sheldon holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Trinity College as well as a High School Diploma from Kimball Union Academy. Outside of his professional role, Sheldon participates actively in community organizations including Kimball Union Academy, Opera North, The Howe Library, and Willing Hands. He also pursues a range of personal interests such as adventure sports, biking, hiking, skiing, ice hockey, music, swimming, tennis, and spending time with his family. Fluent in English and Chinese, Sheldon continues to prioritize building strong client relationships through personalized service and community engagement.