Shelby Gallagher

Cavalot Capital is a fee-only, wealth management firm serving clients nationwide from offices in Truckee and Redding, California. We specialize in working with business owners, multi-income households, and retirees who are looking for a more integrated approach to financial planning. Many of our clients have complex situations that involve multiple income streams, equity compensation, real estate, or retirement transitions, and they value having a single, trusted partner to help bring clarity and coordination. Our services combine financial planning, investment management, and proactive tax strategy under one roof. By bundling these areas together, we help clients reduce friction, avoid costly surprises, and ensure more of what they earn goes towards their life goals and financial objectives. The value we offer is rooted in transparency, responsiveness, and practical guidance. Clients come to us because they want a clear plan for the future that adapts as life changes, and to have a financial expert on retainer to make sense of it all. Our goal is to help each client make better financial decisions, gain back time and peace of mind, and feel confident that their money is aligned with the life they want to live. Damian currently lives around Lake Tahoe, CA and spends most of his down time ski racing and trail running. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Registered Life Planner® & CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP).

Scott Macdonald is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and the founder and leader of the firm's Special Needs Team. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 1987, he has dedicated his career to providing financial advice and guidance specifically tailored to disabled, special-needs, and elder-abuse victims and their families. His team focuses on complex wealth planning and investment management for Special Needs Trusts, court-supervised trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships, working closely with attorneys, caregivers, trustees, fiduciaries, and benefits counselors to address the unique short- and long-term financial needs of society’s most vulnerable populations. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with honors from the California State University system. He is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and a Senior Portfolio Manager, managing discretionary investment strategies that may include individualized stocks and bonds as well as various model portfolios and third-party strategies. His expertise includes California Probate Code restrictions, the Uniform Prudent Investor Act, and National Guardianship Standards. Scott has been recognized with Merrill Lynch’s David Brady Community Service Award and has been named to Forbes’ "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list for multiple consecutive years from 2020 through 2025. Active in his community, Scott is a member of the Rotary Club of Tahoe Incline and involved with the Society for disAbilities. He lives in Incline Village, Nevada, with his wife Meredith and their four children. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys boating, fishing, hiking, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Ralph Agostini is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who works primarily with small business owners and entrepreneurs. He focuses on helping clients preserve and grow retirement savings, manage personal and business assets, and establish strong succession plans to ensure financial independence and a secure retirement. His approach begins with a realistic assessment of each client's unique situation, taking into account their life, business, and family circumstances to develop a tailored financial roadmap. Ralph holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from The City College of New York and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Beyond his professional work, he is a member of the League To Save Lake Tahoe and supports community organizations including the ASPCA and Keep Tahoe Blue. In his personal time, Ralph enjoys antiquing, various sports, hiking, music, reading, skiing, spending time with family, and traveling.