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Craig Riggs

Advisor at Merit Financial Advisors

Updated today
Merit Financial Advisors logo

Firm

Merit Financial Advisors

Location

American Fork, UT 84003

Credentials

Series 63, Series 65

Industry experience

26 years

Client services

Financial planning Portfolio management Pension consulting Selection of other advisers Educational seminars or workshops

Fee options

Fixed

Financial planning flat fees up to $80,000; Annual Trustee/Fiduciary Fee $16,500 to $18,000 plus additional asset-based fees

Percentage

$0 - $100,000: 1.50% $100,000 - $250,000: 1.25% Above $250,000+: 1.00%

Project-based

Hourly rates for financial planning services, specific rates not stated

Subscriptions

Ongoing financial planning fees payable annually, quarterly, or monthly

Work history

Merit Financial Advisors

2025 - Present (1 year)

Emerson Equity LLC

2019 - 2020 (1 year)

DFPG Investments, Inc.

2017 - 2019 (2 years)

Orchard Securities

2016 - 2017 (1 year)

Triad Advisors

2011 - 2016 (5 years)

Riggs Capital Management

2003 - 2025 (22 years)

Disclosures

Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.

Business activities & affiliations

Jen S

CFP®

Bluffdale, UT

Money Illustrated Advisory Services

Hi! I’m Jen, fellow human and creator of Money Illustrated. I'm so grateful you're here! My journey into financial planning began while I was working as a self-employed artist & graphic designer; learning to manage my own finances and variable freelance income is what sparked my interest in understanding money better. This quickly became more than a side hobby, and eventually resulted in my making a career change to pursue an undergraduate degree in financial planning. I later went on to complete a graduate degree in Financial Planning & Analytics. In addition, I obtained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, am an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). As a free-spirited, artsy feminist working in the financial planning industry over the years, I never quite fit into the old-school, male-dominated industry (very much in need of diversity and new perspectives). Eventually, I decided I needed to create the space I was searching for. I started Money Illustrated with the hope that I could bring my two worlds of art and financial planning together in order to create something different—an inclusive, progressive, and innovative approach that's both creative and human-centered. My goal is to always act in clients' best interest, while guiding toward financial success and educating on the intricacies of their financial situations. Overall, I want to help others feel empowered to live their dream lives. No matter what your financial background looks like, I’m here to offer a judgment-free approach that meets you where you are. Financial planning is a tool to help you build a life that feels like your own, focusing on your values, supporting your relationships, and prioritizing what truly matters most to you. Outside of personal finance, I love to hike in the nearby Rockies, tend to my plants, practice yoga, and paint. I live near Salt Lake City, Utah, with my wonderful partner, an exuberant dog, and two cuddly old cats.

Equity Recipients (RS/RSU, SOP, ESPP) Artists or Creative LGBTQIA Gen Y/Millennials (Born 1980-1995)

Ben G

CFP®

American Fork, UT

Gajardo Wealth Management LLC

My name is Ben Gajardo, CFP®, and I am a dedicated Certified Financial Planner™ professional. With a profound commitment to helping individuals realize their financial dreams, I established Gajardo Wealth Management to address the unique financial planning needs of small business owners, medical professionals, and professors. Gajardo Wealth Management is located in American Fork, Utah, but we serve clients nationwide virtually. We pride ourselves on offering personalized and comprehensive financial planning services. Our mission is to provide strategic financial guidance that is tailored to the distinct needs and aspirations of our clients. As a fee-only fiduciary firm, we are committed to prioritizing your best interests above all else, ensuring that our recommendations are always aligned with your goals. At Gajardo Wealth Management, we understand that financial planning is not just about managing money; it's about empowering you to live the life you envision. We offer a wide range of services including investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and more. Whether you're a small business owner looking to grow and protect your enterprise, a medical professional navigating the complexities of your financial landscape, or a professor planning for a secure retirement, we are here to help. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that our clients face. We take the time to get to know you, your values, and your long-term objectives. This personalized approach allows us to create tailored financial plans that not only address your current needs but also position you for future success. As a CFP® professional, I bring a high level of expertise and ethical standards to every client relationship. My role is not just to provide financial advice, but to act as a trusted partner in your financial journey. I believe in transparent communication, ongoing education, and a collaborative approach to financial planning. This ensures that you are always informed and confident in the decisions we make together. If you’re ready to take the next step towards financial security and achieving your life’s goals, I invite you to schedule an introductory meeting with us. Let’s work together to build a brighter financial future for you and your family.

Business ownership considerations Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Founder/Business Owner Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)

Mark W

CFP®

Provo, UT

Retirement Advice LLC

Since 2013 I’ve worked for wealth management firms providing financial planning for retirees and those who are close to retirement. Frustrated with the restrictions that come from working within a corporation, I decided to launch Retirement Advice. At Retirement Advice, I am able to provide clients with more flexibility and personability while still being their one-stop shop for all their retirement planning needs. Using modern technology and a network of partners, I am able to give my clients cost savings and expert advice backed by research. My clients can depend on me to be their investment fiduciary, 100% committed to putting their interests first. I seek to empower all of my clients with the confidence to retire early, and to retire well.

General retirement planning Retirement income strategy Income planning Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964) FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early)

Zachary B

Series 66

South Jordan, UT

Fidelity

Zachary Bown currently serves as a Branch Leader at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2026. Prior to this role, he gained experience as a Financial Consultant from 2024 to 2026, and held several other positions within Fidelity Investments including Investment Solutions Consultant, Annuity Planning Consultant, and Investment Solutions Representative. In his roles, Zachary focuses on assisting clients in pursuing their long-term financial well-being. As Branch Manager, he aims to empower and encourage associates to maximize their talents with integrity, confidence, and competence to support clients effectively. He holds insurance licenses in Arkansas and California. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Zachary has personal interests that include comedy, being a foodie, outdoor adventures, parenthood, and traveling.

Annuities Wealth management Retirement income strategy Parents

Nathan B

Series 63, Series 66

Vineyard, UT

Fidelity

Nathan Beaumont is a Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments. He has progressed through several roles within the company, including Workplace Planning Consultant I, II, and III, and Customer Relationship Advocate, gaining experience in financial planning and client relationship management. Nathan holds insurance licenses in Arkansas and California. He aims to help clients work toward their financial goals by understanding their needs and concerns and leveraging his experience to assist them in pursuing a better financial future. Outside of his professional work, Nathan enjoys activities such as hiking, football, movies, outdoor adventures, social events with friends, and exploring food.

General retirement planning

Neilson H

Series 66

Provo, UT

Merrill

Neilson Hullinger is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a member of The Hullinger Group, a team with nearly a century of advising experience. As a third-generation financial advisor, he works alongside experienced advisors to provide clients with veteran financial guidance tailored to their individual needs. His approach involves creating and regularly updating personalized plans aimed at helping clients achieve their financial goals. Neilson's expertise includes family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. He holds degrees in Finance and Economics from Utah State University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Outside of his professional life, Neilson is involved in community activities such as missionary service and participates in the Springville High Basketball organization. He enjoys spending time with his family and engages in various recreational activities including baseball, basketball, boating, camping, fishing, football, golfing, hiking, and ice hockey.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy Tax-loss harvesting
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