Overview
Assets Under Management: $1.3 billion
Headquarters: CLAYTON, MO
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Pension Consulting
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV 2A & 2B)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $2,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $2,000,001 | $5,000,000 | 0.75% |
| $5,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 0.50% |
| $10,000,001 | $20,000,000 | 0.40% |
| $20,000,001 | $30,000,000 | 0.35% |
| $30,000,001 | $50,000,000 | 0.30% |
| $50,000,001 | $75,000,000 | 0.25% |
| $75,000,001 | and above | Negotiable |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
| $5 million | $42,500 | 0.85% |
| $10 million | $67,500 | 0.68% |
| $50 million | $202,500 | 0.40% |
| $100 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
Clients
Total Client Accounts: 2,053
Discretionary Accounts: 1,642
Non-Discretionary Accounts: 411
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 335112
Filing ID: 2004115
Last Filing Date: 2025-07-16 12:00:00
Website: https://mfp-stl.com
Form ADV Documents
Primary Brochure: ADV 2A & 2B (2025-07-01)
View Document Text
Item 1 – Cover Page
Part 2A of Form ADV
Meramec Financial Planners LLC
7911 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 200
Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-579-3295
Email: kelly@mfp-stl.com
July 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Meramec
Financial Planners LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please
contact us using the information listed above. The information in this Brochure has not been
approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any
state securities authority.
Meramec Financial Planners LLC (CRD# 335112) is a registered investment advisor with the SEC.
Registration of an investment advisor does not imply any certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about Meramec Financial Planners LLC is also available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Material Changes
Since the date of the last brochure, the following material changes have been made:
Item 10 & ADV 2Bs – Removed Dual RIA Affiliations
• Firm Email and Phone
•
2
Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page ...............................................................................................................1
Item 2 – Material Changes ......................................................................................................2
Item 3 – Table of Contents .....................................................................................................3
Item 4 – Advisory Business .....................................................................................................4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................7
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ............................................9
Item 7 – Types of Clients & Account Minimums .................................................................... 10
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Investment Tools, and Risk of Loss ...... 10
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ......................................................................................... 12
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................. 12
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading12
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .............................................................................................. 14
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ............................................................................................... 15
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation .............................................................. 15
Item 15 – Custody ................................................................................................................ 15
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ........................................................................................... 16
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ......................................................................................... 17
Item 18 – Financial Information ............................................................................................ 17
Supervised Person Brochure – Kelly Richert .......................................................................... 19
Supervised Person Brochure – Julie Bahr .............................................................................. 22
Supervised Person Brochure – Christopher Michalak ............................................................. 25
Supervised Person Brochure – Sarah Pinkley ......................................................................... 27
Supervised Person Brochure – Amy Borkowski Baker ............................................................ 29
Supervised Person Brochure – Laura Paulsell ........................................................................ 31
Supervised Person Brochure – Jennie Helm ........................................................................... 34
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
Description of the Advisory Firm
A.
Meramec Financial Planners LLC (“MFP”) was formed on February 4th, 2025 and is based in St.
Louis, MO. MFP’s principal owners are Kelly Richert, Julie Bahr, and Christopher Michalak.
Types of Advisory Services
B.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
MFP offers asset management services to advisory Clients. MFP will offer Clients ongoing asset
management services through determining individual investment goals, time horizons, objectives,
and risk tolerance. Investment strategies, investment selection, asset allocation, portfolio
monitoring and the overall investment program will be based on the above factors.
Discretionary
When the Client elects to use MFP on a discretionary basis, the Client will sign a limited
trading authorization or equivalent allowing MFP to determine the securities to be bought
or sold and the amount of the securities to be bought or sold. MFP will have the authority
to execute transactions in the account without seeking Client approval on each transaction.
Non-Discretionary
When the Client elects to use MFP on a non-discretionary basis, MFP will determine the
securities to be bought or sold and the amount of the securities to be bought or sold.
However, MFP will obtain prior Client approval on each and every transaction before
executing any transaction.
ERISA PLAN SERVICES
MFP offers service to qualified and non-qualified retirement plans including 401(k) plans, 403(b)
plans, pension and profit-sharing plans, cash balance plans, and deferred compensation plans
(“Plan”). MFP may act as a 3(21) or 3(38) advisor:
Limited Scope ERISA 3(21) Fiduciary. MFP acts as a limited scope ERISA 3(21) fiduciary that
can advise, help and assist plan sponsors with their investment decisions. As an investment
advisor MFP has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the Client. The plan sponsor
is still ultimately responsible for the decisions made in their plan, though using MFP can
help the plan sponsor delegate liability by following a diligent process.
1. Fiduciary Services are:
• Provide investment advice to the Plan about asset classes and investment alternatives
available for the Plan in accordance with the Plan’s investment policies and objectives.
The Plan Sponsor will make the final decision regarding the initial selection, retention,
removal and addition of investment options. MFP acknowledges that it is a fiduciary as
defined in ERISA section 3 (21) (A) (ii).
• Assist the Plan in the development of an investment policy statement (“IPS”). The IPS
establishes the investment policies and objectives for the Plan. Plan shall have the
ultimate responsibility and authority to establish such policies and objectives and to
adopt and amend the IPS.
• Provide investment advice to the Plan Sponsor with respect to the selection of a
qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) for participants who are automatically
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enrolled in the Plan or who have otherwise failed to make investment elections. The
Plan retains the sole responsibility to provide all notices to the Plan participants required
under ERISA Section 404© (5) and 404(a)-5.
investment performance, consistency of
• Assist in monitoring investment options by preparing periodic investment reports that
document
fund management and
conformance to the guidelines set forth in the IPS and make recommendations to
maintain, remove or replace investment options.
• Meet with the Plan Sponsor on a periodic basis to discuss the reports and the
investment recommendations.
2. Non-fiduciary Services are:
• Assist in the education of Plan participants about general investment information and
the investment alternatives available to them under the Plan. Plan understands MFP’s
assistance in education of the Plan participants shall be consistent with and within the
scope of the Department of Labor’s definition of investment education (Department of
Labor Interpretive Bulletin 96-1). As such, MFP is not providing fiduciary advice as
defined by ERISA 3(21)(A)(ii) to the Plan participants. MFP will not provide investment
advice concerning the prudence of any investment option or combination of investment
options for a particular participant or beneficiary under the Plan.
• Assist in the group enrollment meetings designed to increase retirement plan
participation among the employees and investment and financial understanding by the
employees.
MFP may provide these services or, alternatively, may arrange for the Plan’s other providers
to offer these services, as agreed upon between MFP and the Plan.
3. MFP has no responsibility to provide services related to the following types of assets
(“Excluded Assets”):
• Employer securities;
• Real estate (except for real estate funds or publicly traded REITs);
• Stock brokerage accounts or mutual fund windows;
• Participant loans;
• Non-publicly traded partnership interests;
• Other non-publicly traded securities or property (other than collective trusts and similar
vehicles); or
• Other hard-to-value or illiquid securities or property.
Excluded Assets will not be included in calculation of Fees paid to MFP on the ERISA
Agreement. Specific services will be outlined in detail to each plan in the 408(b)2 disclosure.
3(38) Investment Manager. MFP acts as an ERISA 3(38) Investment Manager in which it has
discretionary management and control of a given retirement plan’s assets. MFP would then
become solely responsible and liable for the selection, monitoring and replacement of the
plan’s investment options.
1. Fiduciary Services include:
• Advisor has discretionary authority and will make the final decision regarding the initial
selection, retention, removal and addition of investment options in accordance with the
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Plan’s investment policies and objectives.
• Assist the Plan Sponsor with the selection of a broad range of investment options
consistent with ERISA Section 404(c) and the regulations thereunder.
• Assist the Plan Sponsor in the development of an investment policy statement. The
IPS establishes the investment policies and objectives for the Plan.
• Provide discretionary investment advice to the Plan Sponsor with respect to the
selection of a qualified default investment alternative for participants who are
automatically enrolled in the Plan or who have otherwise failed to make investment
elections. The Plan Sponsor retains the sole responsibility to provide all notices to the
Plan participants required under ERISA Section 404(c) (5).
investment performance, consistency of
• Assist in monitoring investment options by preparing periodic investment reports that
document
fund management and
conformance to the guidelines set forth in the IPS and make recommendations to
maintain, remove or replace investment options.
• Meet with Plan Sponsor on a periodic basis to discuss the reports and the investment
recommendations.
2. Non-fiduciary Services include:
• Assist in the education of Plan participants about general investment information and
the investment alternatives available to them under the Plan. The Advisor’s assistance
in education of the Plan participants shall be consistent with and within the scope of
the Department of Labor’s definition of investment education (Department of Labor
Interpretive Bulletin 96-1). As such, the Advisor is not providing fiduciary advice as
defined by ERISA to the Plan participants. Advisor will not provide investment advice
concerning the prudence of any investment option or combination of investment
options for a particular participant or beneficiary under the Plan.
• Assist in the group enrollment meetings designed to increase retirement plan
participation among the employees and investment and financial understanding by the
employees.
MFP may provide these services or, alternatively, may arrange for the Plan’s other providers
to offer these services, as agreed upon between Advisor and Plan Sponsor.
3. MFP has no responsibility to provide services related to the following types of assets
(“Excluded Assets”):
a. Employer securities;
b. Real estate (except for real estate funds or publicly traded REITs);
c. Stock brokerage accounts or mutual fund windows;
d. Participant loans;
e. Non-publicly traded partnership interests;
f. Other non-publicly traded securities or property (other than collective trusts and
similar vehicles); or
g. Other hard-to-value or illiquid securities or property.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING
Services include an evaluation of a Client's current and future financial state using currently known
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variables to predict future cash flows, asset values, recommend purchase and sales, and
withdrawal plans. MFP will use current net worth, tax liabilities, asset allocation, and future
retirement and estate plans in developing financial plans. Topics for planning may include, but are
not limited:
• Personal net worth statement: A snapshot of assets and liabilities serves as a benchmark
for measuring progress towards financial goals.
• Cash flow analysis: An income and spending plan determines how much can be set aside
for debt repayment, savings and investing each month.
• Retirement strategy: A strategy for achieving retirement independent of other financial
priorities. Including a strategy for accumulating the required retirement capital and its
planned lifetime distribution.
• Long-term investment plan: Build a customized asset allocation strategy based on specific
investment objectives and a risk profile. This strategy sets guidelines for selecting, buying
and selling investments and establishing benchmarks for performance review.
• Tax reduction strategy: Identify ways to minimize taxes on personal income to the extent
permissible by the tax code. The strategy should include identification of tax favored
investment vehicles that can reduce taxation of investment income.
• Estate preservation: Help update accounts, review beneficiaries for retirement accounts
and life insurance, provide a second look at your current estate planning documents, and
prompt you to update your plan when the legal environment changes or you have major life
events such as a marriage, death, or births.
If a conflict of interest exists between the interests of MFP and the interests of the Client, the Client
is under no obligation to act upon MFP’s recommendation. If the Client elects to act on any of the
recommendations, the Client is under no obligation to affect the transaction through MFP.
Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
C.
The Client’s financial needs, investment goals, tolerance for risk, and investment objectives are
documented in MFP’s Client files. Investment strategies are created that reflect the stated goals
and objectives. Clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of
securities. These restrictions may, however, prohibit engagement with MFP.
Wrap Fee Programs
D.
MFP does not participate in a Wrap Program.
Amounts Under Management
E.
As of the date of this brochure, MFP provides management services for:
Discretionary Assets:
$0
Non-Discretionary Assets:
$0
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
Fee Schedule
A.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
MFP offers asset management services to advisory Clients. MFP charges an annual investment
advisory fee based on the total assets under management as follows:
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Assets Under Management
Maximum Annual Fee
$0 - $2,000,000
1.00%
$2,000,001 - $5,000,000
0.75%
$5,000,001 – $10,000,000
0.50%
$10,000,001 - $20,000,000
0.40%
$20,000,001 - $30,000,000
0.35%
$30,000,001 - $50,000,000
0.30%
$50,000,001 - $75,000,000
0.25%
Over $75,000,000
Negotiable
This is a blended fee schedule, meaning different asset levels are assessed different fees, as shown
above. Fees are billed quarterly in advance based on the amount of assets managed as of the close
of business on the last business day of the previous billing period. Lastly, please note that MFP
may group certain related Client accounts, often known as “householding”, for the purposes of
achieving the minimum account size and determining the annualized fee.
ERISA PLAN SERVICES
The annual fees are based on the market value of the Included Assets and shall not exceed 1%.
Fees may be charged quarterly or monthly in arrears or in advance based on the assets as
calculated by the custodian or record keeper of the Included Assets (without adjustments for
anticipated withdrawals by Plan participants or other anticipated or scheduled transfers or
distribution of assets) on the last business day of the previous quarter.
The fee schedule, which includes compensation of MFP for the services is described in detail in the
ERISA Plan Agreement. The Plan is obligated to pay the fees, however the Plan Sponsor may elect
to pay the fees. Clients may elect to be billed directly or have fees deducted from Plan Assets. MFP
does not reasonably expect to receive any additional compensation, directly or indirectly, for its
services. If additional compensation is received, MFP will disclose this compensation, the services
rendered, and the payer of compensation.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING
MFP charges an ongoing fixed fee for financial planning and consulting. Prior to the planning
process the Client will be provided an estimated plan fee which will be based on the complexity of
the engagement. MFP reserves the right to waive the fee should the Client implement the plan
through MFP.
ONGOING FEES
Ongoing Fee Services are offered based on an annual fee to never exceed $200,000,
charged monthly or quarterly depending on the Client’s election. Fees are billed in advance
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of each billing period. Ongoing Fee Services will continue year over year until canceled, in
writing, by either MFP or the Client.
Payment of Fees
B.
Asset Management Fees are generally deducted directly from the Client’s Account.
ERISA Fees are deducted directly from the Client’s Account.
Financial Planning and Consulting Fees are generally invoiced directly to the Client but may also be
deducted from another account held with MFP.
MFP, in its sole discretion, may charge a lesser investment advisory fee based upon certain criteria
(e.g., historical relationship, type of assets, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future
additional assets, dollar amounts of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition,
negotiations with Clients, etc.).
For all services, Clients may terminate their engagement with MFP within five (5) business days of
signing an Agreement with no obligation and without penalty. After the initial five (5) business days,
the Agreement may be terminated by MFP with thirty (30) days written notice to Client and by the
Client at any time with written notice to MFP. For accounts opened or closed mid-billing period,
fees will be prorated based on the days services are provided during the given period. All unpaid
earned fees will be due to MFP and all unearned fees will be refunded to the Client. Please note,
only fees associated to MFP are considered for reimbursement. Any increase in fees will be
acknowledged in writing by both parties before any increase in said fees occurs.
Additional Fees
C.
Custodians may charge brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs on the
purchases or sales of mutual funds, equities, bonds, options, margin interest, and exchange-traded
funds. Mutual funds, money market funds, and exchange-traded funds may also charge internal
management fees, which are disclosed in the fund’s prospectus. MFP does not directly receive any
compensation from these fees. All of these fees are in addition to the management fee you pay to
MFP. For more details on the brokerage practices, see Item 12 of this brochure.
Prepayment of Fees
D.
Asset Management, Financial Planning and Consulting fees are charged in advance. ERISA fees
may also be charged in advance.
External Compensation for the Sale of Securities
E.
MFP does not receive any external compensation from the sale of securities.
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of managed securities.
MFP does not use a performance-based fee structure nor “side-by-side” management because of
9
the conflict of interest. Performance based compensation may create an incentive for MFP to
recommend an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the Client.
Item 7 – Types of Clients & Account Minimums
MFP’s Clients are generally individuals, small businesses, trusts, estates, high net-worth individuals,
pooled investment vehicles, and charities. Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
There is no minimum account size and Clients are not required to have a certain amount of
investment experience or sophistication.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, Investment Tools, and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
A.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear. Past
performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Security analysis methods may include:
Fundamental analysis concentrates on factors that determine a company’s value and expected
future earnings. This strategy would normally encourage equity purchases in stocks that are
undervalued or priced below their perceived value. The risk assumed is that the market will fail to
reach expectations of perceived value.
Technical analysis attempts to predict a future stock price or direction based on market trends.
The assumption is that the market follows discernible patterns and if these patterns can be
identified then a prediction can be made. The risk is that markets do not always follow patterns
and relying solely on this method may not take into account new patterns that emerge over time.
Modern portfolio theory is a theory of investment that attempts to maximize portfolio expected
return for a given amount of portfolio risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a given level of expected
return, each by carefully choosing the proportions of various assets.
In developing a financial plan for a Client, MFP’s analysis may include cash flow analysis,
investment planning, risk management, tax planning and estate planning. Based on the information
gathered, a detailed strategy is tailored to the Client’s specific situation.
The main sources of information include financial newspapers and magazines, annual reports,
prospectuses, and filings with the SEC.
Investment Strategy
B.
The investment strategy for a specific Client is based upon the objectives stated by the Client
during consultations. The Client may change these objectives at any time by providing written
notice to MFP. Each Client executes a Client profile form or similar form that documents their
objectives and their desired investment strategy.
Risks of Investments and Strategies Utilized
C.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear. MFP’s
investment approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors may face the following
investment risks:
10
General Investment and Trading Risks. Clients may invest in securities and other financial
instruments using strategies and investment techniques with significant risk characteristics. The
investment program utilizes such investment techniques as option transactions, margin
transactions, short sales, leverage, and derivatives trading, the use of which can, in certain
circumstances, maximize the adverse impact to which a Client may be subject.
Interest-rate Risk. Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate. For
example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less attractive, causing their
market values to decline.
Inflation Risk. When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will buy more than a dollar next
year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
Currency Risk. Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the dollar against
the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also referred to as exchange rate risk.
Reinvestment Risk. This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to be
reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily relates to fixed
income securities.
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash. Generally, assets
are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product. For example, Treasury Bills
are highly liquid, while real estate properties are not.
Management Risk. The advisor’s investment approach may fail to produce the intended results. If
the advisor’s assumptions regarding the performance of a specific asset class or fund are not
realized in the expected time frame, the overall performance of the Client’s portfolio may suffer.
Exchange-Traded Funds. ETFs are a type of index fund bought and sold on a securities exchange.
The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities they are
designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in it being more volatile and ETFs
have management fees that increase their costs. ETFs are also subject to other risks, including:
(i) the risk that their prices may not correlate perfectly with changes in the underlying reference
units; and (ii) the risk of possible trading halts due to market conditions or other reasons that, in
the view of the exchange upon which an ETF trades, would make trading in the ETF inadvisable.
Mutual Fund Risks. An investment in mutual funds could lose money over short or even long
periods. A mutual fund’s share price and total return are expected to fluctuate within a wide range,
like the fluctuations of the overall stock market.
Capitalization Risks. Investing in Companies within the same market capitalization category carries
the risk that the category may be out of favor due to current market conditions or investor
sentiment.
Market Risks. Turbulence in the financial markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect the
Companies, which could have an adverse effect on each of them. If the securities of the Companies
experience poor liquidity, investors may be unable to transact at advantageous times or prices,
which may decrease the Company’s returns. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
11
central governments and governmental agencies, including the Federal Reserve or the European
Central Bank, which could include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in
financial markets, which could have a negative impact on the Companies. Furthermore, local,
regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other
public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Companies.
For example, the rapid and global spread of COVID-19, resulted in extreme volatility in the financial
markets and severe losses; reduced liquidity of many Companies’ securities; restrictions on
international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations
(including business closures); strained healthcare systems; disruptions to supply chains, consumer
demand and employee availability; and widespread uncertainty regarding the duration and long-
term effects of this pandemic. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers experienced
particularly large losses. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased volatility and/or
decreased liquidity in the securities markets. The Companies’ values could decline over short
periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market downturns.
The foregoing list of risk factors does not purport to be a complete enumeration or explanation of
the risks involved in an investment with MFP.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
MFP and its management have not been involved in any criminal or civil actions, administrative or
self-regulatory enforcement proceedings, nor any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a
Client’s or prospective Client’s evaluation of MFP or the integrity of its management.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Registration as a Broker-Dealer or Broker-Dealer Representative
A.
Neither MFP nor its management persons are registered as a broker-dealer or broker-dealer
representative.
B.
Registration as a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or a
Commodity Trading Advisor
Neither MFP nor its management persons are registered as futures commission merchant,
commodity pool operator, or a commodity trading advisor.
C.
Relationships Material to this Advisory Business and Possible Conflicts of Interest
Neither CFG nor its representatives have any additional material relationships to this advisory
business that would present a possible conflict of interest other than what may be disclosed above.
Selection of Other Advisors or Managers
D.
MFP does not utilize nor select other advisors.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
A.
The supervised persons (supervised persons include employees and/or independent contractors)
of MFP have committed to a Code of Ethics (“Code”). The purpose of our Code is to set forth
12
standards of conduct expected of MFP supervised and addresses conflicts that may arise. The
Code defines acceptable behavior for supervised persons of MFP. The Code reflects MFP and its
supervised persons’ responsibility to act in the best interest of their Client.
One area which the Code addresses is when supervised persons buy or sell securities for their
personal accounts and how to mitigate any conflict of interest with our Clients. We do not allow
any supervised persons to use non-public material information for their personal profit or to use
internal research for their personal benefit in conflict with the benefit to our Clients.
MFP’s policy prohibits any person from acting upon or otherwise misusing non-public or inside
information. No advisory representative or other supervised person, officer or director of MFP may
recommend any transaction in a security or its derivative to advisory Clients or engage in personal
securities transactions for a security or its derivatives if the advisory representative possesses
material, non-public information regarding the security.
MFP’s Code is based on the guiding principle that the interests of the Client are our top priority.
MFP’s officers, directors, advisors, and other supervised persons have a fiduciary duty to our
Clients and must diligently perform that duty to maintain the complete trust and confidence of our
Clients. When a conflict arises, it is our obligation to put the Client’s interests over the interests of
either supervised persons or MFP.
Certain parts of this Code apply to “access” persons. “Access” persons are supervised persons who
have access to non-public information regarding any Clients' purchase or sale of securities, or non-
public information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund, who are involved in
making securities recommendations to Clients, or who have access to such recommendations that
are non-public.
MFP will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any Client or prospective Client upon request.
Recommendations Involving Material Financial Interests
B.
Neither MFP nor its related persons recommend to Clients, or buys or sells for Client accounts,
securities in which MFP or a related person has a material financial interest.
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of
C.
Interest
MFP and its supervised persons may invest in the same securities (or related securities, e.g.,
warrants, options or futures) that MFP or a supervised person recommends to Clients. In order to
mitigate conflicts of interest, such as frontrunning, MFP’s Chief Compliance Officer, or their
designee, will no less than quarterly, review firm and/or personal holdings of its supervised persons.
These reviews ensure that the personal trading of supervised persons does not disadvantage
Clients of MFP.
Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory Firm Securities
D.
Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
MFP and its supervised persons may recommend securities, or buy or sell securities for Clients
accounts, at or about the same time, that they also buy or sell the same securities in their own
account(s). MFP, for instance, will place trades in an account in an attempt to earn better than
money market rates. In order to mitigate conflicts of interest, such as frontrunning, MFP’s Chief
Compliance Officer, or their designee, will no less than quarterly, review firm and/or personal
13
holdings of its supervised persons. These reviews ensure that the personal trading of supervised
persons does not disadvantage Clients of MFP.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Factors Used to Select or Recommending Broker-Dealers
A.
MFP may recommend/requires the use of a specific broker-dealer or may utilize a broker-dealer of
the Client's choosing. MFP will select appropriate brokers based on a number of factors including
but not limited to their transaction fees, quality of customer service, and reporting ability. MFP relies
on the broker-dealer to provide its execution services at the best prices available. Lower fees for
comparable services may be available from other sources. Clients pay for any and all custodial fees
in addition to the advisory fee charged by MFP. Please note that not all Investment Advisors require
their clients direct brokerage.
1.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
MFP does not receive soft dollar benefits.
2.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
MFP does not receive Client referrals from any custodian or third party in exchange
for using that broker-dealer or third party.
3.
Directed Brokerage
MFP does not generally accept directed brokerage arrangements (when a Client
requires that account transactions be effected through a specific broker-dealer).
However, MFP does allow for Client directed brokerage in certain situations. Such
situations may affect MFP’s ability to negotiate commissions with the resulting
inability to obtain volume discounts or best execution for Client directed accounts
in some transactions. Therefore, a Client may pay higher commissions or other
transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices, on
transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case should the Client
elect to trade through the broker-dealer MFP recommends.
Investment advisors who manage or supervise Client portfolios have a fiduciary obligation of best
execution. The determination of what may constitute best execution and price in the execution of
a securities transaction by a broker-dealer involves a number of considerations and is subjective.
Factors affecting brokerage selection include the overall direct net economic result to the
portfolios, the efficiency with which the transaction is effected, the ability to affect the transaction
where a large block is involved, the operational facilities of the broker-dealer, the value of an
ongoing relationship with such broker-dealer and the financial strength and stability of the broker-
dealer. The firm does not receive any portion of the trading fees.
Aggregating Trading for Multiple Client Accounts
B.
When a Client authorizes discretionary management, MFP is authorized in its discretion to
aggregate purchases and sales and other transactions made for the account with purchases and
sales and transactions in the same securities for other Clients of MFP. All Clients participating in
the aggregated order shall receive an average share price with all other transactions. If aggregation
is not allowed or infeasible and individual transactions occur (e.g., withdrawal or liquidation
requests, odd-lot trades, etc.) an account may potentially be assessed higher costs or less
14
favorable prices than those where aggregation has occurred. MFP will always attempt to aggregate
orders whenever it has the opportunity to do so.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Frequency and Nature of Periodic Review and Who Makes Those Reviews
A.
Account reviews are performed at least annually by the Chief Compliance Officer of MFP. Account
reviews are performed more frequently when market conditions dictate. Reviews of Client accounts
include, but are not limited to, a review of Client documented risk tolerance, adherence to account
objectives, investment time horizon, and suitability criteria, reviewing target allocations of each
asset class to identify if there is an opportunity for rebalancing, and reviewing accounts for tax loss
harvesting opportunities.
Financial plans are updated as requested by the Client and pursuant to a new or amended
agreement, MFP suggests updating at least annually.
Factors That Will Trigger a Non-Periodic Review of Client Accounts
B.
Other conditions that may trigger a review of Clients’ accounts are changes in the tax laws, new
investment information, and changes in a Client's own situation.
Content and Frequency of Regular Reports
C.
Clients receive written account statements no less than quarterly for managed accounts. Account
statements are issued by the Client’s custodian. Client receives confirmations of each transaction
in account from Custodian and an additional statement during any month in which a transaction
occurs. MFP may also send periodic or other event-inspired reports based on market or portfolio
activity. Reports will generally be provided in electronic format.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Economic Benefits from Others
A.
MFP does not receive any economic benefits from external sources.
Compensation to Non-Advisory Personnel for Client Referrals
B.
MFP does not compensate for Client referrals.
Item 15 – Custody
All assets are held at qualified custodians, which means the custodians provide account
statements directly to Clients at least quarterly. Clients are urged to compare the account
statements received directly from their custodians to any documentation or reports prepared by
MFP.
MFP is deemed to have limited custody solely because advisory fees are directly deducted from
Client’s accounts by the custodian on behalf of MFP. MFP will obtain written authorization from
Client to allow for such deductions.
15
MFP also has custody of funds and/or securities in certain Client accounts. These accounts are
examined on a surprise basis at least annually by an outside public accounting firm unless
otherwise exempted.
Lastly, MFP has limited custody due to having standing letters of authorization (“SLOA”) to direct
third party payments. MFP will meet the following seven conditions when a SLOA has been
established with a Client to be exempted from the annual audit requirement:
1. The client provides an instruction to the qualified custodian, in writing, that includes
the client’s signature, the third party’s name, and either the third party’s address or
the third party’s account number at a custodian to which the transfer will be
directed.
2. The client authorizes the investment advisor, in writing, either on the qualified
custodian’s form or separately, to direct transfers to the third party either on a
specified schedule or from time to time.
3. The client’s qualified custodian performs appropriate verification of the instruction,
such as a signature review or other method to verify the client’s authorization, and
provides a transfer of funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer.
4. The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s
qualified custodian.
5. The investment advisor has no authority or ability to designate or change the
identity of the third party, the address, or any other information about the third party
contained in the client’s instruction.
6. The investment advisor maintains records showing that the third party is not a
related party of the investment advisor or located at the same address as the
investment advisor.
7. The client’s qualified custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice
confirming the instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
MFP is not affiliated with the custodian. The custodian does not supervise MFP, its employees or
activities.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
If applicable, Client will authorize MFP discretionary authority, via the Advisory Agreement, to
determine, without obtaining specific Client consent, the securities to be bought or sold, and the
amount of the securities to be bought or sold. If applicable, Client will authorize MFP discretionary
authority to execute selected investment program transactions as stated within the Investment
Advisory Agreement. If however, consent for discretion is not given, MFP will obtain prior Client
approval before executing each transaction.
MFP allows Clients to place certain restrictions, as outlined in the Client’s Investment Policy
Statement or similar document. Such restrictions could include only allowing purchases of socially
conscious investments. These restrictions must be provided to MFP in writing.
The Client approves the custodian to be used and the commission rates paid to the custodian. MFP
does not receive any portion of the transaction fees or commissions paid by the Client to the
custodian.
16
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
Clients will receive proxy voting information directly from the issuer and/or custodian of the
security. Clients will not receive any such proxy voting material from MFP. When assistance on
voting proxies is requested by the Client, MFP will provide recommendations to the Client. However,
MFP will not have authority to vote proxies on behalf of the Client. If in the future MFP obtains
authority to vote proxies, this Brochure will be appropriately amended. Clients may contact MFP at
314-579-3295 or kelly@mfp-stl.com.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Balance Sheet
A.
MFP does not require nor solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per Client, six months or
more in advance.
Financial Condition
B.
At this time, neither MFP nor its management persons have any financial conditions that are likely
to reasonably impair its ability to meet contractual commitments to Clients.
Bankruptcy Petitions in Previous Years
C.
MFP has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition in the last ten years.
17
SUPERVISED PERSON BROCHURE
Part 2B of Form ADV
Meramec Financial Planners LLC
Kelly Richert
7911 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 200
Clayton, MO 63105
July 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Kelly Richert and supplements the Meramec
Financial Planners LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure. Please contact
Kelly Richert if you did not receive the brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of
this supplement.
Additional information about Kelly Richert (CRD# 2616722) is also available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
18
Supervised Person Brochure – Kelly Richert
Year of birth: 1973
Item 2 - Educational Background and Business Experience
Educational Background:
● University of Missouri - Columbia; BS/BA in Finance and Real Estate; 1994
● Saint Louis University; MBA; 1999
● Saint Louis University; JD; 2006
Business Experience:
● Meramec Financial Planners LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 02/2025 – Present
● Clayton Financial Group, LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 11/2021 – 07/2025
● Parkside Financial Bank U& Trust; Executive Vice President; 08/2004 – 11/2021
Professional Designations:
CFP® - Certified Financial Planner
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® and federally registered CFP (with flame design)
marks (collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional certification marks granted in the United
States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires
financial planners to hold CFP® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of
other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct
and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with
clients.
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following
requirements:
●
●
●
●
Education – Complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the financial
planning subject areas that CFP Board’s studies have determined as necessary for the
competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, and attain a Bachelor’s
Degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university (or its equivalent
from a foreign university). CFP Board’s financial planning subject areas include insurance
planning, financial management, investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning,
and estate planning;
Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination. The six hour
examination includes case studies and client scenarios designed to test one’s ability to
correctly diagnose financial planning issues and apply one’s knowledge of financial
planning to real world circumstances;
Experience – Complete at least 6000 hours of professional financial planning experience
(or 4000 hours of apprenticeship experience); and
Ethics – Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, a set
of documents outlining the ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals.
Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and ethics
requirements in order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP® marks:
19
● Continuing Education – Complete continuing education coursework to maintain
●
competence and keep up with developments in the financial planning field; and
Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
The Standards prominently require that CFP® professionals provide financial planning
services at a fiduciary standard of care. This means CFP® professionals must provide
financial planning services in the best interests of their clients.
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject
to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of
their CFP® certification.
Item 3 - Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report
Administrative Proceeding: None to report
Self-Regulatory Proceeding: None to report
Item 4 - Other Business Activities Engaged In
Kelly Richert has no outside business activities to disclose.
Item 5 - Additional Compensation
Kelly Richert does not receive additional compensation, performance-based fees, nor receives any
additional compensation for performing advisory services other than what is disclosed in Item 4 of
Part 2A.
Item 6 - Supervision
Kelly Richert is the Chief Compliance Officer of MFP and therefore is solely responsible for all
supervision and formulation and monitoring of investment advice offered to Clients. She can be
reached using the contact information provided on the above cover page.
20
SUPERVISED PERSON BROCHURE
Part 2B of Form ADV
Meramec Financial Planners LLC
Julie Bahr
7911 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 200
Clayton, MO 63105
July 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Julie Bahr and supplements the Meramec
Financial Planners LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure. Please contact
Julie Bahr if you did not receive the brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of
this supplement.
Additional information about Julie Bahr (CRD# 3043047) is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
21
Supervised Person Brochure – Julie Bahr
Year of birth: 1971
Item 2 - Educational Background and Business Experience
Educational Background:
● University of Missouri-Columbia, BS/BA Business/Finance; 1993
● Maryville University; MBA, 1999
Business Experience:
● Meramec Financial Planners LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 02/2025 – Present
● Clayton Financial Group, LLC; Managing Director & Investment Advisor Representative;
08/2015 – 07/2025
● Moneta Group; Principal; 07/2001 – 07/2015
Professional Designations:
CFP® - Certified Financial Planner
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® and federally registered CFP (with flame design)
marks (collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional certification marks granted in the United
States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires
financial planners to hold CFP® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of
other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct
and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with
clients.
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following
requirements:
●
●
●
●
Education – Complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the financial
planning subject areas that CFP Board’s studies have determined as necessary for the
competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, and attain a Bachelor’s
Degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university (or its equivalent
from a foreign university). CFP Board’s financial planning subject areas include insurance
planning, financial management, investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning,
and estate planning;
Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination. The six hour
examination includes case studies and client scenarios designed to test one’s ability to
correctly diagnose financial planning issues and apply one’s knowledge of financial
planning to real world circumstances;
Experience – Complete at least 6000 hours of professional financial planning experience
(or 4000 hours of apprenticeship experience); and
Ethics – Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, a set
of documents outlining the ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals.
Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and ethics
requirements in order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP® marks:
22
● Continuing Education – Complete continuing education coursework to maintain
●
competence and keep up with developments in the financial planning field; and
Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
The Standards prominently require that CFP® professionals provide financial planning
services at a fiduciary standard of care. This means CFP® professionals must provide
financial planning services in the best interests of their clients.
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject
to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of
their CFP® certification.
Item 3 - Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report
Administrative Proceeding: None to report
Self-Regulatory Proceeding: None to report
Item 4 - Other Business Activities Engaged In
Julie Bahr has no outside business activities to disclose.
Item 5 - Additional Compensation
Julie Bahr does not receive additional compensation, performance-based fees, nor receives any
additional compensation for performing advisory services other than what is disclosed in Item 4 of
Part 2A.
Item 6 - Supervision
The Chief Compliance Officer of MFP supervises and monitors the advisory services of Julie Bahr.
The Chief Compliance Officer, Kelly Richert can be reached at kelly@mfp-stl.com or 314-579-3295.
23
SUPERVISED PERSON BROCHURE
Part 2B of Form ADV
Meramec Financial Planners LLC
Christopher Michalak
7911 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 200
Clayton, MO 63105
July 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Christopher Michalak and supplements the
Meramec Financial Planners LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure.
Please contact Christopher Michalak if you did not receive the brochure or if you have any
questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Christopher Michalak (CRD# 2928683) is also available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
24
Supervised Person Brochure – Christopher Michalak
Year of birth: 1972
Item 2 - Educational Background and Business Experience
Educational Background:
● University of Dayton; BA in Communications; 1994
Business Experience:
● Meramec Financial Planners LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 02/2025 – Present
● Clayton Financial Group, LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 08/2016 – 07/2025
● Moneta Group Investment Advisors, LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 01/2005 –
08/2016
Professional Designations:
AIF – Accredited Investment Fiduciary
The AIF Designation is a certification from the Center for Fiduciary Studies that the recipient has
specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment
management process. To receive the AIF Designation, the individual must meet prerequisite criteria
based on a combination of education, relevant industry experience, and/or ongoing professional
development, complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final
examination under the supervision of a proctor and agree to abide by the AIF Code of Ethics and
Center for Fiduciary Studies Conduct Standards. In order to maintain the AIF Designation, the
individual must annually attest to the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards and accrue and report
a minimum of six hours of continuing education. The Designation is administered by the Center for
Fiduciary Studies, the standards-setting body of fi360.
Item 3 - Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report
Administrative Proceeding: None to report
Self-Regulatory Proceeding: None to report
Item 4 - Other Business Activities Engaged In
Christopher Michalak has no outside business activities to disclose.
Item 5 - Additional Compensation
Christopher Michalak does not receive additional compensation, performance-based fees, nor
receives any additional compensation for performing advisory services other than what is
disclosed in Item 4 of Part 2A.
Item 6 - Supervision
The Chief Compliance Officer of MFP supervises and monitors the advisory services of Christopher
Michalak. The Chief Compliance Officer, Kelly Richert can be reached at kelly@mfp-stl.com or 314-
579-3295.
25
SUPERVISED PERSON BROCHURE
Part 2B of Form ADV
Meramec Financial Planners LLC
Sarah Pinkley
7911 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 200
Clayton, MO 63105
July 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Sarah Pinkley and supplements the
Meramec Financial Planners LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure.
Please contact Sarah Pinkley if you did not receive the brochure or if you have any questions about
the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Sarah Pinkley (CRD# 4765832) is also available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
26
Supervised Person Brochure – Sarah Pinkley
Year of birth: 1979
Item 2 - Educational Background and Business Experience
Educational Background:
● No Post Secondary Education
Business Experience:
● Meramec Financial Planners LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 02/2025 – Present
● Clayton Financial Group, LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 09/2022 – 07/2025
● Saxony Capital Management LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 01/2009 – 09/2022
● Saxony Securities, Inc.; Registered Representative; 07/2008 – 09/2022
Item 3 - Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report
Administrative Proceeding: None to report
Self-Regulatory Proceeding: None to report
Item 4 - Other Business Activities Engaged In
Sarah Pinkley has no outside business activities to disclose.
Item 5 - Additional Compensation
Sarah Pinkley does not receive additional compensation, performance-based fees, nor receives any
additional compensation for performing advisory services other than what is disclosed in Item 4 of
Part 2A.
Item 6 - Supervision
The Chief Compliance Officer of MFP supervises and monitors the advisory services of Sarah
Pinkley. The Chief Compliance Officer, Kelly Richert can be reached at kelly@mfp-stl.com or 314-
579-3295.
27
SUPERVISED PERSON BROCHURE
Part 2B of Form ADV
Meramec Financial Planners LLC
Amy Borkowski Baker
7911 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 200
Clayton, MO 63105
July 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Amy Borkowski Baker and supplements the
Meramec Financial Planners LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure.
Please contact Amy Borkowski Baker if you did not receive the brochure or if you have any
questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Amy Borkowski Baker (CRD# 7706549) is also available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
28
Supervised Person Brochure – Amy Borkowski Baker
Year of birth: 1980
Item 2 - Educational Background and Business Experience
Educational Background:
● DePaul University; BA in Mathematical Science; 2003
Business Experience:
● Meramec Financial Planners LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 02/2025 – Present
● Clayton Financial Group, LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 04/2022 – 07/2025
● NBT Bancorp; Director of Retirement Plan Consulting; 04/2018 – 04/2022
● RPS Benefits; Director of Retirement Plan Consulting; 10/2010 – 04/2018
Item 3 - Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report
Administrative Proceeding: None to report
Self-Regulatory Proceeding: None to report
Item 4 - Other Business Activities Engaged In
Amy Borkowski Baker has no outside business activities to disclose.
Item 5 - Additional Compensation
Amy Borkowski Baker does not receive additional compensation, performance-based fees, nor
receives any additional compensation for performing advisory services other than what is
disclosed in Item 4 of Part 2A.
Item 6 - Supervision
The Chief Compliance Officer of MFP supervises and monitors the advisory services of Amy
Borkowski Baker. The Chief Compliance Officer, Kelly Richert can be reached at kelly@mfp-stl.com
or 314-579-3295.
29
SUPERVISED PERSON BROCHURE
Part 2B of Form ADV
Meramec Financial Planners LLC
Laura Paulsell
7911 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 200
Clayton, MO 63105
July 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Laura Paulsell and supplements the
Meramec Financial Planners LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure.
Please contact Laura Paulsell if you did not receive the brochure or if you have any questions about
the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Laura Paulsell (CRD# 4857051) is also available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
30
Supervised Person Brochure – Laura Paulsell
Year of birth: 1981
Item 2 - Educational Background and Business Experience
Educational Background:
● University of Missouri - Columbia; BS in Finance; 2003
Business Experience:
● Meramec Financial Planners LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 02/2025 – Present
● Clayton Financial Group, LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 08/2016 – 07/2025
● Moneta Group Investment Advisors, LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 09/2004 –
08/2016
Professional Designations:
CFP® - Certified Financial Planner
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® and federally registered CFP (with flame design)
marks (collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional certification marks granted in the United
States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires
financial planners to hold CFP® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of
other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct
and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with
clients.
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following
requirements:
●
●
●
●
Education – Complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the financial
planning subject areas that CFP Board’s studies have determined as necessary for the
competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, and attain a Bachelor’s
Degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university (or its equivalent
from a foreign university). CFP Board’s financial planning subject areas include insurance
planning, financial management, investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning,
and estate planning;
Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination. The six hour
examination includes case studies and client scenarios designed to test one’s ability to
correctly diagnose financial planning issues and apply one’s knowledge of financial
planning to real world circumstances;
Experience – Complete at least 6000 hours of professional financial planning experience
(or 4000 hours of apprenticeship experience); and
Ethics – Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, a set
of documents outlining the ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals.
Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and ethics
requirements in order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP® marks:
31
● Continuing Education – Complete continuing education coursework to maintain
●
competence and keep up with developments in the financial planning field; and
Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
The Standards prominently require that CFP® professionals provide financial planning
services at a fiduciary standard of care. This means CFP® professionals must provide
financial planning services in the best interests of their clients.
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject
to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of
their CFP® certification.
Item 3 - Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report
Administrative Proceeding: None to report
Self-Regulatory Proceeding: None to report
Item 4 - Other Business Activities Engaged In
Laura Paulsell has no outside business activities to disclose.
Item 5 - Additional Compensation
Laura Paulsell does not receive additional compensation, performance-based fees, nor receives
any additional compensation for performing advisory services other than what is disclosed in Item
4 of Part 2A.
Item 6 - Supervision
The Chief Compliance Officer of MFP supervises and monitors the advisory services of Laura
Paulsell. The Chief Compliance Officer, Kelly Richert can be reached at kelly@mfp-stl.com or 314-
579-3295.
32
SUPERVISED PERSON BROCHURE
Part 2B of Form ADV
Meramec Financial Planners LLC
Jennie Helm
7911 Forsyth Blvd.
Suite 200
Clayton, MO 63105
July 2025
This brochure supplement provides information about Jennie Helm and supplements the Meramec
Financial Planners LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure. Please contact
Jennie Helm if you did not receive the brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of
this supplement.
Additional information about Jennie Helm (CRD# 4814632) is also available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
33
Supervised Person Brochure – Jennie Helm
Year of birth: 1975
Item 2 - Educational Background and Business Experience
Educational Background:
● Haderslev Cathedral School, Denmark; Degree in German/English; 1995
Business Experience:
● Meramec Financial Planners LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 02/2025 – Present
● Clayton Financial Group, LLC; Investment Advisor Representative; 03/2024 – 07/2025
● Clayton Financial Group, LLC; Senior Client Service Manager; 03/2022 – 07/2025
● Moneta Group Investment Advisors; Senior Client Service Manager; 06/2004 – 12/2021
Item 3 - Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report
Administrative Proceeding: None to report
Self-Regulatory Proceeding: None to report
Item 4 - Other Business Activities Engaged In
Jennie Helm has no outside business activities to disclose.
Item 5 - Additional Compensation
Jennie Helm does not receive additional compensation, performance-based fees, nor receives any
additional compensation for performing advisory services other than what is disclosed in Item 4 of
Part 2A.
Item 6 - Supervision
The Chief Compliance Officer of MFP supervises and monitors the advisory services of Jennie
Helm. The Chief Compliance Officer, Kelly Richert can be reached at kellyrichert@sbcglobal.net or
314-579-3295.
34