Melanie Folstad

The 2023 Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors" and "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State" award was announced February 2023. Data as of 9/30/2022. The award was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. The financial advisor does not pay a fee to be considered for or to receive this award. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. This is not indicative of this financial advisor’s future performance. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com.

The 2023 Forbes "Best-In-State Wealth Advisors" award was announced April 2023. Data as of 6/30/2022. The award was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. The financial advisor does not pay a fee to be considered for or to receive this award. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. This is not indicative of this financial advisor’s future performance. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com.

The 2024 Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors" and "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State" award was announced February 2024. Data as of 9/30/2023. The award was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. The financial advisor does not pay a fee to be considered for or to receive this award. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. This is not indicative of this financial advisor’s future performance. For more information: . <a href="https://www.SHOOKresearch.com">www.SHOOKresearch.com</a>.

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As you wrap up the year, take time for an annual financial review. Acknowledge your achievements and set goals for 2026. Call me with any wealth planning or investing questions.

Did you know the most impactful gift can be monetary? If you know someone’s been saving for a home or is passionate about charity, a financial gift might be the most significant thing you can give them. Connect to learn more. *RBC WM does not provide legal, accounting or tax advice and all decisions regarding your investments should be made in consultation with your independent advisors. For more information see Legal and Tax Advice https://www.rbcwealthmanagement.com/en-us/legal/legal-and-tax-advice

Wealth isn't just what you leave behind, it's part of the legacy you pass on. A well-designed wealth transfer plan helps protect assets, strengthen family bonds and pass your values on for multiple generations. Contact me to learn about RBC Echelon, and we can help you and your family communicate and prepare for the future.

What a privilege to spend several days last week at the Barron’s Advisor Women’s Summit—an invitation-only gathering of 700 of the most accomplished female financial advisors in the country, collectively managing nearly $1 trillion. These women set the bar for excellence, leadership, and impact in our profession. The summit was filled with candid conversations, thoughtful panels, and sessions focused on business growth, client service, investment strategy, and leadership. It was inspiring to hear from visionary CEOs and founders, and to be part of a community that is genuinely shaping the future of our industry. But the very best part for me was spending time with my wonderful RBC colleagues. Their talent, generosity, and success motivate me every day, and I’m grateful to learn from them as I continue growing into the advisor I aspire to be. And as you’ll see in the photo… they’re an awfully beautiful group of women too.

Thanksgiving delivered one of my favorite family photos yet. In the first shot, my mother-in-law is absolutely dwarfed by two of her sons, four of her grandsons, and two very enthusiastic grand-dogs. She may be the smallest one in the picture, but she’s definitely the powerhouse behind this whole crew. It also reminded me of what legacy really looks like in real life. As a financial advisor, I talk about legacy all the time—but it’s moments like this that bring it to life. It’s not just about accounts and balances. It’s about the people (and occasionally the pets!) who benefit from years of thoughtful planning, love, and intention. And because legacy shouldn’t be entirely boy-dominated… the second photo is just the two of us. A little Thanksgiving girl power to balance out all that testosterone. #LegacyPlanning #WealthPlanning #FinancialAdvisorLife #WomenAndWealth #GirlPower #FamilyFirst #GenerationalWealth #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #Gratitude #HolidayMoments

Did you know it’s important to brush up on your cybersecurity this holiday season? With more money spent during the yuletide than ever before, it’s important to stay vigilant. Chat with me for resources and tips.

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June 1, 2023

Global insight weekly
May 10, 2022

The donor advised fund

Melanie Folstad

It's not just your money. It's your life.

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Honored to be a nationally award winning advisor

Wealth insights guide for young professionals

Melanie, Mrunal & Maliha

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