Paul L. Merritt, MBA, C(k)P®, AIF®

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Following a 21-year career in the U.S. Army, I began my financial services career in 1999 with Merrill Lynch. In 2009, I founded NTrust Wealth Management, where I served as principal. In November 2025, I opened a Virginia Beach satellite office of Capital Wealth Management—a Connecticut-based firm—where I continue to offer clients personalized financial guidance, retirement planning, investment management, and retirement plan services.

Throughout my 26 years in the financial services industry, I have remained committed to always placing my clients’ interests first. I believe transparency throughout the wealth management process is essential, and I incorporate advanced technology to help support each client’s financial goals.

Who I Help & Key Financial Services

My focus is on both families and business owners who share the same goals of smart investment strategies that aim to provide appropriate risk-adjusted returns for either their personal or business financial matters:

• Individuals & Families – Establishing sound investment plans that fulfill their needs to balance life today with life later. I help clients analyze and address the everyday challenges that confront all of us: how much to save for retirement, college education, life’s major events, and offer estate planning guidance.
• Business Owners – Assisting in the selection and implementation of highly competitive corporate retirement plans. Recognizing that retirement plan fees, if left unchecked, can substantially degrade the savings goals for all participants in the plan, I work hard to match the right plan with the right fee structure that meets the unique needs of each business. Once the right plan is in place, I am dedicated to bringing my extensive financial experience to helping employees make informed decisions about their retirement plan savings through relevant education and advice.
• Pre-Retirees & Retirees – Moving from saving to spending can be a challenging time for all families, and I offer advice to help with income and tax-efficient distributions to help support the lifestyle you envision.
• Philanthropic Investors – Structuring charitable giving, donor-advised funds, and estate planning to align financial success with meaningful impact.

Certifications & Licenses

I earned my Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Cincinnati, graduating near the top of my class, resulting in my induction into Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business honor society. I am also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and a Certified 401(k) Professional® (C(k)P®) through The Retirement Advisor University™. I also hold:

• FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations (through Raymond James)
• Life insurance license in many states.

Beyond the Numbers

When I'm not working, I focus my energy on supporting my community in Virginia Beach. I currently serve on the Transition Area/Interfacility Traffic Area Citizens Advisory Committee. This is a City Council-appointed position. I am also on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, and past-president of Virginia Beach Vision (a community business-focused organization of over 100 members). I was a long-time supporter of the Bruce Rader/St. Jude Golf Tournament, which ran for 20 years. I have also supported Southeastern Virginia Alzheimer’s and other charitable organizations.

I am a proponent of animal rescue and currently have two rescued dogs: Penny, a 7-year-old pit bull, and Earl, an 11-month-old hound mix.

I believe that giving back is one of the most important activities we can do for our community, and I strive to do so every day.

Let's Talk About Your Financial Future

A strong financial plan provides clarity and direction for the future. If you're looking for an advisor who will take the time to understand your goals and help you build a solid financial strategy, let's connect. Schedule an introductory meeting today.

Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.