Heather Hamamoto, CFP®, CDFA®

As a Senior Wealth Management Associate, Heather works side-by-side with Wealth Managers and Portfolio Managers to ensure our clients’ financial picture is in focus. Heather enjoys building personal relationships with the families we serve and understanding their short- and long-term goals. She memorializes those goals and creates a plan to ensure they are achievable. Her primary goal is to serve as an advocate for our clients and formulate worry-free solutions.

Heather graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, then went on to earn a JD at the Seattle University School of Law. She has over nine years of wealth management experience at Merrill Lynch; initially as a registered client associate before progressing into a financial advisor role with a heavy emphasis on comprehensive financial planning. Prior to that, Heather was an estate planning attorney for four years at a small firm in Seattle. She holds her FINRA Series 7 and 66, WA Life, Disability, Variable Life and Variable Annuity licenses. Heather is also a Certified Financial Planner. She looks forward to continuing her education in the wealth management industry.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. CDFA® and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® are trademarks of The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts™

MOST TREASURED THING I OWN

My digital photo and video archive.  The old adage holds true: “The days are long, but the years are short.” My favorite thing to do at the end of a hectic day is to revisit a happy moment in time with my family and reminisce about days gone by.

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE

The ability to be an active and empathic listener is such an important skill to develop in our everyday interactions with others.  In my conversations with clients, I want them to feel that they are being truly heard in terms of their needs, goals, and fears, and not being given a sales pitch for products and services. Only then can meaningful relationships be created and proactive problem solving begin.

HOBBIES

With two school-age kids, most of my time outside the office revolves around their activities and sports schedules! As a family we love to ski, swim, attend UW football games, and explore the PNW. When we can get away, my husband and I love attending musicals/concerts and partnering in summer triathlons.  As for “me time” I can often be found on the running trails or wine tasting with friends.