Get to Know Us

Fulcrum Financial Group was founded over two decades ago by Sarah Carlson. She had a vision to start a company that would go beyond traditional wealth management, solving people’s unique money problems while helping them live their ideal lives.

Over the years, our team has grown to become a close-knit group of intelligent, compassionate individuals with over 5 decades of collective experience. We enjoy collaborating to address the complexities of your wealth—and serving you and your family with the kind of thoughtfulness and empathy you deserve.

Meet the Team

Sarah Carlson, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®

Founder, Private Wealth Advisor

Sarah Carlson, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®

Founder, Private Wealth Advisor

(509) 747-2075

scarlson@fulcrumfinancialgroup.com

I help people live their very best lives.

Although many think money can’t buy happiness, I know from experience that it certainly can help. With wealth often comes anxiety, especially for those with complicated situations. I strive to work closely with you, breaking it all down so it’s simple, easy to understand—and oriented towards the life you aspire to live.

I’ve been.in the financial industry my entire career. I founded Fulcrum Financial Group in 1997 to help individuals and families navigate the many complexities that money can bring and move them closer to their goals.

A graduate of Yale University with a degree in Economics, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Chartered Life Underwriter®, and Chartered Financial Consultant®, I am passionate about education, viewing it as a lifelong endeavor. I hold security registrations 24, 7, 6, 63, 65 through LPL Financial.

If you want to know more how my experience, knowledge and perspective can help you, call today for a complimentary consultation.

*Fulcrum Financial Group and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or services. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.

June 23, 2016 Spokesman Review Article: Ironman 70.3 competitor bounces back

January 26, 2014 Spokesman Review Article: Financial planner Sarah Carlson Rieger talks of trust, relationships

May 26, 2012 Spokesman Review Article: Disability insurance let woman focus on recovery after serious injury

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Travis Messinger

Wealth Advisor

Travis Messinger

Wealth Advisor

(509) 747-2075

tmessinger@fulcrumfinancialgroup.com

An Eastern Washington native, Travis obtained his degree in economics with an emphasis in financial markets from Washington State University. Travis spent several years in the banking industry amongst other ventures before transitioning his career into financial advising.

Travis joined the Fulcrum Financial Group team in September 2016 as an Investment Advisor Representative of LPL Financial, currently holding securities registrations of the Series 7 and 66 through LPL Financial, as well as life insurance licensing.

Travis is married to his high school sweetheart, Michelle, and they welcomed a daughter, Lenora, to their family in 2020. The three enjoy traveling but also country living at their home in Rockford.

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Katie Toth

Wealth Advisor

Katie Toth

Wealth Advisor

509-747-2075

ktoth@fulcrumfinancialgroup.com

Katie is a Spokane native who returned to her roots after a decade living on the west coast. After a substantial and meaningful career in nonprofit leadership, Katie harnessed her enthusiasm for helping people reach their full potential and became a financial advisor.

She deeply values empowering clients with the knowledge and planning they need to live with confidence and accomplish their life goals.

Katie holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Oregon with an emphasis in public policy and management. As an Investment Advisor Representative of LPL Financial, Katie currently holds securities registrations of the Series 7, 63, 66 through LPL as well as life insurance licensing.

Katie and her husband Anton keep busy chasing their two young daughters around. They enjoy running, biking and enjoying time with family and friends.

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Lacey Kerr

Director of Operations

Lacey Kerr

Director of Operations

509-747-2075

lkerr@fulcrumfinancialgroup.com

Lacey joined Fulcrum Financial Group in April of 2017 as the Director of Operations. Lacey works to enhance office efficiency while building on team dynamics and continuing to grow Fulcrum’s high level of customer service.

Having spent several years managing restaurants in the Spokane area, meeting and excelling client expectations is second nature to her.

Lacey received her undergraduate degree and MBA from Whitworth University, where she was an all-conference collegiate softball player.

Lacey has lived in Spokane her entire life and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. She is an avid bowler in her free time and can also be found skiing the slopes of Schweitzer as well as her backyard hill, Mt. Spokane.

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Kaela Burmeister

Administrative Assistant

Kaela Burmeister

Administrative Assistant

509-747-2075

kburmeister@fulcrumfinancialgroup.com

Joining the team in 2021, Kaela is a Wisconsin native who moved to Spokane in June of 2015 after an office closure opened the door to a new opportunity across the country. Kaela has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and communication from the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and many years of experience in operational support. She is very excited to support our advisors. With a service heart, what she is most driven by is meeting and getting to know each of our unique clients.

During the summer, Kaela can be found on a softball diamond or anywhere near water! She counts visiting the Sweet Creek waterfall as one of the most amazing experiences of her life! Kaela has 2 fur babies Leo, and Reese. Kaela found Leo on a humane association adoption website back in 2013 and he looked so much like her great grandparents cat from childhood, she rescued him that very day. He was her travel companion on their cross country journey when she moved to Washington. Reese came from Scraps in December of 2019, is a long haired brown and yellow girl who is full of energy and loves to snuggle and play hide and seek. We call her Shadow around the house because she is always underfoot! 🐾

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