Ryan Frailich, CFP®

I help early inheritors confidently reimagine their financial futures.

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Deliberate Finances Ryan Frailich, CFP®
New Orleans, LA

Serving Clients Nationwide

I help early inheritors confidently reimagine their financial futures.

22 Certified Advisor Reviews™
5 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews

Areas of Focus

  • Education Funding
  • Family and Money
  • Financial Life Planning
  • Inherited Wealth
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning
  • Student Loan Advising
  • Taxes

About Ryan Frailich, CFP®

Hi, I’m Ryan Frailich. I’m a fee-only financial planner, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and the founder of Deliberate Finances. Together, we can create a unique plan to fit your individual needs and goals.

Why I Became a Financial Planner

Before becoming a fee-only financial planner, I worked as a teacher and then as a school administrator overseeing HR, including recruiting and hiring teachers. Working in HR revealed a lot about the financial lives of employees, and that’s where the lightbulb went off:

Too many people feel overwhelmed with their finances, always wondering if they’re making mistakes. And too many people who want help are taken advantage of or shut out by our financial institutions.

So I changed careers, first earning a certificate in financial planning from LSU, becoming a CFP® professional, and starting Deliberate Finances.

When not working, I’m exploring New Orleans with my wife & 2 kids, running or biking around the city, or watching way too many hours of tragic Minnesota sports teams.

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®

Affiliations

  • CFP Board
  • Fee Only Network
  • National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
  • XY Planning Network

Primary Location

New Orleans, LA, 70124

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only
  • Flat Fee

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above and complete the New Client Application Survey that helps me understand how I can help you & your family with your money. I'll use this information to determine if it makes sense for us to schedule an introductory Zoom call.

I have a 1-2 month waitlist for new clients, so if for any reason it does not make sense for us to schedule a call, I will work to provide you recommendations of financial planners I know and trust who are available sooner.

Thank you for taking the time to fill this out. It's a big step to take!

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Deliberate Finances

At Deliberate Finances, I work with people who inherited, and aren’t sure what to do next. Getting an inheritance can be overwhelming. Or confusing. Or guilt-inducing. Sometimes all three. I help you work through those stages to build a customized financial plan, then I continue to work with you to implement your plan and make adjustments as your life evolves and change.

Investment Management

For my comprehensive financial planning clients I directly implement my recommendations and make sure your assets are working in concert with your financial plan. We make sure each bucket of money is appropriately invested for when you need it to live your great life.

Who I Work With

✔️ People Navigating Financial Transitions

Life changes bring financial uncertainty—but also opportunity. Whether you’re inheriting wealth, changing careers, or navigating a major event, Deliberate Finances helps you make confident, informed decisions. I offer clear, strategic advice to guide your transition and build a secure future.

✔️ Families Juggling Competing Priorities

Between raising children, managing careers, and planning for the future, financial decisions can feel overwhelming. I help families balance saving for college, investing for retirement, and enjoying life today. My thoughtful planning approach ensures your financial strategy supports your priorities—without adding to your stress.

✔️ Public Service Professionals

You’ve dedicated your career to serving others—now it’s time to ensure your finances serve you. As a former teacher, I specialize in helping public service professionals navigate complex pension rules, work towards student loan forgiveness, and save for the future. Let’s create a plan that balances your commitment to others with your own financial security.

Education

Hunter College: TeacherU Masters of Science in Education, K-6 Education | University of Minnesota, Bachelors of Science, Psychology & Public Relations | Louisiana State University, Certificate , Financial Planning

Volunteer Experience

I have served on the board of YouthRun NOLA in the past, and am currently serving as the president of my childrens' elementary school Parent Teacher Organization.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Baseball
  • Camping
  • Cycling
  • Eating Out
  • Exercising
  • Family
  • Reading
  • Running
  • Sports
  • Working Out

Who We Serve

  • Corporate Executives
  • Dual Income Family
  • Educators
  • Gen X
  • Gen Y / Millennials
  • Government Employees
  • Intergenerational Families
  • LGBTQ Couples
  • Parents
  • Travel Lovers
  • Young Families

Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

Write a Review


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5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 27, 2025
The best! Ryan has helped us with a lot over the past few years (e.g., student loans, life insurance, buying a house, saving for retirement, choosing benefits, refinancing). He’s been beyond worth it for our pockets and peace of mind.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 27, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Cheryl Gray
Cheryl Gray

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 14, 2025
My wife and I initially contacted Ryan around the time we got married. I had fairly substantial student loans and I felt that I needed advice about the best approach for paying them down while continuing to address all the other financial needs of our growing family. What started as a need to address what to do with my student loans quickly grew into a holistic look at our financial picture. Flash forward several years, my student loans are consolidated and being aggressively paid down (so close), and we have an accurate understanding of how to prioritize our spending and savings to do the things we value most with the resources we have. In the many years we've worked with Ryan, he's saved us money by helping us make financial adjustments both big and small. He set us up for financial success with everything from saving for vacation, to buying a new home, to planning for our daughter's future, to our retirement. I cannot recommend Ryan enough.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Joe Peters
Joe Peters

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 12, 2025
Deliberate Finances has really helped our family navigate our ledger so that it supports our lives through challenges and windfalls. He's on point with the spreadsheets but is able to flex with what is coming up in our lives and bends the spreadsheet to match, not the other way around.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 12, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ron Gubitz
Ron Gubitz

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 11, 2025
We've been working with Ryan for several years. He is thoughtful, honest and does a great job trying to financial goals with lifestyle goals. We would highly recommend him.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 11, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Shira Goldman
Shira Goldman

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 11, 2025
We've been working with Ryan for the past few years, and his guidance has been invaluable. As a two-teacher household with kids, maximizing our income and planning for the future is a top priority—and Ryan has helped us do exactly that. Thanks to his expertise, we've gained financial clarity and confidence, and as an unexpected bonus, we haven't had a single argument about money since we started working with him. Financial advisor + marriage counselor in one?! The peace of mind he's provided is worth far more than the monthly fee.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 11, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Laura Klein
Laura Klein

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 6, 2025
We worked with Ryan to help us prepare for and navigate through a period of transitions in our lives. Ryan is skillful in balancing our differing approaches and attitudes towards money. He thoughtfully guided us towards our personal goals while helping us manage risks. He empowered us with the knowledge and advice to better understand and handle our money moving forward.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Michelle Ye
Michelle Ye

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 17, 2024
Ryan is knowledgeable, competent, relatable and reliable. He is passionate about servicing and advising his clients to the best of his abilities. He is transparent with his financial knowledge and shares quality financial advice consistently in meetings, newsletters, emails, etc. We loved working with him and highly recommend him to others.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Mariette Thomas
Mariette Thomas

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 3, 2024
My spouse and I engaged in a 90-minute focused session with Ryan to tackle two urgent financial inquiries, and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. Our discussion was fruitful as we explored various options with Ryan, leading us to devise a clear action plan for both matters we raised with Ryan. It is great that Ryan offers this type of service, and I wholeheartedly endorse him for both one-time consultations and continuous financial planning support.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ross Haller
Ross Haller

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 3, 2024
Ryan is the best of the best. He is direct yet gentle and will help you achieve your present financial goals as well as help you get set up for the future. His approach to the business and knowledge of all the details is incomparable!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 3, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Leslie Gubitz
Leslie Gubitz

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 26, 2023
Ryan helped me to move things around to start saving for retirement and was very patient in answering all my questions, no matter how silly. As one of the oldest of my generation of grandkids, I've been the focus of a lot of unsolicited financial advice (often irrelevant or unwise), but at all the family functions in the past few months, relatives have been asking me to give them advice for once!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Sarah Edgar
Sarah Edgar

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 6, 2023
Top notch and dedicated to helping his clients maximize their financial situation.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Charlene Gubitz
Charlene Gubitz

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 10, 2022
Ryan did an amazing job of helping us kickstart a process for analyzing our family's finances, setting goals in alignment with our values, and checking in regularly on our progress.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Laura Stein
Laura Stein

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 11, 2021
I have not had one fight with my husband about money since we have started working with Ryan. Enough said! THANK YOU RYAN!!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Heather Orloff
Heather Orloff

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 11, 2021
Ryan has been awesome to work with in helping our family get our financial portfolio in order! He’s very knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive. He has helped us take a realistic picture of our finances and make a solid plan for future steps. The student loan knowledge is a huge plus too. Our family would highly recommend Ryan to others interested in getting their finances in order.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 11, 2021
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lizzie Frein
Lizzie Frein

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 10, 2021
My wife and I were confused and frustrated trying to figure out the best plan for our student loans. We were so glad to find Ryan! He is extremely knowledgeable and walked us through all our possibilities. We feel so much better now having a plan to pay off our student loan debt. Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Andrew Hamm
Andrew Hamm

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 5, 2019
Ryan has a great approach to provide advice tailored to your particular financial need(s). He helped my spouse and I better wrap our brains around student loan debt and management of that debt. His understanding of repayment plans, and PSLF is something you probably won't get from a CPA. Thanks Ryan!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lucy Killen
Lucy Killen

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 6, 2019
Ryan is highly knowledgeable, thoughtful and easy to work with. Thanks Ryan!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Peter Nagell
Peter Nagell

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 3, 2019
If you are looking for some actual expertise on how to strategize your student loan debt repayment, including whether or not PSLF is a safe bet, I highly suggest you seek out Ryan! Ryan thoughtfully and efficiently helped my partner and I weed through my student loan debt to understand our best options when we get married and our incomes are joined. It was a swift process done remotely through a few emails, two Zoom meetings, and some paperwork review. Ryan's CSLP status made us confident in his expertise around such a complex area of personal finances.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kayleen Jacobson
Kayleen Jacobson

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 24, 2019
Ryan was extremely patient with my lack of financial literacy and took his time to help me understand his recommendations for my financial future. I have felt a lot of doom, confusion, etc. regarding my student loans and Ryan was the first person who has been able to give me some clarity and direction. He also has a super cute poodle in his office which makes the topic of student debt a lot less miserable.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Eva Dunder
Eva Dunder

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 11, 2019
I am so grateful to Ryan for taking the time to help me through multiple financial issues.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ashwin Shetty
Ashwin Shetty

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 13, 2019
Ryan is incredibly knowledgable and an excellent strategist and creative thinker. He understands there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to financial planning, and he worked hard to develop a personalized plan for me that took into account each unique aspect of a particularly complicated scenario. I'm grateful for the time he spent strategizing, discussing pros & cons, and answering my many questions. It's rare to find someone so thoughtful, responsive, and dedicated to helping their clients. Highly recommend.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Rebecca Taylor
Rebecca Taylor

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 19, 2018
Ryan is easy to work with, takes time to fully understand what my goals are, and then lays out a clear path to achieve those goals. He makes himself available for any questions or help needed, and explains anything I don't understand. As a single female business and homeowner, it has been very helpful to have his support in making financial decisions and creating a sustainable future for myself! Than you, Ryan!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kate Iberg
Kate Iberg
Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the services offered by Ryan Frailich, CFP® View Disclosures

FAQs

How are you paid?
I am a fee-only advisor, which means my only compensation comes from my clients. I do not receive any compensation from insurance sales or product commissions. Fees start at $5,000 annually, and rise depending upon income, net worth, and complexity. Learn More
Do I have to have an inheritance to work with you?
While I specialize in working with those who have inherited at a relatively young age, I also have clients who are not inheritors.
Where do your clients live?
While I’m located in New Orleans, I do all my work virtually via Zoom, and have clients who live across the country. But, I also travel often and love getting to meet clients in person! I’ve spent a weekend hiking with clients in Colorado, gone to a baseball game with clients in Pittsburgh, and had beers in a brewery in Brooklyn with my clients while our children played together.
Do you help with managing investments?
Yes. I use Betterment as my custodian, and it’s also where my personal money is invested. Betterment has automated everything I believe about investment best practices, using low cost ETFs across a variety of asset classes to capture market returns. Investments are also rebalanced automatically, and the tax coordination features are a huge time saver that should slightly boost overall returns. While the majority of my clients’ assets are at Betterment, I also have clients who maintain their own accounts on other platforms (Vanguard, Schwab, AllyInvest, etc.) and set up their own investments w
I have never worked with a financial planner before. What should I expect?
My role is to be your guide as you figure out how to use money to support your ideal life. We start with conversations about what you value most. We then look at the resources you have (i.e. income and assets), and how they can be used in building that life you envision both now and in the future. We’ll then get into all the nitty gritty of investments, tax planning, insurance, and estate planning. From there, I meet with clients three times annually and am available as questions or life changes arise – whether that's a new job, a new addition to the family, or an unexpected curve-ball.
Why should I work with you?
My goal is to be an advisor you can rely on and collaborate with in a personalized way. I don’t use A.I. to write my emails to you, and I don’t need the approval of 3 layers of compliance to get stuff done. I welcome clients of all races, ethnicities, and sexual identities. I know that I may not fully understand the experiences you’ve had or how they shape your thoughts about money, and I work hard to integrate your unique experiences into the plans we make for your finances. If you’re looking for tailored expertise, personalized support, and someone you can trust, get in touch!
How long do you work with clients?
I am seeking to bring on clients who want a long-term financial planning relationship. Life changes, needs change. My goal is to be there at your side, helping you navigate all the life that comes your way. I have many clients who I have been working with for many years already, and my aim is to continue working with them for years (and decades!) to come. While you can cancel the services at any time, it is not designed to be a “turn off, turn on” as you need it type of service. If you find yourself not getting what you need from our work together, I hope you’ll tell me so we can discuss!
Who are you NOT a good fit for?
No, I don’t know if now is the perfect time to buy/sell that one stock. If that’s what you are seeking, I’m not for you. No, I cannot do every part of this for you. This is a collaborative process, and I’m here to guide it! But I can’t sign that application, gather those documents, or monitor your spending. That commitment comes from you. No, I’m not super into crypto. My thoughts have evolved on it and I think there are some circumstances in which it can make sense in a limited way, I’m not following the crypto markets day in and day out. No, I don’t wear a suit. It’s not my thing.

FAQ Disclosures

Deliberate Finances, LLC is an investment advisor registered to do business in the Louisiana and in other jurisdictions where exempted.