Waverly Advisors
Partner, Regional Director, Wealth Advisor
CFA®, CFP®

Melanie Nichols

Melanie most enjoys working with clients to create peace of mind in their financial lives. A part of the Waverly Advisors family as partner since 2011, Melanie brings more than 30 years of experience and expertise to her work serving families and individuals through comprehensive financial planning. Melanie has devoted a large part of her practice to working with women, especially those in the midst of hard seasons like navigating death of a spouse or divorce. She is passionate about walking alongside all of her clients, understanding their unique goals and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. She also co-founded Waverly Women, an initiative designed to support and connect women through all stages of their financial journey.

As a Chartered Financial Analyst, Melanie has extensive knowledge about investments and serves as an integral part of Waverly’s Investment Committee. She helps direct the management and decision making for all client portfolios, retirement plans and nonprofit organizations. Her experience and knowledge have been recognized by Forbes the past two years, earning her the honors of being named one of Forbes 2023 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors and 2024 Top Women Wealth Advisors in State.

Melanie and her husband Jay enjoy traveling anywhere Southwest Airlines flies, especially when it means seeing their son, Colin and daughter, Dailey. As a family, they enjoy experiencing all the good of life together; Broadway shows, concerts, or a great meal at a new restaurant. Melanie is actively involved in her church, Asbury United Methodist. She teaches Sunday School, serves on the floral arrangement committee and as a member of the handbell and chancel choirs. She enjoys volunteering time with organizations close to her heart: the Heart Gallery Alabama, YMCA, and Oasis Counseling Center.

Areas of Expertise

The framework is organized into six primary pillars, each with detailed sub-specialties that advisors can select as self-identified areas of expertise. 

Investment strategy & portfolio management

Comprehensive investment oversight across public and private markets.

Wealth Planning & Strategy

Holistic financial planning and multi-generational wealth stewardship.

Private Markets & Alternative Investments

Access to private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets.

Family Enterprise & Business Advisory

Business transition, succession planning, and family governance.

Tax, Estate & Legacy Planning

Tax optimization, estate structuring, and multigenerational legacy design.

Specialized Clients Needs

Customized solutions for unique life events and complex situations

Serving with Purpose

A Culture of Connection

Waverly takes its name from a meadow of quaking aspen trees, an ecosystem where individual trees are connected by a shared root system. Since 1999, that idea has inspired our firm: strong relationships, shared values, and the belief that we are better together.

Comprehensive Wealth Management, Connected by Design

Like an aspen grove, every part of a client’s financial life is interconnected. As an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we bring together investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, trust and estate planning, and family office services to create coordinated solutions that simplify complexity and support long-term success.

A Culture Rooted in Service

Our culture of stewardship is guided by Integrity, Family, Grace, Team, Drive, Empathy, and Community. These values shape every client relationship, every decision, and every interaction. They are the foundation that keeps our people connected and ensures a consistent, high-touch experience across the firm.

The Difference Is Our People

While many firms offer financial advice, our greatest differentiator is our people. Waverly’s advisors, planners, investment professionals, tax specialists, and support teams work together to deliver thoughtful guidance and personalized solutions. It is this collaborative approach, and our commitment to serving clients with excellence and care, that transforms financial advice into lasting relationships.

Awards & Rankings

  • FORBES 2026 Top Wealth Advisors – Best-In-State
  • FORBES 2025 Top Women Wealth Advisors – Best-In-State
  • FORBES 2024 Top Women Wealth Advisors – Best-In-State
  • FORBES 2023 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in International Economics
    Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL
  • Master of Business Administration
    University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Certified Financial Planner
    College for Financial Planning, Denver, CO
  • Chartered Financial Analyst
    Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts, Charlottesville, VA

Professional Affiliations

  • DAF Giving 360 (Schwab) Advisory Council
  • Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Alabama
  • Financial Planning Association of North Alabama

Community Involvement

  • Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Investment Committee Member
  • YWCA Central Alabama, Board Member and Finance Committee Member
  • Heart Gallery Alabama, Former Chairperson of the Board
  • Oasis Counseling Center for Women and Children, Advisory Board
  • Asbury United Methodist Church, Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir and Altar Guild

Ask Me About

  • Why multi-generational families need to talk more about money
  • How to teach your children and grandchildren to manage charitable giving
  • Majoring in music & religion, and how I ended up in the financial services industry
  • Ways institutions can protect their capital in volatile markets
  • Why a spending policy matters to your institution
  • How to create “bond-like” returns in a challenging interest rate environment