Appalachian Wealth Management takes pride in delivering a personalized, down-to-earth approach. We believe financial planning should be accessible and understandable for everyone, regardless of background or stage of life. Our goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty often associated with managing finances by providing clear education and tailored solutions. Whether you're just starting to save or planning your legacy, we're here to guide you with a focus on your unique needs and goals.
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We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in every interaction, pursuing trust is at the core of our relationships.
We are deeply committed to serving and supporting our Blairsville neighbors, treating our clients like family.
We believe in empowering clients through education, helping them make informed decisions and feel confident about their financial futures.
We tailor our financial solutions to each individual’s needs, providing dedicated attention and care at every stage of life.
We work with individuals and business owners just starting to save, guiding them through tax planning, LLC creation, and financial growth strategies.
Our team helps those nearing or in retirement create income plans and manage their assets, so they can make the most of their retirement years.
We assist individuals focused on preserving their legacy, offering estate planning, long-term care solutions, and wealth transfer strategies.
We craft personalized strategies for clients with unique financial needs, providing tailored guidance for their specific situations.
Explore the full range of financial services we offer, from holistic financial planning to tax strategies, business formations, retirement planning, and more. We're here to provide the personalized guidance you need at every stage of life.
Melissa Ekeberg is a seasoned financial advisor and the founder of Appalachian Wealth Management, an independent wealth management firm based in Blairsville. With more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Melissa has built a reputation for combining practical financial guidance with a highly personal, relationship-driven approach to client service.
A graduate of Montreat College with a degree in Business Administration, Melissa holds multiple FINRA licenses and specializes in retirement income planning, estate planning strategies, wealth preservation, and financial education. Throughout her career, she has focused on helping individuals, families, and business owners create long-term financial strategies tailored to their personal goals and stages of life.
After years of working within larger financial institutions, Melissa chose the independent advisory path to create a more personalized experience for clients and a business rooted in community relationships. Her leadership style is known for being straightforward, educational, and accountability-focused, helping clients feel informed and confident rather than overwhelmed by financial decisions.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys life in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, Erik, and their four children. She is passionate about the outdoors and can often be found hiking, kayaking, camping, gardening, or spending time with family around the Appalachian region she proudly calls home.
Kristen graduated from Appalachian State University. She has about twenty-two years of experience in the financial industry. She has worked alongside Melissa since 2015.
As part of the Appalachian Wealth Management Team, she is the first point of contact helping clients and prospective clients with booking and prepping for appointments. She also takes care of any service or maintenance requests a client may have.
Kristen’s family has had a vacation home on Lake Nottely since the eighties. Her and her husband moved up to Blairsville permanently in 2005. She is a huge animal lover and enjoys being in nature. On the weekends she may be out hiking or kayaking down the Nottely River.
After 17 years in the Athens, GA area, Chase returned to Blairsville in 2022 to raise his family and serve his hometown.
He is passionate about our local community and dedicates time investing in it through the schools, chamber, and other various local organizations.
Outside of work, most of his time is spent making memories with family and friends. You may also find the Gunter family in Athens during football season cheering on the Dawgs!
Josh joined our team in the summer of 2024 as an intern. He went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Young Harris College, earning degrees in both Finance and Business Administration.
Josh manages our social media platforms and assists with branding, marketing materials, and other creative projects. He is continuing his education in graduate school and is also studying to obtain his CPA.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with friends and family and competing on dirt tracks in the SCDRA Series.
Have questions or need assistance? We're here to help—simply fill out the form, and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.
