ABOUT US
Always in your corner.
Carlton Wealth Management is an independent, woman-owned wealth management firm, founded in 2011 by Karalyn Carlton with the objective of helping people live well. From the very beginning, our focus has been on providing deeply personal, boutique financial planning and investment management to clients across the country.
We work closely with individuals and families looking for trusted advice, thoughtful strategy, and a relationship that feels different from a traditional firm. Our clients get the benefit of working directly with Karalyn, enjoying full access to her deep expertise and person-centered approach. She takes the time to understand each client’s unique financial priorities and life goals so that every recommendation is grounded in what matters most to them.
In 2024, we changed our name to Carlton Wealth Management (previously Carlton & Company Financial) to more clearly reflect the full scope of services we provide: proactive planning, customized investment management, and strategic guidance.
At the heart of this work is a simple philosophy: to help you live well, now and in the future, by making smart, informed decisions with a partner who is always in your corner.
OUR TEAM

Karalyn Carlton, CWS®, AIF®
Karalyn is deeply committed to helping clients align their financial live with their values. She brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to every client relationship, and delivers personalized, impactful results.
A lifelong learner and experienced advisor, Karalyn holds Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designations. She completed the CFP Certification Education Program and has been continually recognized as a Seattle Five Star Wealth Manager. She actively pursues the knowledge and tools that enhance behavioral financial decisions.
Karalyn is a member of the Washington Women’s Foundation, a collective giving organization committed to driving meaningful change in communities across Washington State. She also supports national and international conservation and humanitarian efforts.
Karalyn earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Outside of work, you’ll find her exploring the outdoors, reading, gardening, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Licenses / Registrations / Designations Held:
- Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS®)
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)
- Registered Representative (Series 7)
- Investment Advisor Representative (Series 66)
- Life, Variable and Long-term Care Insurance Licensed
- CFP Certification Education Program

Melissa Ducote
Melissa serves as the lead Client Relations Specialist for Carlton Wealth Management, provided by Independent Financial Group’s virtual assistant program.
Her focus includes overseeing documents preparation, business service and working with clients to ensure clarity.
Originally from Central Louisiana, Melissa and her husband Jason now reside in Corpus Christi, Texas. In her personal time, Melissa enjoys reading, listening to music, remodeling her home, and spending quality time with her family, which includes two dogs and three cats.
Our clients tend to be:
- Engaged in their financial well-being
- Intentional in their planning
- $1 million+ in investable assets
- Interested in working closely and honestly with an experienced wealth advisor
OUR FIDUCIARY DUTY
At Carlton Wealth Management, we are proud to uphold the fiduciary standard of care when serving our clients, with a commitment to place out clients' interests first and foremost.
- We have a duty to act solely in your best interest when recommending financial strategies on your behalf, and to disclose all material facts or conflicts of interest that could compromise that duty.
- We practice transparency in sharing how we are compensated for our services.
- We uphold all standards and regulations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, including an obligation to put you ahead of ourselves at all times.
No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss.