President | Managing Member

Ralph Freibert is the founder and Managing Member of Planning Associates Wealth Management, where he brings more than 37 years of experience in financial planning, investment management, and business strategy. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Investment Management Analyst®, Ralph is known for his thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to helping clients align their financial decisions with the lives they want to lead.

Ralph launched Planning Associates with a vision of creating a firm that offers objective, fiduciary advice rooted in both technical expertise and human understanding. Over the years, he has guided hundreds of families, professionals, and business owners through life’s transitions—retirement, inheritance, education planning, and business exits—always with an eye toward clarity and long-term confidence.

He holds a B.S. in Marketing and an MBA with a concentration in Organizational Behavior. As a graduate student, Ralph co-authored several peer-reviewed articles on cross-cultural differences in motivation, which were published in major academic journals and widely cited by other researchers. His academic work continues to shape the way he approaches behavioral finance and client engagement.

Ralph is also the author of *Financial Alignment*, a recent book designed to help individuals navigate financial complexity with purpose and ease. It is available on Amazon.

A lifelong learner and community supporter, Ralph is active in the Civil Air Patrol, where he serves as a pilot and Education & Training Officer. He has served on the board of several professional and civic organizations including the Young Leadership Counsel, Forum 35 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Association of Financial Advisors and the Financial Planning Association of New Orleans, where he served as president. He is a proud father of two sons—one a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the other a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. Their commitment to service is a source of deep pride and inspiration.

Ralph and his wife Melanie live and work in the New Orleans area. Melanie is the owner of Stretch Zone Metairie, where the couple shares a passion for wellness, community, and entrepreneurship. When Ralph isn’t working with clients or flying with CAP, you’ll likely find him in the garden, refining his workouts at the local fitness park, or supporting their growing business ventures.

Business Manager

 Rizy is business manager in the finance industry, and she thrives on discovering new ideas and turning them into meaningful results. Each day presents an opportunity for her to master new concepts, improve processes, and find better ways to support both her team and clients. Curiosity has always been the driving force behind Rizy Rodriguez’s career.

Rizy is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Accounting at Louisiana State University Shreveport, building on a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Belize and certifications in management, customer service, public speaking, emotional intelligence, and QuickBooks. With a strong background in accounting and project management, she has developed valuable technical and organizational skills, but she believes true growth comes from embracing challenges and seeking fresh perspectives.

She has been fortunate to learn under the mentorship of Ralph Freibert, whose guidance has sharpened her approach to leadership and client service. His mentorship has inspired her to bridge technical expertise with real-world business needs and to view every challenge as an opportunity for learning.

In her current role, Rizy is committed to continuous improvement—whether managing operations, coordinating strategic initiatives, or fostering stronger client relationships. She actively seeks out new knowledge and best practices to deliver measurable value to her team and clients alike.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new experiences, reading novels, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. These passions keep her curious, adaptable, and open-minded—qualities she carries into her professional life every day.

Associate Financial Planner

Kelly is a finance professional with a strong academic foundation and a growing passion for helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of New Orleans, where she developed a solid grounding in investment analysis, corporate finance, and personal financial management. Building on this foundation, Kelly is currently pursuing the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, a credential that reflects her dedication to providing clients of all ages and backgrounds with ethical, comprehensive, and strategic guidance for their financial futures.

Kelly has the privilege of gaining hands-on experience under the mentorship of Ralph Freibert, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping her understanding of financial planning in practice. Through this guidance, she has learned how to connect technical knowledge with the real-world needs of clients, while also developing a deeper appreciation for the importance of trust, clarity, and tailored strategies. This mentorship continues to prepare Kelly to serve clients with professionalism, care, and confidence, while also strengthening her ability to adapt to each client’s unique situation.

Beyond her career pursuits, Kelly enjoys exploring new experiences that bring balance and creativity to her life. She often spends her free time discovering new restaurants and cafés, supporting local businesses while connecting with diverse cultures and ideas. She also enjoys shopping as a fun and expressive outlet, and she loves taking spontaneous trips that broaden her perspective, spark new ideas, and inspire personal growth. Kelly is excited to continue to learn and create long-lasting relationships at Planning Associates.