SBR Group
At The SBR Group, we find ourselves in a different position than most other advisory groups. Rather than trying to be “everything to everyone,” we are proud to be the right team for an impressive circle of self-made women and men – active and retired – as well as generations of their families, and non-profit organizations in Salinas, Carmel, Gilroy, and across Central California.
Specifically, we serve a loyal and growing clientele that shares an entrepreneurial mindset. Most are accomplished business owners, agricultural executives, farmers, physicians and attorneys. Many are ready to move from a “working life” to a long-anticipated retirement lifestyle.
While our clients have succeeded in building their enterprises, they’ve reached a point when they need professional and proactive guidance in helping with their retirement planning. Additionally, because their business and personal lives intersect financially, we assist with both – and in many cases, provide hands-on assistance with their 401k and defined benefit plans. In fact, we provide plan design and implementation for more than 100 business owners.
More than 70 years of collective experience tells us that the quality of our advice is only as effective as the questions we ask. That’s why we help clients articulate and answer, “What is the real purpose of your wealth? Who are you responsible for? What do you envision five years from now? And, when everything falls into place, will you sit in a rocking chair or follow your favorite rock band?”
Based on what we hear from clients (and often, what we don’t hear), we formulate tailored, multi-pronged strategies meant not only to preserve their assets (with an eye toward tax efficiency and consistent cash flow) – but, to put those assets to work, often in ways they never thought possible.
With several industry credentials between us – including the CPFA, C(k)P® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® certifications – we have honed a fluid planning-based approach that brings clients our extensive knowledge in the areas of investment and portfolio management, as well as 401(k) and retirement planning.
Due to the longevity of our client relationships and the ages of those we serve, we have structured our multi-generational team accordingly. In fact, the ages of our highly credentialed advisors and support staff align nicely with clients and their family members. As a team, we feel privileged to help enhance clients’ wealth and well being – as it moves across stages of their careers and generations. Ultimately, we judge ourselves not by the assets we manage, but by the lives we touch.
At The SBR Group, our mission is to summon our wealth of knowledge and complementary skillsets to create uncommon value for clients and their families. The quality and longevity of our client relationships remind us of the roles we play and the trust we've earned.
Each of us is inspired by a family's story of financial and personal achievement. Our job is to make sure that wealth and wisdom are passed along to future generations.
Rather than wait for clients to encounter decisions that we can foresee, we stand behind them by getting out in front of circumstances they anticipate and those they don't. Doing so allows us to present thoughtful recommendations with sufficient time for them to decide how to proceed.
A hallmark of our process is our planning-based approach. Its success rests on our ability to have frank conversations with clients, and often learn what they've never shared with others. From the outset of each relationship, we ask questions – some expected, some not, "What would need to happen for you to feel successful three years from now? What's the most important thing in your life? What do you expect from us?"
As our client, you can expect that we will:
• Examine your full financial picture, to help enhance your financial wellness. We will scrutinize your liabilities (including mortgages, other loans and credit card debt), tax liability, insurance coverage, Social Security and long-term-care issues, and estate planning documents.
• Strive to help you feel comfortable – financially and emotionally. That's why our strategies are presented and communicated in an uncomplicated manner.
• Deliver the vast resources and support of specialists throughout Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, N.A. On a daily basis, we offer what we call "more, better, and easier" access to residential and securities-based lending, refinancing, commercial lending, cash management, insurance planning, and trust and estate planning strategies.
• Work closely with you and spouse, your grown children and others you designate – on matters related to wealth transfer, trust and estate planning strategies. And because wise financial habits should be taught to your children, we can talk to them about buying a home or car, and the importance of saving and investing.
We will also remind you to leave memories, not just money – that it's important to find joy along the path to meaningful outcomes. In these conversations, we may ask what you define as your life's most rewarding moments to date.
*Merrill Life Agency's California License Number 0522776
Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life
The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.
