Marian Lenz has long served a select number of affluent clients that, according to Marian, “deserve what many financial advisors do not provide – a highly personalized, planning-based approach designed to enhance client wealth, precisely how they want.”

On behalf of engineers, physicians, attorneys, successful business owners, corporate executives (many with restricted or concentrated stock and options), retirees, families of special needs children and fellow alumni of Stanford University, Marian devotes significant time to helping clients “see around corners” to illuminate opportunities and challenges, for themselves and their families.

“With fewer clients, I dig deeper and help provide more value. During my discovery process, I help clients define their vision of a successful life, or what meaning they see in their wealth. Too often, money is earned by the first generation and lost by the third,” says Marian. “That’s why I also help clients focus on intergenerational wealth transfer.”

Marian is proud to be realistic and holistic – suggesting emergency funds, reviewing changing health requirements, long-term care and other insurance, as part of overall risk management strategies. After a thorough analysis to quantify and identify alternative strategies, Marian helps clients create an investment plan. Using the research of Merrill analysts and carefully screened managers, Marians takes a strategic and dynamic investment approach to formulate tax-sensitive client portfolios that may include ETF’s, index-linked notes, mutual funds, annuities and separately managed accounts – based on a range of client preferences and other considerations.

“The design is all about clients and the people and causes that matter to them – not just their money.” Marian points out. “My life goal is to make a positive difference. To allow for enduring satisfaction, I review each client’s situation periodically and adjust their portfolio and action plan – as markets, the economy and client needs change. Positive client outcomes require guidance that’s proactive and professional.”
 
“It’s gratifying to bring clients my knowledge, experience, effort and energy. Some clients have concentrated stock and need to diversify their portfolio. Business owners may want input on an exit strategy or business financing needs. Others want to balance charitable giving with their desire to responsibly transfer wealth. Each client has particular needs and resides at a different stage of wealth. I relish the opportunity to introduce clients to the right specialists – for company retirement plans, trusts and insurance. In addition, we offer financing and banking, both personal and commercial, through Bank of America.  N. A. It feels great to help clients anticipate, identify, prioritize and achieve their financial goals.”

A graduate from Stanford University, Marian earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics with honors in Science, Technology and Society. In 2000, Marian joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, giving her a first-hand view of a market downturn. From that experience, Marian has come to utilize a flexible portfolio strategy that responds to economic conditions, along with traditional asset allocation strategies.

Marian is a specially qualified Senior Portfolio Advisor who, in additional to providing traditional advice and guidance can draw from her experience to help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management models portfolios and third-party investment strategies. When servicing clients through the firm’s Investment Advisory Program, a Senior Portfolio Advisor may manage those strategies on a discretionary basis.

Marian also holds a Certified Investment Management Analyst^® (CIMA^®) designation and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ certificant, CFP^®, a designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Marian is a proud mother of two grown sons, one who is now a Financial Advisor on her team at Merrill. Her favorite “out of the office moments” include running, lifting weights, yoga, and, especially, gardening. An avid traveler, Marian is progressing toward visiting the seven natural (and seven modern) wonders of the world.
*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.

*Merrill Life Agency's California License Number 0522776

 
I follow the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives my interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in our community.