Michael Leeder
Your wealth can mean different things. Security for yourself and the people you love. Opportunity for the next generation. Capital for a next business venture. A pathway for investment growth. Purchasing power for a home or other significant purchase.
I’m Michael Leeder, and I appreciate all of those intentions. I’m a Senior Vice President, a Wealth Management Advisor, and the Resident Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in San Luis Obispo.
I joined Merrill in 2004 after a career in the tech industry. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from USC.
Speak with me for a few minutes, and I feel that you’ll notice something: I ask the right questions, and I pay attention to the answers. I care about you and what you’ve done.
I’ve advised an accomplished clientele for many years, so I know the ways we can help add value to your life. Here’s what you can expect:
• We bring you the firm. Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America offer stability and breadth that are difficult to replicate. From alternative investments, retirement planning, and trust services to access to lending and private banking, we go beyond investing to help you unify the many moving parts of your wealth.
• We see beyond the basics. Your financial goals are important. We’ve worked with similarly situated families many times before, so we offer techniques and planning tools designed to help you gain momentum toward your objectives. I hold two industry credentials, helping to bring you a more sophisticated perspective on your wealth:
CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
CPFA®, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®
• We appreciate what matters to you. We take the time to discern your story—your assets and liabilities, but also your aspirations, family situation, tax circumstances, and financial concerns. Our goal is to support you in deriving greater satisfaction and harmony from your wealth—as you see it.
• We add ease to your life. We pride ourselves on our high-touch service model. We look to relieve the burdens that wealth can pose—endless paperwork, nameless call centers, and staying on hold. When you call us, you will speak with a real person who understands your situation. We collaborate well with your outside tax and legal advisors, particularly at tax time and with estate-planning considerations.
• We want you to thrive. Ultimately, your wealth is not about the size of your balance sheet but about finding fulfillment—both for yourself and the people who need you. We take this mission seriously, helping you move forward with measurable steps toward your life well-lived, both now and for decades to come.
Reach me directly:
Michael Leeder, CFP®, CPFA®
805-596-2236
michael_leeder@ml.com
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
*Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.
**Some or all alternative investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment’s investment objectives will be achieved.
Michael Leeder has earned his stripes – and a diverse circle of ambitious clients – for his ability to help successful people meet meaningful goals for themselves and the people they love. He has also inspired members of his community by spearheading fundraising efforts that support families facing the emotional and financial burdens of childhood cancer.With roots in the technology industry, Michael joined Merrill in 2004. His leadership skills and ability to put "best practices" into action led to him being named Resident Director of the San Luis Obispo office, a position that allows him to mentor other advisors on delivering some of the best-in-class strategies and support to clients.
MICHAEL SERVES GENERATIONS OF TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL FAMILIES, LED BY:
- Accomplished "wealth accumulators" in the Bay Area – founders, serial entrepreneurs, and pre- and post-IPO employees at tech and biotech firms.
- Successful business owners, physicians, landowners, and tradespeople in Central California who are building their nest eggs and see it as a "ticket" to well-deserved retirement lifestyles.
- Clients in 20 other states – many referred by those we've served for decades.Michael explains, "It's so rewarding to make a lasting impact on the wealth and happiness of people who have sacrificed and saved. Whether I meet with couples in my office or theirs, I enjoy hearing their stories and sharing mine. There's no substitute for handshakes and hugs. "Regardless of a client's location, vocation, level of wealth, or financial sophistication, Michael's warm and friendly manner reflects his open heart and mind. Proud to be a devoted steward of clients' wealth and wishes, he is well aware of the role he plays and the trust he must earn."
In 2018, our son Dylan was diagnosed with leukemia. As you can imagine, my wife and I were shocked and terrified. The focus of our lives changed from everyday activities we took for granted to moments...
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.
