Michelle Ann Perry, CFP®
First Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
Michelle is inspired by the people and businesses who bring vibrance, leadership and convenience to our daily lives. She strives to connect their financial lives with their devotion to helping family members with their needs and their desire to leave an impact on their community. By assisting clients with a strategy to bring purpose to their wealth, Michelle is determined to help them pursue the life they want.
Much like two friends catching up, Michelle likes to start client conversations by asking, “What’s on your mind?” She wants to hear about any financial challenges that may be keeping you up at night, as well as your intentions to help address the needs of family members. She recognizes that many clients haven’t devoted time to examining the options for their retirement lifestyle. By following a disciplined financial approach, Michelle can help you pursue your passions in a manner that is consistent with your beliefs.
Michelle is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree in communications and received her M.B.A. with an emphasis in global business from Pepperdine University. While attending Pepperdine, she received leadership awards from The Committee of 200, Zonta International and The American Association of University Women for her work with women business leaders and advocating for women’s rights.
Michelle can draw on her deep ties in the region to assist local organizations, civic leaders and non-profits with fundraising and finding volunteers. Before joining Merrill in 2012, she worked for the City of Carpinteria as their Junior Lifeguard Coordinator and served local businesses for eight years as an owner of a print and design firm. Michelle was recognized by Girls Inc. of Carpinteria as one of their ‘Women of Inspiration’ honorees in 2010. Michelle holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification. She resides in Carpinteria with her husband and their children.
Michelle is Chair of the Carpinteria Children’s Project, serving on their board of directors for the past 8 plus years. She also volunteers as an age-group swim coach for the Carpinteria Aquatics Club and on the Finance Committee for the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara. Michelle is also a past board member of the Carpinteria Education Foundation.
You've worked much of your life, setting aside your hard-earned dollars and possibly designating them for specific goals. Now, with your wealth accumulating and the lifestyle you envisioned around the corner, what comes next?
Maybe you want to travel and pursue other passions that you may have routinely put off. Possibly, you have the wealth to offer financial assistance to the causes you care about most. Perhaps the needs of your family are causing you to rethink your priorities. Life transitions and the decisions you face can be both exciting and intimidating. I believe the financial advice and guidance I can offer clients can be a welcome source of support. I also welcome clients to my practice who may be facing life-changing events or investment challenges. These may include a substantial liquidity event, such as the sale or transfer of a business or an inheritance, as well as wanting to pursue investments that are aligned with your values. Regardless of your stage in life, a comprehensive financial approach can help you pursue the goals and values that are important to you and your family.
I believe working with me is like having a financial concierge at your disposal. I work patiently as they strive to help demystify the wealth management process for you. I encourage you to talk to us about your needs, strategies and opportunities to help you pursue your goals.
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.
