An experienced professional in the financial services industry since 2013, Kevin focuses on delivering tailored wealth management planning for individuals, families and business owners. After spending 24 years in the Navy, he joined Thrivent Financial in 2013 as a financial advisor and then later moved to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2019 to take advantage of the breadth of resources available at the firm for his clients. Kevin’s areas of focus include wealth management planning, business owner planning and exit strategies, investments and insurance. He is FINRA registered and has earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation.
Kevin grew up outside of Chicago, IL, and earned his BS Degree from Southern Illinois University. He currently resides in Pensacola, FL with his wife, Stacie, and they have two grown children, Corissa and Bryce. Active in the community, Kevin is a member of Bread & Table and SWAT Mardi Gras Crew which are two groups that focus on helping children in the community. When away from the office, he enjoys fishing, golfing, hunting and spending time with his family.
We look out for clients, their spouses and children. The relationships we build reflect our efforts to serve people, not just portfolios. As clients have prospered, they now include successful business owners, financial professionals, physicians, affluent retirees and widows, those affected by divorce, as well as foundations.
For clients nearing retirement and concerned about living comfortably without a paycheck, the team assesses clients' goals, explores their need for cash flow and their comfort with risk. Using Merrill models and its own research, the team builds portfolios that may include domestic and international equities, ETFs, closed-end funds, market-linked investments, mutual funds, private equity and alternative investments*.
As Kevin Hammer points out, "We look months ahead, talk to clients about their changing tax situations, investment and spending disciplines." Using a defined set of fundamental and tactical investment techniques, the team also works with clients' accountants, to align strategies for capital gains, retirement distributions and other areas.
For foundations and endowments whose board members need to make the best decisions for their organizations while acting as fiduciaries, we offer hands-on experience and availability.
We often meet clients in the evenings and on weekends – answering clients' questions about the markets, special needs trusts, long-term-care, purchasing homes and leasing cars. Clients focus on their families and careers – we focus on preserving the integrity of their wealth. By serving people we've come to know during their emotional challenges, we believe we provide the greatest value – financially and personally.
*Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.
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.
