The Garrett Group
At The Garrett Group, we bring our extensive wealth management knowledge to a diverse clientele that appreciates our competency, care and consideration. It is with gratitude and respect that we continue to build on these relationships and welcome new clients to our practice.
Results and relationships throughout the U.S. matter to us – and to those we serve in the Atlanta area. The people we serve are active and retired – including male and female executives (many with Fortune 500 companies), successful business owners (many with 401k plans that we administer), attorneys and physicians. We also assist several non-profit endowments and foundations whose missions we have long supported.
Led by Mary Ellen Garrett, who founded our group at Merrill more than 35 years ago, we have cultivated an approach that places clients at the center of our concentrated efforts. We are proud to engage frequently in thought-provoking conversations that revolve around their families & interests, not just their finances. We feel it’s important to know what drives clients personally and financially.
Perhaps we’re old-fashioned, but we find there’s no substitute for face-to-face meetings and talking to clients on a casual basis, not when the calendar says so. Through honest dialogue with both spouses, whenever possible – where we share our own stories and lessons learned – we work to help clients “see around corners” to prepare financially and emotionally for what they envision.
Our engagements span investment and retirement planning, tax-minimization and estate planning strategies. In addition, we provide clients with ready access to Bank of America, N.A. for traditional banking services, and in residential lending, treasury management, equipment financing and other forms of commercial lending. It is also our practice to be a “total resource” to clients and stay connected with their other trusted advisors, to include CPAs and attorneys.
We feel good knowing that our clients’ success has paralleled our own. Many of them have become our close friends. These natural connections inspire our best efforts.
At The Garrett Group, we believe that financial planning is about much more than numbers. It is about helping individuals and families make confident decisions that support the lives they want to live today while creating opportunities for future generations.
Every client has a unique story, set of values, and vision for the future. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we take the time to understand what matters most to each family. Through thoughtful conversations and a disciplined planning process, we help clients align their financial resources with their personal goals and priorities.
We begin by listening. We ask questions designed to uncover not only the facts of a client's financial situation, but also the motivations behind their decisions. What purpose does their wealth serve? What opportunities would they like to pursue? What impact do they hope to have on their family, community, or future generations? These conversations help us develop strategies that reflect both financial objectives and personal aspirations.
As our clients' lives evolve, their plans should evolve as well. Major life events, business transitions, retirement, family changes, and shifting priorities often create new opportunities and challenges. We work alongside our clients through each stage, providing ongoing guidance and making adjustments as circumstances change.
For many of the families we serve, the next chapter is not simply about retirement. It is about pursuing new interests, spending meaningful time with loved ones, exploring new experiences, giving back, and redefining what fulfillment means. Our role is to help provide the financial clarity and confidence needed to embrace those opportunities.
Our comprehensive planning process may address a wide range of considerations, including cash flow management, investment strategies, retirement planning, business and executive benefits, tax-efficient wealth management, estate and legacy planning serrvices, risk management, and charitable giving. By examining the complete financial picture, we help clients make informed decisions and stay focused on their long-term objectives.
To support our investment guidance, we leverage the resources, research, and insights of Merrill and Bank of America's Chief Investment Office, while utilizing a disciplined investment process tailored to each client's goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. The result is a personalized wealth management strategy designed to help clients grow, preserve, and transfer wealth efficiently over time.
We are proud of the relationships we have built with multiple generations of families and remain committed to providing proactive advice, responsive service, and candid guidance. Our clients trust us to help them navigate important decisions, and we take that responsibility seriously. Every recommendation we make is guided by a commitment to helping preserve what matters most and supporting our clients' vision for the future.
The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., ("Bank of America") and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S" or "Merrill"), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.").
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.
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.
