The Briggs Wealth Management Group

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
110 N Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 696.7652
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We bring more than 25 years of experience, extensive knowledge and know-how, and highly attentive service to clients we admire for their values and visions.It is our privilege to help them live the best lives  possible, with the resources they have.
The Briggs Wealth Management Group
Welcome

At The Briggs Wealth Management Group, we serve hardworking individuals and families who’ve been “successful savers.” While diverse in their achievements, clients have chosen to live sensibly, not extravagantly.  

Who do we serve?

Generations of loyal client families in the Chicago area and 18 states. Working closely with both spouses whenever possible, we prefer frequent conversations and face-to-face meetings (at clients’ kitchen tables, offices, by WebEx, or however it’s most convenient for them).

 

What do we believe?

 

  • The depth and breadth of our multi-generational planning and tax minimization strategies distinguishes our practice and the enduring benefits clients can enjoy.

 

  • Given that our clients’ life experiences and attitudes toward wealth are clearly their own, we don’t make assumptions. Instead, we make time to understand their mindsets and motivations. We also believe that clients should be able to understand the strategies we’ve designed and their role in following them.

 

  • As active listeners, we learn about clients by asking questions – not just in initial discussions, but over the course of each relationship, “What is your vision of a meaningful life? What has worked well and what you do you hope worked better? Who are you responsible for – a child, an elderly parent, your employees? Why have you come to us – and why now?”

 

  • In addition to clients’ goals, it’s important that we look for “holes” in their financial picture – areas that may need further examination – trust documents, liabilities and insurance, for example.

 

  • There are simply no “do-overs” for retired clients or those nearing retirement. Accordingly, we manage clients’ portfolios like we would our own – focusing on realistic goals rather than outperforming the markets.

 

  • Coordinating our efforts with clients’ other trusted advisors can optimize results. That’s why ask for the names of clients’ CPAs and attorneys, to align our tax minimization and estate planning strategies.
  • Optimizing both sides of clients’ balance sheets can brighten their financial pictures, lifestyles and outlooks. We offer ready access to Bank of America, N.A. for residential, securities-based and other customized lending solutions.

What makes us proud?

 

  • We have managed our clients’ money and emotions amid the volatility of 2000, 2008, 2020 and 2022. Virtually all of those clients remain with us today. We believe that’s due in large part to our focus on mitigating investment risk and tax consequences.

 

  • Our clients are good people and care about others. They want to leave money to their children and communities. It’s just not in their DNA to spend it all.

 

  • It’s a joy to celebrate with clients when they achieve milestones we helped make possible – a rewarding retirement lifestyle, a child’s graduation, or the purchase of a vacation home.
About Us
Our Strategy

At The Briggs Wealth Management Group, it's incumbent on us to embrace clients' most heartfelt goals and concerns.

A vast majority of clients are focused on retiring comfortably and confidently – while also being able to assist future generations. For that reason, we've honed a retirement income investment strategy that accounts for changing market conditions and each client's risk tolerance, investment timeline, and need for liquidity.

To help clients "ride out" inflation and market volatility during retirement – and enjoy cash flow that aligns with the lifestyle they envision – we typically craft each client's portfolio with investments across asset classes and a strong emphasis on high-quality stocks of well-known companies that have consistently increased their dividends over time. Our risk-managed approach is designed to help clients benefit from upside market potential while receiving reliable income streams.

With ages that align nicely with those of many clients and their grown children, we can fulfill our mission: "to be there" when clients retire, with continuity and integrity. For a clientele that appreciates our acum and attention, we are committed to providing sound financial recommendations that help grow and preserve the wealth they've accumulated.

Meet Our Team
Robert Briggs,

CFP®, CPFA™, CRPC™

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
312.696.7652
Joseph D Dondalski,

CFP®

Vice President, Senior Consultant
312.269.5024
Mary Hartrich,

CFP®

Financial Advisor
312.269.5050
Blakely  Tanner
Blakely Tanner
Wealth Management Client Associate
312.269.5095
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Bryant Wolfson
Alternative Investments Regional Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
Gabriel Reginald David Ruiz
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
Julie A. Kelsey
Senior Wealth Management Lending Officer
Bank of America, N.A.
NMLS #1010805
About Merrill

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.

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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and the CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.