At The O’Connell Group, we continue to earn our stripes and a nationwide clientele for our ability to address the wealth management and retirement needs of individuals and families, and manage Qualified and Non-Qualified Retirement Plans for business owners.
In addition to our specialized knowledge and know-how, we believe that clients choose to work with us, stay with us, and refer others because of the overall value we deliver – and because we explain fully, follow up, and follow through.
Who do we serve?
Successful men and women in more than 20 states who care about their families, enterprises, and employees. Single, married and divorced, a majority of clients own technology companies and other businesses. We also assist a growing circle of medical and legal professionals.
To deliver the deep and consistent focus that superior wealth management requires, we limit the number of clients we serve. In fact, our highly proactive service model is made possible by our three experienced support people whose ability to expedite matters is only matched by their warmth and enthusiasm.
To help clients grow and preserve their assets in the most tax-efficient manner, we scrutinize how their wealth is structured, then analyze and explain the concept of risk vs. reward in relation to a client’s investments and overall financial picture.
For business owners, we examine their overall financial picture – corporate and personal – recognizing that wealth is typically concentrated in the value and potential of their enterprise. Our efforts extend to discussions about selling or passing along their companies. When helpful, we call upon allied professionals and internal specialists to help enhance the exit planning, succession planning and estate planning strategies we formulate.
For all clients, we align our strategies with their comfort with risk, investment timeline, liquidity needs, and, more than anything, the goals we’ve helped them identify and prioritize. Fortunate to benefit from Merrill’s industry leading research and technology, we leverage our firm’s Chief Investment Office to build each client’s portfolio with a blend of asset classes, including (in many cases) alternative investments.
We also work to ensure that clients’ wealth and wisdom are passed along to their children and grandchildren. On many occasions, we gather family members for discussions, so that an original work ethic and values can be shared and understood.
On a personal note, we appreciate clients who place their trust in our discretion, integrity and ability to offer enlightened guidance. In each relationship, we do (and say) what we believe is in a client’s best interest, even if straightforward advice is difficult to hear.
*Institutional Investor magazine announced BofA Global Research as one of the Top Global Research Firms in 2023 based on surveys held throughout the year. The magazine creates rankings of the top research analysts in a wide variety of specializations, drawn from the choices of portfolio managers and other investment professionals at more than 1,000 firms. 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. Learn more about the methodology at Institutional Investor. Rankings and recognition from Institutional Investor are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement.
*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.
*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.”).
At The O'Connell Group, our planning-based approach is a hallmark of our offering. It drives everything we do – and everything we advise clients to do.
From the outset of each relationship, we ask questions – some expected, some not;
"Why have you come to us, and why now? What needs to happen for you to feel more successful, personally and professionally? What's the intent of your wealth? What's the most important thing in your life? Who are you responsible for?"
Just as we ask questions of clients, we answer theirs. Many ask if they're on track to achieve the goals they describe, if they can afford to send a child to a private college, purchase a second home, enjoy a comfortable retirement or travel the world. By examining changes that may be required in clients' saving and spending behavior, as well as their goals, we can satisfy "meaning and metrics" in the strategies we provide.
By reviewing topics of discussion over time, we can adjust a financial strategy. After all, clients' situations and ambitions change over time – and we need to keep pace.
In talking with clients about their families, we remind them that part of our job is helping them leave memories, not just money – finding joy along the way without compromising long-term goals. By doing our jobs well, we can help simplify clients' financial lives and bring them a sense of comfort knowing a plan is in place.
Additionally, we look beyond investments to help optimize both sides of clients' balance sheets – assets and liabilities. In addition to helping clients consolidate debt and improve cash flow, we offer access to Bank of America, N.A. for residential, securities-based and commercial lending solutions. We also help determine whether protective components such as insurance might help insulate their wealth.
What do we believe?
We do our best work for clients who value our planning-based approach, consider us a sounding board for their ideas, and feel comfortable asking for our input on any financial decision. Proper planning helps clients make timely, informed decisions. It also helps us build portfolios that make sense for each client.
CEPA®, CFP®, CKP®, CPFA®, CRPC™