Jesse Lillard
Jesse Lillard is a Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor based in Saginaw, Michigan. With over a decade of experience and a commitment to delivering thoughtful, client-focused guidance, Jesse has been helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate complex financial decisions since joining Merrill in 2012.
Jesse focuses on helping clients prepare for retirement by simplifying the financial landscape and creating tailored strategies that align with their goals and values. He works closely with clients to assess their current financial position, identify opportunities, and develop clear, actionable steps to help them move confidently toward a secure and fulfilling future.
Outside of his professional life, Jesse enjoys a full and active life with his wife, Carly, and their two children, Maycie and Elias. Together, Jesse and Carly share a love for Michigan State basketball and enjoy spending time outdoors fishing and shooting. Jesse also has a passion for playing music. As devoted animal lovers, their home is shared with a lively group of pets—including three dogs and a cat. The family loves to travel, often seeking out destinations where they can experience wildlife and the natural beauty of the outdoors. Much of their time is also spent supporting Maycie and Elias in their many extracurricular activities, keeping the family on the go and closely connected.
Jesse is continually growing his practice and remains open to new opportunities to work with individuals, families, and business owners seeking trusted guidance. He welcomes the chance to build new relationships and help clients take meaningful steps toward their financial goals.
Jesse graduated cum laude from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. His academic training provides a strong foundation in financial systems and equips him to apply economic principles to real-world investment and planning decisions.
He holds the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA registrations, enabling him to offer a full range of investment services. He develops and manages diversified portfolios while delivering comprehensive, compliant financial strategies tailored to client goals.
In addition, Jesse is licensed in Michigan for life, accident and health, and variable annuity insurance. This allows him to integrate protection strategies alongside investment planning to help clients address risk and pursue long-term financial security.
Jesse holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™ designation, which he feels provides him with specialized knowledge in retirement planning strategies. He helps individuals and families navigate the transition from accumulation to distribution by addressing income planning, Social Security considerations, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and long-term financial sustainability—helping clients build confidence in their retirement readiness.
He has also earned the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®, CPFA® designation, demonstrating knowledge in the oversight of employer-sponsored retirement plans. He works with plan sponsors to navigate fiduciary responsibilities, evaluate investment options, and design retirement plans that support positive participant outcomes while addressing regulatory requirements.
Jesse holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor®, CEPA® designation, equipping him to help business owners prepare for and execute successful transitions. He partners with clients to align business strategy with personal financial objectives—whether planning for succession, a sale, or another exit—helping position them for the next phase of both their business and their lives.
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.
