Who We Help

# **Individuals and multigenerational families** We are privileged to work with families across multiple generations, helping them navigate life's opportunities and transitions with confidence. From retirement and wealth planning to family governance, education funding, and legacy conversations, our role often extends beyond financial advice. We work best with individuals and families who value collaboration and trust, and who want an advisor invested not only in their finances, but in the people, relationships, and goals that make those finances meaningful. # **Business Owners \& Executives** Business success often creates both opportunity and complexity. We work with owners and executives as they navigate important decisions around wealth accumulation, retirement, succession planning, liquidity events, and the ongoing balance between personal and business priorities. Many of our strongest relationships are with leaders who view financial planning as more than a series of transactions. We value the opportunity to understand what they've built, the responsibilities they carry, and the goals they're working toward, helping provide clarity and perspective through each stage of the journey. # **Foundations, Endowments \& Nonprofits** For organizations dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities, thoughtful financial stewardship is essential. We work with foundations, endowments, and nonprofits to provide investment consulting, governance support, and long\-term strategic guidance designed to support their mission. Our team includes one of Merrill's Institutional Consulting Advisors, an accreditation held by a very select group of advisors with specialized training in serving institutional clients. We are privileged to partner with board members and leadership teams who care deeply about the work they do, helping them navigate important decisions with confidence while keeping their focus on the people and causes they serve. # **Corporate Retirement Plans** We work with employers who understand that a strong retirement plan can be one of the most meaningful benefits they provide. Through investment oversight, fiduciary support, and participant education, we help organizations build and maintain retirement programs that serve both their employees and their long\-term objectives. Beyond helping sponsors fulfill their responsibilities, we are passionate about empowering individual participants with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their financial future. # **A coordinated approach** Whether we're serving a multigenerational family, a business owner, a nonprofit organization, or a retirement plan sponsor, our approach begins with understanding what matters most. From there, we can help coordinate the many financial decisions that shape the future, including investments, retirement planning, concierge banking and lending, estate planning strategies, family wealth decisions, and more. When appropriate, we collaborate closely with attorneys, CPAs, and other trusted professionals so decisions are always made with the broader picture in view.

What You Can Expect

# **Advice grounded in your priorities and best interest** We begin with what matters to you and your family – not with a product or predetermined solution. # **A strategy that stays current** We meet regularly to revisit your financial strategy as your life, priorities, and circumstances evolve. # **Proactive communication** We keep you informed about important developments, upcoming decisions, and the progress of outstanding items. # **Highly responsive, personal service** During normal business hours, a member of our team answers the phone. We strive to return calls or emails promptly and provide clear next steps. # **Coordination across your financial life** When appropriate, we collaborate with your tax, legal, and other professionals and connect you with the vast resources of Merrill and Bank of America. # **A team that listens** We seek first to understand, then work alongside you to turn complex questions into practical decisions.

Our Approach

# **A relationship built around your life—not just your portfolio** We begin by learning about the people, responsibilities, opportunities and concerns behind your financial decisions. That understanding becomes the foundation for a strategy designed around your priorities. 1. We listen and organize We take time to understand your full financial picture, clarify what matters most and identify decisions that may require attention. 2. We build a coordinated strategy We bring investments, planning and the other dimensions of your financial life into a more unified framework – helping you understand not only what we recommend, but why. 3. We help put the plan into action Good advice should lead to clear next steps. We coordinate with you and, where appropriate, with your attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals to help move decisions forward. 4. We stay actively involved Your life will change, markets will change and priorities may evolve. Through regular reviews and proactive communication, we help keep your strategy aligned with where you are and where you want to go.

Questions we help answer

# **Financial decisions are rarely isolated** We help clients think through questions such as: * Do our investments still reflect the life we are planning? * How much can we comfortably spend in retirement? * Are our estate documents, beneficiary decisions, and financial strategy working together? * How should we prepare our children or grandchildren for future financial responsibility? * What is the best way to coordinate a business transition with our family's personal plans? * How do I plan strategically for a major liquidity event? * Are we making the most of what we've built, or are we leaving something on the table? * Are our tax, investment, and charitable decisions being considered together? * Who will help my spouse or family manage everything if I am no longer able? * Does our foundation or nonprofit have the structure and oversight needed to support its mission over time? ## *If you're asking questions like these, we'd welcome the chance to partner with you in building a thoughtful path forward.*

Personalized planning

**Helping you create a personalized plan** At Merrill, we go beyond the traditional role of an advisor. * Your goals, concerns and attitude about investing are the foundation of your plan. * We actively listen and provide personalized advice — ensuring we understand what matters most to you and your family. * We're committed to creating a personalized plan that evolves with you to help you live well today while preparing for the future.

Team and resources

**Giving you access to our teams and solutions** Your advisor is one part of an experienced team dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Acting as your single point of contact, your advisor provides personalized strategies and connects you with: * Bank of America specialists, such as mortgage or trust professionals * Timely insights from BofA Global Research1 to help you stay informed and navigate ever\-changing markets * A [full suite](https://www.ml.com/solutions/all.html) of Merrill investing and Bank of America banking solutions ^1^~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](http://www.sipc.org/), and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.").~

Recognition