At Johnson Evans and Associates, our family-office-style approach is meant to serve accomplished people who hope to accomplish more. Many clients come to us after a previous advisor provided only a basic portfolio strategy and “calendar-timed” communications.
Who do we serve? Venture capitalists, private equity and other executives in the financial industry, medical specialists, serial entrepreneurs, business owners and generations of families around Charlotte and across the nation.
While diverse in their ambitions, clients typically share a desire to engage, listen and trust. This suits us well, as we are devoted to educating and helping clients plan for key financial decisions surrounding the sale of their companies, diversification of concentrated stock positions, and tax-efficient ways to pass along wealth.
What do we believe?
- The depth and breadth of our multi-generational planning and investment approach distinguishes our practice and the enduring benefits our 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.
- 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 do you wish had 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 a client’s goals, we look for “holes” in their financial picture – areas that may need further examination – trust documents, liabilities and insurance, for example.
Truth be told, estate planning is an area in which we focus intensely and have extensive skills. That is why we ask for the names of clients’ CPAs and attorneys, to align our tax minimization and estate planning strategies – and save clients the time of coordinating our efforts.
When it comes to investments, we look beyond traditional asset allocations and emphasize the use of alternative investments including real estate, private equity and hedge funds. Why? Because these non-correlated assets move independently from the markets – allowing clients to help mitigate overall portfolio risk and benefit from opportunities not commonly available. Our proactive recommendations are driven by internal and external research, third-party managers we’ve known for years, and discussions with other firms.
Finally, 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
*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 investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.
*Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
*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
At Johnson Evans & Associates, we characterize our offering as a rich repository of knowledge and best practices. However, our capabilities mean little if we don't stay on top of your needs – and respond to those needs, in a timely manner.
As our client, you can expect that we will:
Be ready to serve you. By limiting the number of clients that we assist, we can do more for you. That means serving as proactive stewards of your wealth, with plenty of time to address your needs.
Talk with you frequently about financial matters and other topics that matter to you. We also look forward to sharing our personal stories and hope to hear yours.
Work to ensure that your wealth and wisdom are passed along to your children. Often, our efforts include gathering family members for discussions, so that your work ethic and values can be shared and understood.
Help you make informed decisions and avoid emotional ones. Our proactive efforts are meant to help you "see around corners" – so that you can plan and prepare for situations you anticipate and those you don't.
Do our best work when your needs grow in complexity. We enjoy meeting challenges and crafting potential solutions. The more you ask us to do, the more value we can deliver.
Explain what actual outcomes look like – in simple terms, without needless financial jargon. Going beyond spreadsheets and simulations, we will illustrate real-world scenarios with you.
Be here, when you need us most. We have sat with clients in hospitals and celebrated with them at weddings and anniversary parties. Many clients have become good friends. We see ourselves as "life advisors" as much as "financial advisors."
Strive to help you optimize both sides of your balance sheet – assets and liabilities. We offer cash management and credit strategies, and access to Bank of America, N.A. for residential, securities-based lending and practice management solutions (for medical professionals).
Align our tax minimization and estate planning strategies with those of your CPA and attorney. We can also call upon our firm's trust professionals to offer assistance.
We rarely see situations we haven't encountered. We feel fortunate to have long memories and relationships. It is our intention to help you benefit from clients we've assisted in similar positions.
*Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
*Trust, fiduciary, and investment management services are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp."), and its agents. *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.
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.
