J. Stirling Russell II
My goal is to help you pursue what matters most, whether that's funding your children's education, building income that lasts through retirement, planning for future health care costs, or transferring wealth to the next generation. Every step of the process is built around your priorities and your perspective.
The aim is to bring simplicity and transparency to the complexities of finance while helping you move forward with confidence. Think of me as your financial quarterback, coordinating the right people, resources, and strategies so you can focus on what matters most. Combined with Merrill's extensive investment capabilities, that coordinated approach helps ensure every strategy is tailored to your goals and unique circumstances.
Ready to bring clarity and direction to your financial life? Let's talk. The first step is simple: a conversation about you, your goals, and what you want your wealth to accomplish.
Stirling Russell is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he helps individuals, families, business owners, and athletes bring organization and direction to their financial lives.
A lifelong competitor, Stirling grew up in Seattle, Washington, and went on to play soccer at the highest levels of the game — representing U.S. Youth National Teams, the Seattle Sounders Academy, Clemson University, and competing professionally. Those years shaped the way he works today. Elite sport taught him that talent and effort both matter, that consistency compounds over time, and that winning ultimately comes down to relationships, communication, planning, adaptability, and — above all — execution. He brings that same discipline to every client relationship.
Stirling earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems with a minor in Economics from Clemson University, where he was a member of the men's soccer team. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™ designation and is backed by the extensive resources of Merrill and Bank of America, giving his clients access to specialists across lending, estate planning services, tax strategy, and more.
Stirling was drawn to wealth management by two passions: solving complex problems and helping people. His approach goes beyond portfolios, focusing on giving clients clarity, confidence and a relationship that extends well beyond the numbers.
Outside the office, Stirling is deeply committed to his community and his faith. He coaches youth soccer at the Charlotte Soccer Academy and stays active with pickleball and just about any outdoor sport, with a strong preference for the mountains and the lake. He is engaged to be married to his fiancée, Hannah, in August 2027. Family is the center of his life, and that same spirit of service and dependability is something every client can count on.
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.
