A long-time student of finance with more than ten years spent in the industry, Agne joined Merrill in 2021 followed by a loyal circle of successful women and men. They include corporate executives, attorneys, physicians, business owners, couples accumulating wealth and others going through the divorce process.
“More than anything, I enjoy building relationships with clients,” Agne says. “Taking time to ask questions and listen carefully, I want to know why clients have come to me – what’s on their mind, what’s in their heart. And in tangible terms, what’s the purpose of their wealth? Who are they responsible for? And what role would they like me to play?”
Agne finds that disruptive events are when some clients need her most. A spouse’s death, divorce, a family member who’s taken ill and other situations require her care and consideration. For women experiencing divorce, Agne “sits next to them” and helps set goals, a budget, and whatever else can provide needed steps in moving forward.
From frequent discussions with all clients, Agne constructs mutually agreed-upon strategies that span investment and retirement planning, exit planning and cash flow solutions, tax-minimization and estate planning strategies, and liability management. For Agne, the planning process is ongoing. As clients’ circumstances and goals evolve – and market conditions change – she adjusts their strategies, to help optimize their wealth and address their wishes.
When it comes to investments, Agne builds each client portfolio based on their goals, risk tolerance, investment timeline, liquidity needs and other personal preferences. Using Merrill research and model portfolios, she looks to diversify clients’ assets across equities, bonds, ETFs, and funds run by selected managers. In addition, Agne offers clients access to alternative investments* including private equity, real estate, and hedge funds – allowing them to benefit from non-correlated assets she deems attractive, affordable and likely to offer reduced volatility.
To align tax minimization and estate planning strategies, Agne is happy to coordinate with clients’ CPAs and attorneys. She also provides clients with access to Bank of America, N.A. for residential, securities-based and commercial lending.
Agne launched her financial career in 2008 at PNC Bank and was soon recruited by Santander Bank’s executive team where she served in several roles including that of financial advisor and private client relationship manager in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In 2020, she joined Fidelity Investments in Princeton as a financial consultant, one year before coming to Merrill.
Born and raised in Lithuania, Agne arrived in the United States at the age of 17 – accepting a full scholarship to Arkansas State University, where she played four years of Division 1 basketball in the Sun Belt Conference. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, she earned an MBA with Honors while also teaching finance and economics courses. Still a loyal ASU basketball fan (Go Lady Wolves!) and Los Angeles Laker fan, Agne is an avid traveler, reader, lover of healthy cooking and volunteer with United Way of Bucks County. She and her husband, Zeeshan (also, a Merrill financial advisor) are proud parents of two little boys.
*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.
*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is equity research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.
While I earned my stripes as a Division 1 college basketball player, I'm even more proud of my achievements as a financial advisor. How do I measure success? By the relationships I've built with clients – and the stories I hear about goals they've reached since we began working together.
AFTER MORE THAN TEN YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, I'VE COME TO SERVE:
Ambitious women and men – corporate executives, attorneys, physicians, business owners, couples accumulating wealth and others going through the divorce process. My planning-based approach helps me appreciate what's on a client's mind and in their heart. That's why I ask questions. "What's the purpose of your wealth? Who are you responsible for? Why have you come to me?"
Only with a firm grasp of what clients want for themselves and their families can I craft strategies that span investment and retirement planning, exit planning and cash flow solutions, tax-minimization and estate planning strategies, and liability management. As clients' lives evolve, I will adjust their strategies, to help optimize their wealth and address their wishes.
WHAT DO I BELIEVE?
• Disruptive events are when some clients need me most. A spouse's death, divorce, a family member's illness and other situations require my care and consideration. For women experiencing divorce, I help set goals, a budget, and whatever else can provide key steps in moving forward.
• It's important that I coordinate with their CPAs and attorneys. I also provide access to Bank of America, N.A. for residential, securities-based and commercial lending.
• Clients deserve that I educate them whenever possible – whether I help them understand investment risk or the benefits of disciplined saving and spending. I also simplify explanations so that clients can more easily follow the strategy they've agreed upon.
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.