The Cook Group

Approach

Working with us means having advisors who are dedicated to understanding what matters most to you and helping you pursue your goals. Our approach is straightforward and transparent, supported by thoughtful investment guidance aligned with your priorities. The value of our relationship includes: * Helping you make informed financial decisions * Understanding your life priorities, needs, and goals * Learning about your investment preferences and perspective on risk * Helping you prioritize and pursue your financial objectives * Providing transparency around opportunities, fees, and risks * Helping you prepare for financial challenges and changing circumstances * Helping educate younger generations about investing and the financial markets ### Your Approach to Investing Every investor is different. Drawing on behavioral finance research, Merrill developed the Investment Personality Assessment to help provide greater insight into your investing preferences and how you think and feel about financial decisions. By understanding your investment personality, along with your goals and priorities, we can develop a more personalized financial approach designed around what matters most to you. ### Understanding Your Goals and Priorities Your life evolves, and your financial goals may change along the way. Our approach is designed to evolve with you. Through ongoing conversations and planning, we can help ensure that changes in your life, priorities, and objectives are reflected in your financial strategy.

Investments

Merrill's process is designed to provide a customized and comprehensive experience that addresses not only the accumulation and preservation of wealth, but also the broader financial needs that are important to you and your family. With access to Merrill's investment insights, trust and fiduciary services from Bank of America Private Bank, and banking and lending solutions from Bank of America, we can help bring together the different aspects of your financial life. Working one\-on\-one with a Merrill advisor provides you with a **single point of contact** who understands your priorities and can help coordinate resources and explore strategies for managing your wealth today and transferring it to future generations.

Capabilities

We believe financial success begins with understanding what matters most to you and making thoughtful financial decisions and trade\-offs that can help you pursue personally meaningful goals. Whether you are preparing for retirement, purchasing a home, funding a child's education, or planning for the future, our process begins by getting to know you, your family, and your priorities. Our conversations may focus on seven important areas of your life: * **Health:** Managing healthcare needs and expenses, both now and in the future * **Home:** Buying, renovating, upsizing or downsizing a home, or purchasing a vacation property * **Family:** Caring for your family and others who are important to you * **Leisure:** Spending your time and resources on meaningful experiences * **Giving:** Supporting charitable organizations, volunteering, and mentoring others * **Work:** Preparing for retirement, working in retirement, or starting or selling a business * **Finance:** Bringing these priorities together to define and pursue your financial goals We measure progress by how your financial strategy continues to support your goals over time. As your life, priorities, and circumstances evolve, we can work with you to make thoughtful adjustments to help keep your strategy aligned with what matters most. *This material should be regarded as general or educational information on healthcare or Social Security considerations and is not intended to provide specific healthcare or Social Security advice. If you have questions regarding your particular situation, please contact your legal or tax advisor.*

Our Focus

We take the time to understand your priorities, concerns, and long\-term goals so we can provide personalized guidance and develop a financial approach that evolves with you through each stage of life. We believe financial success begins with understanding what matters most to you and making thoughtful financial decisions and trade\-offs that can help you pursue personally meaningful goals. Whether you are preparing for retirement, purchasing a home, funding a child's education, preserving wealth, or planning for future generations, our process begins by getting to know you and your family. Our conversations focus on seven important areas: * **Health:** Managing healthcare needs and expenses, now and in the future * **Home:** Buying, renovating, upsizing or downsizing a home, or purchasing a vacation property * **Family:** Caring for your family and the people who are important to you * **Leisure:** Making room for meaningful experiences and the things you enjoy * **Giving:** Supporting charities, volunteering, and creating a meaningful legacy * **Work:** Preparing for retirement, working in retirement, or starting or selling a business * **Finance:** Bringing it all together to define and pursue your financial goals We measure progress by how well your financial strategy continues to support your goals. As your life and priorities evolve, **our focus remains on helping you stay informed, prepared, and aligned with what matters most to you.**

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