Michael O'Toole

The O'Toole Group is one of a few Designated Retirement Planning Advisory Teams in the Region who brings its rich experience and strong credentials to many well-known companies and growing organizations. The Group also serves affluent individuals in 20 states whose complex financial needs require seasoned insights and customized strategies. "We work closely with people who do not have the time, discipline or inclination to manage their investments. We want clients to focus on what's driving their financial engines," says Mike.

As a Retirement Benefits Consultant, Mike is among an elite group of advisors at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who've also earned the prestigious Certified 401(k) Professional designation through The Retirement Advisor University in collaboration with UCLA's Anderson school of Management Executive Education. A graduate of West Point with a Bachelor's of Science degree, Mike began his career at Merrill in Albany in 1993 after completing his military commitment. In 2001, Mike led the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Merrill office as the Resident Manager coming back to the Capital District in 2005. Mike is a qualified Portfolio Manager who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing his own personalized or defined strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios, and third party investment strategies. When servicing clients through the firm's Investment Advisory Program, a Portfolio Manager may manage his strategies on a discretionary basis.

Mike also has achieved the Certified Investment Management Analyst designation through the Investments & Wealth Institute^™, in conjunction withthe Wharton School of Business. Mike has attended investment courses at the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, and Stanford University's Graduate School of Business-Foundations of Investment Management Course.

Mike has served on a number of boards in the Capital Region, is a volunteer Varsity Football Coach at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany and sits on the U.S. Military Academies selection committee for our local U.S. Congressman. Mike and his wife Anja live in Clifton Park with their two boys.