Serving a loyal clientele he refers to as “families,” Neil Carlin has long encouraged and empowered their financial strength by sharing his wisdom and sensitivity. Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1984, Neil has built enduring relationships with business owners, attorneys, accountants, and generations of their families in the New York area and nationwide.

“I’ve come to know clients very well, which comes from my approach. I meet clients where it’s convenient for them. We talk frequently and I encourage both spouses to make themselves available. More than once, I’ve contacted a client’s grown child to say that their mom or dad could use some help grasping a concept or making a decision. I give unbiased, straightforward suggestions and want clients to know that I’m looking out for them,” Neil explains. “I care about clients’ concerns, aspirations, and best interests.”

When it comes to investments, Neil has traditionally maintained a bullish stance, with a belief that negative news typically affects long-term performance only in the short term. Neil also places a premium on the value of society’s education and entrepreneurship, which he sees as driving constant innovation in various fields and offering new opportunities for investments and optimism. Using Merrill research and his own, Neil crafts clients’ individual portfolios from the ground up – to reflect their comfort with risk, need for liquidity, investment horizon and personal goals.

“The clients I serve are financially astute. They recognize that they can buy stocks for a few dollars somewhere else. I believe they stay with me because I do everything possible to inform their decisions and bolster their financial stability. By helping clients ‘see around corners’, I allow them to plan and prepare for likely and unlikely events. In addition, I keep clients’ accountants involved – asking about clients’ investments held elsewhere, so that I can align my decisions with their overall financial picture. Providing tangible value takes many forms,” Neil points out.

PERSONAL PROFILES

Neil Carlin
Financial Advisor

Neil arrived at Merrill more than 30 years ago and has never looked back. Instead, he helps clients look forward – by developing investment, retirement, liability, tax minimization and estate planning strategies that can satisfy clients’ most cherished goals. A highly proactive and professional advisor, Neil began his career at Prudential Bache Halsey Stuart. He has worked at the Garden City office of Merrill since 1984 – nurturing friendships with clients across the nation and advisors throughout the firm.

An alumnus of University of South Florida and a lifelong resident of Long Island, Neil lives in St. James with his wife, Carmela, and their three children (one in college). Neil is active in his community, having served as a school board member for Smithtown and a coach for CYO basketball, youth soccer. He has also participated with his wife in fundraising events for Muscular Dystrophy and The Lymphoma & Leukemia Society. Neil is a former marathon runner who enjoys hiking, biking, yoga, working out five days a week, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Donna Doody
Registered Senior Wealth Management Client Associate

Donna shares much in common with Neil. She brings clients tremendous experience and knowledge – having worked at the Garden City office of Merrill for 34 years. She also has developed trusted relationships with clients – recognizing many of their voices when they call and having a familiarity with their specific circumstances and requests. In addition to addressing clients’ transactional, account and administrative needs, Donna serves as their proactive liaison with Neil and specialists throughout the firm.

Donna is a graduate of Lafayette College. She and her husband, Jim, reside in Lynbrook. They have been married for more than 30 years and are proud parents of two grown children.


*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 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. 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.

 

 
I follow the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives my interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in our community.