Philosophy

We believe the best financial strategy is one that helps our clients pursue their goals. We begin with a holistic review to develop a deep understanding of who they are, their risk tolerance, time horizons, liquidity needs, and goals. Additionally, we are pleased to collaborate with other professionals with whom they work in order to ascertain the fullest picture of their individual situation. This comprehensive approach allows us to accurately identify and address your financial opportunities and challenges. With access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, we will team up with our clients to formulate an actionable plan to address their goals. Our process is designed to deliver a customized, consistent experience that goes beyond portfolio management.

Executive Compensation

With options trading experience commencing in 1992, I am particularly skilled at navigating executive compensation. Employing both qualitative and quantitative analysis to each unique situation to help optimize the long-term outcome for my clients.

*Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Before engaging in the purchase or sale of options, investors should understand the nature of and extent of their rights and obligations and be aware of the risks involved in investing with options. Prior to buying or selling an option, clients must receive the options disclosure document Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. This document is available by contacting your Merrill Financial Advisor.

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Investing:

Sustainable investing strives to align our clients’ personal values with their investments in order to create a positive social and environmental impact. ESG investors actively opt to invest in companies that have demonstrated an impressive track record of environmental, social, and governance attributes. This approach differs from a traditional SRI (Socially Responsible Investing) investor who focuses on excluding certain industries or companies from their portfolios because these companies have failed in certain respects. There is a growing base of evidence suggesting that companies that are environmentally sustainable and have positive screens for corporate governance and diversity in executive leadership outperform investments that do not share this focus. Furthermore, there is growing realization that companies that prioritize ESG factors may well perform better over the long term across a variety of measures, including lower risk and cost of capital as well as operational and share price performance.




*Impact investing and/or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) managers may take into consideration factors beyond traditional financial information to select securities, which could result in relative investment performance deviating from other strategies or broad market benchmarks, depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. Further, ESG strategies may rely on certain values based criteria to eliminate exposures found in similar strategies or broad market benchmarks, which could also result in relative investment performance deviating.

Life Transitions

During times of transition, specifically during divorce, one is forced to make major decisions that impact them over a lifetime within a finite and often short amount of time. It is therefore critical that people going through these challenging times are able to establish clear, concise financial goals for the outcome of the process. The first step is targeting the focus, what are the client’s primary concerns - maintaining one’s current lifestyle? Feeling secure? Are there future considerations such as children’s educational costs, overnight camp, weddings, religious celebrations, etc.? Assessing the assets available to achieve the desired goals is the next component; some are easily evaluated, others require documentation to distribute (QDRO for 401ks), and many rely on complicated formulas and rates to estimate value (stock options or concentrated positions, pensions, business concerns, deals in progress). Once we compile a complete picture of the balance sheet, assets and liabilities, we can make educated decisions regarding trade-offs regarding timing of payment, certainty of a smaller distribution compared to the volatility of a range of pay-outs in the future, and make sure we are advocating for an outcome that makes the most sense. There is no use in “winning the house” in a divorce if the client has no funds to maintain the property after the divorce. I would be happy to share additional details of how I have helped clients negotiate similar challenges.

Approach

I begin every relationship with a conversation, helping you identify and prioritize which goals matter most to you. Whether it's transferring wealth to the next generation, customizing your financial approach to help you pursue your passions, or providing advice and guidance to help you stay informed, I start by listening to learn more about you and your family.

Drawing upon research in the field of behavioral finance, Merrill developed the Investment Personality Assessment to help me get to know you better as an investor and help you refine your investing preferences. Together, I can help customize your investment approach. Using an understanding of your priorities and investment personality as a foundation, I help you access the full breadth of resources from Bank of America’s banking products and services and Merrill’s investment insights to address all aspects of your financial life.

Your approach to investing

Drawing upon research in the field of behavioral finance, Merrill developed the Investment Personality Assessment to help us get to know you better as an investor and potentially help you refine your own investing preferences. By gaining a deeper understanding of how you think and feel about investing through this assessment, we can customize the financial approach we develop together to help you pursue what matters most to you. Our Investment Personality Assessment is one of the ways to help us get to know you - to understand your goals and priorities. These questions will help us provide you with additional insights and resources.

Understanding your goals and priorities

Your life and goals change. We have tools to help you keep track of these changes so they can be reflected in your financial approach.

Capabilities

My process is designed to help deliver a customized, consistent experience to assist clients not only in wealth accumulation and preservation, but in areas that go beyond investments. My ability to provide access to the investment insights of Merrill, trust and fiduciary services from Bank of America Private Bank, and the banking convenience and lending solutions of Bank of America offers a way to help clients manage all of the pieces of their financial lives. I view myself as a financial resource, helping clients with potential solutions for transferring wealth to the younger generation.

Trust and fiduciary services are provided by Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).

Focus On Individuals, Families and Small Businesses

I believe that financial success can be achieved when you’re able to make investment-related decisions and trade-offs that can help you reach personally meaningful goals. So whether you’re planning your retirement, saving to buy a home or fund a child’s education, I start by getting to know you and how you feel about the following seven life priorities.

• Health: Managing healthcare expenses, now and in the future
• Home: Upsizing, downsizing, remodeling or buying a vacation home
• Family: Taking care of your family and other people in your life
• Leisure: Spending your free time in meaningful ways
• Giving: Volunteering, mentoring others and giving to charities
• Work: Working in retirement, selling or starting a business
• Finance: Bringing it all together and defining your financial goals

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.