Investment Process- Determining the Financial Finish Line

We follow a dynamic, structured five step process.

1. Establishing Objectives: The first phase of a relationship with the Benassi Harbold Saxe Group always begins with an extensive discovery process. This is where we learn about a client’s financial and personal situation, including desires, concerns, risk tolerance, tax situation, income needs, style and preferences. With this information we work together to establish a client’s financial objectives and goals.

2. Setting Strategy: After we have collaborated to establish a client’s financial goals and objectives, we use Merrill Wealth Outlook, our financial GPS, to create the road map that will help clients assess their personal financial finish line.

3. Implementing Recommendations: Once we have created the roadmap to the financial finish line, we, select the investment vehicles that will pilot the client along their route. Not only will we diversify assets among stocks, bonds and cash, but within stocks, bonds and cash and also across time.

4. Review Progress: Once we have implemented a client’s custom roadmap, we will insist on having regular meetings, whether determined by the calendar, market movement, or a change in a client’s circumstances. At each meeting we will review progress and quantify a client’s position along their path by using Merrill’s Client Review Center and Wealth Outlook reports. During each meeting and call the team is highly trained at documenting any change in the client’s situation, no matter how small, so that the financial GPS has the most accurate and up-to-date assumptions and data.

5. Repeat

Philosophy

It’s important to plan for your financial future, which means getting more than investment advice. We believe you may find value in a one-on-one relationship with someone dedicated to knowing who you are and what you want to accomplish. Someone who knows your kids’ names, how hard you worked to get where you are, how you define a successful life and how you view investing. Our commitment is centered in helping clients achieve their goals by making their needs and wants a priority. Our advice and financial approach are guided by what’s important to you, and our success is defined by your satisfaction over time.

Capabilities

In 1914, Charles Merrill said, “The interests of our customers must come first.” That’s a commitment that we still honor today. We feel Charles Merrill would be gratified to see how the business he founded continues to place a premium on service and commitment. With the investment insights of Merrill, and with access to the banking convenience of Bank of America, we can offer services that can help you address virtually every financial challenge you face.

Focus On Retirement Planning

Our primary focus is on helping clients with retirement income planning. Our focus is on developing an approach that takes into account your feelings about 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 and giving to charities
• Work: Working in retirement, selling or starting a business
• Finance: Bringing it all together; defining your financial goals