Profile

A native of Grand Rapids, Rachel Mraz joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2000 in New York City, and moved back to Grand Rapids to join the team in 2003.  Prior to that she graduated from Cornell University with honors, and subsequently completed her Master’s Degree in Financial Services with a focus in Tax and Philanthropic Planning at the American College.  


Rachel works with individuals, endowments and institutions to outline their unique financial goals and establish appropriate financial strategies to help them succeed.  This is an ongoing process that incorporates the client’s individual preferences, considers the expansive and non-proprietary investment solutions Merrill has to offer, integrates tax, estate and philanthropic planning, and is continually reassessed and reviewed in client meetings.  


Rachel and fellow team members on the Freeburg and Mraz group have a strong team culture, and are committed to the most deeply held principal at Merrill that clients come first.  Her passion for the work of the practice and clients it serves has resulted in her being recognized in Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list in 2020 (*Source: The Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list, published on April 21, 2020. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2019), Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list from 2018-2021 (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year), and Forbes “America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list in 2020, 2018 and 2017 (*Source: The Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published annually July - Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year).  While the recognitions may name one person, it’s truly the work of a well-oiled and cohesive team approach.   


Dedication to continually learning is a tenet that Rachel holds in high importance, and it is illustrated with the multiple professional designations she has achieved in order to help better serve her clients.  She has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification, the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designations.  With each designation comes rigorous testing and ongoing continuing education in order to help keep these different skill sets sharp.  


Rachel is also passionate about the Grand Rapids philanthropic community and is currently on the boards of John Ball Zoo, Davenport University Foundation, Family Business Alliance, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids.  She chairs the investment committees for Davenport University Foundation and is the Co-chair of the J Board Ambassadors of Van Andel Institute.  She has also been a trustee or committee member for Opera Grand Rapids, YWCA of West Central Michigan, Saint Mary's Hospital Foundation, DeVos Children’s Hospital, Leadership Grand Rapids and Michigan Women’s Foundation.


Rachel and her husband, Mike, reside in East Grand Rapids with their Great Danes.




*Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

*Source: The Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list, published on April 21, 2020. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2019.

Data provided by SHOOK™ Research, LLC. The Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved.


*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.


*Source: The Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published annually July - Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes “Top Next Generation Wealth Advisors” ranking. SHOOK considered advisors born in 1983 or later with a minimum 4 years as an advisor. Advisors have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are
viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.