The Barnett Wealth Management Group

At The Barnett Wealth Management Group, we operate under a basic premise – that so much in clients' lives revolves around money. Accounting for clients' ambitions, situations and desires to make wise financial decisions, we are motivated by the belief that our performance and professionalism play critical roles in enhancing and enriching the lives of those we serve.

Led by Rob Barnett – we have attracted a growing number of clients, young and older, in Minnesota and more than 15 other states. These women and men are quite accomplished and wish to accomplish more. They include corporate executives in senior management at public and private enterprises and high-net-worth families with significant wealth and expectations.

Rob's rigorous training to obtain the CFP® certification* and the CIMA® designation** gives him the ability to work on a continuous basis with each client – from the outset of our planning-based approach through the precise allocation and review of a customized, risk-managed portfolio. For Rob, conveying complex subject matter in granular but simple terms is essential to creating trusted client relationships.

Operating on multiple cylinders to address clients' specialized financial needs, our mission is to do more for each client. In fact, we take careful measure of each client's wealth in the same way we evaluate our own performance. Are we doing everything possible to help clients achieve the financial and life goals they've set for themselves? Are we fulfilling the responsibility we believe we have to clients and their families? These questions remind us to focus on more than numbers. We're striving to enhance and preserve the quality of clients' lives and lifestyles.

Over the years, we've developed the rich experience and demonstrated ability to manage high concentrations of wealth for our affluent, nationwide clientele – including many individuals who've been referred to us. We are fully invested in supporting these clients and welcome the opportunity to serve you, as well.

Why do clients come to us? At The Barnett Wealth Management Group, we find many have "outgrown" their previous financial advisors' abilities, their banking relationship, or the capabilities of those firms. Others have reached a point where the complexities and urgencies of their financial situations demand an extra measure of sophisticated financial acumen.

As part of our planning-based approach, we consider the broad canvas of clients' lives. Despite their wealth, some clients wrestle with the right balance – for enjoying it now, saving for retirement, funding a child's education, passing it along, or supporting a worthy cause.

To help clients identify and prioritize their objectives, we ask questions – some expected, some not. "What's your primary concern, financial or otherwise? If you looked back five years, are you surprised where you are now? Who are you responsible for? What do you want for those you love? What do you want to accomplish personally? What do you envision three years from now? And what role would you like us to play?"

Revisiting questions like those above over the course of each client relationship, we can adjust a financial strategy so that decisions move in synch with a client's needs and outside factors. We also educate clients and try to engage with both spouses and their grown children. Taking time to convey information clearly, we walk clients through relevant considerations. Then, we explain alternative paths toward meeting goals they find meaningful.

We are well aware that successful individuals like you can choose from among thousands of advisors. We are also aware that our own diligence and performance can help you focus more squarely on your finances and family. We have families, too. By providing genuine care and consistency, we can help optimize your wealth, so that you can enjoy the people and passions in your life.

As a team that managed clients' money and emotion amid 2008 and 2020 volatility, The Barnett Wealth Management Group is proud to say that virtually all of those clients remain with us today. We believe that's due in large part to our enlightened perspective on mitigating investment risk.

A typical client of ours takes on considerable financial risk – often, with much of their wealth represented by company equity, which is often illiquid and highly concentrated. Our experience serving corporate executives helps position us to provide requisite and appropriate guidance as it pertains to restricted stock, grants, options and the complex strategies used to hedge, create cash-flow and minimize tax exposure for concentrated positions.

Specifically, we are proponents of building dividend-focused portfolios with equities of successful companies that have grown their dividends over time (allowing for faster compounded returns). We are also "tactical asset allocators" who examine sectors that may be overvalued or undervalued. Using Merrill model portfolios and separately managed accounts, our robust investment platform allows us to be completely independent and flexible in crafting each client's portfolio.

In many cases, we introduce clients to the benefits of owning alternative investments including private equity, real estate, hedge funds and private debt – assets not correlated to the volatility of major markets. Instead, these investments typically reflect the innovation of forward-thinking entrepreneurs.

Whether we formulate a growth, preservation or distribution strategy, we weigh a client's tolerance for risk and other factors. We also exercise "tax diligence" throughout the year, as well as rebalance portfolios as market movements may require adjustments.

Of course, our efforts require an extra measure of time that many advisors do not expend. However, we believe that clients deserve our very best and extended focus when positive and enduring results can be achieved.

*Some or all alternative investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment's investment objectives will be achieved.

At The Barnett Wealth Management Group, our vision of providing superior wealth management is predicated on having a genuine, ongoing appreciation of you – what keeps you at night, and what gets you up each morning.

If you're like most of our clients, you want enough money to support your lifestyle in retirement – without having to make changes you don't anticipate. Ours is a heartfelt commitment to provide high caliber intelligence and insight. As our client, you can expect that we will:

• Examine your full financial picture, to help optimize your financial strength and stability. We will scrutinize your liabilities (including mortgages, other loans and credit card debt), insurance coverage, Social Security and long-term-care issues, and estate planning documents. Beyond our strong investing competence, we will also focus on helping you achieve tax efficiencies (throughout the year, not just at tax time).
• Work closely with you and spouse, your grown children and others you designate – on matters related to wealth transfer, trust and estates. In fact, we will do everything possible to help you pass along wisdom, along with your wealth – so that the next generation can become responsible financial stewards, when the time comes.
• Strive to prevent you from making bad financial decisions, at the wrong time. Through frequent conversation and emails, we will try to "accompany you" through periods of volatility and personal difficulty. At all times, we are straightforward, unbiased and willing to act as a buffer in challenging family situations, or when emotion could drive impulsive decisions.
• Draw upon the vast resources of Bank of America, N.A. and Merrill. Whether you're looking to purchase a home, a car, refinance a mortgage, consolidate your banking, or meet with a trust specialist, we will coordinate matters on your behalf.
• We will also meet with your attorney to align an estate planning strategy, or simply to discuss the titling of documents.
• Present and communicate our rationales in an uncomplicated manner. We are here to help – not show you how much we know.
• Encourage you to see us as a "first call" and us a "go-to" resource." We are quick to respond and provide a thoughtful perspective. It would be our privilege to deliver our highly attentive service and deeply analytical financial approach.

Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life

The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.

Helping you create a personalized plan

At Merrill, we go beyond the traditional role of an advisor.

• Your goals, concerns and attitude about investing are the foundation of your plan.
• We actively listen and provide personalized advice — ensuring we understand what matters most to you and your family.
• We're committed to creating a personalized plan that evolves with you to help you live well today while preparing for the future.

Giving you access to our teams and solutions

Your advisor is one part of an experienced team dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Acting as your single point of contact, your advisor provides personalized strategies and connects you with:

• Bank of America specialists, such as mortgage or trust professionals
• Timely insights from BofA Global Research1 to help you stay informed and navigate ever-changing markets
• A full suite of Merrill investing and Bank of America banking solutions

¹_{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 Corp.").}