Tune out the noise: Wealth planning for the year ahead

Hear from a panel of experts as they explore how rising interest rates, high inflation and increased volatility are impacting the economy, how family dynamics are changing estate planning and hear some actionable strategies for investors to consider in 2023.

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Christopher J. Obert, APMA

Financial Advisor
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Merrill Lynch
Wealth Management

Understanding your life priorities is an important part of how I work with the clients I serve. It’s not just about markets and returns, it’s about what matters most to you. I welcome the opportunity to show you how we can work together to create a financial approach designed around you, your goals and your aspirations.

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Recognition

Merrill is proud of our advisors who’ve received recognition from financial industry publications or directly from Bank of America Corporation. We believe they are setting the standard for exemplary client service.

Christopher J. Obert

Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2023
Published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.*

Click here to learn more about advisor recognitions

Profile

As a relatively young advisor whose age aligns nicely with many of the team’s newer clients, Chris finds that serving “the next generation” in clients’ families occurs naturally to him – whether conversations revolve around mutual interests, recent experiences or raising a family.

 

An active and engaged listener, Chris brings clients an intuitive understanding of their priorities and passions. He is particularly adept at helping clients discern their long-term goals before identifying specific strategies and tactics that align with those intentions.

 

“Whether a client’s focus is retirement, wealth transfer, or something business-related. I examine their current financial picture and areas that may have been ignored previously, perhaps insurance or liability management,” Chris says. “Building a strong financial foundation for clients is a critical first step in helping them build wealth and confidence.”



Before joining Merrill in 2022, Chris was an associate financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial, where he handled financial planning and portfolio management. He holds the Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor™, APMA™ designation through the College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp.

Introduced to investing at the age of 18 by his father, Chris has been an avid student of the markets. The more he read about wealth planning and long-term investing, the more Chris grew fascinated – turning his interest into a career choice that led him to Missouri State University where he “graduated twice” – earning a B.S. degree in Finance, an MBA, and a graduate certificate in International Business.

At MSU, Chris was also a 2020 Cleveland Srixon All-American Scholar Athlete in Golf. He still plays today, although his favorite activities revolve around family time (grilling, especially) with his wife, Madison, and their young son. In addition, Chris participates in holiday food and gift drives with several organizations in the Ozarks.

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.

  • EDUCATION

    Missouri State University

Where do we begin? It starts with you.

At Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, your financial advisor focuses on the things you care about most- family, goals and priorities - even as they change over the years.

Understanding Your Life

Approach

No two investment approaches are alike because no two investors are alike. I'll examine several components — your life priorities, investment personality and financial situation — and work together to help you create a customized, actionable approach with personalized advice and measurable goals. I'll help you track progress to your goals and work with you to adjust your investment approach over time, as needed.

Capabilities

In 1914, Charles Merrill said, “The interests of our customers must come first.” That’s a commitment that we still honor today. I 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, I can offer services that can help you address virtually every financial challenge you face.

Focus On High-Net-Worth Individuals and Business Owners

I  offer clients a breadth of potential solutions, premier customer service and financial tools based on their unique circumstances.

No matter what your goals may be, I begin by helping you define and prioritize your financial goals based on the following seven areas:

  • 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
I'll also draw on my industry knowledge and experience to offer:
  • Potential risk management solutions
  • Trust and estate planning services
  • Potential wealth management solutions
  • Access to Bank of America for your credit and banking needs
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.

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.

Philosophy

It’s important to plan for your financial future, which means getting more than investment advice. I 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. My commitment is centered in helping clients achieve their goals by making their needs and wants a priority. My advice and financial approach are guided by what’s important to you, and our success is defined by your satisfaction over time.

Welcome

Among the reasons I chose to become a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor is because of my passion for helping to educate my clients about investing. As a financial advisor, one of the most valuable things I can do for clients is to help them understand the markets, our goals-based wealth management approach, and to help them understand their life priorities and the impact this can have on their individual wealth management approach. My advice and approach are guided by an interest in your life’s goals and priorities.

Staying on Track

We understand that both your life and the financial markets can change over time. By checking in to discuss changes in your life and revisiting your financial approach, our goal is to help you stay on track to achieve what's most important to you.



Reviews to help you
stay on track

We’ll meet with you to review your goals and the progress you’ve made toward reaching them. We’ll also discuss any adjustments needed to your financial approach to help you stay on course.



    Changes in your life
    and to your goals

    Your life and goals change. As these changes occur, we can update your approach to reflect them.

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      Let’s Have a Conversation

      We believe there is no substitute for having a relationship with a team of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisors committed to your needs, who can leverage the investment insights of Merrill and offer access to the banking convenience of Bank of America to help clients navigate the financial and economic landscapes. Let’s work together to help you pursue your goals.

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      No question too big or moment too small

      For every question you have, every decision you make and every answer you need, we are with you to listen and help guide you along the many paths your life can take. Watch this video to see some questions we can address together.

      Personalized advice from a dedicated financial advisor.

      We get to know you and your family, your financial situation and what matters most to you.

      A comprehensive approach, built around your life’s priorities.

      Drawing from our experience and the best thinking of Merrill, together we will design an approach that reflects your unique needs, priorities and financial situation.

      Adjusting your investment approach as your life and the markets change.

      We will work to help you stay on track, regardless of what the markets are doing.