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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Patricia M Barksdale, CRPC

Vice President
Wealth Management Advisor
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Merrill Lynch
Wealth Management

I measure my performance by how well clients can perform in their lives-given my ability to make them comfortable with the strategy I've developed on their behalf. 

Profile

Patricia has spent the majority of her 40-year career at Merrill – serving ambitious individuals she describes as “fascinating and inspiring.” Many clients are well-known track-and-field athletes, directors, writers, Broadway actors and successful women in media and entertainment. Patricia also assists generations of extended families for whom her care, consideration and consistent attention are at the heart of each trusted relationship.

Rather than make assumptions about clients, Patricia makes time – to ask questions, as part of a thoughtful, planning-based approach that continues over time. "What’s important to you? What are your fears – about investing and life? And what’s on your bucket list?"

When it comes to investing, Patricia is equity-driven – given the long-term performance of the markets and the long-term philosophy she shares with clients. In building each client’s portfolio, she typically includes growth and income-oriented investments – and in some cases, alternative investments* she deems attractive, affordable and likely to offer reduced volatility. In all cases, her decisions are based on a client’s risk tolerance, investment timeline, liquidity needs, overall investment goals and other personal preferences.

A graduate of Kean University with dual degrees in Finance and Economics, Patricia also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(SM) designation through the College for Financial Planning. She also completed the Merrill Lynch Financial Advisors Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

Patricia is a member of the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment, former board member for Kean University Foundation, where she was Chair of Board Development, former Kean University College of Business and Public Management advisory board member and formerly served on the New Jersey Theatre Alliance Board. She was named one of the 2007 Women of Influence in Finance, Honoree of the Women's History Celebration by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, recipient of the 2014 Kean University Distinguished Alumni Award, 2017 David Brady Award** recipient and 2018 Kean University Women of Achievement Honoree. She currently serves on the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. Council of Advocates. Patricia enjoys going to the theater, playing golf, listening to music, and is a strong advocate for teaching financial education with various organizations.

*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. **The David Brady Award is an internal award honoring David Brady, who lost his life in the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001. David was a man who exhibited a high standard of excellence and commitment to his clients. The award is given annually to Wealth Management employees who best demonstrate the spirit of partnership and what it means to go beyond expectations in their dedication and commitment to clients.

  • EDUCATION

    Kean University

Professional Staff

Supported by the global resources of Merrill, my team is comprised of talented and experienced individuals committed to building strong client relationships based on trust and personalized service.

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

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.

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.

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

I believe the best financial approach is the one that helps you pursue your goals. That's why, from the start, we talk about your aspirations and encourage you to ask questions about issues that matter most to you. Worried about managing future health care expenses? College on the horizon? Considering the sale of a business or purchase of a home? Preparing to pass your wealth to future generations? With access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, I will work with you to develop an approach designed to help address your financial needs.

Welcome

My mission is to understand you and what matters most to you. To take the time, to ask hard, smart questions and to listen carefully, then to understand, in great detail, exactly where your wealth stands today, and where you’d like it to be tomorrow. I help you design and implement a customized wealth management approach that helps you and your family pursue your personal financial goals while helping manage investment risk. My wealth management approach is about using wealth to help turn goals into reality.

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

      Helping you reach your goals starts with getting to know you personally. Through understanding what matters most to you, together I can help you create a financial approach that reflects your personality. Only then can I offer an approach that is built around your life priorities and the advice you need to help you address fluctuations in the market and changes in your life. Let’s work together to help you achieve your goals.

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      Why Merrill?

      As Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisors, we will sort through the financial complexities of your life, helping you build a customized investment approach to address your needs and pursue your goals.


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      Learn more about the dedicated one-on-one relationship you can have with a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor.

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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.