Philosophy

We 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. Calculating how to manage 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? It all starts with a plan intended to help you manage, grow and preserve your wealth today, while also considering the impact it can have for years to come. With access to the investment insights of Merrill and banking solutions from Bank of America, we will work with you to develop an approach designed to help address your financial needs.

Approach

Every relationship begins 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, we start by listening to learn more about you and your family.

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.

Capabilities

Years of experience working with clients through multiple market fluctuations have given us insight into how we may best help you pursue your goals. Working collaboratively, we can develop a personalized investment strategy specifically designed to pursue your lifestyle goals, no matter the financial environment. Your objectives, time horizon, liquidity needs, investment style and, perhaps most importantly, your sensitivity to risk will be taken into account. This can help ensure your financial strategy is aligned to what matters most to you.

Focus On High-Net-Worth Individuals and Business Owners

We 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, the process begins by defining and prioritizing your financial goals based on the following:

• 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

• Potential risk management strategies
• Trust and estate planning services
• Tax-minimization strategies
• Access to Bank of America for your credit and banking needs

Retirement Benefits Consultant

As Bank of America Senior Retirement Benefits Consultant, James Ahern is one of select group of highly qualified and credentialed Merrill advisors specialized in defined contribution plans who can add value to your plan by:

• Offering access to 3(21) and 3(38) fiduciary services
• Helping you shape your investment strategies
• Offering thoughtful advice without a proprietary investment requirement
• Providing periodic reporting and helping you understand results and measurements to assist you in managing your plan over time
• Working with you to create a plan that is designed to drive employee engagement and positive participant behavior
• Assisting in the delivery of employee financial wellness programs and education
• Helping employees connect their life priorities with their finances to help them pursue what matters most to them

Resources for Your Organization

When you work with The Hinds, Fisher, Ahern Group, you benefit from the experience and knowledge we’ve gained from working with many institutions across the nation. We’ll bring all the latest thinking, insights and research from across Bank of America Corporation:

*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is equity research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.