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. 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, we will work with you to develop an approach designed to help address your financial needs.

Approach

We 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, we 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 us get to know you better as an investor and help you refine your investing preferences. Together, we can help customize your investment approach. Using an understanding of your priorities and investment personality as a foundation, we 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.

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

Our years of experience through multiple market fluctuations have helped us understand that we can help you pursue your goals by being consistent in our approach. We’ll work with you to build a personalized investment approach that helps you pursue your goals – no matter the financial environment. We’ll take into account your objectives, time horizon and liquidity needs and, perhaps most important, your sensitivity to risk and investment personality.

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, we 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

• Potential risk management solutions
• Trust and estate planning services
• Potential wealth management solutions
• 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.