Women’s superpower: Investing

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Lisa Germain, CRPC

Senior Vice President
Senior Financial Advisor
Learn more about an advisor's background on
FINRA's BrokerCheck

Merrill Lynch
Wealth Management

Understanding your life priorities is an important part of the relationship with you. It’s not just about markets and returns, it’s about what matters most to you.  I can collaborate to help create a personalized plan designed around you, your family, your goals and your aspirations.

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.

Lisa Germain

Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” 2024
Published on February 8, 2024. Rankings based on data as of September 30, 2023.*

Click here to learn more about advisor recognitions

Profile

Merrill hired Lisa in 1991 based mostly on the strength of her character forged by her experiences in the business world.   Her early career was predicated upon determination, and Lisa steadily applies that same attitude on behalf of her clients to this day. 

What attracted Lisa to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management? She understood the importance of being knowledgeable about financial affairs and services, and she knew learning would benefit her and those she would come to serve.  Situations where Lisa helped people gain knowledge and financial strength became her most rewarding. 

Today, Lisa is a seasoned and savvy financial advisor who brings her deep knowledge and enlightened perspectives to active and retired high-net-worth clients that span generations and the nation’s geography. Like many clients, Lisa’s entrepreneurial spirit guides her real-world approach to helping clients “see around corners” and plan for likely and unlikely circumstances.  As a Senior Portfolio Advisor, Lisa helps clients pursue objectives by managing  on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies tailored to each clients specific needs, or selecting from a wide range of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios and third-party investment strategies to find the right blend and the right strategy for each client.  
 
Lisa is highly credentialed and has completed advanced industry training sponsored by the Johnson School of Management at Cornell University. Additionally, she holds the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) designation from the College for Financial Planning. 

Perhaps most important, Lisa prides herself for giving back by helping other financial professionals, and many giving efforts within the Syracuse community.  Specifically, Lisa serves on the leadership committee of the Merrill Lynch Women’s Exchange – shepherding the Mentor Program, which matches mentors and mentees throughout the firm to help participants grow personally and professionally. Lisa is also involved in several local philanthropic activities such as the Upstate Foundation, YMCA, Girl Scouts and helping with backpack drives to supply school supplies to area students.

Lisa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Alfred University. She and her husband, Robert, a managing partner at a leading Syracuse law firm, have raised three children–all competitive ski racers and athletes.  Lisa and her family grew up in Central New York, and she makes the most out of the season changes by golfing and boating during the summer, and skiing and traveling in the winter.  Most evenings Lisa can be found relaxing by taking long walks with her family and of course her fantastic French bulldog named Rocky. 

*Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM and CRPC® are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning.

  • EDUCATION

    Alfred 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.

Additional Resources

The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.

Randall Alan Drzewicki

Wealth Management Lending Officer

Bank of America, N.A.

NMLS #117123

Danika Wukich

Alternative Investments Regional Specialist

Bank of America, N.A.

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

Welcome

Over twenty-five years of experience with helping individuals, families and companies succeed in the financial world has taught me some important basic pillars upon which I structure my business.  I understand every client is different, the importance of applying team research and resources to deliver exceptional customer service, and while dollars and cents are important, my success is best measured by the satisfaction of my clients.  

In the financial world, one size certainly does not fit all.  My successful business relationships vary widely, and include active and retired individuals, business owners, professors, administrators, sport professionals and corporate executives.  In my experience, our most successful client relationships are crafted first by my ability to fully grasp each individual client’s attitudes, ambitions and goals.  Next, we apply Merrill research tools to craft an investment management strategy geared for the individual client.  This process may take some time and communication, but in the long run it has been proven to be a key to financial success. 

Customer service is critical to my business model, and my clients will tell you this is an area where my team absolutely excels.  My awesome Wealth Management Client Associate, Kimberly Biggs, is prepared to assist clients, and with the combined strength of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Bank of America, N.A. behind us, rest assured we can bring the right people to the table in almost any situation.  Our resources include knowledgeable and experienced global trust, insurance, credit and lending specialists.  In addition, we often coordinate with clients’ CPAs, attorneys, other service professionals to develop critical aligned tax minimization, estate planning services and liability management strategies. 

My team and I have a heartfelt desire to help people in this challenging financial environment, and we express that desire daily.  Clients often express anxiety and concerns about things like the political climate, an end to the bull market, and whether they’re properly positioned to begin a work-optional retirement.  Others face multiple challenges – saving for college and retirement, paying high taxes and maintaining their lifestyle.  I try to live and work as a “straight shooter,” and don’t always tell clients what they want to hear.  Instead, we may employ strategies from “tough love” discussions to rein in spending during retirement to advising clients to take care of their needs first. 

My successful business model can be summarized in a simple formula:  Understand client needs and apply professional team resources to reach and exceed goals. 

*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 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 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.



 

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. 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, I 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, I start by listening to learn more about you and your family.

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.

Capabilities

Merrill’s process is designed to help deliver a customized, comprehensive experience to assist you not only in wealth accumulation and preservation, but in areas that go beyond investments. Providing you with access to the investment insights of Merrill, trust and fiduciary services from Bank of America Private Bank, and the banking and lending solutions of Bank of America offers a way to help you manage all of the pieces of your financial life. Working one-on-one with a Merrill advisor means you have a single point of contact to help you with potential strategies for transferring wealth to the younger generation.

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. Whether you’re planning your retirement, saving to buy a home or funding a child’s education, the process begins by getting to know you and how you feel about 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 others and giving to charities
  • Work: Working in retirement, selling or starting a business
  • Finance: Bringing it all together and defining your financial goals

Success will be measured by the amount of progress you are making toward reaching your goals, making thoughtfully considered adjustments as events and conditions warrant.

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.

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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      Articles

      DISPLAYING:

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      Women’s Superpower: Investing

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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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      We put you first, every day.
      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.


      The Power of the Right Advisor®
      Working with a dedicated Merrill advisor means you get personalized investment strategies from Merrill plus access to comprehensive financial solutions only Bank of America can deliver.

      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.