Capabilities

In 1914, Charles Merrill said, “The interests of our customers must come first.” That’s a commitment that we still honor today. 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 credit and lending capabilities of Bank of America, services are available that can help you address virtually every financial challenge you face.

Wealth management strategies for the road ahead

OUR PROCESS
We believe in a holistic, goals-based approach to wealth management. Our defined process creates a thorough, yet understandable roadmap with which your many financial decisions can be measured and communicated.

We gain a deep understanding of who clients are and what is most important to them. Whether the objective is growth, preservation or wealth transfer, The SMS Group is dedicated to helping clients steadily pursue that goal.

WEALTH PRESERVATION
We appreciate the time and effort needed to build wealth and understand that it is the cornerstone of any retirement lifestyle. Using a number of analytical tools, we help clients focus on managing overall portfolio risk, while keeping an eye on market volatility.

WEALTH TRANSFER
A detailed wealth transfer strategy is vital to the preservation and future control of assets. We work with clients' CPAs, attorneys and other trusted professional advisors, with client permission, to help preserve assets while minimizing potential estate taxes.

In addition, we provide access to Bank of America Private Bank and its specialists to assist in creating a simplified and consolidated wealth transfer strategy.

Investment strategies customized to individual objectives

We understand that markets will cycle over time. We also understand that each and every client is unique. Therefore our investment strategy recommendations are driven by client goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs. Every investment recommendation has a specific role designed to help clients move one step closer to their goals.

ASSET ALLOCATION & DIVERSIFICATION
We believe that asset allocation is an important driver behind investment performance over time. We work to help create a customized asset allocation strategy that is specific to client goals and needs. We look to reduce portfolio volatility by accessing hundreds of investment managers and diversifying over a number of asset types. These include cash, bonds, stocks, commodities, real estate and other alternative investments.

REBALANCING, REVIEW & ANALYZING
Our process provides for periodic rebalancing of portfolios and maintaining regular portfolio reviews to measure client progress relative to goals and objectives. Assessing changes in both the markets and clients' personal lives enables us to address any unexpected challenges in a timely manner.

DISCRETIONARY MANAGEMENT
Along with our standard investment platforms, we also offer clients the option to participate in our discretionary investment program. Jerry is a qualified Portfolio Manager who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing their own personalized or defined strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. When servicing clients through the firm’s Investment Advisory Program, portfolio managers may manage their strategies on a discretionary basis. This discretion allows them to respond to market changes, price volatility and global events, as well as changes in your personal circumstances, to help you stay on track to help meet your financial goals. Clients, we believe, find this flexibility beneficial to their managing for risk.

*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.

Retirement planning services to help clients enjoy the life they've built

DESIGNING YOUR IDEAL RETIREMENT
Many retirees wonder if their money will last through retirement. Utilizing the refined analytical tools of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and our extensive experience and skills, we help clients assess the appropriate approach to retirement. This helps clients remain on track toward their specific retirement goals.

SIMPLIFYING RETIREMENT
Our team assists clients in organizing their financial lives. Working to consolidate assets as part of an overall retirement income and wealth transfer strategy can create cost efficiency and bring clarity to the wealth management process.

PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED
At any moment, the unexpected can occur. Our team works with clients to develop contingencies to deal with the loss of primary income, long-term illness or disability. We also suggest various insurance strategies that can help mitigate the impact of an unforeseen event.