SSM Financial Group

We're committed to helping you work through issues and identify potential opportunities. We can help you evaluate your choices for difficult decisions you may have been avoiding, perhaps trading off one goal for another, depending on your priorities and investable income. The team aims to always communicate closely with you, and help you establish realistic expectations as we review the potential risks as well as the potential rewards of each goal with you. We work as a team so that you may benefit from the knowledge and insight of our entire group.

Life is always changing and growing more complex. In the same way, your priorities and needs around your family, work, health and home are always evolving. And since your finances are so deeply connected with the rest of your life, an investment approach that is specific to your unique situation can be helpful. Even if you're accustomed to managing your finances on your own, you may find value in having a relationship with someone who understands your priorities and who has the knowledge and resources to help you make more informed decisions, no matter where you are in life.

Our approach to investing is grounded in an understanding of you. It all begins with a conversation. We take the time to get to know you — your children's names, how hard you worked to get where you are and how you define success. We'll work together with you to help understand your personal investment style, prioritize your goals and build an individualized plan that reflects your needs. As an investor you can benefit from the investment insights of Merrill, along with access to trust and fiduciary services from Bank of America Private Bank and credit and lending solutions from Bank of America. There's only one financial approach that really matters — yours.

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.

It is important to know exactly where you are with your finances, where you plan to go, and how much you may need to help get you there. Drawing on Merrill's investing insights and with access to Bank of America's credit and lending solutions, we can offer you a comprehensive, personalized plan to help you pursue your goals. We will provide transparency on what you're paying for and what you're getting, as well as potential opportunities and risks. Understanding that life needs and market conditions can change, we will meet with you, as necessary, to help make sure your strategy remains on track to pursue your goals and adjust your approach for the journey ahead, as needed.

The broad investing resources of Merrill provide you with access to potential strategies for income management, education funding, retirement income planning, and guidance for executives with concentrated stock positions. In addition to traditional and alternative investments and wealth transfer solutions through Merrill, you have access to estate planning services from Bank of America. As your single point of contact we can connect with key professionals in your life, working closely with your outside advisors, such as attorneys, accountants and elder care specialists.

DISCLOSURE: Some or all alternative investments may not be appropriate for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other appropriate investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.

Great wealth is not an end in itself. It is a way by which you can decide what you want to accomplish and with whom you wish to collaborate to pursue your goals. Our team is highly experienced about the challenges faced by individuals with substantial wealth.
A limited client base helps ensure that substantial time and energy can be devoted to assessing and tailoring individual strategies for you. It also allows the team to be responsive to your personal goals and focus on those services that contribute to simplifying your financial life. We believe the value delivered to you reaches well beyond investment management; it extends to the advice and guidance that may be of assistance in nearly every aspect of your financial life.
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.

Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life

The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.

Helping you create a personalized plan

At Merrill, we go beyond the traditional role of an advisor.

• Your goals, concerns and attitude about investing are the foundation of your plan.
• We actively listen and provide personalized advice — ensuring we understand what matters most to you and your family.
• We're committed to creating a personalized plan that evolves with you to help you live well today while preparing for the future.

Giving you access to our teams and solutions

Your advisor is one part of an experienced team dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Acting as your single point of contact, your advisor provides personalized strategies and connects you with:

• Bank of America specialists, such as mortgage or trust professionals
• Timely insights from BofA Global Research1 to help you stay informed and navigate ever-changing markets
• A full suite of Merrill investing and Bank of America banking solutions

¹_{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 Corp.").}