When searching for financial guidance, you'll encounter many different titles and service models. Financial planner, financial advisor, wealth manager, investment advisor — the terminology can be confusing. More importantly, the level of service and resources available can vary dramatically depending on where your advisor works.
Understanding these differences will help you choose the right type of financial guidance for your needs and goals.
This combination means you don't have to choose between personalized service and institutional resources —you have one point of contact for both
Your financial situation
More complex financial needs, including managing multiple goals, typically benefit from comprehensive advisory service.
Complexity of your situation
Multiple income sources, business ownership or complex family situations may require dedicated professional help.
Your comfort level
Consider whether you prefer managing more on your own or want comprehensive guidance, behavioral coaching and access to specialized investments and resources.
Your goals
Simple retirement saving versus comprehensive wealth management require different approaches.
If you're considering working with a dedicated advice provider with broader resources, a Merrill advisor can help you evaluate whether our comprehensive approach aligns with your financial goals, complexity and preferences.
If you are a client or your inquiry is service related, you'll be better served at our contact us page.
Work one-on-one with a Merrill advisor for more insights and personalized guidance. Connect with us today.
Alternative investments are speculative and involve a high degree of risk.
Alternative investments are intended for qualified investors only. Alternative investments such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, and funds of funds can result in higher return potential but also higher loss potential. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may adversely affect a client’s investments. Before a client invests in alternative investments, they should consider their overall financial situation, how much money they have to invest, their need for liquidity, and their tolerance for risk.
Investments in private markets involve a high degree of risk and therefore should only be undertaken by qualified investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume these risks and to bear the loss of all or part of their investment. Investments in private markets include significant risks not otherwise present in public market investments. Furthermore, private market investors are afforded less regulatory protections than investors in registered public securities.
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.
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