Women’s superpower: Investing

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With more than 15 years spent in financial services, Ellen has attracted clients she defines as “fascinating.”  Like Ellen, they are not extravagant.  Instead, her clients are financially astute and forward thinking with distinct perspectives on wealth and the world.

From business owners and executives, to real estate professionals and other successful individuals, Ellen’s racially and culturally diverse clientele includes single women and men, members of the LGBTQ community, couples recently divorced, as well as Black, African-, Asian- and Latin-American families.  While they’ve taken different paths to Ellen’s door, many are facing formidable transitions such as divorce, a child leaving for college, the sale of an enterprise, or retirement.

“I want to help people rest easy with what’s ahead, so they can spend less time worrying and more time living,” Ellen explains.  "Whenever possible, I educate clients.  They don’t need to know every detail, but they deserve a higher level of understanding of ‘what and why’ we’re doing something.”

Given her background in communications, Ellen believes that clear explanations and frequent conversations are critical to building trusted, open relationships with clients.

She also finds that her rigorous industry training gives her an extra measure of knowledge that can benefit clients and their families.  Ellen holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

In each client relationship, Ellen recognizes that establishing a comfortable rapport is critical to setting the stage for productive conversations.  Asking open-ended questions (and listening more than talking), she wants to know about a client’s career, family, lifestyle, short-term goals, and how they envision retirement, for example.  Often she asks, “Tell me about yourself.  What’s important to you?  What do you spend your time doing?  What is it you’d like to do with your money, that you don’t think you can?”

When it comes to investments, Ellen takes her cues from each client and the firm’s Chief Investment Office.  Based on a client’s objectives, risk tolerance, need for liquidity, and investment timeline, she offers diversified portfolios that typically include ETFs, separately managed accounts and mutual funds—with an eye toward long-term, risk-managed performance, cost efficiency and tax efficiency. 

With a client’s permission, she also introduces herself to their CPA and attorney, to act as a helpful liaison and align tax-minimization and estate planning strategies.  In addition, Ellen offers clients ready access to residential and securities-based lending through Bank of America, N.A.

Ellen finds joy in connecting people and knowing her efforts can change the trajectory of their lives.  Formerly a CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate for children in the foster system), she is an active volunteer with the AAMC Foundation, Anne Arundel Women Giving Together, Junior League of Annapolis and several other area organizations.  Ellen holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wesley College and lives in Edgewater Beach.

*Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

*The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.

*NMLS#1616009

  • EDUCATION

    Wesley College

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.

Rakesh Raina

Wealth Management Banking Specialist

Merrill

Kristina Gentle

Wealth Management Lending Officer

Bank of America, N.A.

NMLS #484047

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

Among the reasons I chose to become a financial advisor is my passion for helping to educate clients about investing.  One of the most valuable things I can do for clients is to help them understand the markets, my investment process and the impact their life priorities can have on their wealth management strategy. My advice and strategies are guided by an interest in your life’s goals and priorities.

Philosophy

Communication is instrumental to managing life’s challenges. That’s why I work to engage you and your family in the financial decision-making process. Communicating openly with family members on the sometimes-difficult subject of wealth can be a challenge. I can help facilitate these discussions and offer personalized financial strategies designed to educate the younger generation about how assets may be invested.

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Regarding your finances, it is important for you to know exactly where you are, where you want to go, and how much you may need to get there. We work together to develop a personalized financial strategy, providing access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, to help you plan for your financial future. We provide transparency on potential risks and opportunities and what you’re paying for and what you’re getting. Understanding that life needs and market conditions can change, we will meet with you to help ensure your strategy stays on track in pursuing your goals and to adjust your approach as needed for the journey ahead.

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.

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      The Power of the Right Advisor®
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      Personalized advice from a dedicated financial advisor.

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      A comprehensive approach, built around your life’s priorities.

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      Adjusting your investment approach as your life and the markets change.

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