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Murray, McGehrin & Shiery

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Nothing means more than earning our clients’ trust. After 60 years, we continue to deliver transparency, integrity and reliability to those who deserve nothing less – successful individuals, families and institutions that embrace a culture of philanthropy.

About Us

Our Mission

Murray, McGehrin & Shiery has a proud story that continues to be told. It revolves around the enduring relationships we’ve built with an impressive, multi-generational clientele in more than 35 states – corporate executives, business owners, government workers, teachers and others who care about their families, employees and their communities.

Today, we find that a “new wave” of clients has found its way to our door – most following a previous advisory relationship. Why do they come to us? We believe there are several factors:

Many clients view us a “family serving families” – not as financial advisors in a limited sense. When we solve an issue that’s causing a financial or emotional challenge, we fulfill our responsibility as a caring steward of clients’ wealth and wishes. Structured to stay attuned to their evolving needs, we stand behind clients by getting out in front of circumstances they anticipate, and those they don’t.

The makeup of our team allows us to relate well to clients both “young and older.” In fact, we serve a broad spectrum of people at various stages of their lives and the wealth continuum. Whether they’re building wealth and a career, serving on a board, nearing retirement or a long-anticipated liquidity event, we work collaboratively to create immeasurable and consistent value. Delivering an exceptional level of diligence and devotion, we are intentional and caring in our efforts.

We are inspired by hardworking clients, their spouses, grown and growing children. It is particularly rewarding to educate “the next generation” – so that wise financial habits can contribute to lifetimes of financial fulfillment.

We measure our success by the tenure of our client relationships, the referrals that reflect our clients’ satisfaction, and our ability to be enhance each client’s financial and emotional wellbeing – what we call “financial wellness.” Each of us is proud of the role we play, the respect we earn, and the results we see.

Having helped families and institutions that are philanthropically-inclined, we are among a select group of highly qualified and credentialed consultants at Merrill that can provide the in-depth knowledge and customized service to institutions that need to navigate in the intricacies of today’s financial and regulatory landscapes. (To learn more about this special capability, please scroll down to the next section.)

Our Philosophy

Our roots as Murray McGehrin Shiery & Associates began in 1956, when Ed McGehrin began his financial services career. As a member of the very first class of advisors to earn the CFP® designation, Ed was a goals-based advisor before the idea was embraced as an industry term. An early advocate of a team approach, Ed recruited Marty (his son), Matt (his grandson) and later experienced advisors Cullen Murray and Ellen Shiery to build out a practice where exceptional client service became its passion and purpose.

Today, with Ed and Marty in retirement, Cullen leads our team – providing the kind of enlightened wealth management grounded in his seasoned understanding of clients’ needs, concerns and nuanced objectives. On behalf of individuals, families and non-profit organizations, Cullen, Matt (who Cullen mentored for years), and Ellen deliver advice that is straightforward, unbiased, and unquestionably in the best interest of the client. And like Ed, our founder, we continue to be “yellow pad of paper” advisors – taking copious notes on what clients tell us about their lives, livelihoods, family members, income sources, and areas of concerns.

Given our history, it’s natural for us to view financial matters from a family perspective. Thanks in part to our pedigree as a multi-generational group, we now serve two, three and four generations of families. In fact, we don’t refer to clients as such, we think of them as “families” or “households” because that better reflects our approach.

Today, with Matt nurturing relationships with client families he’s known for decades, we see that his age, stage and experiences align nicely with those of clients’ adult children. It is a tremendous source of pride to expand our role on behalf of clients who treat us like members of their families.

Having worked so closely and for so long with clients, we’ve become their primary go-to resource and act as sounding boards and confidants on a wide variety of topics. In addition to frequent discussions, we believe in educating clients at every opportunity – helping them understand a particular strategy, or on a more granular level, what they own and why.

Measuring many of our client relationships in decades (not years), we’ve formed many friendships with clients and member of their families. At the foundation of those relationships is the insight and input we work exhaustively to gather.

In every facet of our practice, we abide by our own set of principles and guidelines.

• Only promise what we can deliver.
• Recognize that what we do is more important than what we say we do.
• Communicate clearly and in a timely manner, to help you avoid navigating by emotion.
• Address your less obvious concerns, not just your questions.
• Be transparent, honest and admit any mistake – you deserve nothing less.

As our client, we will remind you to contact us with any and all financially related questions or if you need our opinion on a financial or life circumstance. By doing our jobs well, we can bring you the perspective and time you need – to make informed decisions that are wise and unhurried.

Our Focus

At Murray McGehrin Shiery & Associates, our planning-based approach is at the foundation of our efforts. From the outset of each relationship, we help clients explore and prioritize their most cherished goals for themselves, and the people they love. By asking questions and listening more than talking, we help clients identify the purpose of their wealth, so that the multi-pronged strategy we develop can help them feel comfortable in its pursuit.

To provide the depth and breadth of “family wealth” planning we believe each client deserves, we devote significant time to understanding the situations and ambitions of all stakeholders. From familial relationships with clients and open communications come strategies that include risk-managed investing, education and retirement planning, gifting, wealth transfer and legacy planning. And rather than being reactive, we are proactive in helping clients “see around corners” – to help them prepare for key decisions.

With our keen focus on estate planning, we not only work closely with both spouses, but also with clients’ CPAs and attorneys. We often find it critical and convenient for clients that we invite “everyone to the table” so that we can coordinate our tax minimization and estate planning strategies with clients’ other trusted advisors. To provide a fiduciary standard and help us provide the highest level of knowledge and know-how, we also call upon specialists at our firm’s trust company.

When it comes to investments, we encourage clients to share our long-term perspective on achieving steady growth, in relationship to the risk they are willing to take. Formulating customized portfolios that reflect input from our firm’s Chief Investment Office, we look to control risk exposure, tax implications and fees. Experience tells us to avoid complexity – which we find often compromises results, while increasing tax implications and fees.

To help optimize both sides of clients’ balance sheets – assets and liabilities – we remind clients to pay off debt, when possible, and use credit wisely. When helpful, we also offer access to Bank of America, N.A. for residential and securities-based lending.

Our clients’ achievements, hard work, and values have led to financial and personal success. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to help manage that wealth responsibly and in the most prudent manner.

*Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM) is a division of Bank of America Corporation. The Chief Investment Office, which provides investment strategies, due diligence, portfolio construction guidance and wealth management solutions for GWIM clients, is part of the Investment Solutions Group (ISG) of GWIM.

Meet the Team

Our team is comprised of talented and experienced individuals committed to building strong client relationships based on trust and personalized service.

Additional Resources

Murray, McGehrin & Shiery is supported by talented specialists who have experience working with institutions and share a strong commitment to guiding investment programs and strategic decision making.

Rakesh Raina

Rakesh Raina

Wealth Management Banking Specialist

Merrill

Kristina Gentle

Kristina Gentle

Wealth Management Lending Officer

Bank of America, N.A.

NMLS #484047

Solutions for Institutions

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And More

Beyond our experience, we offer access to the deep intellectual capital and broad capabilities of Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates. If we identify a need we can’t service ourselves, we can connect you with the people and resources to help you. Through our network of advisors, we strive to deliver strategies to help you manage the day-to-day and long-term responsibilities required in pursuing your institution’s goals. As we work together to address your evolving needs, we can help make the broad capabilities of Bank of America Corporation feel more accessible.

Investment Solutions

We provide access to a broad suite of potential investment solutions for non-profit organizations, foundations, endowments and corporate retirement and pension plans. Our level of involvement is based on your preference — from traditional consulting, to client-directed implementation, to full discretionary outsourced CIO services. We work with your CFO, board  of directors and investment committee to develop a tailored investment strategy that is consistent with your culture, goals, preferences and risk profile.

Disciplined Investment Process

We follow a disciplined process that helps to address your organization’s changing needs and provides you with a potentially higher probability of achieving your long-term investment goals.

1

Investment Policy Statement Development and Review

Act as liaison between institutional clients and Merrill's Investment Policy Statement (IPS) service, which creates and modifies an IPS, based on the client’s investment goals and objectives.

2

Strategic Allocation Modeling

Customizable asset allocation based on the Chief Investment Office capital market assumptions.

3

Investment Manager Due Diligence

Recommend investment solutions leveraging Merrill's thorough and rigorous due diligence process.

4

Investment Manager Search and Selection

Advanced portfolio construction techniques combined with client specific objectives and Merrill's capital market guidance.

5

Portfolio Strategy

Leverage Merrill's global intellectual capital including tactical tilts to potentially help increase returns.

6

Performance Measurement

Review, quantify and evaluate performance to identify opportunities to refine the portfolio’s overall strategy, based on the Investment Policy Statement.

Endowments, Foundations and Nonprofits

We understand the issues nonprofits, endowments and foundations address in funding their missions in an ever-changing financial climate. Drawing on the global resources of Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates, we offer insight, guidance and personalized service to help institutions develop and execute investment strategies focused on what matters most to them and the people they serve.

Impact investing and/or Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investing has certain risks based on the fact that ESG criteria excludes securities of certain issuers for nonfinancial reasons and therefore, investors may forgo some market opportunities and the universe of investments available will be smaller.

Defined benefit plans

Whether your defined benefit plan is an active part of your overall benefit offering, is closed to new participants, or fully frozen, Bank of  America's service model allows you to outsource the many administrative tasks associated with the maintenance of a pension plan to fulfill plan obligations and manage risk.

Key services include:
• Investment consulting service
• Open architecture investment management platform
• Liability driven investment implementation
• Actuarial services and discretionary investment management

Helping institutions meet their investment needs

We put the resources and intellectual capital of Merrill to work for institutional clients like you by delivering thoughtful advice and sophisticated investment strategies through focused client-centric consulting. We help organizations like yours address today’s complex investment challenges through an integrated, goals-based investment process that enables them to redefine success, manage risk and help fulfill their missions.

Supporting a strong retirement plan and helping to keep it on track

The retirement and financial needs of your employees, as well as the responsibility those needs create for you as an employer, are important to you. We offer the solutions your employees may need to help pursue their financial goals and maintain financial wellness. Our array of resources and experience is designed to help meet your employees’ financial needs in ways that make sense for your company — strategically, operationally and financially. You and your employees will have a team of experienced and passionate advocates for financial wellness on your side. Our team will make your priorities their own so you can focus more on your business.

For Plan Sponsors

Your role as a plan sponsor is more challenging than ever, and it’s not something to face alone. We bring the resources and thought leadership from Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates to bear in helping you provide a strong, healthy and fully compliant program that runs smoothly, engages your employees and makes your job easier. We can help you focus on the areas that may be helpful to plan success, including Fiduciary Advisory Services 1 and Education and Plan Services 2 appropriate for your plan.

Fiduciary Advisory Services1

Through Fiduciary Advisory Services, we can help you design and maintain an investment menu.
  • Investment Policy Statement (IPS)3
  • Comprehensive due diligence processes to identify appropriate investments 
  • Proactive delivery – online and by your designated advisor – of investment performance reporting every quarter 
  • Report providing fund analysis and market trends.

1 Fiduciary Advisory Services is an investment advisory program sponsored by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”). Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. Please refer to the Fiduciary Advisory Services Brochure for information on the program including a description of the series and related fees.

2 Education and Plan Services are non-fiduciary services required for Advisor Alliance clients and optional for MLII clients.

3 IPS service is not available for FAS Discretionary. The plan sponsor is responsible for the approval and final adoption of the IPS.

We’re committed to a high standard

Putting clients’ interests first isn’t new, and this isn’t a one-time event. Our clients have been at the center of everything we do since Charles Merrill founded Merrill over a hundred years ago.

Solutions for Individuals

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Philosophy

We 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, we will work with you to develop an approach designed to help address your financial needs.

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.

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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.

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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.

Wealth Management Your Way

MyMerrill is your online destination for access to your financial information, secure communications, and a robust offering of tools and capabilities.

Your advisor is a click away within our site or mobile apps

You can manage account security with our customizable security capabilities such as touch ID, one time passcode, and other security features

Access to your complete financial life is available with My Financial Picture, Merrill’s asset aggregation tool

Your Financial Approach

We offer you access to the investing insights of Merrill, trust and fiduciary services from Bank of America Private Bank, and the banking convenience of Bank of America to help you pursue your goals. We will work to help you stay on track, regardless of what the markets are doing.

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FAMILY
Taking care of your family and other people in your life
  • Trust & Estate Services4
  • Education Funding1
  • Insurance3
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HEALTH
Planning for healthcare expenses now and in the future
  • Long-term Care Insurance3
  • Health Savings Account2
  • Disability Insurance3
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HOME
Upsizing, downsizing, remodeling or buying a vacation home
  • Home Loans2
  • Home Equity Lines of Credit2
  • Securities-Based Lending2
  • Credit Cards2
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WORK
Working in retirement, selling or starting a business
  • Bank of America Business Banking2
  • Exchange Funds1
  • Concentrated Stock Management1
  • Succession Planning1
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LEISURE
Spending your free time in meaningful ways
  • Credit Cards2
  • Securities-Based Lending2
  • Structured Lending2
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GIVING
Volunteering, mentoring others and giving to charities
  • Donor-Advised Funds4
  • Private Foundations4
  • Charitable Trusts4
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FINANCE
Using your finances to bring it all together
  • Merrill Investment Accounts1
  • Investment Advisory Accounts1
  • Alternative Investments1
  • Exchange-Traded Funds1
  • Mutual Funds1
  • Closed-end Funds1
  • Fixed Income Products1
  • Options1
  • Annuities3
  • Impact Portfolios1
  • Market-Linked Investments1
  • Securities-Based Lending2
  • Margin1
  • Home Loans2
  • Bank of America Checking and Savings Accounts2
  • Credit Cards2
  • Online Account Access1,2

¹ Investment products are offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
² Banking, mortgage and home equity products offered by Bank of America, N.A.
³ Insurance and annuity products offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc.
4 Trust and fiduciary services are provided by Bank of America Private Bank.

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

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.

Join us

Let’s Have a Conversation

There is no substitute for a one-on-one relationship with a Merrill financial advisor committed to your needs.