Why Use This Tool?

My name is Bridget Sullivan Mermel, and I am the owner of Sullivan Mermel, Inc.

I specialize in helping clients feel calm, confident and in control of their finances.

The first year working together, we systematically go through every area of your finances, focusing on the items that are most important to you right now.  This includes:

• Retirement and education funding.  We plan now, so you'll have the money that you need down the road.

• Investment strategy.  We create a well-diversified, tax-smart, low-cost portfolio so that you make the most possible taking only the risk that you are willing to take.

• Principal residence / real estate analysis.  Most advisors don't help clients with their single biggest investment:  their home.  I include real estate in your overall net worth evaluation and help you maximize your net worth over time.

• Tax planning and preparation.  Most advisors don't help clients with their single biggest expense:  taxes.  I help you plan and pay the least amount of taxes possible over the long-haul.  I even represent clients in front of the IRS at no additional fee.
  

• Insurance review.  Most clients have never gotten insurance advice from someone who isn't trying to sell them insurance.  We figure out together if you've got too much insurance or not enough.

• Goal setting.  The key to your happiness is living in accordance with your values while striving to meet meaningful goals.  We explore your life goals as well as your financial goals and celebrate together when you make progress.

• Estate planning.  I explain the financial aspect of dying and help you prepare for it.

• Call me when you have questions.  I work on a retainer, so I want you to call or email when you have questions.

In 1997, I started a tax practice. As my practice developed, I was increasingly turned off by the financial services industry, yet increasingly aware of the need that clients had for good personal financial advice. From my perspective as a CPA, much of the industry seemed to be geared toward working with the super-wealthy, selling products of questionable value, or promoting schemes that benefited the sales person more than the customer.

Then I found out about fee-only financial advising. Fee-only advisors are upfront about what clients are paying, so there are no hidden agendas. I felt an instant recognition of being among like-minded people. I’ve since developed my own fee-only financial advisory practice. I love it.

Education

BA in Accounting and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin, Madison

Masters in Liberal Arts from DePaul University in Chicago.

If you'd like more information, please check out my website: