The process begins with a customized investment policy statement, featuring detailed investment preferences and a risk-reward profile as agreed upon by you, your FirstMerit Advisor and Portfolio Manager. We will determine the portfolio approach that best meets your needs: Growth, Moderate Growth, or Growth and Income. Our goal is to customize your account to achieve the proper asset allocation consistent with your investment objectives and tolerance for risk.

Our open architecture approach allows us to search for the best managerial talent across the full range of asset classes. Since we do not offer proprietary mutual funds, you can be assured that we will be completely objective in our assessment of mutual funds and external managers. And, to manage your risk, FirstMerit will diversify your portfolio across asset classes and investment styles. Through your FirstMerit Advisor, you will receive ongoing portfolio reviews to evaluate progress toward your goals. Our investment monitoring is continuous, not periodic - and this active management is critical to your success.