South Bend, IN Office

James Ruthrauff is a Wealth Management Advisor and Managing Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has contributed over 30 years of experience supporting accomplished families. His work focuses on simplifying and coordinating complex financial lives, helping clients make informed decisions during key opportunities and transitions, and ensuring that wealth management supports both long-term goals and current lifestyles. Through Kahn, Ruthrauff & Associates, he collaborates with a dedicated team and works alongside CPAs, attorneys, and other advisors to provide integrated and thorough planning. Mr. Ruthrauff specializes in areas including college education planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, and retirement income. He holds several professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master's Degree from the University of Florida. He is a member of the Economic Club of Michiana and has completed additional coursework at Yale University related to asset allocation, ethics, and investment management. Outside of his professional activities, James resides in Granger with his wife Jeannie. He is involved in the South Bend community, participating in cultural arts and supporting local charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. His personal interests include biking, boating, skiing, tournament waterskiing, cycling, golf, CrossFit, and playing guitar.

Jared Sharkey is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and holds the designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR® (CPFA®). He works with individuals, families, business owners, and retirement plan sponsors to assist them in making informed financial decisions and preparing for the future. Jared focuses on building long-term relationships and developing strategies aligned with his clients' unique objectives, values, and visions for the future, emphasizing that financial planning is an ongoing process that adapts to life changes and evolving goals. His expertise encompasses family wealth management, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, investment strategies for individuals and corporations, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. Jared also holds a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University and communicates fluently in both English and Spanish. Outside of his professional career, Jared enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He is a lifelong athlete and competitive water skier, having earned three National Championships in the Trick Skiing division. The discipline and consistency required for his sport are principles he applies to his practice, striving for long-term success for his clients.

Rachel Rose is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. She has worked at Merrill since 2019 and previously held positions at Manpower and Diamond Resorts. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Deborah Smogor is a financial advisor with Merrill and holds a Series 66 designation. She has 10 years of industry experience and has been with Merrill and Bank of America since 2015 and 2016, respectively. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved with the YWCA in South Bend, Indiana, serving as a board member and committee member focused on raising awareness for domestic violence and empowering women. Merrill, alongside its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Michael Fred is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the professional designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), reflecting his expertise in providing personalized investment guidance. Michael earned a Bachelor's Degree from Ball State University. His role involves advising clients on wealth management strategies to help meet their financial goals.