Erin Layton

Trisha Arensman serves as a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She brings decades of experience as a financial advisor, accountant, consultant, and 401(k) provider to her role, applying a distinct skillset developed through her professional background and family influences. Trisha is committed to serving the best interests of her clients, including families, business owners, and their employees. Her areas of expertise include divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, and portfolio management services. Trisha focuses on crafting customized financial plans by working closely with clients to understand their unique goals and priorities. She draws upon her industry knowledge and insights to identify gaps in clients’ financial pictures and to offer strategies aligned with their aspirations. Trisha holds a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University and professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Outside of work, she enjoys boating, fishing, golfing, singing, spending time with her family, playing table tennis, traveling, and watching movies.

Tyler Merkel serves as a Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill. Since joining the firm in 2015, he has developed a relationship-driven approach to wealth management, focusing on customized, long-term strategies tailored to clients' specific needs. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, Tyler is authorized to manage client portfolios on a discretionary basis, utilizing a blend of individual stocks and bonds, model portfolios, and selected third-party investment strategies. Tyler holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Ball State University with distinction and competed on the men's golf program for four years. He is affiliated with the Ball State University Alumni Association. Outside of his professional role, Tyler supports his church and maintains close ties with Ball State University and its men’s golf program. He resides just south of Indianapolis with his wife, Tara, and their three children. His personal interests include golf, basketball, running, fishing, and spending time with his family.