CPA and CFP by training, Servant by inclination. Serving people who are hurting has always been my natural instinct, and God-given gift. However, it was during my period of intense grief that my calling crystalized. Simply Human Advisors was built to serve those who are grieving.

James H. Newcomb is the Senior Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill, serving the Abilene area. He leads the Abilene Merrill Office and focuses on developing personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients’ specific financial goals. His client expertise includes family wealth management, legacy planning, managing new wealth, services for endowments, foundations and non-profits, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, and advising women and wealth. Jim joined Merrill in 1994 after six years in commercial banking. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Hardin Simmons University (1986) and a Master of Business Administration from Texas Tech University (1990). He maintains FINRA registrations Series 7, 63, 65, 9, and 10, and holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Since 2004, he has served as the Resident Director of Merrill’s Abilene office and attained the title of Senior Resident Director. Outside of his professional role, Jim is active in the community, having served on various non-profit boards and coaching youth sports. He currently serves as Texas Wildlife Association Region 2 Director, and sits on the boards of Hardin Simmons University School of Business Advisory and Ben Richey Boys Ranch. Jim enjoys antiquing, fishing, golfing, music, reading, and spending time with his wife Michele and their two children.

Lindi Bruning is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, joining the firm in mid-2021. She brings nearly 19 years of experience in the financial industry, including 15 years in management at Bank of America. Her client focus includes college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, personal retirement planning, and portfolio management services, among other areas. Lindi earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Business from Texas A&M University in 2004. She holds professional designations as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Beyond her professional work, Lindi is actively involved in community organizations such as the Junior League of Abilene, Abilene A&M Club, Junior Achievement of Abilene, Love & Care Ministries, and Meals on Wheels of Abilene. She balances her career with family life alongside her husband Bryan and their three children.