Investments

The Scholls' dream home is a high-tech paradise, incorporating such 21st century amenities as a picture window in the master bath that converts glass from clear to frosted at the flip of a switch, and retractable walls of windows to let the outdoors in. It's made all the more perfect by its setting, nestled into a rise above the sea on the south side of Maui, Hawaii.

When these tech entrepreneurs with a conservative investing bent were ready to build a home that would reflect their personalities and interests, they turned to their Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor, who worked closely with architects and contractors, anticipating needs and making sure that the couple could leverage their assets to have cash on hand when needed, without penalties. "There were times when I had the opportunity to get a good deal on materials if I acted quickly," recalls Rich Scholl. "Merrill Lynch was able to get me the money I needed within 24 hours."