Financial Advisors and Wealth Managers in Princeton, NJ
Contact us today to learn more about what our award-winning team can do for you.
Accolades:
Our Princeton, NJ Office
Contact
Direct: 609.688.8701
Toll Free: 888.391.4563
Fax: 609.939.1630
Location
33 Witherspoon Street.
Suite 210
Princeton, New Jersey 08542
Business Hours
Mon - Fri (9AM - 5PM)
Sat - Sun (Closed)
Our Team
Tyler Vernon
Regional Director, Partner
Meet Tyler >
Tyler Vernon
CBEC®
Regional Director, Partner
Tyler Vernon was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Biltmore Capital Advisors and now the Regional Director of the Florida Region for Merit Financial Advisors. He began Biltmore Capital Advisors in 2007 after a distinguished career on Wall Street. He is a member of the investment committee of the firm which holds responsibility for global investment strategy and portfolio allocations. While at Biltmore, Vernon had eyes toward the future was responsible for the longer-term vision of the firm and the strategy as it relates to the client experience.
Key Accomplishments
Vernon’s market and investment commentary have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNN Money, Seeking Alpha, Palm Beach Post, and Dow Jones Newswire. In addition to these publications, Vernon and his firm have the distinction of being showcased in the cover story of SFBW (South Florida Business and Wealth) Magazine in late 2017. He is also a multi-year winner of the top Five Star Wealth Advisors in New Jersey* and has been interviewed by FOX Business News, Bloomberg, and CNBC, as well as local broadcasts.
Education and Beginnings
A graduate of Lafayette College with a BA in Economics and Business and an emphasis in financial markets, Vernon has attended advanced professional courses at The Wharton School of Business. Previously, he worked for Merrill Lynch at its world headquarters in New York City. In his twenties, he had the distinction of being named one of the Vice Presidents at Merrill Lynch.
Non-Profit Community Support
Vernon has dedicated a portion of the firm's profits to support the non-profit community. He started a non-profit, The Rum Cay Foundation, with a mission to help enhance the quality of education, health, and overall welfare of the local residents of Rum Cay, an impoverished island in the southeast Bahamas where he vacationed as a child and continues to support.
*Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers.
Mark Fried
Wealth Manager, Partner
Meet Mark >
Mark Fried
CRPC
Wealth Manager, Partner
For more than 20 years, Mark has been helping individuals and families accumulate and preserve wealth for retirement. During that time, he has been responsible for the management of more than $500 million in assets.
Mark is an Investment Advisor Representative licensed in life and health insurance. He was previously a member of the Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisory Group™, led by nationally acclaimed IRA expert Ed Slott. He has a blog on Phillyburbs, contributes to Morningstar.com and Forbes.com, and is the Financial Editor and Columnist for Local Living Magazine. Mark holds a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.
Mark is best known for his ability to “make sense” of finance and clarify the “big financial picture” for his clients and the community in easy-to-understand terms. Throughout his twenty-plus-year career, Mark has been part of the ever-changing financial services industry and has made it his mission to educate area residents on external influences that can have a significant impact on their personal financial strategies.
With a special interest in veterans’ affairs, Mark has become an Accredited Veteran Service Officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VSO). Through this accreditation, he assists the veterans of Pennsylvania and their families with the qualification and application process for government financial assistance programs. Continuing his mission to educate area residents, he is certified to teach continuing law education (CLE) courses for attorneys and CPE courses for accountants. As a financial educator, Mark holds regular educational seminars on timely wealth management issues for pre-retirees and retirees.
Mark’s community involvement includes serving as a Lower Makefield Planning Commission and Newtown Rotary Club member. He also participated in a 100-mile charity bike ride, with all proceeds going to the LIVEStrong Foundation in support of the global fight against cancer. As a result of his charitable work and professional excellence, Mark was named “Man of the Year” in 2009 by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. He is also a member of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce.
Mark has been married to his wife for nearly twenty years, and they have two children together. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, golf and traveling.
Christine Ley
Client Development Manager
Meet Christine >
Christine Ley
Client Development Manager
As a Client Development Manager, Christine is responsible for managing the day-to-day administrative needs of our affluent clients. She oversees client communication through social media, monthly newsletters, and emails. Christine is also involved in answering client inquiries and managing key documents to ensure all necessary paperwork has been completed and recorded properly. Christine’s skills in this area enhance our clients’ experience and add to our reputation as a firm that seeks to provide exceptional service and support.
Christine graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University, and prior to joining Merit, earned her realtors license and began practicing residential real estate as a Real Estate Associate.
Timothy Ralph
Managing Partner
Meet Timothy >
Timothy Ralph
CBEC®
Managing Partner
As a Certified Business Exit Consultant (CBEC®), Tim specializes in investment management, small business planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. His area of expertise is comprehensive financial planning.
Before joining Merit, Tim was Partner at Biltmore Capital Advisors, where he also held a primary focus in comprehensive financial planning for high-net-worth executives and individuals in transition (widows, divorcées, retirees, etc.) Tim enjoys spending time with clients while assisting them as they strive to reach their personal financial goals.
Tim has completed a degree from the College of Financial Planning Farleigh Dickinson University and Certified Business Exit Consultant ® Designation from the International Exit Planning Association (IEPA). Tim has appeared in CNNMoney.com, TheStreet.com, Plam Beach Post and 2018 winner of South Florida Business & Wealth's 2018 Up & Coming Executives.
Originally from New Jersey, Tim attended Drew University before settling in Florida, where he currently resides with his wife and child.
Marci Hoyer
Regional Operations Director
Meet Marci >
Marci Hoyer
Regional Operations Director
Marci Hoyer is a Regional Operations Director, working out of the Boca Raton office. Her duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, client services, compliance, and office management. Marci leads the team responsible for onboarding new families to the Biltmore platform and oversees securities transfers, wires, and ongoing administrative services for Biltmore clients.
Prior to joining Biltmore Capital Advisors, Marci worked for Northwestern Mutual, where she was an Associate Director of Network Office Supervision. She was responsible for overseeing the administrative functions of investment operations, maintaining required compliance records, and training and developing investment operations staff on administrative functions of investment operations policies and procedures. Marci is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She has previously held the series licenses 6,7,9/10, 26, 63, and Life, Health, and Variable Annuities.
Justin Eccleston
Wealth Manager, Partner
Meet Justin >
Justin Eccleston
Wealth Manager, Partner
Justin Eccleston is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Merit Financial Advisors who oversees the Princeton, NJ Office. With a vast knowledge base, strong integrity, and over 15 years of experience with loyal investors, Justin specializes in helping individuals, families, business owners, and corporate executives work toward pursuing their financial goals. He has a strong passion for financial planning.
Recognizing that each client has individual needs, Justin dedicates himself to fully understanding each client’s situation before proposing a solution or recommendation. He believes in educating clients and works diligently to help them develop achievable goals, understand their financial choices and portfolios, and implement a customized strategy that will assist them in attaining a successful financial plan.
Justin received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida with a major in Finance and has furthered his education by attending advanced financial courses at The Wharton School of Business. Before joining Merit Financial Advisors, Justin was a Senior Financial Advisor at Biltmore Capital Advisors, overseeing $500M+ of client assets. Prior to Biltmore, Justin worked for Merrill Lynch’s Global Wealth Investment Management division (GWIM), headquartered in New York City.
Justin also enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and children in his spare time. He lives an active lifestyle, including sports and fitness, and is an all-around outdoors lover.
Lisa Odoski
Branch Operations Director, Relationship Manager
Meet Lisa >
Lisa Odoski
FRC, FPQP
Branch Operations Manager, Relationship Manager
Lisa Odoski, FPQP (Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional), has dynamically represented financial services. A true supporter of financial protection for women and an inspiration for women's leadership in business, Lisa brings over 20 years of experience to the table.
She is an insurance licensed professional who has augmented her expertise by becoming a certified Registered ParaplannerSM through the College for Financial Planning®. In such a rapidly changing and competitive industry, Lisa finds the energy, passion and creativity to stay ahead. Her goal is to build and retain trust with clients by following two core values: Independence and Integrity.
Lisa sets standards high in customer service and advocates for women's financial planning needs. She is dedicated to helping women protect and preserve their lifestyle by developing life plans that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being. She has created programs and events like Lunch and Learns with professional travel agents, Wine Tastings with guest speakers from around the country, and client appreciation dinners.
Recently, Lisa has decided to pursue writing professional articles. With her clients' support, she shares her personal experiences from a woman's perspective. She also shares experiences at financial services conferences which prove the need for her women's program in the business world. Lisa was identified by #FemalesAndFinance as a leader to feature as encouragement to the business world.
Our Financial Solutions
Financial Planning
We create personalized financial plans that adapt to your life’s twists and turns. By understanding your unique needs, we help you make smart decisions that support your goals now and in the future.
Wealth Management
Our wealth management strategies are all about growing and protecting your assets. We’ll work together to build a plan that makes sense for you, so you can confidently navigate the ups and downs of the market.
Life Transitions
Life is constantly changing, but that doesn't mean your financial goals have to. Whether it’s retirement, divorce, a career change, or widowhood, our team is here, ready to tackle whatever transition you are preparing for or already are experiencing.
Insurance Planning
Life happens—our insurance planning services help protect what matters most. We’ll find the right solutions to safeguard your assets and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
For Businesses
Running your business is both a joy and a challenge that deserves careful planning and guidance. We’ll work closely with you to understand your business’s unique challenges and opportunities and offer customized strategies to address them.
Your Path to
Financial Success
Tailored financial plans that cater to your unique needs and goals
Expert guidance and strategies backed by years of industry experience
Wide range of services, including retirement planning, investment management, and tax planning
Frequently Asked Questions
At Merit Financial Advisors, we specialize in managing complex financial portfolios. Our team of experts uses a comprehensive approach to provide sophisticated solutions tailored to your diverse investment, business, and real estate holdings. We ensure every aspect of your wealth is strategically managed to meet your unique needs.
The Details
Understanding Financial Planning
Financial planning is a comprehensive process that helps set and achieve long-term financial goals. At Merit Financial Advisors, we assess your current financial situation and create tailored strategies for saving, investing, and managing your wealth. Our advisors ensure your plan is aligned with your goals, providing ongoing support and adjustments as needed.
Types of Financial Planning Services We Provide
At Merit Financial Advisors, we offer a comprehensive range of financial planning services designed to meet your unique needs:
- Financial Planning: Comprehensive analysis of your financial health, including budgeting, savings strategies, and debt management to build a strong financial foundation.
- Wealth Management: Personalized investment management to grow and preserve wealth, continuously monitoring and adjusting to optimize performance.
- Estate Planning: Creating wills, trusts, and legal documents to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and minimize tax liabilities.
- Insurance Planning: Identifying and mitigating financial risks with life, disability, and long-term care insurance to protect you and your family.
- Retirement Planning: Setting retirement goals, estimating future expenses, and creating savings plans to ensure a secure and comfortable retirement.
Why You Need a Financial Advisor
- Expertise: Specialized knowledge in financial planning, investment management, and wealth management.
- Customized Plans: Tailored financial plans to meet your specific needs and goals.
- Access to Financial Products: Wide range of financial products and services, including advanced investment strategies and estate planning tools.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous guidance to keep you on track with your financial goals.
- Commitment to Service: Personalized service and continuous support for achieving and maintaining financial success.
Finding the Right Financial Advisor in Princeton
- Certifications: Look for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® or Chartered Financial Analyst® designations.
- Reviews: Check online reviews and client testimonials.
- Experience and Expertise: Evaluate their background and the services they offer.
- Fiduciary Duty: Required to act in the best interests of clients.
- Transparency and Communication: Clear and honest about fees and services.
- Approach: Understand their strategy for financial planning and investment management.
How Financial Advisors Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
Financial advisors create customized financial plans tailored to your individual needs and goals. They offer ongoing support and guidance, ensuring your plan adapts to life changes and market fluctuations. At Merit Financial Advisors, we provide comprehensive advice and support to help you achieve financial success. Our team makes informed decisions during significant life events and maintains focus on your long-term goals.
Overview of Merit Financial Advisors
Merit Financial Advisors enriches clients' lives with personalized financial planning and wealth management. Our team includes CFP®s and CFA®s who excel in managing complex portfolios, optimizing taxes, and developing estate plans. We provide detailed, tailored plans addressing all aspects of your financial life, ensuring your success with confidence and clarity.
Merit’s Service Areas Outside of Princeton, NJ
Our service areas include:
- Hopewell
- West Windsor
- Lawrenceville
- Montgomery
- Plainsboro
- Skillman
Achieve Financial Success with Merit Financial Advisors
Merit provides expertise, personalized planning, and ongoing support to achieve your financial goals. Our services in Princeton and surrounding areas include advanced investment management, tax optimization, and estate planning. Partnering with Merit ensures comprehensive financial solutions tailored to your unique needs, guiding you to long-term success with confidence and clarity.