Estate Planning
Estate Planning 101
Written by: Emily Boothroyd , JD, CFP®, CPWA®, Wealth Manager What is estate planning? Estate planning is the act of organizing your financial and personal affairs to allow for a seamless distribution process upon your death, and to allow your loved ones to make effective decisions around your healthcare and finances. A common misconception is…
Read MoreFinancial Planning Checklist: 8 Essential Components
Written by Andy Lubben, Regional Director | Partner We all know how important financial planning is. A financial plan acts as a guide as you go through your life’s journey. It helps you stay in control of your entire financial picture so you can achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself and your loved ones.…
Read MoreFinish the Year Financially Strong
Recorded by: Kay Lynn Mayhue, President | David Elder, Wealth Manager | Emily Boothroyd, Wealth Manager | Andy Lubben, Regional Director | Joy Kirsch, Founder of TruWealth for Widows | Caleb Tucker, Director of Portfolio Strategy On behalf of the entire Merit Family, we wish you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving and a peaceful start…
Read More15 Best States to Retire in a Tax-Efficient Way
Even if you have substantial savings that will see you through your retirement years, you still need to make sure you are getting the most for your money. While federal taxes will follow you wherever you go (even if you retire overseas), your state tax home will depend on the primary state(s) in which you…
Read MoreDuties and Responsibilities of the Executor of the Estate
Written By: Tony Pitzer, CFP® No one is ever prepared for the passing of a loved one. Even when family members have time to say goodbye, the pain isn’t lessened. We’re always left reminiscing about our time spent with them, and then doing our best to be strong in a future without them. As difficult…
Read MoreShould You Join the Second-Home Club?
The image of owning a second home holds plenty of allure. The idea of having a retirement getaway, a gathering spot for the whole family, or a rental income generator – and maybe all three – has lots of Americans taking the second-home plunge. Indeed, according to the National Association of Home Builder, the total…
Read MorePandemic-Era Estate Planning Trends
Written By: Emily Boothroyd, Wealth Manager The uncertainty prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged individuals to reframe their perspective on many aspects of life and reach a level of self-reflection that they may have never considered before. This is true to mental and physical health, as well as financial health. In all aspects of…
Read MoreChoosing an Executor for Your Estate.
Here’s an uncomfortable truth you need to accept: Someday—hopefully in the very distant future—you are going to die. The good news: You can make that moment easier on your heirs by taking a few simple steps. One of the best ways, financially, to prepare now for that time is to choose a person to be…
Read MoreAsk The JD
Hear our President, Kay Lynn Mayhue, CFP®, AEP®, RFC®, talk with Emily Boothroyd, JD, CFP® discuss the importance of being prepared and the documents that you may need to have on hand in case of an emergency. Should you have questions on your estate documents or are unsure of what to do, please give us…
Read MoreHere’s Why You May Need to Update Your Estate Plan
Estate planning—the process for how you transfer your wealth to heirs and others—can be very important for anyone who wants to be certain that their loved ones are adequately provided for and taken care of. When done well, estate planning aims both to allow you to pass on your assets as you see fit, and…
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