Wealth Management
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Coming, Are You Ready?
By Kurt Wiegert, CFP®, Wealth Manager and Partner, Merit Financial Advisors Medicare, the federal health insurance program for Americans ages 65 and older, covers more than 70 million people, and fall is a busy time for the program. Like retirement planning, understanding Medicare takes time and success depends heavily on your personal choices. There are…
Read MoreSeptember 2026 Market Update
Markets adjusted to a meaningful shift in September as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years, challenging the widely held expectation that rates would continue moving lower. While economic growth continued at a moderate pace, the labor market remained resilient, consumer spending held up better than expected, and inflation,…
Read MoreProtecting What You’ve Built: A Risk Management Playbook for High-Net-Worth Individuals
By Adam Rauscher, Vice President of Insurance Services, Wealth Manager, Partner High-net-worth (HNW) individuals and households, defined as those with $3 to $20 million in wealth, face unique wealth-protection challenges compared to mass-affluent individuals. Federal Reserve data shows that 6.26 million U.S. households have a net worth of $4 million or more, representing less than…
Read MoreAugust 2026 Market Update
Markets continued to navigate competing signals in August as economic growth showed signs of slowing while inflation continued to ease. Despite concerns about softer job growth, weaker retail spending, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, stocks remained resilient, supported by healthy corporate earnings and continued momentum around artificial intelligence. Investors are increasingly focused on a key question:…
Read MoreTrump Accounts vs 529 Plans: Practical Advice for Parents Saving for College
By Mark Fried, Wealth Manager, Partner, Merit Financial Advisors College is expensive, but the real cost often extends beyond tuition alone. Those stroking the check must also factor in housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses, which can add up quickly. The College Board’s 2025 data shows that the average total cost for a private…
Read MoreMerit Financial Advisors Partners with Bell Financial, Adding Second Office in Michigan
ATLANTA, GA – August 25, 2026 – Merit Financial Advisors (“Merit”), a Georgia-based financial advisory firm that specializes in financial planning and wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families as well as those navigating life transitions, announced today that it has acquired Bell Financial Services Company (“Bell Financial”), a Marquette, Michigan-based wealth management firm,…
Read MoreSocial Security Strategies: How to Help Maximize Your Retirement Income
By Andrea Zoeller, CFP®, NSSA®, Area Director, Wealth Manager, Partner, Merit Financial Advisors Without Congressional action, significant reductions to Social Security are imminent. Most Americans are unprepared for these changes. The 2026 NFP U.S. Retirement Trend Report shares a disconcerting update: “69% of employees do not feel confident they will retire comfortably, 72% report being…
Read MoreSequence of Returns Risk: The Retirement Concern You’ve Never Heard Of
By Kate Redden, CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®, Vice President of Client Experience, Wealth Manager, Partner, and Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer The strength of your retirement account depends not only on your contributions during your career, but also on the market conditions at the time you retire. It’s a primary reason why the stock market’s…
Read MoreThe Path to Financial Independence: Lessons Learned from Nearly Five Decades as a Financial Advisor
By Randy Kim, ChFC®, AIF®, Wealth Manager, Merit Financial Advisors In nearly five decades as a financial advisor, I have observed that despite significant changes in products, markets, and strategies, the most important financial outcomes often result from a few key decisions. Achieving financial independence is no longer defined by age-based formulas. According to the…
Read MoreWhy Building a Smart Financial Plan Will Prepare You for Your Second Home
By Trey Grissom, CFP®, Branch Director, Partner, Merit Financial Advisors If you’re thinking of buying a second home for investment purposes or for your own enjoyment, you’re not alone. The idea of a getaway or an income-generating asset is appealing for many but narrower in scope for most, with the majority of homebuyers in this…
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