Wealth Management
Planning Beyond Tax Season: Key Considerations for 2026 and Your Long-Term Financial Strategy
By Steve Henderson, CPA, PFS, CFP®, CKA®, Regional Director, Partner, Merit Financial Advisors, and Director, SSC CPAS and Doug Morris, CFP®, Regional Director, Partner, Merit Financial Advisors Tax rules tend to change quite frequently, and while most people catch the big headlines, fewer stop to think about what those shifts mean for their own money.…
Read More2026 Market Outlook
By Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer After two strong years in financial markets, 2026 begins at a moment of meaningful transition. The economic environment remains constructive, but many forces that propelled returns in 2023 – 2025 are evolving. This year could potentially reward investors who stay balanced, disciplined, and focused on companies and asset…
Read More7 Financial Resolutions for High-Net-Worth Individuals in 2026
By Robyn Jameson, CFP®, CLTC, Managing Director, Partner, Wealth Manager Every January, I hear some version of the same question from clients: “What should we be doing differently with our finances this year?” Each year, my answer is the same. It’s not about chasing the next strategy or reacting to that day’s headline. It’s about…
Read MoreJanuary 2026 Market Update
By Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer The beginning of 2026 has already been interesting from a market perspective, resulting from the transformation happening in the stock and bond markets. Geopolitics have also played a role and we believe that will continue to be at the forefront of investors’ minds as the global order is…
Read MoreSix Ways a CDFA® Helps During Divorce Proceedings
By Hollis Hardiman, CDFA®, Wealth Manager, Partner, Merit Financial Advisors Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process, and it can be particularly difficult when it comes to unraveling the financial intricacies that often accompany the dissolution of a marriage. In such turbulent times, the expertise of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) can be…
Read MoreDecember 2025 Market Update
In our December market update, Merit Financial Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, reviews a choppier but resilient period for U.S. markets as 2025 comes to a close. Despite increased volatility, U.S. equities held near record highs, supported by broadening market leadership beyond mega-cap technology. Brian discusses the Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut, the…
Read MoreDon’t Wait for January: Your Essential Year-End Retirement Planning Checklist
By: Bob Seibel, Wealth Manager, Merit Financial Advisors As the year winds down, most people focus on holiday shopping and parties. But for anyone nearing retirement — or already living it — this season isn’t just busy. It’s crucial. Year-end decisions can affect taxes, income, investment risk, and overall confidence for years to come. Older…
Read MoreNovember 2025 Market Update
In this November market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, explains how markets managed modest gains over the past month despite mixed economic signals. Resilient consumer spending and a strong third-quarter earnings season, driven in part by standout results from Amazon and Microsoft, helped support equity performance. At the same time, uncertainty around interest…
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill: Key Tax Changes Every Investor Should Know
By Steven A. Henderson, CPA, PFS, CFP®, CKA®; Regional Director and Partner, and Jana Ramsey-Weaver, CPA, Wealth Manager at Merit Financial Advisors When Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) earlier this year, headlines focused on which tax provisions would last, and which would eventually sunset. Yet beyond the headlines, the real question is…
Read More8 Helpful Financial Planning Tips for a Great End of Year Review
Decisions are best made with a little time for reflection, good information, and advice from experienced professionals. These final weeks of the year are a perfect time to take stock of your financial plan and make adjustments as necessary before the rush of the holidays and tax-filing deadlines next year. Here are some year-end financial…
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