Wealth Management
Trump 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…
Read MoreJune 2026 Market Update
In our June 2026 market update, Merit Financial Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, breaks down the key forces shaping today’s market outlook, including a resilient U.S. economy, stubborn inflation, and rising expectations for a higher-for-longer interest rate environment. Despite signs of moderating growth, strong employment and steady consumer spending continue to support economic…
Read MoreHow High-Net-Worth Families Can Raise Financially Literate Children
By David Elder, CFP®, CEPA®, Wealth Manager, Partner, Merit Financial Advisors While Generation Z is referred to as “digital natives”, unfortunately, they are less likely to be financially illiterate. According to the P-Fin Index, Gen Z has the lowest level of financial literacy (38%); Boomers and the Silent Generation scored highest (55% each), followed by…
Read MoreMaximizing Retirement Income: Advanced Strategies for High-Net-Worth Retirees
By Kris Maksimovich, CPFA®, CRC®, CRPC®, Wealth Manager and Partner and Chris Powers Chris Powers, CFP®, AEP®, Wealth Manager and Partner Retirement is on everyone’s horizon, but the high-net-worth (HNW) are doing things differently. For them, it’s not just about stopping work but creating freedom and work optionality in their later years. Given this unique…
Read MoreMay 2026 Market Update
In our May 2026 market update, Merit Financial Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, discusses the key forces shaping today’s market environment, including persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, stock markets have remained resilient, supported by stronger-than-expected corporate earnings and an economy that continues…
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