Wealth Management
August 2022 Market Update
In this August market update, Caleb Tucker, CFA®, Director of Portfolio Strategy, reviews this month’s market trends. Markets are in a much more upbeat mood than we’ve experienced most of this year. Since bottoming in June, equities have ripped higher, on the back of better than expected inflation in July and expectations about a less…
Read MoreEstate 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 MoreInflation Investments: Defending Your Assets
Written by: Blaine Malcolm, CFP®, Wealth Manager, Partner What word best describes the current state of inflation in America, as well as elsewhere around the world? From an investor’s perspective, “challenging” pretty much says it all. As of July this year, the latest ¾-point hike in the Federal funds rate acknowledged a level of inflation…
Read MoreHow Inflation Impacts Your 401(k)
Written By: Steve Henderson, CPA, PFS, CFP®, CKA®, Regional Director, Partner Your gas station visit drains your wallet while filling your tank. Your groceries seem to cost more every week. For older investors, significant inflation was a financial challenge that had almost faded from memory. For younger investors, it’s a term that had little day-to-day…
Read MoreWhy Do You Need a Financial Advisor?
Written by: Zac Beckerley, CFP®, Wealth Manager According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 263,000 personal financial advisors in America as of May, 2021. Their clients included individuals and families working to secure their financial futures, as well as high net worth investors with complex planning requirements. What services do…
Read MoreJuly 2022 Market Update
In this July market update, Caleb Tucker, CFA®, Director of Portfolio Strategy, reviews inflation as it continues to be a top concern for the markets, corporations, and the Federal Reserve. We could continue to see some volatility in the headline inflation numbers as energy prices continue to fluctuate, however we do still expect energy prices…
Read MoreWhat You Can Expect from a Federal Reserve Rate Hike
Written By: Blaine Malcolm, Wealth Manager | Partner Many people hear the term Fed Funds Rate on the news or financial programs but may not know what it is or how it may affect their life. The Fed Funds Rate is the interest rate used by banks and credit unions to lend excess balances to…
Read MoreWhat to Look for in a Financial Advisor
Written By: Zac Beckerley, Wealth Manager | Partner You are probably thinking, how is Merit Financial Advisors, a firm with wealth advisors going to tell me what to look for in a wealth advisor? Wouldn’t they just point me in the direction of their firm? Well, of course, but first we want to tell you,…
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 More2022 Mid Year Market Check-In
In this mid year market check-in, Caleb Tucker, CFA®, Director of Portfolio Strategy, reviews the performance of equities and bonds, as well as discuss Merit’s views on recent economic data including inflation and GDP. Some of the key points for June’s update are: Year-to-date performance summary Recent economic data How history plays a part in…
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