Posts by MeritMarketing
How High-Net-Worth Families Can Use 529 Plans to Build Their Legacy
By Andrea Zoeller, CFP®, NSSA®, Wealth Manager and Partner, Merit Financial Advisors College savings plans, or 529s, are increasingly popular as a tax-free method to fund education expenses. As of the second quarter of last year, there were 17.3 million 529 accounts in the United States, totaling $568 billion. National 529 Day – happening May…
Read MoreProtected: Choosing Your Next Chapter: How Advisors Evaluate and Navigate a Transition
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Read MoreQ1 2026 Economic and Market Overview
By Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer The first quarter of 2026 was defined by a sharp transition in market leadership and a meaningful increase in macro and geopolitical uncertainty. Entering the year, investors were positioned for a continuation of the disinflationary trend that characterized much of late 2025, with expectations for easing monetary policy…
Read MoreInvesting with Intention: Aligning Your Wealth with Your Personal Values
By Kate Redden, CFP®, ChFC®, CKA® Vice President of Client Experience, Wealth Manager, Partner Merit Financial Advisors Money is one of the most powerful tools we have; it builds businesses, shapes communities, and quietly influences the world, whether or not we’re paying attention to how it’s invested. For many investors, managing wealth is about more…
Read MoreBeyond Tax Day: Mid-Year Tax Planning Opportunities
By Michele Hammann, CPA, PFS™, CVA, Regional Vice President, Partner, Merit Financial Advisors Many investors think tax planning happens only once a year, but the reality is that mid-year check-ins are just as important. Without multiple touch bases with your accountant and financial advisor throughout the year, it can be easy to overlook things like…
Read MoreCease-Fire – Pause Or More?
By Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer Summary: The U.S. and Israel have agreed to a two-week cease-fire with Iran. This comes on the heels of an announcement by the President that if the Strait of Hormuz wasn’t opened by 8pm ET Tuesday, the U.S. would increase hostilities toward power and transportation infrastructure. Markets have…
Read MoreThe Hidden Wealth Within:Â How Banks Can Unlock Virtual Growth Through Existing Relationships
As branch traffic declines and digital adoption rises, many community and regional banks face a difficult question: how do we continue to grow when new client acquisition is slowing, and referrals are harder to come by? The answer may already be sitting inside your own client base. Your Best Growth Opportunity Is Already on the…
Read MoreThey Didn’t Need a Partner. That’s Exactly Why They Chose One.Â
How SSC CPA + Advisors Strengthened Its Model Without Compromise by strategically partnering with Merit Financial Advisors. Most firms wait until they have to make a decision. SSC made one while things were still working. For Michele Hammann, Brian Lang, and Bert Falley, the decision to partner wasn’t driven by urgency or succession pressure. In fact, it was the…
Read MoreMarch 2026 Market Update
In our March 2026 market update, Merit Financial Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, examines a month shaped by rising geopolitical tensions, increased energy prices, and shifting expectations around inflation and interest rates. While markets remain modestly positive year-to-date, new risks tied to global conflict and economic moderation are influencing the stock market outlook…
Read MoreIncreasing Geo-Political Tensions
By Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer Market Update: Geopolitical Risk and Asset‑Class Reactions The recent military escalation involving Iran has understandably raised concerns among investors. While the human consequences of conflict are always paramount, markets tend to respond quickly by repricing risk, particularly where energy supply and inflation are involved. Below is a snapshot…
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