Posts by MeritMarketing
May 2025 Market Update
In this May market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, discusses how ongoing tariff tensions and a growing federal deficit are weighing on markets and shaping fiscal conversations. With the Fed holding rates steady amid uncertainty, Merit is adjusting its strategy, favoring large-cap stocks, keeping bond maturities short, and incorporating alternatives to stay flexible…
Read MoreWhat Families with Unique Dynamics Need to Know About Financial Planning
By Kat Grier, CFP®, CPA, Wealth Manager, Merit Financial Advisors If you’re one of the many millions of Americans who consider themselves part of a unique family dynamic, you’re not alone. In the United States, same-sex couple households have grown to 1.3 million and forty percent of American families are now blended. While financial planning…
Read MoreQ&A – Maximizing Your Firm’s Value: Preparing for Succession, Sale, or Transition
Following our webinar on maximizing firm value through succession, sale, or transition, attendees had insightful questions about when and how to start preparing. The most common theme? Start early—ideally 5–10 years out. Whether you’re a $500M or $3B firm, the focus should be on running your business like it’s for sale today: clean financials, streamlined…
Read MoreWebinar Recap: Maximizing Your Firm’s Value: How Financial Advisors Can Prepare for Succession, Sale, or Transition
At Merit, we believe financial advisors deserve more than a successful business—they deserve a legacy. Whether you’re considering succession, planning a sale, or simply preparing for the next chapter, knowing what your firm is worth—and how to maximize that value—is essential. In our latest webinar, “Maximizing Your Firm’s Value: Preparing for Succession, Sale, or Transition,”…
Read MoreWebinar Recap: A Journey Through Change – Financial Considerations for Federal Employees
In our recent webinar, Merit Financial Advisors’ Kat Grier, CFP®, CPA, and David Elder, CFP®, CEPA, guided federal employees through the financial transitions that can follow a Reduction in Force (RIF). With a focus on the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the session outlined critical decisions to consider when…
Read MoreENRICH 2025 Recap
A Celebration of Connection, Culture, and Continued Growth From April 15–17, the Merit Financial Advisors team came together with valued partners, advisors, and industry leaders at the Omni Hotel at The Battery for our annual ENRICH Conference—three powerful days filled with inspiration, alignment, and shared vision. More than just an event, ENRICH 2025 was a…
Read MoreApril 2025 Market Update
In this April market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, examines recent market volatility stemming from evolving U.S. tariff policies. He discusses the potential implications for inflation, interest rates, and broader market dynamics, while highlighting key considerations for navigating an uncertain economic environment. Key Takeaways: We hope you find this video both informative and…
Read MoreMerit Financial Advisors Partners with Bill Spalding Wealth Management
ATLANTA — [April 14, 2025] — 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 and those navigating life transitions, announced today it has acquired Bill Spalding Wealth Management (“Spalding Wealth”). This acquisition will add $119 million in assets. Spalding Wealth…
Read MoreMarket Commentary: What Just Happened?
By Brian Andrew, CFA® – Chief Investment Officer On April 2nd, the Trump Administration announced their tariff plan to the chagrin of markets. It all boils down to the effective tariff rate paid in the U.S. This rate has been near 2% for 5 decades. With the announcement, it was clear that it could rise…
Read MoreWebinar Recap – Bracket Busters: How Tariffs are Shaking Up The Market
In our recent webinar, Merit Financial Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer, Brian Andrew, CFA®, explored the evolving landscape of tariffs, trade dynamics, and inflation—and how these forces are shaping the broader economic outlook. With market uncertainty on the rise, it’s more important than ever to understand the ripple effects of global policy decisions and how they…
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