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Merit Financial Advisors, an Alpharetta, Ga.-based hybrid registered investment advisor overseeing $30.1 billion in client assets, has added another former Commonwealth Financial Network team since the LPL Financial acquisition, with a Southern California firm overseeing about $900 million in client assets.

Merit Financial Advisors, an Atlanta-based RIA with about $26 billion in client assets, has acquired Towson Wealth Management, a Towson, Md.-based wealth management firm that oversees about $502.5 million in total assets.

Merit's Baylee Bryant, wealth manager, partner in Tacoma, WA was quoted in the article about how with more than half of married or engaged couples under 45 signing prenups, advisors can help clients start their marriage on solid financial footing.

Merit's Nikki Smith, wealth manager in Houston, TX was quoted in the article about how the designations of “upper class” or “wealthy,” might be titles many Americans aspire to. But what’s the difference between the two terms? It’s not just a matter of your annual income, according to experts.

Merit's Tim Ralph, wealth manager and managing partner in Jupiter, FL, was quoted in the article about how some investors are turning to preferred-stock funds, which offer better relative yield in an otherwise tight fixed-income market.

Merit's Emily Boothroyd, wealth manager and partner in Wilton, CT, was quoted in the article about how nearly half of Americans are motivated by fear to make sure their financial affairs are in order. But rather than turn to an estate planning attorney, they want to work on their plans with their financial advisors. That makes the service near table stakes for advisors these days.

Merit's Alexander W. Hansen, JD, AIF® in Alpharetta, GA, was quoted in the article about how the importance of leadership development and why firms need to better prepare advisors stepping into management roles. In the article, Alex shares how investing in leadership training helps advisors feel more confident, supported, and prepared for long-term growth within their careers.

Merit's Hollis Hardiman, wealth manager and partner in Florida, was featured in an article examining the financial impact of gray divorce. The article highlights how the division of retirement accounts, healthcare considerations, and other hidden costs can significantly affect long-term financial security for couples divorcing later in life.

Merit Financial Advisors has acquired Billings, Mont.-based Strategic Retirement Plans (SRP), an independent financial advisory firm managing about $590 million in assets for 800 families that was previously affiliated with Commonwealth.

Merit's Baylee Bryant wealth manger, Tacoma, WA, was quoted in the article about shares insight on navigating uncertainty and why stepping back is critical before making major financial moves. In the feature, she addresses a common question around using retirement funds to pay off debt and reinforces the importance of thoughtful, long-term decision-making.

Merit's Kat Grier wealth manger, partner, Alpharetta, GA, was quoted in the article about how talking about money makes many people uncomfortable. After all, you probably don’t go around telling everyone what you earn and how much you’re worth.