Author: Dan Fortunato

One of the most valuable tax benefits available to families is something called a step-up in cost basis. While the name may sound technical, the concept is actually quite simple and can have a significant impact on how much of an inheritance your loved ones ultimately keep. Your cost basis is generally what you

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the evolution of retirement tells a powerful story about how Americans have worked, saved, and planned for the future across generations. From family farms in colonial America to today’s 401(k)-driven retirement system, retirement has changed dramatically alongside

If you’ve been hearing about “Trump accounts” lately and wondering what they actually are, you’re not alone. Officially called Section 530A accounts, these new investment accounts are set to roll out July 4, 2026, and they’re designed to help kids build wealth from an early age. At a high level, think of a

The AI Gold Rush: What It Means for Investors I watched a lot of movies growing up that involved robots, self-driving cars, talking computers, smart houses, and any other number of futuristic ideas that have all come into fruition thanks to Artificial Intelligence. Today, AI has quickly become one of the most

For decades, the S&P 500 has been held up as the gold standard of diversification. It’s the index that financial advisors recommend for beginners, the benchmark professionals use to measure performance, and the foundation of countless retirement portfolios. The idea is simple: by owning the 500 largest publicly

The average person has between 10 and 16 jobs in their lifetime, according to a 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. Millennials and Gen Z are changing jobs more frequently than Baby Boomers did. The changing culture, economy, job market, working from home opportunities, and major events like COVID-19 are all

When it comes to personal finance, setting goals is one of the most effective ways to ensure financial stability and growth. However, it’s important to understand that not all financial goals are created equal. Financial goals can be divided into two broad categories: short-term goals and long-term goals. Both

Financial Advisor Dan Fortunato came to Meridian in 2024 with a desire to help people solve their financial puzzles and put together efficient ways to plan for their goals. Coming to Meridian was purposeful – after six years leading youth as a Pastor in California and Virginia, and discussions with his mentor – he

I was lucky growing up, in that my dad would bring me alongside him and try to explain to me how investments worked. He opened an account for me and helped me get started at a young age. I will admit, I was much more confused than I was letting on, but that little bit […]