Author

Sarah Irving

Sarah Irving is a Partner and Financial Advisor at Meridian Financial Partners. She writes about diversification, estate planning, and financial resilience.
A woman and two children sorting stacks of printed documents
Money IQ

Where Should My Next Dollar Go?

At almost 7 and 10 years old, my kids are finally starting to grasp the concept of earning money via chores (and what chores pay the most). I’m happy to report that over the summer, the piggy banks have started to fill up. Which naturally lends itself to one of the most common qu

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingJul 28, 2026
goat on a woman's back

Is There a Role for AI in Financial Services?

It’s hard to ignore. Wherever we turn, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is in our faces whether it is taking headlines in the news, using algorithms to make recommendations based off shopping or search history, correcting grammar in digital communications, tracking our sleep and/or f

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingJun 16, 2026
A close-up photograph of a person in a green blouse with sheered, ruffled sleeves, clasping their hands over a workspace. The table is covered with paper copies of complex technical stock charts (candlesticks and line graphs), a small magnifying glass, pencils, a pen, and a calculator with orange buttons. To the right, an open laptop displays another detailed, live financial chart, suggesting a deep analysis and decision-making process for IPO analysis. The focus is on the tools of intense financial due diligence.
Investment Management

IPO Fever

Every few years, IPOs have a way of making even the most disciplined investors feel a little like they’re standing outside an exclusive event, wondering if they should try to get in on the action. This is a recurring subject that pops its head up every few years. I actually wrote

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingApr 21, 2026
Geopolitical Conflict and Financial Resilience
Investment Management

Geopolitical Conflict and Financial Resilience

Market behavior especially when influenced by geopolitical events is a lot like parenting – once you think you think you have a grasp on everything and no one is sick, something is bound to change. As a parent, the combination of preparation and agility (not to mention a big slic

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingMar 9, 2026
Beautiful sunset view of the san diego coast
Investment Management

Financial Diversification & Preparing for What’s in Store

As my first blog post in 2026, it is hard to believe we are already halfway through the first month; however, when I take a moment to reflect, a LOT has already happened in a short period of time. Personally, I have been blessed and lucky enough to have enjoyed warm weather and b

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingJan 27, 2026
woman at a desk with calculator
Investment Management

Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA

To convert or not to convert – pay the tax now or pay them later? These are just a few questions many investors are asking themselves and for good reason. Converting part of a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA means you pay income tax now in exchange for tax-free growth and tax-fre

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingOct 6, 2025
Beautiful view of the US Capitol Dome
Financial Planning

What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act means for you

Big Bill, Big Changes On July 4th, as most Americans were attending BBQs and pool parties and gearing up for their local fireworks display (or multiple, as in my colleague’s cases), a sweeping budget reconciliation bill, otherwise known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” was si

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingJul 15, 2025
bird in a nest
Financial Planning

Financial Advisors and Estate Planning

Why a Financial Advisor Is Essential Throughout the Estate Planning Life Cycle Every year, at least one of the decorative wreaths on Meridian’s doors gets graced with a bird’s nest, then mini speckled eggs, and finally (and hopefully) the tiniest of baby birds. It’s such a gift t

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingMay 20, 2025
Kid feeding the sheep a bottle of milk
Financial Planning

The Benefits of Financial Literacy and Working with a Financial Advisor

The month of April feels like a breath of fresh air to our family (figuratively and literally). Spring brings longer days, warmer temperatures, beautiful scenery, and the chance to celebrate new life at my dad’s farm. The month of April is also very special as it is Financial Lit

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingApr 8, 2025
Financial Moves You Can Still Make Before Filing Your Taxes This Year
Financial Planning

Financial Moves You Can Still Make Before Filing Your Taxes This Year

Tax season is in full swing, 1099s are all finally released, and while you may be preparing to file, there are still some last-minute financial moves you can make to maximize your refund or reduce your tax liability before April 15th 2025. 1. Contribute to an IRA One of the best

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingMar 4, 2025
top of a yellow school bus
Financial Planning

Resilience and Risk: Navigating the 2025 US Economy

To everyone that hates the month of January, we are almost through! January has a tendency to feel like the longest month of the year; however, with the plethora of information, data, and events for us to mull over and consider for our clients’ portfolios (not to mention keeping

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingJan 30, 2025
two women at a conference smiling
Money IQ

Fiduciary vs Financial Advisor: Know What You’re Getting

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind and I know that the remaining weeks of 2024 will be as well. Before Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to join two of my colleagues at the annual Charles Schwab IMPACT conference in San Francisco where some of the brightest minds in the

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingDec 4, 2024