The Meridian blog

Insights, Advice & a Whole Lot More

Welcome to the official blog of Meridian Financial Partners. We'd love to hear your comments as well as your questions. Oh, and our attorneys want you to read these disclosures.
sandwich on a plate
Investing & Markets

Diversification: Free Lunch Anyone?

Harry Markowtiz, the Nobel-winning Pioneer of Modern Portfolio Theory, was quoted as saying that “diversification is the only free lunch in investing.” Properly diversifying may not always feel “free.” We tend to joke that in a diversified portfolio, there will always be somethin

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingAug 13, 2024
Investing & Markets

In Light of the Recent Volatility

In light of the recent volatility (aka sharp decline), we thought we would send out a note highlighting some comments from others in our industry that we follow. We like the way they phrase things and the information they put out is always helpful to us. From a great blog from Mi

Nathan GilbertNathan GilbertAug 6, 2024
House surrounded by green grass below clouds and sky
Investing & Markets

Flipping the Script: Pay Off a Mortgage or Invest

We’ve been receiving a lot of questions about paying off mortgages or using cash to buy real estate…Nathan covered the question of whether to purchase a home with cash (or use cash for a larger down payment) in his Meridian Market Minute, so this blog post is about using cash or

Sarah YakelSarah YakelJul 29, 2024
photo of a computer screen showing growth over time
Investing & Markets

Capital Gains Tax

We love hearing from our clients with blog topic ideas, so thank you to the client who reached out about today’s topic: Capital Gains Tax. What is a capital asset? Almost any type of asset you own is a capital asset. This can include a type of holding, like stocks or bonds, or re

Kira TopekaKira TopekaJul 25, 2024
grandmother and child looking out a window
Planning Basics

Why 8(%) May Not Be Great

We love to hear our clients taking the initiative to learn more about their personal finances and to educate themselves and while we hope Meridian provides more than enough content to do so, we know there are many other sources and opinions out there. This may be a bit of a contr

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingJul 17, 2024
A man and three children smiling
Planning Basics

Declaration of Independence

This week, we celebrate an important historical event… Mr. Yakel’s birthday: And also, the birthday of America! 😊 On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The Dec

Sarah YakelSarah YakelJun 27, 2024
Woman wearing bridesmaid dress and carrying an umbrella
Family & Life Events

Matrimony and Money Matters

Happy wedding season! Each year, wedding season comes around and brings joy, celebration, and new beginnings. Whether you are walking down the aisle, or attending the union of friends or family, weddings are often more than just white dresses and parties, they are a time that enc

Kira TopekaKira TopekaJun 25, 2024
nathan gilbert and his family
Tax Planning

Doing a Midyear Financial Check-in: 8 Steps to Keep Your Finances on Track

Summer is the perfect time for barbecues and beach parties, but it’s also a good opportunity to take the pulse of your saving and spending plan with a midyear financial checkup. With the first half of the year in the rearview mirror, a quick look at your monthly budget can yield

Nathan GilbertNathan GilbertJun 18, 2024
Financial Planning for Fathers: Ensuring a Secure Future for Your Family
Family & Life Events

Financial Planning for Fathers: Ensuring a Secure Future for Your Family

Two of the greatest joys in my life have been witnessing my husband navigating fatherhood and enjoying the growing relationship my family and I have with both my father and my father-in-law. Parenthood is an incredible journey filled with joy, responsibility, and a desire to prov

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingJun 12, 2024
Photo of woman embracing her grandmother
Family & Life Events

Understanding Family Wealth Management

As our newest partner, Sarah Irving, pointed out in her blog a few weeks ago, it’s Maycember—a month with all the craziness of December but without the holiday cheer…or cookies. And part of what makes May so busy are all of the graduations…which we are personally swept up in with

Sarah YakelSarah YakelMay 30, 2024
Kira Topeka and Tyler Fetherolf fishing on a boat
Planning Basics

Financial Tips for Summer Travel

It’s just about summer here in Virginia – the temperature keeps ticking up, schools are letting out, and the desire to travel is in full force! Whether you’re thinking of a beachside escape, a mountain retreat, or exploring a new city, making your vacation both memorable and budg

Kira TopekaKira TopekaMay 21, 2024
Meridian Financial Sarah Yakel, Sarah Irving, Nathan Gilbert
Meridian News

News: Meridian Financial Partners Welcomes Sarah G. Irving as a New Partner

Meridian Welcomes Sarah Irving We are thrilled to announce Sarah G. Irving as a Partner within the firm. With exceptional expertise and dedication to client success, Sarah delivers excellent client service and is now a key part of the leadership team. As a Partner, Sarah Irving w

Nathan GilbertNathan GilbertMay 20, 2024