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.
4% Rule
Planning Basics

4% Rule

After eight years of writing blogs, all of us at Meridian are always thankful when a reader suggests a topic that they would like to know more about…and I lucked out with a suggestion for this week that is both nerdy and timely…my favorite kinds of things to write about! The ques

Sarah YakelSarah YakelNov 28, 2023
There’s Much to be Thankful For
Family & Life Events

There’s Much to be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! While it often feels like the world is filled with nothing but bad news we have a lot to be thankful for here at Meridian. Sarah Yakel is thankful for 5% treasury rates and all of the adventures she’s had with her family this year before

Sarah YakelSarah YakelNov 21, 2023
CPI – But Prices Are Still High
Planning Basics

CPI – But Prices Are Still High

We love hearing from our readers on suggestions for blog topics and most recently received a request to touch on a topic that we as consumers are all feeling – how can consumers weather an environment where higher prices persist and what is the effect of CPI on the economy and in

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingNov 15, 2023
Father and son at Niagara Falls
Investing & Markets

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

I point the finger at our own industry for training investors to think in the short term. Within our firm our custodian, Charles Schwab, sends out monthly statements. From a compliance perspective, this is a good thing, because it reassures clients that their money is where it’s

Nathan GilbertNathan GilbertNov 7, 2023
Dogs in Halloween Costume
Meridian News

Trick or Treat?

Happy Halloween! Maybe it’s just me, but I feel as though we have been celebrating this spooky holiday for days and I have been enjoying every moment of it. Festivities started last Friday and have been rocking on ever since, all culminating in tonight’s Trick or Treating for the

Kira TopekaKira TopekaOct 31, 2023
Guinea Pig Fall
Planning Basics

There’s Something Wrong with the World Today

When I realized it was my week to write the blog, I struggled with a topic because my heart is just sad. The news is scary and tragic, no matter what channel you are on. We’ve been talking to many of you, our clients, our friends, our peers, and there is just a lot of […]

Sarah YakelSarah YakelOct 25, 2023
Couple standing
Estate & Legacy

Everyone needs an Estate Plan

Happy Estate Planning Week! I’m sure you knew this holiday existed 😄 Estate planning encompasses the growth, conservation, and transfer of an individual’s wealth through the creation and maintenance of an “estate plan.” The purpose of estate planning is to develop a strategy tha

Sarah YakelSarah YakelOct 17, 2023
“Insuring” You’re Covered
Planning Basics

“Insuring” You’re Covered

Many times we plan for things we can expect; however, we must also plan for those that are unexpected. While this week’s blog is focused on a totally different topic, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the deeply saddening geopolitical events unfolding in Israel. The curr

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingOct 11, 2023
Family picture
Insurance & Risk

Be Aware and Stay Aware

Stay Alert: Scams Are Smarter Remain vigilant and do not hesitate to ask questions! As we head into spooky season, here is a reminder that there are scary things are lurking online and even in your inbox. In today’s blog I want to address a topic that bears revisiting – cybersecu

Kira TopekaKira TopekaSep 26, 2023
Do Something
Planning Basics

Do Something

September is a bustling month in the Irving household, filled with birthdays, parties, back to school activities, and charity outings. Always keeping things interesting! Never a dull moment Speaking of events, thank you to all who joined us at our annual Client Appreciation Event

Sarah IrvingSarah IrvingSep 19, 2023
Fall Cleaning for Your Finances
Family & Life Events

Fall Cleaning for Your Finances

It’s hard to believe that Fall is just around the corner with the record high temperatures we had last week! We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but what about fall cleaning for your finances? Just as we embark on the tradition of cleaning and decluttering our homes, now is a per

Sarah YakelSarah YakelSep 12, 2023
Social Hour
Family & Life Events

Social Hour

Happy day after Labor Day weekend! For the Yakel family, that means back to school!! While the dogs were sad to be left behind… …the kids were mostly excited to catch up with their friends after a long summer of just hanging around the house. They missed the social aspect of scho

Sarah YakelSarah YakelSep 5, 2023