Insights, Advice & a Whole Lot More
Who Should I Talk To?
With the name Meridian Financial Partners, folks reach out to us seeking guidance in any and all financial matters. Here at Meridian, we are financial planners and investment managers. Every person’s financial needs are unique and often a successful financial plan is supported by
Kira TopekaJul 25, 2023
What’s a Soft Landing?
In the financial press, you (if you read such things) have probably read phrases like ‘the Fed is hoping for a soft landing…’ They are referring to a soft landing for the US economy which has been running too hot and causing the price of everything to rise too quickly (aka inflat
Nathan GilbertJul 19, 2023
The Rest of the Story, part 2
Back in July of 2020, we wrote a blog about the narrowness of the nascent market recovery from the COVID drop. We referenced the late Paul Harvey (and my dad and his awesome 1970s walnut box speakers…) and Mr. Harvey’s dramatic catchphrase: “Now you know…the rest of the story”… A
Sarah YakelJul 11, 2023
One Size Fits All Does Not Fit All
Rules of thumb, they exist for every facet of our lives and can be helpful as benchmarks. But how accurate and applicable are they actually? Recently I read about the 5-2-1-0 rule of thumb for kids — 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, no more than 2 hours of screen time d
Sarah IrvingJun 27, 2023
Will AI Replace Financial Advisors?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been increasingly in the news, on social media, and whether you like it or not, a part of your everyday life. Much of AI is a great thing, with AI programs capable of identifying potential cancer cells long before human radiologists can see it. Ot
Kira TopekaJun 13, 2023
Tips for a Smooth Summer Travel Experience
Summer is officially just a few days away and many of us eagerly look forward to our much-anticipated travel plans. Whether you’re embarking on a relaxing beach vacation, exploring new cities, or immersing yourself in nature’s beauty, it’s essential to ensure that your summer tra
Sarah YakelJun 13, 2023
The Transfer Process (Not always easy, but usually worth it)
Transferring your investment account(s) to a new firm can be intimidating and sometimes a reason to not make any change and leave things as they are. The two most popular reasons for transfer are 1) switching to a new advisor or firm and 2) changing jobs/retiring. While both type
Nathan GilbertJun 6, 2023
A Tale of Two Markets
We just got back from a quick trip to the beach. Melanie had wanted to take her good friends to the beach, and they had a wonderful time making memories as they close out their junior year of high school together. (Melanie’s version) While their trip was filled with sleeping in,
Sarah YakelMay 31, 2023
Light at the End of the Tunnel?
After months in and out of the headlines, the issues surrounding the debt ceiling have come into sharp focus, as the U.S. could become unable to pay its bills as soon as June 1. There’s nothing like an impending deadline to force action. Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/r
Sarah IrvingMay 22, 2023
Taking Care with Intergenerational Planning
Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures out there! Our weekend was filled with gardening, making homemade pizzas, and I was surprised with breakfast in bed which happened to be a pancake in the shape of my head. Nothing says “I love you Mom” like having your
Sarah IrvingMay 17, 2023
The Goods on Giving
Today is Give Local Piedmont! Now in its 10th year, the Give Local Piedmont fundraising drive presented by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation partnered with the PATH Foundation is a day of inspiring community members to give to support the many non-profit organizations ba
Kira TopekaMay 9, 2023
Nothing Like Waiting Till the Last Minute
As with many things in business and in life, deals/projects/agreements/settlements don’t get done in advance of a deadline. Once a deadline is looming, things generally get done at the 11th hour. I have a golfing friend who is perennially late to every tee time, so my other frien
Nathan GilbertMay 2, 2023