Insights, Advice & a Whole Lot More

Retirement in America: From Family Farms to 401(k)s
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, retireme

How Working With a Financial Advisor Informed Our Journey
I saw a quote the other day from Donald Miller that went something like this: “Your customer doesn’t care about your awards or how long you’ve been in business. They care about whether you understand their problem and can help solve it.” This got me thinking about my own customer

Timing the Market: Sell in May and Go Away?
There are lots of different ways to say, ‘I think I can time the market.’ Here are a few examples: I will get back in when things feel better I am waiting for a big downturn before I invest It feels like the market’s due for a pullback This rally doesn’t feel sustainable Once rat

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

Money Conversations Every Couple Should Have
Money is one of the more common sources of stress in a marriage, yet it is often the least discussed topic early on. Conversations about goals, debts, and financial boundaries are not always easy or pleasant, but they are necessary. For couples in their peak earning years or appr

What are Trump Accounts? A Simple, Parent-Friendly Breakdown
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.

The Fraud Risks Quietly Threatening Your Financial Security
Over the weekend, I attended a Leadership training session about Artificial Intelligence (AI). It was a fascinating conversation all the way around about what AI actually is (spoiler alert: computers are dumb – they need precise information – and AI is built on predictive analyti

The Practical Guide to Living Trusts and Estate Planning
When reviewing clients’ financial plans, we often discuss estate planning and the benefits that can come from getting things in order ahead of time (aka before dying). Often, the conversation starts with trying to avoid taxes, but for most of us (with less than $15 million or $30

AI Hype, Long-Term Opportunity, and a Lesson from the Blackjack Table
As a quick note, the recent escalation of conflict involving Iran is a sobering reminder that markets do not exist in a vacuum. More importantly, events like these carry real human consequences, and we hope that tensions can de-escalate quickly. From a market perspective, Sarah I

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

Financial Wellness Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
If there were one perfect diet or one perfect investment strategy, everyone would follow it. But just like physical health, financial wellness is deeply personal. There are no magic bullets, progress is rarely linear, and lasting success is a marathon, not a sprint. Financial Wel

Hello Melanie
There’s something special about welcoming a new team member, especially when that person so naturally embodies the heart of who we are. Melanie Renner recently joined Meridian as a Client Service Associate and brings with her the knowledge gained from a lifelong career in custome
