Insights, Advice & a Whole Lot More
Rule of 72 and Other Investing Rules-of-Thumb
I love trivia – it combines a few of my favorite things – getting together with friends, random knowledge, and being right. My trivia team (Scott’s Tots) has been enjoying really great questions at Great Mane Brewery’s A+ Trivia, and recently one of the categories was “The Number
Kira TopekaJul 22, 2025
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 IrvingJul 15, 2025
Meet the Meridian Team: Hello, Dan
Financial Advisor Dan Fortunato came to Meridian in 2024 with a desire to help people solve their financial puzzles and put together efficient ways to plan for their goals. Coming to Meridian was purposeful – after six years leading youth as a Pastor in California and Virginia, a
Dan FortunatoJul 8, 2025
Caregiving, Preparing, and Communicating
What my mother’s journey with dementia taught our family about being prepared for caregiving My experience as a caregiver through my mother’s dementia journey had a profound impact on me. Almost a year (to the day) after her passing, I’m not sure how I made it out of the fire. If
Liz Witt-LeeJul 1, 2025
Understanding Step-Up in Cost Basis
I hope everyone is enjoying the start of summer and finding ways to keep kids and grandkids busy! In our household, that is always the tradeoff when school is out – less stressful mornings in exchange for kids constantly saying, ‘I’m bored and/or hungry!’ Speaking of kids and gra
Nathan GilbertJun 24, 2025
A Beginner’s Guide to Different Types of Investment Options
I was lucky growing up, in that my dad would bring me alongside him and try to explain to me how investments worked. He opened an account for me and helped me get started at a young age. I will admit, I was much more confused than I was letting on, but that little bit […]
Dan FortunatoJun 16, 2025
Meet the Meridian Team: Hello, Joanne
Hi, I’m Joanne Hilliard. Welcome, I’m glad you’re here. I’m the Client Service Associate at Meridian, celebrating my first anniversary today! Chances are, if you have ever called the Meridian offices or walked into our Warrenton office, we’ve chatted. As part of the Operations te
Liz Witt-LeeJun 10, 2025
Financial Roller Coasters
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Yakel family took a quick trip up to Cedar Point as we have two teenage boys who are roller coaster fanatics. I walked Ben and Ethan to the park for early entry at 8:30AM…and then came back to collect them at park close after 10PM (I had given up tr
Sarah YakelJun 3, 2025
Plan with Purpose, Live with Adventure: Financial Planning for a Full Life
“Have a plan, but have an adventure” – Liz Witt-Lee Money Can’t Buy Happiness, But a Plan Can Unlock Joy Back in March, I wrote a blog looking at the topic of “does money buy happiness.” The conclusion was that while money alone does not buy happiness, it affords individuals the
Kira TopekaMay 27, 2025
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 IrvingMay 20, 2025
Meet the Meridian Team: Hello, Liz
Hello. I’m Liz. I’m the Director of Strategy here at Meridan. I started here in February. Everyone asks how I came to work at Meridian. They also ask what exactly it is that I do here. Hold on. That part is coming. The truth is… it was kismet. Or Fate. Or Divine Appointment. Or p
Liz Witt-LeeMay 12, 2025
Our Team Approach
Here at Meridian, we often focus on our firm’s structure as a key reason why clients want to work with us: an independent, fee-only fiduciary. We feel that it is the best way to avoid any conflicts of interest and give unbiased guidance. However, one other unique aspect of Meridi
Nathan GilbertMay 6, 2025