Category
Financial Planning
Smart Saving for Kids: How to Use 529 Plans, Custodial Roth IRAs, and Custodial Accounts
As Sarah mentioned in her blog last week, April is Financial Literacy Month! This annual observance aims to raise public awareness about the importance of financial literacy and encourage smart money management habits. As with so many habits, starting good money management and savings habits young is a great way to
The Benefits of Financial Literacy and Working with a Financial Advisor
The month of April feels like a breath of fresh air to our family (figuratively and literally). Spring brings longer days, warmer temperatures, beautiful scenery, and the chance to celebrate new life at my dad’s farm. The month of April is also very special as it is Financial Literacy month! In today’s
Does money buy happiness?
It’s a questions that psychologists, economists, philosophers, and Meridian advisors alike have sought to answer. Over the past few years, studies have found that in general, yes, money does buy happiness. But the real answer is more nuanced than that. Revisiting the $75,000 Happiness Plateau In 2010, Daniel
Financial Moves You Can Still Make Before Filing Your Taxes This Year
Tax season is in full swing, 1099s are all finally released, and while you may be preparing to file, there are still some last-minute financial moves you can make to maximize your refund or reduce your tax liability before April 15th 2025. 1. Contribute to an IRA One of the best last-minute tax-saving moves is
Short-Term Investment Options in Volatile Markets
Greetings from Meridian, and we hope you are all enjoying some slightly warmer weather wherever you are. In Virginia, it feels like we are turning a corner toward Spring, but we might be in for one more cold snap as per usual. As market volatility increases, so does the temptation to “get out” of the […]
Renting vs. Owning a Home: The Pros and Cons
When it comes to finding a place to live, one of the most significant decisions many people face is whether to rent or to buy a home. Both options come with distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the decision often depends on personal circumstances, financial goals, and lifestyle preferences. Whether you’re a
Keeping the Long View Amid Change and Chaos
The last few weeks have felt like total chaos—at home, our routine schedule has been upended with weather-related school cancellations, kids with the flu, and late nights of basketball games. At Meridian, we’ve been working hard on the usual year end reporting and tax preparation tasks, as well as rebalancing
Understanding Retirement Accounts
When it comes to planning for retirement, there are a variety of savings vehicles to help you save for the future. Each type of retirement account offers its own set of benefits, tax advantages, and eligibility requirements. Whether you are just starting your career or nearing retirement, it’s important to
Resilience and Risk: Navigating the 2025 US Economy
To everyone that hates the month of January, we are almost through! January has a tendency to feel like the longest month of the year; however, with the plethora of information, data, and events for us to mull over and consider for our clients’ portfolios (not to mention keeping up with the unpredictable weather!)