Financial Planning
FLORIDA! (And Master Planning)
As I write this blog, the Yakel family is working our way down the Florida coast. We started in Hollywood, and now we are working our way towards Key West. From there, we plan to head up to Marco Island and then end our trip in Orlando. Sort of a little sampling of Florida’s attr
Sarah YakelJun 25, 2021
Emergency Fund 101
Life happens Unfortunately, things can (and will) happen that seem to derail your plans or force you to hit the “reset button” when you least expect. While we certainly wouldn’t wish some of life’s unpredictable events on anyone, we know that at times, some (or maybe all) of us w
Sarah YakelJun 15, 2021
Connecting the Disconnect
Based off the recent headlines, it can sometimes feel like the economy is disconnected from the market. Take this headline for example: Inherently it’s strange to see that news of a disappointing jobs report would cause the markets to rise. However, investors are keeping a close
Sarah IrvingJun 8, 2021
Memorial Day Minute Read
We hope everyone had a relaxing, enjoyable, and safe Memorial Day weekend surrounded by friends and family. Meridian had the pleasure of enjoying the 96th annual Virginia Gold Cup and was proud to present the award for Race Three, the Allowance Hurtle to the jockey and trainer of
Sarah YakelJun 1, 2021
Are Inflation Fears Inflated?
As I mentioned in my recent Meridian Market Minute video post, headlines around inflation have started to appear as the next thing we should all be worried about. My colleague Sarah Irving also wrote a great blog around the topic back in early April. Since that time, the rate of
Nathan GilbertMay 25, 2021
Cryptocurrency and Speculation: A Case of FOMO?
At Meridian, we’ve been trying to not wade into the cryptocurrency debate—as any skepticism can illicit firestorms of angry mail from crypto fans. But, with cryptocurrencies back in the headlines throughout 2020 and into 2021, it has attracted a lot of attention from investors. R
Sarah YakelMay 18, 2021
The Best Things In Life Are Free, Plus Tax
This tax season has been really complicated due to all of the pandemic-related policy changes. But some people are being surprised by tax bills for a very simple reason: They aren’t having enough money withheld from their paychecks throughout the year. If you’re a W-2 employee, y
Sarah YakelMay 11, 2021
May the Fourth be with you …. and your online security
Federal tax returns and depending on where you live, state tax returns, are due in t-minus 13 days. As much of a headache filing your income taxes, or owing taxes, can be, experiencing identity fraud or theft can be a much more permanent and long-lasting headache. Unfortunately m
Sarah IrvingMay 4, 2021
Home Sweet Home
Buying your first home is considered one of the biggest milestones — in life as well as finances. It’s a big commitment, and there’s a good chance this will be the largest purchase you’ve made to date. If you are a first-time home buyer, here are five guidelines to assist you in
Sarah YakelApr 13, 2021
Rising – inflation and interest rates?
The theme of things increasing seems to be all around us. The temperature is rising, the hours in the day are getting longer (yay!), and the number of fowls in the Irving family are continuing to grow… Not pictured, three more chicks and three new ducklings…. send help! In the fi
Sarah IrvingApr 6, 2021
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes (to tax rates)
Facing Financial Changes The first refrain of the song “Changes” by David Bowie contains some surprisingly apt lyrics for probable changes in tax rates: “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. Turn and face the strange. Ch-ch-changes. Don’t want to be a richer man.” Yes, there are some changes (an
Nathan GilbertMar 30, 2021
The Unexpected
March Madness is here, it is the season of surprises (we’re looking at you, Oral Roberts University…thanks for busting everyone’s brackets…). The members of Yakel family spent the weekend alternately crowing in victory or complaining in defeat, as our family bracket competition g
Sarah YakelMar 22, 2021