Meridian Financial Partners
Cheers to 10 Years!
Following up on my founding partner, Sarah Yakel’s blog from last week, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect and be thankful for Meridian’s 10 years of existence as well. In true partnership fashion, we did a blind draw to figure out who would cover what topic! We are both
Nathan GilbertSep 23, 2025
Reflections on 10 Years of Meridian Financial Partners
Next week, Meridian celebrates our tenth anniversary—and how things have changed… 😊 From 2015: To 2017: To 2021: To 2025: We’ve seen our children get taller, our team expand with talent, and Meridian flourish, now managing over a half-billion dollars for 575 families and organiz
Sarah YakelSep 16, 2025
Meet the Meridian Team: Hello, Kira
Financial advisor Kira Topeka joined Meridian in 2020 and now helps clients build personalized financial plans and navigate life’s many transitions. Her work is grounded in understanding what matters most to each individual and guiding them toward their goals with clarity and con
Liz Witt-LeeSep 10, 2025
Getting Emotionally Ready for Retirement
My husband turns a magical age soon – a fairly big one, where people seriously start to contemplate retiring. There’s been a lot of talk in our house over the last 6 months, maybe a year, about getting ready for “the big day.” Of course, we are considerate of the money side of th
Liz Witt-LeeAug 26, 2025
Meet the Meridian Team: Hello, Heather
Caring for people is at the heart of everything Meridian’s Director of Operations, Heather Riggs does. She joined the firm in 2021 after pivoting from a decades-long operations career in the home restoration industry. Known for cultivating strong team camaraderie, Heather thrives
Liz Witt-LeeAug 12, 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
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
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
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays from our Meridian family to yours! We are taking a break from the blog next week, so have a happy and safe New Year’s celebration, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025! — Sarah Yakel Blog Disclosure
Sarah YakelDec 24, 2024
Giving Thanks in 2024
While this year seems to have flown by, we wanted to take a moment this Thanksgiving to reflect on what we’re thankful for. From our families to yours, wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving. Sarah Yakel: I’m always thankful for my family and friends, but this year, I’ve been real
Nathan GilbertNov 26, 2024
So Thankful
This week marks the 9th anniversary of Meridian Financial partners — as we prepared for our annual client event earlier this month, we all had a moment where the tremendous growth over the last 9 years became apparent…and was truly humbling that so many people choose to trust us
Sarah YakelSep 24, 2024