“Hi-Tech Investing. Human Advice.”
Welcome, I’m Jeff Ackler, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner, Wealth Management Advisor with Merit Financial Group and SmartVestor Pro. We understand that individuals face unique challenges as they build wealth, plan for the future, and enjoy retirement. We can help take the mystery out of preparing for tomorrow and living for today. Whether your goals include preparing for or managing wealth in retirement, saving for college, or preparing your estate plan, our personalized service focuses on your needs, wants, and financial goals and objectives. Contact us now for your Complimentary Consultation!
The SmartVestor Program is a directory of investment professionals. Dave Ramsey, SmartVestor and Ramsey Solutions are not affiliates of Merit Financial Advisors, Merit Financial Group, LLC or LPL Financial.
Helpful Content
Top New Digital Tools for Small Businesses
Apps that help small business owners better manage and grow their business.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
How Insurance Deductibles Work
Knowing how insurance deductibles work can help you save money and give you peace of mind.
Spotting Credit Trouble
The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.
Budget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time
Tax preparation may be the perfect time to give the household budget a check-up.
Financial Aid for Students 101
Help your college-bound child explore scholarships, grants, and more with this article on paying for higher education.
Social Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive
Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process.
When to Self-Insure
Choosing to bear the financial burden of an adverse event is called self-insuring. Do you know what that entails?
View all articles 
What Is My Current Cash Flow?
Assess whether you are running “in the black” or “in the red” each month.
Inflation & Retirement
Estimate how much income may be needed at retirement to maintain your standard of living.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.
Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
View all calculators
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
Tax Management Strategies
Learn more about taxes, tax-favored investing, and tax strategies.
Keys to Investing for Retirement
There are some key concepts to understand when investing for retirement
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Retirement Plan Distributions
There are a number of ways to withdraw money from a qualified retirement plan.
View all presentations
When Do You Need a Will?
When do you need a will? The answer is easy: Right Now.
Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now
Have you found yourself suddenly single? Here are 3 steps to take right now.
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?
Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
Keeping Up with the Joneses
Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?
Women and Retirement
Women must be ready to spend, on average, more years in retirement than men.