“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
IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty
The list of IRA withdrawals that may be taken without incurring a 10% early penalty has grown.
Password Protection Strategies
Simple steps may help you foil hackers and protect your privacy.
Thinking of Retiring Abroad?
However exciting retiring abroad may sound, it deserves considerable planning.
Filing Final Tax Returns for the Deceased
The federal government requires deceased individuals to file a final income tax return.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Retirement Realities
Many pre-retirees can become focused on the “ideal” retirement, but turning that dream into a reality can be tricky. This content piece was written to help clients manage their expectations while maintaining optimism for the future.
How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?
Knowing the rules may help you decide when to start benefits.
View all articles 
Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
Paying Off a Credit Card
Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.
Potential Income from an IRA
Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
View all calculators
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
View all presentations
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
The Power of Compound Interest
Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.
When Do You Need a Will?
When do you need a will? The answer is easy: Right Now.
Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities
What is your plan for health care during retirement?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.