“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
Volunteering in Retirement
For many, retirement includes contributing their time and talents to an organization in need.
Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?
Lifestyle considerations in creating your retirement portfolio.
Social Security: The \$64,000 Question
One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits.
Trends in Charitable Giving
Some people may want a more advanced gifting strategy that can maximize their gift and generate potential tax benefits.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
The Cost of Procrastination
Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial dreams and goals.
Creative Ways to Motivate Your Employees
Five creative (and inexpensive) ideas for motivating your employees.
Prevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds
Couples may be able to head off many of the problems in a marriage that money can cause.
Social Security: The Elephant in the Room
Some people wonder if Social Security will remain financially sound enough to pay the benefits they are owed.
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Social Security Taxes
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be considered taxable.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).
What Is My Current Net Worth?
Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
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Saving for College 101
Here’s a crash course on saving for college.
The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
Should You Ever Retire?
A growing number of Americans are pushing back the age at which they plan to retire. Or deciding not to retire at all.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
What to Do When You Lose Your Wallet
Ever lost your wallet? Frustrating. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe.