“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
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
Forecast
The market is as unpredictable as the weather. We’d love to help you prepare.
Understanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets
An inside look at how marginal income tax brackets work.
The Anatomy of an Index
The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.
Tax Deductions You Won't Believe
Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some that were, uh, too creative.
Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date
Executors can value the estate on the date of death, or on its six-month anniversary —the “Alternate Valuation Date."
Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
View all articles 
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Determine your potential long-term care needs and how long your current assets might last.
Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
What's My Potential Estate Tax?
This calculator helps estimate your federal estate tax liability.
Doubling Your Money
This calculator demonstrates the power of compound interest.
View all calculators
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
Tax Management Strategies
Learn more about taxes, tax-favored investing, and tax strategies.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
View all presentations
When Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
The Latte Lie and Other Myths
Do you know these three personal finance sayings?
Exit Strategies of the Rich and Famous
Estate conservation is too important to put off. Do you have a smart exit strategy?
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.