4.23.24

Meriwether introduces values-based strategies

Meriwether offers financial planning and investment management services for faith-driven investors. For many of our clients, faith and values are an integral part of their lives, and we believe that their investments should reflect those principles. That is why we offer values-based investment strategies designed to align clients’ financial goals and investments with their values and beliefs.

Our values-based investment approach carefully screens and selects mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that work to exclude companies engaged in activities that may conflict with faith-driven values, such as tobacco, gambling, or abortion. Instead, these funds prioritize companies that uphold responsible business practices and contribute positively to society.

We offer these values-based funds in five investment strategies that are based on various risk levels, so that these investments can be available to clients with varying investment objectives and risk tolerances.

We invite you to have conversations with us about values-based investments and discover how you can invest with purpose and align your investments with your faith. Our team of experienced advisors is here to guide you through this process.

Scholarship recipients announced

Bethany Colvin (Ruston High) & Heather Stroup (Ouachita Parish High)

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Meriwether Scholarship! Forty-two (42) scholarship applications were received from high school seniors across North Louisiana. A selection committee composed of Meriwether clients reviewed the applications, essays, and accompanying recommendation letters to determine the top two applicants. These students will each receive $1,000 scholarships to their college or university of choice:

Bethany Colvin, a Ruston High School senior who plans to attend Louisiana Tech University and major in human development and family science
Heather Stroup, a Ouachita Parish High School senior who plans to attend the University of South Florida and major in biology

Meriwether is proud to give back to our local communities. Over the past three years, we have infused more than $160,000 into our communities in the form of sponsorships, donations, and scholarships to schools and non-profit organizations. Meriwether plans to make this scholarship available to area high school seniors each year.

Introducing SEI Connect

New online portal and mobile app offer enhanced features

SEI Connect is a new and improved online client portal offering a clean and simple interface that is intuitive to use. Charts and graphs present financial information in a way that is easy to follow, displaying account allocations, performance, and cash flow. SEI Connect allows clients to connect external accounts such as bank and credit card accounts to see a complete financial picture, offering greater clarity on the progress toward your goals.

Clients may also download the SEI Connect – Investor mobile app for convenient access to their finances. The app is available on both the App Store and Google Play. SEI Connect – Investor features a mobile document scanner so clients can upload and store important documents, including statements, tax forms, and legal documents. Documents will automatically be shared with your Meriwether financial advisor. The app also includes an option to send a direct message to your financial advisor.

If you would like your financial advisor to e-mail you an invitation to join SEI Connect, reach out to us at (318) 377-1803. Once you accept the invitation, you will gain full access to SEI Connect and SEI Connect-Investor’s enhanced features and enjoy a more connected financial experience.

Understanding IRA contributions for 2024

As we navigate through the financial landscape of 2024, helping our clients secure their retirement nest eggs remains a top priority. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) continue to be a cornerstone in retirement planning, offering tax-advantaged growth potential for individuals across various income brackets. With the year approaching its halfway mark, it’s essential to understand the contribution limits and strategies available for maximizing your IRA contributions in 2024.

Contribution Limits

For the 2024 tax year, the contribution limits for IRAs have increased. Individuals under the age of 50 can contribute up to $7,000 annually across all IRA accounts. However, for those aged 50 and older, the IRS allows an additional catch-up contribution of $1,000, bringing their total annual contribution limit to $8,000.

It's important to note that these contribution limits apply collectively to both Traditional and Roth IRAs. Therefore, if you contribute to both types of accounts, the combined total must not exceed the annual limit.

Traditional IRA Contributions

Contributions to a Traditional IRA may be tax-deductible, depending on your income level and whether you or your spouse are covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k). For individuals covered by a workplace retirement plan, the deductibility of Traditional IRA contributions may be limited based on income thresholds.

However, even if you're not eligible for a tax deduction, contributing to a Traditional IRA can still provide tax-deferred growth, allowing your investments to compound over time without immediate tax implications.

Roth IRA Contributions

Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth potential, making them an attractive option for retirement savings. While contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, qualified withdrawals, including both contributions and earnings, are entirely tax-free in retirement.

One significant advantage of Roth IRAs is their flexibility in retirement. Unlike Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs do not have required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the account holder's lifetime. This feature allows for greater control over withdrawals and potential tax planning strategies in retirement.

Strategies for Maximizing Contributions

For individuals aiming to maximize their IRA contributions in 2024, consider the following strategies:

Automatic Contributions: Set up automatic contributions from your bank account to your IRA to ensure consistent saving throughout the year.
Utilize Catch-Up Contributions: If you're aged 50 or older, take advantage of the additional $1,000 catch-up contribution to boost your retirement savings.
Tax Refund Allocation: Consider allocating a portion of your tax refund directly to your IRA to accelerate your contributions.
Employer Contributions: If you have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b) with matching contributions, ensure you're maximizing those contributions before allocating funds to an IRA.
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your financial situation and adjust your contribution strategy accordingly. As your income and expenses change, so too should your retirement savings plan.

Disclosure: Meriwether Wealth and Planning is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

meriwether.com 1000 Broadway St., Minden, Louisiana 71055 318-377-1803

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