Sarah K. Pham, CFP: Wealth Advisor, Mercer Advisors

03/12/2026

In his recent appearance on Bloomberg TV, Mercer Advisors CIO Don Calcagni provides a calming and thoughtful voice about managing through uncertain markets. Don discusses the importance of maintaining a globally diversified portfolio. The key for investors is to stay diversified and not make reactive decisions based on short-term fear.

Access the full recording here:
https://bit.ly/4di0ygW

12/17/2025

Estate planning isn’t only about how your assets are distributed. It’s about keeping your wishes private, avoiding delays, and staying in control.

Understanding the difference between a will and a trust is essential, especially if your financial life is complex.

Whether you’re managing real estate, RSUs, or a family business, this article by Jasna Veledar breaks down the pros and cons of each and explains why a revocable living trust might be the right fit for your goals.

Learn the key differences between a will and a living trust. Consider estate planning strategies for cost, ease, taxes, and more. Use our checklist to decide which option fits your goals.

12/15/2025

In life and finances, you can’t predict the unexpected, but you can prepare for it. If you own property, host often, or have significant assets, umbrella insurance might be a smart addition to your financial plan.

Learn how this extra layer of protection fits into a comprehensive strategy. https://buff.ly/1uYnhBh

Umbrella insurance provides added coverage to policies like auto and homeowners. And umbrella insurance can cover different areas of liability. Find out if you need umbrella coverage.

12/12/2025

Thanks to the 2025 gift tax exclusion increase, there’s more flexibility to support the people and causes you care about.

Whether it’s a one-time gift or part of a bigger plan, knowing the rules can help you give wisely. Take a look at our latest article to see how it works.

The IRS raised the annual gift tax exclusion. In 2025, you can give up to $19K tax-free per person. Learn how the gift tax exclusion works and what it means for your estate and tax planning.

12/10/2025

Back-to-school season is a reminder of how quickly the future arrives. For many families, planning for college is one of the most important financial decisions they will face.

Explore our practical guide to higher education for steps on how to evaluate schools, understand true costs, and make informed choices that align with long-term financial goals.

Plan for college costs with tips on applications, scholarships, savings, and aid strategies to help make higher education more affordable.

12/08/2025

The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates for the first time since 2024 and signaled more cuts could be on the way. Markets rallied, but the bigger question is: what does this mean for investors like you?

In our latest article, Chief Investment Officer Donald Calcagni explains:

✔️How the Fed's "dual mandate" is shaping today's decisions
✔️The mixed signals in inflation and employment data
✔️What lower rates could mean for bonds, equities and the dollar

To better understand how the Fed's actions may affect the markets and your financial plans, read the full article.

The Federal Reserve’s first rate cut of the year has important implications for investors, but the economic outlook is deeply uncertain, says Mercer Advisors CIO Don Calcagni

12/04/2025

When parents think about saving for their child’s future, college is usually the first priority. But retirement can be part of the plan too.

Depending on your goals, a custodial Roth IRA or 529 plan may make sense. Each offers distinct benefits, from helping kids build long-term savings to covering education costs.

Families today have more flexibility than ever. Exploring the differences between these accounts can be the first step toward choosing the path that fits your family’s goals. Learn more about how these accounts work.

Discover how a custodial Roth IRA works, who can open one, IRS rules, and how it compares to traditional Roth and 529 plans. Learn how to help your child start saving for the future today.

11/21/2025

Don't let your estate plan gather dust!

Whether it's marriage, kids, or new assets, staying up-to-date helps ensure your wishes are honored. Keep your plan current.

There are three main circumstances that may require you to review and update your estate plan. Mercer Advisors can help you identify when you should update your estate plan.

11/19/2025

OBBBA introduces an auto loan interest deduction that’s being promoted as a tax break. But here is the reality. This “break” could cost you more over time.

Understanding how new laws could affect your financial plan is critical. Our latest article breaks down what this change really means, so you can make confident decisions about your money.

Learn how the One Big Beautiful Bill auto loan interest deduction works, who qualifies, and why it may not be the best financial move despite the tax break.

11/17/2025

Higher ed employees can face challenges when it comes to pensions and retirement savings.

Some institutions offer traditional defined benefit (DB) pensions, while others rely on defined contribution (DC) plans like 403(b)s. Understanding the difference — and what it means for your financial future — is essential. Explore the details in our latest article.

If you’re a professor with questions about pension planning, this article provides answers to five common inquiries about pensions, retirement plans, taxes, and financial planning.

11/14/2025

Have you heard? New IRA and IRA CD accounts can no longer be opened at American Express, and existing accounts must be closed by Nov. 17, 2025.

Whether this change affects you or you want to be prepared for a similar scenario, it’s important to understand your options.

In our latest article, we’ve outlined the steps you can take to help safeguard your retirement savings.

If your financial institution has discontinued its IRA products, you need to act. We’re here to help you understand your options and make the process as smooth as possible.