Ryan Bly, CPFA, CEPA

01/08/2026

Reflecting on my favorite session from our Advisor Symposium: "Face of Wealth: Working With Women Investors."

It's essential for advisors to cultivate relationships with all clients, not just the spouse interested in investing. If you notice that your advisor is primarily engaging with your partner while overlooking your needs, consider reaching out. You deserve an advisor who listens, builds a relationship with you to better understand your goals, and addresses your concerns on your terms.

The session was expertly moderated by Laura Combs and featured a distinguished panel including Khane Krause, Head of Client Communities at Dimensional Fund Advisors, and Fiona Greig, Global Head of Investor Research and Policy at Vanguard. Their insights were invaluable in emphasizing the importance of inclusive advisory practices with women investors.

11/24/2025

Many people feel anxious about meeting with a wealth advisor. I compare it to that nervous feeling before a dentist appointment. You don’t want to be judged, but you know skipping checkups can lead to bigger problems later.

Today, I’m at a dentist’s office meeting with 401(k) participants for their financial “checkups.” It’s a great reminder that small, consistent reviews can prevent major issues down the road.

When was the last time you had a financial checkup to make sure you’re on track to reach your goals?

11/21/2025

Every financial decision matters, especially when you’re making them on your own.

For single women, financial independence means having control over how you grow wealth, prepare for retirement, and shape your future.

At Mercer Advisors, we help women create personalized plans that support their independence and long-term success.

Discover how we help women build financial independence on their terms. https://buff.ly/V5bZ0n7

11/20/2025

Managing money, career, and family isn’t easy, but more women are doing it every day and doing it well.

At Mercer Advisors, we understand that being the breadwinner comes with unique challenges. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of wealth, balance career and family goals, and build a plan that supports your success and security today and in the future.

Explore how we support women primary earners. https://buff.ly/DAd7sQ6

11/19/2025

Did you know that in the first sesson of The Office, the actors would bring in their actual bills to make it look authentic and like they were really doing paperwork? What are your small tasks that you've put off that now seem insurmountable? Would anyone do an in person or Zoom Admin Night?

"Six years ago, after watching my circle of friends surrender one too many evenings to insurance wrangling and doctor portals and DMV confusion, I emailed them a proposal: Come over next Tuesday. Grab a six pack. And bring your bills, your credit-card statements, your school forms, the streaming services you need to unsubscribe from, the airline miles you need to manage, the expenses app you need to figure out.

I’d be throwing the lamest party ever.

At the heart of this party was a truth that has gone under-acknowledged in recent years: We’re all sinking. We’re sinking into a quicksand of tiny, dumb administrative tasks. It is the most tedious quicksand imaginable.

I called my nerdy little party Admin Night. The premise: deal with the stuff we’ve been putting off, help each other when possible ('anyone have luck connecting with Comcast?') and make a fun evening of something onerous.

Right away we marveled at how productive we were. Having friends hammer away beside you, faces lighted by the same bureaucratic glow, somehow makes dreaded tasks manageable. Little projects postponed for years—closing a checking account, updating a will—become approachable when you’ve got a squad."

Here, Chris Colin makes his case for throwing your own Admin Night party.

🔗: https://on.wsj.com/4oZOgwZ

11/18/2025

Losing a spouse is life-changing. For many women, it can bring a flood of financial decisions that feel overwhelming.

At Mercer Advisors, we provide compassionate, comprehensive guidance to help surviving spouses navigate financial, estate, and tax planning. We go at a pace that feels right for you, while meeting important deadlines. Our goal is to simplify decision-making and give you confidence knowing you have a dedicated advisor and an entire team supporting you through this transition.

Learn how Mercer Advisors can help you regain stability and feel secure about your financial future: https://buff.ly/stR7aoB

11/17/2025

Did you know women own nearly a third of U.S. small businesses? Often times, these women have to carry more responsibility than other leaders, balancing their professional responsibilities with their family needs.

At Mercer Advisors, we understand the challenges women entrepreneurs face. Nearly 50% of our client-facing team are women, with many of them having led businesses themselves. We help women build strategies that reflect both personal and professional goals.

Learn more about how Mercer Advisors helps women business owners align personal and professional goals and plan confidently for the future. https://buff.ly/EICfjmy

11/16/2025

Automatic enrollment is easy. Intentional planning builds confidence.

Default settings don’t always reflect your priorities. Many employees are enrolled in 401(k) plans without considering how contributions fit into their bigger financial picture. Move from passive saving to purposeful strategy.

Discover how Mercer Advisors helps clients plan with intention.

You may be able to opt out of automatic enrollment in a 401(k) but might want to continue participating when you consider the benefits of staying. Learn your retirement savings options.

11/14/2025

Every year, my wife and I sit down to review our health benefits enrollment. Typically, it’s a straightforward process with minimal changes. However, one category that piqued my interest this time was Pet Insurance.

We decided to self-fund, but for those with senior pets or frequent vet visits, it may be beneficial to consider this option if your employer provides it.

Here’s a picture of our girls: Roan, our tripod tortie named after the singer, and Tesla, named after the inventor.

11/12/2025

If you’re a business owner weighing exit options, a 1042 Exchange can turn a tax-heavy sale into a more tax-efficient strategy. Implementing this strategy can be complicated. You may want to talk to tax advisors or financial advisors. Look for those who specialize in exit planning for business owners or business succession planning.

At Mercer Advisors, we offer tax planning and preparation in addition to financial planning, investment management, estate planning, and insurance solutions. Our comprehensive wealth management solutions are designed to integrate your financial and investment needs. Whether you’re a family or commercial business owner, we have specialists who can provide guidance.

Contact your wealth advisor for more information. If you’re not a Mercer Advisors client and want to know more about how we can help business owners, let’s talk.

A Section 1042 Exchange can help business owners defer or eliminate capital gains taxes. Learn eligibility and investment requirements, and strategic benefits for tax-efficient exits.

10/20/2025

The age someone chooses to start Social Security can impact their monthly benefits for the rest of their life.

That’s where the break-even age comes in. For most, it falls between 78 and 81. It’s the point where claiming early or waiting longer would add up to about the same total payout.

Understanding this milestone can help highlight when delaying benefits may increase lifetime income and when claiming earlier could make sense based on health or lifestyle.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why planning in the context of a complete retirement strategy is so important.

Read the full article to learn more.

Learn how to calculate your Social Security break-even age, why it matters, and how health, finances, and lifestyle can affect your retirement decision.

10/16/2025

Art is a passion, but it's also an asset with distinct risks and responsibilities.

Whether you already own a collection or are curious about how art can fit into your wealth plan, our latest article shares insights to help you think differently. Learn more.

Discover how to invest in fine art, manage risks, and integrate your collection into a wealth plan with expert tips on valuation, estate, and tax.