Join us for a private educational event and learn how to legally divorce the IRS from your retirement accounts and build a foundation of tax-free retirement income.

In testimony to congress on how to "fix the nation's debt" problem, the Honorable David M. Walker, CPA, said:

“...the tax rate for the lowest tax bracket would have to be increased from 10 percent to 25 percent; that tax rate on incomes in the current 25 percent bracket would have to be increased to 63 percent; and the tax rate of the highest bracket would have to be raised from 35 percent to 88 percent.”

-David M. Walker in the 2008 CBO Report: The Long-Term Economic Effects of Some Alternative Budget Policies

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Phone: 614-686-3748

Email: info@meritadvisorsllc.com

Website: www.meritadvisorsllc.com

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Join us for a private educational event to learn how the OBBBA may impact your retirement—both now and in the future—and discover strategies to help build a foundation of tax-reduction retirement income.

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Join us for a private educational event and learn how to legally divorce the IRS from your retirement accounts and build a foundation of tax-free retirement income.

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As founder and president of Merit Advisors, J.B. Howard is an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) whose passion for financial literacy and client empowerment is rooted in his childhood.

Raised by a single mom who worked full time just to be able to provide the necessities for her children, J.B. learned the value of hard work and careful financial decisions. He began working as a caddy when he was 13, which eventually helped him attend college on a caddy scholarship and fueled his passion to become financially literate and share his knowledge with his mom and others so they could pursue their retirement dreams.

J. Burke (JB) Howard
RFC®, CSA, CLU®

Phone: 614-686-3748

Email: info@meritadvisorsllc.com

Website: www.meritadvisorsllc.com

In 2001, J.B. joined Dome Financial Services, an independent firm founded by his father-in-law, Rick Gostel, who had more than three decades of experience. J.B. went on to open Merit Advisors in 2005.

J.B. has passed his Series 66 securities exam and holds life and health insurance licenses in several states, enabling him to offer both investment strategies and insurance products and services. He also has earned designations as a Registered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter and Certified Senior Advisor.
He believes it’s essential to find a team that can navigate all aspects of a financial strategy – for retirement income strategy, tax-efficient strategies and legacy planning to wealth creation strategies and asset management.

“Find someone you can trust who will not just tell you what to do but who understands what’s going on in the world from a macro standpoint,” J.B. says. “Someone who can make adjustments to your plan according to your goals as well as what’s going on in the world.”

A graduate of Bowling Green State University, J.B. is on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Whole In One ministry and a member of New Life Church in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He also is a longtime supporter of Westerville Area Resource Ministry, The Navigators and the Alzheimer’s Association.

J.B. and his high school sweetheart, Krista, have been married for more than 22 years and have two children, Kyler and Kennedy. The family lives on a homestead in Gambier and cares for a flock that includes chickens, alpacas, two barn cats, a llama, a horse named Oliver, a chocolate labrador retriever named Finley and a pug named Mo.

When he isn’t helping clients, J.B. enjoys hiking, mountain biking, golfing, endurance events such as the 29029 Everest hike, paddleboarding and kayaking.

After witnessing his parents face retirement challenges, Brett developed a deep understanding of what matters most to retirees — clarity, confidence and a comprehensive strategy that helps supports the life they envision. This personal connection drives his holistic approach to serving clients in or near retirement, helping to ensure they are prepared for every stage of their financial journey.

Brett believes in crafting personalized retirement strategies that go far beyond investments. He focuses on retirement income and investment strategies, tax-efficient withdrawal planning, legacy planning, and creating comprehensive financial roadmaps designed to empower his clients. 

Brett Stahl
Lead Financial Advisor

He holds Ohio Life, Accident and Health Insurance licenses and has passed the Series 65 securities exam. Brett earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from The Ohio State University.

“Whether it’s our team here at Merit Advisors or someone else, find a team that can help you plan for the many challenges of retirement by offering your family a comprehensive approach.”

Brett and his wife, Heidi, grew up in Hilliard, Ohio, but have called Dublin home for 33 years. Their family includes their two children, Michaeli and Nicholas, and their Golden Retriever, Elo. Brett is closely involved in his community through his wife’s YogaSix Dublin Yoga Studio, which they opened together in 2020 amidst the pandemic with the desire to create a safe space for connection and wellness in Dublin’s Bridge Park area.

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Join us for complimentary catering from Chipotle at this fun and informative event as our 'thank you' for joining us!

Join us for a complimentary catering from Chipotle at this fun and informative event as our 'thank you' for joining us!