ABOUT MERIT ADVISORS
The most comprehensive and unbiased advice
Merit Advisors, LLC. was founded in 2005 for the specific purpose of helping clients find their "true purpose" for money and to obtain clarity, confidence, and understanding of their savings objectives in order to achieve success in their retirement planning.
Our team are "wealth strategists" which is defined as a financial professional who goes beyond typical financial planning to help identify your investment philosophy, understand your savings strategy, and provide discipline throughout your retirement planning experience. In addition to helping his clients identify the right strategy, he helps keep his clients' decisions and behavior regarding their savings strategies on track for achieving the results they desire.
This business approach has led to hundreds of long-lasting, mutually satisfying relationships with his clients, many of whom he would call his dear friends.
​
Independent thinking
We can achieve our mission because our independence allows us to have access to hundreds of the most competitive products with the best rates so that we are able to customize a financial plan that is made just for you and your unique situation.
​
Leadership team
Our leadership team is consistently a leader in their field; staying educated and staying on the cutting edge of laws, regulations, and industry news.
Specifically, J.B. (Burke) Howard is a proud member of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and a "Live Abundant" TEAM Member. In addition, he holds certifications from the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) organizations and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation.
J.B. (Burke) Howard
RFC©, CSA, CLU©, Wealth Strategist
J.B. began in the financial services business in 2002 during the height of the economic recession. He joined a small, independent, family office run by his father-in-law - with 40+ years of experience - who mentored J.B. for over a decade.
He was drawn to the financial services industry as a result of a family loss and the scarcity of economic strength that was directly related to the lack of proper financial planning.
Due to the initial experience with market volatility - adopted a "safe money" retirement planning perspective that allows clients to participate in market appreciation while protecting wealth from intermittent economic downturns and volatility. Just as important as protecting against market downturns is avoiding increased taxation.
As a result, the vast majority of strategies that are implemented by J.B. with clients are protected from traditional market downturns and are tax-free in nature.
​
J.B. is the proud husband of Krista and the father of two young children. They live on a small farm in Gambier, Ohio, and care for a multitude of animals; including alpacas, sheep, chickens, and bees. He spends much of his free time enjoying adventures with his family, mountain biking , fishing, running, and attending religious activities.
Susan Yang
Client Relations Manager
Susan Yang is a valuable member of the Merit Advisors office; providing administrative assistance to the wealth strategists as well as managing office operations.
She applies the same dedication, leadership responsibilities, and skills needed from her continued professional service to the team. She makes it her personal responsibility to ensure each one of our clients is completely satisfied with their experience. "I truly enjoy," Susan states, "being part of a successful advisory team that is making a difference in our clients long-term financial security and wellness."
When she isn't in the office engaging with clients, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Jason Parrish
Wealth Strategist
As an independent financial advisor and an active member of the community, Jason Parrish, Wealth Strategists of Merit Advisors, is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses attain peace of mind and financial freedom.
For years, he studied the characteristics of wealth accumulation vehicles and have come to the conclusion that there’s an underlining commonality with the individuals who are best positioned for financial success. All of these individuals have been educated on the financial principles of how to grow, protect, and transfer wealth.
