Retiring Today: Recent Episodes

Merkle Retirement Planning

Ever wondered about the future of Social Security? Need help creating a plan for Long-Term Care? What happens if you retire during a Recession?

Retiring in today’s world can be complex and complicated. Each week, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Loren Merkle and co-host Molly Nelson will tackle trending financial topics and apply them to your retirement. You’ll takeaway the important, need-to-know information about preparing for retirement and what happens after you get there. Retiring Today will give you actionable tips that you can use to reach your retirement goals.

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Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/44LdPbC

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, Retirement Planner Clint Huntrods and Loren Merkle are talking about the impact of the presidential election on your retirement, including: - An interesting historical perspective that can help you understand what to expect in an election year. - The story of a real couple and the changes they made to decrease the impact of market volatility on their retirement savings - A discussion on the parties – Republican and Democrat – and how which is in power impacts the markets - What can do to take control before the next election impacts your retirement savings.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Impact of election on personal investment portfolios.

04:57 Using predictive analytics to manage investment volatility.

06:34 Diversified investment strategy for long-term growth.

10:32 Recognize portfolio risk and take action now.

14:54 Debate over Social Security rules and future.

17:29 Social Security options can boost lifetime income.

22:06 Market performance independent of political factors.

24:36 S&P dropped, families reassured, financial plans discussed.

27:32 Plan your retirement with a quick call.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3wmPOLl

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

Retire early! Does it feel like a pipe dream? Maybe you just need a reason! We discuss 8 Reasons to Retire Early and the strategies that could get you there, including how to figure out if you can afford it, how to pay for health care, and the weigh both the pros and cons of an early retirement!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Exciting go-go phase, slow-go, and no-go.

05:10 Retiring at 62 with $7,000/month requires $1.5M.

07:36 Customized retirement roadmap answering financial security question.

12:55 Maximize contributions to Roth buckets if you qualify.

15:39 Roth may not be right for everyone.

20:02 Some companies offer healthcare coverage until 65.

21:58 Retirement savings handling and penalties explained briefly.

25:40 Retirement planning made easy with journey workshop.

27:35 Get retirement questions answered with a call.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4ageQtz

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

The IRS tax code is more than 6,000 pages – it would take more than 9 days to read! While the laws may be complicated, the strategies don’t have to be. We make taxes simple by discussing the strategies that pertain to you and retirement. We break down tax loss harvesting, Roth conversions, Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA), and more!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Plan retirement income to minimize taxable total.

04:24 Sell tech stocks, diversify, manage capital gains.

06:28 Use tax loss harvesting to save tax.

12:50 HSA for medical expenses with high deductible plan.

14:46 Maximize HSA benefits by allowing compounding growth.

17:14 Workshop uses John and Sue as examples.

21:18 Roth offers diverse investment options and flexibility.

25:12 Free workshop tailored to financial planning strategies.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xSVxc3

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

Retiring Today with Loren Merkle Host Molly Nelson share insight into inflation and retirement planning.- Discover why a modest amount of inflation is actually healthy for the economy.- Understand the impact of inflation on your retirement plans using real-life cost projections.- Explore strategic retirement planning to combat inflation's effect on fixed incomes.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Inflation impacts retirement, causing higher living expenses.

05:32 Eye-opening talk on inflation planning in retirement.

06:22 Strategies for saving money on taxes in retirement.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xSVxc3

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

Retirement Planner Loren Merkle discusses important income and investment strategies that can help you prepare for rising retirement costs.-How to design a portfolio with inflation in mind.-The connection between retirement taxes and planning for inflation.-The important role portfolio diversification can play in mitigating infation risk.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chapter

00:00 High inflation impacts working and retired individuals.

03:57 "Forever bucket: long-term investment for retirement"

06:33 Accounting for inflation, strategies into retirement planning.

10:05 Merkel Retirement Planning: independent firm for retirement strategies.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xSVxc3

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

Facing the challenges of inflation can be daunting, especially as you plan for retirement. Learn actionable strategies to maintain your lifestyle without falling victim to the rising costs. - Discover how inflation has changed the cost of living over time, with a comparison of prices from the past to the present. - Understand the difference between working and retirement investment portfolios and how to adjust accordingly. - Learn the importance of knowing the risk level in your portfolio and how to control it to outpace inflation.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Haley Gutschenritter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/haley-gutschenritter/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Retirement planning: Income, inflation, sustaining lifestyle.

04:59 Retirement affects portfolio; shift from risk.

06:47 Year three: working portfolio down 37%. Retired: down 10%, better recovery.

13:07 Remarrying after 60 may disqualify Social Security.

14:51 Leveraging complexity for lifetime Social Security benefits.

20:41 Evaluate risk to achieve retirement goals effectively.

21:33 Discover and manage risk in changing market.

25:05 Retirement planning workshop offers actionable financial strategies.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xK7HnC

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

In this video, Retiring Today Host Molly Nelson recaps our eye-opening episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle. According to ThinkAdvisor.com, there are $650 billion in tax savings that could be realized by retirees with the proper planning. Find out:

  • Why retirees are leaving money on the table

  • How to develop a plan that makes the most of your retirement savings

  • Why you can't just focus on investments in retirement

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Early proactive financial planning saves money later.

04:45 Long-term tax planning incorporates investments and spending.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xK7HnC

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

According to ThinkAdvisor.com, retirees leave $650 billion on the table in tax savings each year because of missed tax planning opportunities. What can you do to make sure this doesn't happen to you? Retirement Planner Loren Merkle talks about strategies that help you pay less in taxes and have more to spend in retirement, including:- Why many advisors need to shift their focus when helping people plan for retirement- The common investment that could be costing you more than you realize- A strategy that could lower your tax bill in retirement

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chapter

00:00 Financial planning for retirement at age 30-40.

05:37 Study shows significant tax savings in investments.

07:53 Early retirement may qualify for Affordable Care.

10:03 Annuities fees, evaluate before replacing mutual funds.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xK7HnC

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

Billions of dollars are left on the table each year that could be in the hands of retirees due to a lack long-term tax planning. We help you get that money off the table and into your pocket with long-term tax and income planning strategies that help you make the most of your retirement savings.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Retiring people face financial challenges, need strategies.

04:45 Planning Roth conversions to minimize retirement taxes.

06:52 Intentionally pay taxes now to defer later.

12:14 Analyze annuity type, fees, return potential, fit.

14:59 Have a plan before engaging in investments.

19:53 Tax plan neglect, focus on investments, missed opportunities.

21:52 Saving money for healthcare; importance of planning.

23:49 Efficient investments crucial for long-term financial growth.

27:02 Prepare for retirement through upcoming workshop.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4cLg96d

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

Will Social Security go broke? Retiring Today With Loren Merkle Host Molly Nelson recaps predictions of Social Security, including options lawmakers have for changing the rules. Understand this vital source of retirement income with these key takeaways.- The possibility of altering the Social Security benefits formula.- Grasp the expected percentage of benefits people might receive post-2034.- Consider the public's reaction to a possible reduction in Social Security benefits.- Learn what full retirement age means and how it affects your Social Security benefits.- Explore the factors beyond age that impact the decision to elect Social Security benefits.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Yearly COLA adjustments, uncertainty and future concerns.

03:47 Stay informed about Social Security to maximize benefits.

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4cLg96d

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

Knowing when to elect Social Security can feel overwhelming. With the possibility of 81 different election options for couples, the choice is anything but straightforward. It is more than just deciding between taking benefits at 62 (when you can first elect), at Full Retirement Age (66 or 67 for most people), or at 70 (the age at which your benefit stops growing). Experienced Retirement Planner Loren Merkle explains:

  • The impact Social Security decisions have on your retirement, with lifetime benefits reaching up to $500,000 for individuals.

  • The difference between taking Social Security early vs. at Full Retirement Age (FRA) and how health and longevity play into this decision.

  • Why factors like your investments, and your legacy plan should be considered when making your Social Security election.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.`

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xpdWx6

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

In this episode of Retiring Today discuss Social Security and the role it plays in a comprehensive retirement plan. We explore when you should elect Social Security and we help you understand which of the 81 Social Security options is right for you.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 The Importance of Your Social Security Benefit

04:00 Social Security Eligibility Rules

05:35 Your Social Security Break-Even Point

12:00 How Much Health Care Costs in Retirement

19:00 How Find the Right Social Security Options for You

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

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Learn more about building a retirement plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by booking a Retire Ready Call today: https://bit.ly/4adDED6

In this episode recap, Loren Merkle discusses how you can protect your retirement savings by choosing the right financial advisor who specializes in the financial services that are best suited for your stage in life and by creating a retirement plan that is based on realistic financial assumptions. These tips can help you develop a retirement plan that allows you to achieve the retirement lifestyle that you want for your retirement.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chapters

00:00 The Challenges of Retirement

01:18 How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor for You

03:05 Building a Retirement Plan Using Realistic Assumptions

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare yourself for retirement by registering for our complimentary Journey to Retirement online workshop: https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

Imagine a $10 million difference between financial plans. That's right, $10 million. Alarming, right? We recently met with a couple who experienced just that. Hear a recap of their story and find out what questions to ask to ensure you have a comprehensive retirement plan, not just an investment plan.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters:

0:00 The Importance of Choosing The Best Financial Advisor for You

2:10 Questions You Can Ask Your Financial Advisor

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/43rlPhp

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

Retirement is one of the most important decisions that you will make and there is a lot of conflicting retirement information that you may hear. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about what you can do to protect your nest egg, grow your retirement investments, and live comfortably in retirement.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Understanding How to Achieve Retirement Goals

01:40 Be Cautious of Mixed Messaging Around Retirement

02:52 How to Create a Realistic Retirement Investment Plan

07:05 Use the Right Assumptions When Building a Retirement Plan

07:47 Not All Financial Advisors Do The Same Thing

11:50 Can I Still Elect My Social Security Survivorship Benefit If I Remarry?

18:35 Questions You Can Ask Your Advisor to Know if Your Retirement Plan Is Realistic

22:50 What is a Realistic Rate of Return for Your Investments

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about building a retirement plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by booking a Retire Ready Call today: https://bit.ly/3TlkB2q

Retirement is so much more than investments. Did you know there are six pillars that hold up a comprehensive retirement plan? Retirement Planner Loren Merkle discusses each pillar, how they work together, and why they are the foundation of your retirement.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chapters

00:00 What is a Retirement Plan?

00:57 The Lifestyle Plan

01:22 The Income Plan 01:58 The Tax Plan

02:30 The Healthcare Plan

03:20 The Investment Plan

04:33 The Legacy Plan

05:50 Implementing Your Retirement Plan

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about building a retirement plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by registering for our online Journey to Retirement Workshop: https://bit.ly/3ve5nUV

Nothing about retirement is a straight line. There are twists and turns along the way. You don't feel the same, spend the same, or even invest the same during a 20 or 30-year retirement. That's why you can't set it and forget it when building a retirement plan. Working with a retirement planner means THEY should reach out to YOU throughout retirement. Find out when and why you have to update your plan throughout retirement.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 You Can't Set Your Retirement Plan & Forget It

00:45 What Are The Rules of Retirement

02:00 How Spending Changes in Throughout Retirement

03:03 Your Financial Advisor Should Not Be Setting Your Plan & Forgetting It

03:21 What Your Financial Advisor Should Be Doing

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3vozpFB

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

In this episode of Retiring Today we talk about how you can't just set your retirement plan and forget it. Many external factors such as legislation and life changes can have a big impact on your retirement, creating a need to make changes to your retirement plan so you can protect your retirement savings and maximize your retirement income.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Your Cannot Set Your Retirement Plan and Forget It

02:51 How Legislation Can Impact Your Retirement

07:22 Change Your Retirement Plan to Maximize Savings with New Legislation

12:33 The Three Phases of Retirement

19:40 Review Your Retirement Plan At Least Once Per Year

20:30 How to Build a Retirement Plan

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Start preparing for your retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3Tblc70

This recap video includes a list of questions you can ask your financial advisor to ensure you have the right person on your team as you head into retirement. Not all advisors do the same things, and not all teams specialize in retirement. Find out what to look for in a retirement planner and the specific ways they can help you make the most of your retirement.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chapters

00:00 What to ask your financial advisor

02:10 Is Your Financial Advisor Being Proactive?

03:00 Is Your Advisor Talking to You About Your Tax Plan?

03:45 Are You Working With A Financial Advisor or Retirement Planner?

05:05 Finding A Planning Team

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare yourself for retirement by registering for our complimentary Journey to Retirement online workshop: https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

What is your advisor's succession plan? It can feel like a difficult conversation to have, but it's an important one. After all, this is your retirement savings. If the person you are working with doesn't have a plan for you when they retire, it may be time for you to move on. Retiring Today Host Molly Nelson talks about the questions to ask, what to look for, and the importance of asking your advisor about their retirement.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters:

0:00 Is Your Financial Advisor Retiring?

1:20 Does Your Advisor Have a Succession Plan?

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4ay3D8f

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

In this episode of Retiring Today we give you some steps you can take if your financial advisor is retiring. From a checklist of questions you can ask your advisor to qualities you should look for in a new advisor.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Your Financial Advisor is Retiring, Now What?

00:54 More People Are Retiring Now Than Ever Before

02:30 You Don't Want to Retire With Your Advisor

3:40 Don't Let Your Advisor Get Picked For You

4:33 Your Financial Advisor Checklist

9:38 Do You Have the Right Advisor?

13:20 Social Security Survivorship Benefits

19:50 Does Your Advisor Have a Succession Plan?

20:45 The Team Approach to Retirement Planning

23:43 Developing a Recession Resistant Investment Portfolio

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Start preparing for your retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3VbxA9D

How does probate work? Do you need a will or a trust to avoid probate? Retirement Planner Loren Merkle breaks down the probate process, plus tips on how to make sure you don't make a common trust mistake.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chapters

00:00 The Probate Process Explained & The Cost of Probate

01:00 Is a Trust or a Will Best?

01:55 Which Assets Go Into a Trust

03:57 How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney

04:24 One Common Legacy Planning Misconception

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about building a legacy plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by booking a Retire Ready Call today: https://bit.ly/4a6ffiZ

What are you putting off - a dentist appointment, mending a relationship, thinking about what happens to your assets when you're gone? You are not alone. In this episode recap, Host Molly Nelson highlights the importance of a building a legacy plan and some heartbreaking stories of what can happen without a legacy plan. These stories may motivate you to take the first step to securing what happens to your retirement savings when you are gone.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 Don't Put Off Building Your Legacy Plan

01:30 What Is a Legacy Plan?

01:34 How to Retire Early and Avoid a 401(k) Penalty

02:02 Creating a Written Legacy Plan

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3VbxA9D

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/49NrPn2

In this episode of Retiring Today we discuss important mindset shifts when it comes to legacy planning. You will learn about the legacy planning process and whether a will or a trust is best for your situation. Loren even reviews 3 often overlooked legacy planning documents that can help you optimize your legacy plan.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 What is a Legacy Plan?

02:48 Legacy Planning Isn't Just for the Ultra Wealthy

04:08 A Will Does Not Take Care of Everything

04:50 The Government's Legacy Plan

5:50 The Differences Between a Will and a Trust

11:10 What is an Estate?

12:10 Plan Now for Your Loved Ones

15:15 Three Often Overlooked Legacy Planning Documents

21:20 Get Organized for Your Loved Ones

22:21 Update Your Beneficiaries

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Start preparing for your retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/

At age 59 1/2, many people have an important retirement to make: leave your money in a 401(k) or roll it into an IRA. In this recap video, Retirement Planner Loren Merkle talks about the advantages of leaving your money in your 401(k), including when it could save you money, at what age you can avoid early withdrawal penalties, and a little-known 401(k) rule that kicks in at age 55. But that's just half the story. You also need to know the advantages of rolling your money to an IRA. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp dicuss that during the full episode of "Isn't My 401(k) a Retirement Plan?"

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chapters

00:00 The 59 1/2 Decision

00:34 Reasons to keep your money in your 401(k)

01:34 How to Retire Early and Avoid a 401(k) Penalty

02:58 Building a Customized Retirement Plan

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about retirement income and assessing risk by registering for our complimentary Journey to Retirement online workshop: https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

Using terms like moderate, aggressive, and conservative to assess investment risk are subjective. What's aggressive to one person might be moderate to another and vice versa. When it comes to your 401(k), real numbers are the best way to assess your investment risk. In this recap, host Molly Nelson talks about how a risk assessment using real numbers helps you understand your 401(k) investments and make the proper adjustments to set you up for retirement.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters:

0:00 Why you should care about your investment risk in retirement

1:40 What you can do if you are not comfortable with the risk level in your investment portfolio

This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3wQnVLh

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/3wHyTTp

In this episode of Retiring Today we dive into the 401(k) retirement account and explore common 401(k) misconceptions, maximum 401(k) contributions, and 401(k) investment strategies that can help optimize your investment risk level. We also discuss the important role a 401(k) account can play as part of a comprehensive retirement plan.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 A 401(k) Is Not A Retirement Plan

01:25 The Advantages of a 401(k)

02:05 The Downsides of a 401(k)

03:08 Should You Use a 401(k) or a Roth 401(k)

04:15 Changing How You Think About Your 401(k) Investment Strategy

08:13 The Importance of Understanding Your 401(k) Investment Risk Level

11:01 How to Evaluate Investment Risk In Numbers

17:30 2024 401(K) Contribution Limits

18:15 The 401(k) 59 1/2 Rule

22:00 The 401(k) Is Not Designed for Investment Control

24:15 401(k) Withdrawal Rules

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/42YU8Mw

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/49CaTzG

In this episode of Retiring Today we discuss important mindset shifts when it comes to your retirement income. Discover key insights and strategies to help you navigate the transition from working life to retirement. Also learn how to you can start building your retirement income plan and understand how much you might need saved for retirement.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 How to Rethink Your Income in Retirement

02:10 Retiring Without A Pension

04:30 Does the 4% Rule Work?

05:18 Do You Need $3 Million to Retire?

06:35 When to Take Social Security

09:00 How to File for Social Security

13:00 Don't Use Rules of Thumb

16:29 How to Build an Income Plan for Retirement

23:15 Tax Efficient Income Strategies

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Discover more health care and Medicare tips by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/

Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop to take the first step in your retirement journey - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

To make the most of retirement you have to think differently about EVERYTHING – including health care. Today we talk about health care in retirement and how it may be more affordable than you think. We also discuss options that can help you plan for the expense of long-term care.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 Can You Retire Before 65?

02:10 Building a Comprehensive Retirement Plan

03:24 Rethinking Health care in Retirement

10:51 Understanding Medicare

13:10 How Prescription Drug Coverage Can Change Each Year

19:09 Planning for the Cost of Long Term Care

--

This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Discover more tips to help you get started with your retirement investment plan by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit -

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/

Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop to take the first step in your retirement journey - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

To make the most of retirement you have to think differently about EVERYTHING – including investments. Today we talk about how to rethink your investments, specifically how to build an investment portfolio for retirement, how to think about your investment risk in retirement, and what you can do now to put yourself in a better position to retire!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 Rethinking Investments in Retirement

02:00 How People Think of Investments Before Retirement

03:07 Building A Recession Resistant Portfolio

07:15 The 60/40 Portfolio Strategy and Why It Is Outdated

12:27 Investing Today is Not the Same as Investing 20 Years Ago

14:10 Alternative Investment Options

15:21 What a Investment Portfolio for retirement looks like

16:57 Annuities and Dependable Income

21:20 Rethinking Your Investment Risk

22:57 How Having Too Much Risk Can Impact Your Investment Portfolio

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Discover more retirement tax saving strategies in the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/

Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop to take the first step in your retirement journey - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

Retirement is a mindset shift – EVERYTHING changes including the way you should think about taxes. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp discuss how taxes in retirement can be different than taxes in your working years. They help you understand how you can begin to calculate what you may be taxed throughout your retirement and demonstrate tax strategies that can help you lower your tax bill in retirement

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 Rethinking Taxes in Retirement

04:48 What You Can Control with Your Taxes in Retirement

10:52 How to Calculate Your Social Security Tax Rate

20:50 Retirement Accounts: Taxed vs. Tax-Free

25:08 The Power of a Comprehensive Retirement Plan

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This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Learn more about how to retire confidently by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/

Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

Retirement can be an exciting and stressful time in your life. In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle we help you understand how to build confidence in your retirement vision by detailing three ways you can overcome your fear of running out of money in retirement. Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp explain how retirement strategies such as analyzing your social security options and creating a retirement budget can help ease your retirement worries.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 The Causes of Retirement Fear

04:34 Electing Social Security

06:02 Tax Savings in Retirement 06:52 Building a Retirement Investment Inventory

10:46 How Much You Need for Your Retirement Lifestyle

11:27 How to Make a Retirement Budget

16:51 The Importance of a Budget in a Comprehensive Retirement Plan

17:38 How to Make a Retirement Plan

20:13 The Psychology of Retiring

24:22 Starting Your Retirement Journey

This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

View Details

Are you worried about having a plan in place when you pass? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

ABOUT THIS EPISODEDo you think you have to work until 65 because of the high cost of health care? Maybe not. In this episode, we discuss how you can reclaim your retirement! Medicare Director AnnaMarie Morrow runs the numbers to show you what it could look like if you retire early and gives you some ideas about how to pay for health care. Plus, we talk about why you can’t “set it and forget it” when it comes to Medicare decisions and why you can’t ignore the high cost of long-term care.

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Don’t wait! Have a plan in place and DOWNLOAD your Succession Plan Checklist now at SuccessionChecklist.com

Are you worried about having a plan in place when you pass? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

When it comes to planning for retirement – we preach being prepared – and we emphasize “act now.” Your end of life is no different. Plan now for yourself and for your loved ones. Special guest Ryan Fredregill of Celebrate Life Iowa stresses the importance of having a plan for your funeral for when you pass and the best way you can accomplish that.

Ryan FredregillCelebrate Life IowaCelebrateLifeIowa.com(515) 689-5522

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Everything changes in retirement – including how you think about the legacy you want to leave behind. Find out which three legacy planning documents are often overlooked and how to make sure all of your ducks are in a row when it comes to what happens to you, your retirement savings, and your possessions.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Whether this is your first year on Medicare or you’ve been on it for several years, you should take a look at your plan each year. In this rebroadcast we discuss how revisiting your coverage and supplement could save you money and prevent surprises when you visit the doctor or pick up a prescription.

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Many Americans fear they will outlive their retirement savings. We discuss three ways to overcome your fear of running out of money in retirement – including often overlooked factors like inflation and taxes.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Clint Huntrods, PhD

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

View Details

To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

We get a LOT of questions about Medicare during our online Journey to Retirement Workshops. In this rebroadcast, Merkle Retirement Planning Director of Medicare AnnaMarie Morrow, answers some of your most frequently asked questions to help you make sense of Medicare.

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Jack Henry, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Get your retirement toolkit today! This complimentary toolkit includes a copy of Loren’s book Retire Your Way. Go to RetireYourWayToolKit.com To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

It may sound hard to believe, but a recent study finds many people fear retirement more than death. During this rebroadcast, we uncover what people fear most and discuss ways to face this phase more confidently.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Clint Huntrods, PhD

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

ABOUT THIS EPISODEA new phase of life requires a new perspective. Find out why you have to rethink taxes and retirement and what you can do right now to get to put yourself in a better position to retirement.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Jack Henry, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Get your retirement toolkit today! This complimentary toolkit includes a copy of Loren’s book Retire Your Way. Go to RetireYourWayToolKit.com

To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Social Security is a big part of your retirement income. We are rebroadcasting this important information to help you maximize your benefit. Find out what they DON'T tell you about Social Security!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

A new phase of life requires a new way of thinking about income. Find out why you should take a step back and rethink your income in retirement.

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Clint Huntrods, PhD

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

Crime. Investigation. Conviction – it's like your favorite show – but with important retirement information. “Detectives” Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp solve mysteries about taxes, investments, and more!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

Like your favorite detective show, we are solving retirement mysteries – but the outcome of this show could help you make the most of retirement. Join us as retirement “detectives” Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp solve mysteries about taxes, investments, and more!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

Owning stocks, bonds, and annuities may feel like a retirement plan – but investments alone aren’t enough. Discover what else you need to live out your retirement vision.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

More than two-thirds of pre-retirees have not met with a financial advisor. This could be hurting their confidence when it comes to retirement. What’s holding you back? Is it the unknowns of the process? Uncertain of the benefits? These ten questions will help you find the right retirement planner.

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

Congratulations, you’re ready to retire! Now what? Five steps to take when you are ready to retire.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

Whether this is your first year on Medicare or you’ve been on it for several years, you should take a look at your plan each year. Taking the time to revisit your coverage and supplement could save you money and prevent surprises when you visit the doctor or pick up a prescription.

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com

Hard working savers don’t deserve to be punished for doing all of the right things when it comes to saving for retirment. Discover three commonly overlooked tax savings opportunities (before they’re gone)!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Not all retirement income is taxed the same. We explore ten types of retirement income and how they are taxed. Avoid surprises and learn about steps you can take now to lower your retirement tax bill.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

A customized retirement plan – we talk about it all the time –but what do we mean? We break it down and explain why a customized plan is the only way to go when it comes to your retirement!

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Jack Henry, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

We are answering your most frequently asked Medicare questions with our Medicare Director AnnaMarie Morrow. From question to question - you asked – we answered.

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Jack Henry, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

You have to rethink the way you look at mutual funds as you get closer to retirement. What’s worked during the working years – may not cut it anymore. Find out the pros, cons, and alternatives to mutual funds.

Haley Gutschenritter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Get your retirement toolkit today! This complimentary toolkit includes a copy of Loren’s book Retire Your Way. Go to RetireYourWayToolKit.com

To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com

You’ve been paying into Social Security your entire career. Now it’s almost time to start collecting. You have to make a big decision. Take it now or delay for bigger payments? We uncover what they don’t tell you about Social Security!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

We are halfway through the year– so what can we learn from the first half of 2023? A lot! Loren breaks down this year’s financial news to help you make sense of the headlines, block out the noise, and find the opportunities ahead for 2023.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Get your retirement toolkit today! This complimentary toolkit includes a copy of Loren’s book Retire Your Way. Go to RetireYourWayToolKit.com

To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com

A study finds many people fear retirement more than death. We talk about what you can do to face retirement fears and enter this stage of life with confidence.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Clint Huntrods, PhD

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Get your retirement toolkit today! This complimentary toolkit includes a copy of Loren’s book Retire Your Way. Go to RetireYourWayToolKit.com

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at MerkleRetire.com

You’ve been paying into Social Security your entire career. Now it’s almost time to start collecting. You have to make a big decision. Take it now or delay for bigger payments? We uncover what they don’t tell you about Social Security!

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Get your retirement toolkit today! This complimentary toolkit includes a copy of Loren’s book Retire Your Way. Go to RetireYourWayToolKit.com

To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com

It’s the information you’ve been waiting for! Retire Your Way is more than just a mantra, it can be a reality with the right game plan. Learn more about what it means to stop dreaming and start planning for retirement with our Retire Your Way Toolkit.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Get your retirement toolkit today! This complimentary toolkit includes a copy of Loren’s book Retire Your Way. Go to RetireYourWayToolKit.com. To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up call go to MerkleRetire.com

Retire your way – sounds great, right? But how do you do it? It takes a plan. We discuss how to build a retirement plan and why it’s the best way to live out your retirement vision.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com

⁠Those on the verge of retirement face a difficult pension payout decision. Take the lump sum or the monthly payments? Find out how interest rates, inflation, and taxes impact your pension decision.

Haley Gutschenritter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

More than two-thirds of pre-retirees have not met with a financial advisor. This could be hurting their confidence when it comes to retirement. What’s holding you back? Is it the unknowns of the process? Uncertain of the benefits? These ten questions will help you find the right retirement planner to navigate your specific needs in retirement.

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

This week we are rebroadcasting one of our most popular episodes! “You’ll need 70 to 80 percent of the income you made in your final years of employment in order to live a comfortable retirement.” Maybe you’ve heard of this rule before. But is it true? Find out why this retirement rule may or may not work for you.

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Learn about everything you need to plan for in retirement! Sign up for our online Journey to Retirement workshop at RetireWithMerkle.com

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Owning stocks, bonds, and annuities may feel like a retirement plan – but investments alone aren’t enough. Discover what else you need to live out your retirement vision.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Take advantage of our complimentary online workshop and watch from your couch! Sign up for Journey to Retirement at RetireWithMerkle.com

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Original Medicare covers many medical and hospital services. But some of the things it doesn't cover might surprise you. You’ll need to plan to pay for some common medical expenses.

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Don’t wait! Have a plan in place and DOWNLOAD your Succession Plan Checklist now at SuccessionChecklist.com

Are you worried about having a plan in place when you pass? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

When it comes to planning for retirement – we preach being prepared – and we emphasize “act now.” Your end of life is no different. Plan now for yourself and for your loved ones. Special guest Ryan Fredregill of Celebrate Life Iowa stresses the importance of having a plan for your funeral for when you pass and the best way you can accomplish that.

Ryan Fredregill

Celebrate Life Iowa

CelebrateLifeIowa.com

(515) 689-5522

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Are you worried about how the debt limit crisis could affect you in retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner about your specific situation at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Retirement is a mindset shift. You are leaving the working years behind and looking forward to a new purpose – a new identity – and the time to pursue all the things you want to do in retirement.

Today we invite you to consider another mindset shift – we think that a comprehensive retirement plan includes a tax mindset transformation, and we are here to help! In this episode, we will cover three ways to rethink taxes in retirement!

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Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

View Details

Are you worried about how the debt limit crisis could affect you in retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner about your specific situation at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

The government has technically run out of money to meet its financial obligations and if the debt limit is not raised, it could lead to defaults on loans, unpaid Medicare and Social Security benefit recipients and a significant drop in the stock market. In the past, the debt ceiling has been raised many times with little drama. However, the new Republican majority in the House may use the debt limit as leverage to push for policy changes. The debt ceiling debate will be a major topic in the news over the coming months so listen as we dig deeper into this topic and how your retirement could be affected.

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Joy is such a big part of retirement, and studies show that those who enjoy retirement the most find things that bring them joy – it seems obvious but it can be difficult to find a new identity once you leave the working years behind. Today we are talking with speaker, coach, and joy connoisseur Lisa Even about how you can find joy in retirement.

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Lisa Even, Speaker, Coach, and Joy Connoisseur

LisaEven.com

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Do you have a plan for retirement? Worried about financially supporting your joy in retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

Do you have a plan for retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner about your specific situation at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Ready or not – retirement will hit you with a lot of decisions! What if you had a plan for these decisions, how much better would your retirement be? Today we have a showdown: Plan vs Decision, and spoiler alert: Plan wins every time!

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

View Details

This week we are rebroadcasting one of our most popular episodes! Follow along with Loren, AnnaMarie, Molly, and Richelle as they discuss the importance of staying organized with Your Retirement Checklist. This checklist could help you discover some important retirement action steps you can do right now. It could also help you decide if you are ready to retire.

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Are YOU ready to retire? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner or our Director of Medicare at ⁠⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠⁠

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®
AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare
Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today
Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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MerkleRetirementPlanning.com

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What challenges could you as a woman face in retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner or our Director of Medicare at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Retirement is different for women. You face many additional challenges that men may not in retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, we dive into those obstacles and how you could be better prepared for retirement. 

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Haley Gutschenritter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Sign up for our online Journey to Retirement workshop at RetireWithMerkle.com

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE
It makes sense that you may want to pass on some of your wealth to your children or grandchildren, but before you do it you should be aware of how the IRS may or may not tax those gifts and all the options you have for passing on your legacy.

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It is crucial to have a plan in place for your legacy after you are gone. Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at MerkleRetire.com

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®
Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today
Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Sign up for our online Journey to Retirement workshop at RetireWithMerkle.com

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Have you ever wondered how to decrease your retirement tax bill? It starts with knowing the ways each of your retirement accounts will be taxed based on your specific situation. In this episode of Retiring Today, we cover the taxing of Social Security, IRAs, 401(k)s, stocks, and more! Listen now to learn how you can be better prepared for taxes in retirement.

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Are you worried about huge tax bills in retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to get your questions answered and talk with a retirement planner at MerkleRetire.com

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®
Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today
Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Is Social Security still a myth to you? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to get your questions answered and talk with a retirement planner at MerkleRetire.com

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Social Security is an essential part of your retirement income – but with all the information and misinformation out there, the best decision can feel like a big mystery. We make sense of Social Security myths and misconceptions – and solve the case – right now on Retiring Today.
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Sign up for our online Journey to Retirement workshop at RetireWithMerkle.com
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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®
AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare
Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today
Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Want to make the most out of your investments in retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHU

2022 was the last year for the market since 2008. Plus- 2022's double-digit bond market loss was the worst since 1976. Miserable markets can be great news... but how? Today we talk about three reasons to be optimistic after a miserable market.

Sign up for our online Journey to Retirement workshop at RetireWithMerkle.com

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®
Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today
Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Is retiring in your 50s right for you? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner about your specific situation here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHU

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE
We are taking a journey through the decades - to help you live out your retirement vision! In this episode, we focus on your 50s. This is the decade where some are retiring, but most are still working and saving as much as they can to prepare for retirement.

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Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT®
Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today
Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Is retiring in your 70s right for you? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner about your specific situation here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHU 

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE
We are taking a journey through the decades - to help you live out your retirement vision! In this episode, we focus on your 70s. This is the decade when the government requires you to take money from some of your retirement accounts. We talk about RMD strategies that could help you pay less in taxes and have more spendable money in retirement.

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Sign up for our online Journey to Retirement workshop at RetireWithMerkle.com 

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®
Haley Gutschenritter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today
Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Is retiring in your 60s right for you? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHU

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE
We are taking a journey through the decades - to help you live out your retirement vision! What do in your 50s, 60s, and 70s – First in our three-part series.

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Sign up for our online Journey to Retirement workshop at RetireWithMerkle.com

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®
AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare
Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today
Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Are you wondering how SECURE Act 2.0 could affect you in retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHU

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SECURE Act 2.0 is changing the retirement landscape – again. This 300-page bill includes more than 90 retirement provisions including the rules around catch-up contributions and annuities. Here’s what you need to know in part three on SECURE Act 2.0.

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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Are you wondering how SECURE Act 2.0 could affect you in retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHU

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SECURE Act 2.0 is changing the retirement landscape – again. This 300-page bill includes more than 90 retirement provisions. Many change the rules around Roth accounts. Here’s what you need to know!

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Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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A new piece of legislation has been passed and you might be wondering, how could it impact your retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson are discussing how required minimum distributions (RMDs) are changing and how it might impact your retirement. This is the first in a three-part series on SECURE Act 2.0 and what it means for you. 

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Check out this special message from Loren Merkle and producer, Richelle Smith, on what is ahead in 2023!

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If you have concerns about how inflation could affect you in 2023, schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHU

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New Year 2023 brings with it some positive changes, believe it or not, all thanks to inflation. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson discuss the impact inflation and government changes have on your pre-retirement or retirement plans for 2023. We will go in-depth about tax bracket changes, updated contribution limits, Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments, Medicare Premiums and more.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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If you have concerns about retirement in 2023, schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHUi

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If you plan to retire in 2023, this episode is your guide! Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson discuss what to consider and how to get started with your journey to and through retirement. They consider legislative and stock market changes in 2022 and how to take that into 2023.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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If you have questions about the retirement red zone, schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call here:https://bit.ly/3bDqHUi

In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly Nelson and Chawn Honkomp discuss the red zone of retirement. Similar to football, you need to have a retirement plan in place and a team on your side to help you achieve your goals. Listen to this episode to learn how you can plan for your retirement, when to engage a retirement planner, and more!

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

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If you have concerns about when to take Social Security in retirement, schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call here:https://bit.ly/3bDqHUi

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86% of non-retired Americans 45 and older know they could receive higher Social Security payments by delaying benefits to 70 yet only 11% of respondents said they plan to wait that long. What about you? Should you wait until 70 or elect now? In this episode of Retiring Today, we dive deep into Social Security and when could be the best time for you to start your payments.

Source: https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2022/09/13/just-11-of-near-retirees-plan-to-delay-social-security-benefits-until-70/

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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With Thanksgiving just days away, we wanted to thank all our listeners! Whether you just found us for the first time or have been listening since the beginning, we are grateful for the continued support of our podcast. We will be back next week with a brand-new episode. Until then, we wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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What is keeping you from retirement? In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson bust through the barriers and offer solutions to some of the things that could be keeping your from retirement.

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If you have questions about the risks that could affect your retirement, schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call here:https://bit.ly/3bDqHUi

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There are many risks associated with retirement – inflation, the stock market, taxes and more. Retirement planners specialize in building a comprehensive long-term plan so you can feel good about where you're headed. On this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson discuss the strategy behind planning for these risks to and through retirement.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

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You've saved for thirty or forty years and as retirement nears you start to think about your transition to spending that hard-earned money. On this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson talk about the three stages of retirement spending and the strategy behind distributing your money to last the rest of your life.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

If you have questions about how to strategize your spending in retirement, schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call here:https://bit.ly/3bDqHUi

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How do you feel about 2022? Are you glad it's almost over or are you savoring the last couple of months of the year? In this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp and Molly Nelson talk about your concerns and questions about 2022, what to look forward to in 2023, and what you can do right now to take control of it all!

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Schedule a 15-Minute Retirement Check-Up Call here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHUi

Inflation has soared, interest rates are on the rise, and the stock market is in a slump. You want to retire but you may be wondering how? In this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp joins Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson in the podcast booth to discuss ideas on how to retire during a recession.

Are you wondering if you can retire in a recession? Schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call here: https://bit.ly/3bDqHUi

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You spend decades saving for retirement, taking advantage of tax-deferred accounts and traditional IRAs, however there can be strings attached! On this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about RMDs and how to eliminate the shock of surprise. 

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If you have questions about how you can avoid these surprises, schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call with one of our retirement planners at https://merkleretirementplanning.com/schedule-a-visit/

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Trying to figure out housing for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. Perhaps you are trying to decide whether to downsize or join a retirement community. Maybe your parent has considering assisted living or a nursing home. When it comes to making these decisions, there are an overwhelming amount of options, including how to pay for it all. In this episode of Retiring Today, Becky Montgomery of Senior HomeFinder joins us to talk about how to find the best senior living option for yourself or a loved one.

If you're interested in talking with Becky Montgomery or want to learn more about how she can help you and your loved ones, give her a call at 515-770-8831 or visit SeniorHomeFinderofIowa.com.

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If you have questions about your retirement journey, schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call with one of our retirement planners at MerkleRetire.com.

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This episode is all about celebrating our 100th episode of Retiring Today. We reflect on the topics that dominate our retirement conversations, the impact legislation has on your retirement, and what we are watching for next. Join Molly Nelson and Loren Merkle in this monumental episode of Retiring Today.

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If you have questions about your retirement journey, schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call with one of our retirement planners at MerkleRetire.com.

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The Federal Reserve raised benchmark interest rates by another three-quarter of a percentage point this week, and many are wondering how this will affect your retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly Nelson and Loren Merkle discuss four strategies you can implement into your portfolio to protect your assets against inflation. 

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If you have questions about your retirement journey, schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call with one of our retirement planners at MerkleRetire.com.

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Staying up to date on new legislation is crucial in keeping your retirement plan as resilient as possible. In this episode of Retiring Today, our Director of Medicare, AnnaMarie Morrow joins us to talk about recent changes to Medicare laws and how you and your retirement could be affected.

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If you have questions about your retirement journey, schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call with one of our retirement planners at MerkleRetire.com.

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Caring for a spouse or loved one can have a lasting effect on you and your retirement plans. Will you need to retire early? Do you know how to navigate your needs, as well as the needs of those you're caring for? In this episode, Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson talk with Caregiving specialist Kathy Koenig about the role caregiving can play in your retirement and things you can do to make the best of your situation.

If you're interested in talking with Kathy Koenig or learning more about her background, check out her website at CaregiverConnection.net

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If you have questions about your retirement journey, schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call with one of our retirement planners at MerkleRetire.com

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Defer, defer, defer - that's the age-old tax mantra. But could it actually be a tax trap? We explore why the money you’ve worked so hard to save in your 401(k) could be subject to a big tax bill and what you can do now to take control of your taxes.

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If you have questions about your retirement journey, schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call with one of our retirement planners at MerkleRetire.com

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A little planning now can go a long way when life takes unexpected turns. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss some of the items on our Spousal Succession Plan Checklist and the value they bring to the legacy you want to leave. Going through this checklist now can help put you at ease, knowing that if something happens to one spouse, the surviving spouse has a plan.

Download our checklist here: http://successionchecklist.com/

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There are lot of options when it comes to Medicare and healthcare coverage in retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, AnnaMarie Morrow joins Molly, Loren, and Richelle to cover some great tips for those electing for the first time and those who are several years in. Understanding all your options can save you money and help you choose the best plan for your circumstances.

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You've likely heard the rule that states: "You’ll need 70 to 80 percent of the income you made in your final years of employment in order to live a comfortable retirement." Sounds easy enough, right? But is it true? Today we talk about why this retirement Rule of Thumb may or may not work for your personal retirement goals.

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Everybody likes a bargain. Today we discuss why Roth conversions are on sale and how to implement this powerful strategy into your retirement plan.

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So far, 2022 has been a roller coaster. Inflation, rising interest rates, and Russia invading Ukraine have sparked volatility in the stock market. Throughout history, the stock market has gone through several ups and downs, including bear markets, bull markets, and crashes. We’ll talk about past crashes, the possibility of a crash, and what you can do now to protect your portfolio.

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Women face a unique set of challenges in retirement. It can be tough to navigate Social Security benefits, tax questions, and health care plans in today's world – plus what if you're widowed, divorced, or single? In this episode, we dive into these concerns and more that women face in retirement.

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If you're a woman about to retire or in retirement and interested to learn more, attend our upcoming in-person Women in Retirement workshop. RSVP at MerklePlan.com. 

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As you watch the stock market swing, inflation soar, and interest rates rise, you may be wondering, can I still retire or stay retired? In this episode, we talk about ways to take advantage of the bear markets and how you can develop a plan for your retirement now. 

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Interest rates are on the rise while inflation recently hit a 40-year high - this while talk of a bear market makes headlines. During this kind of storm, you may be wondering, should I invest in bonds? In this episode, we talk about the different types of bonds and ways they can be incorporated into your portfolio.

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Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have helped millions save for retirement. But because IRAs were created by government legislation, there are many rules and complexities that need to be understood and navigated. Listen to find out how to avoid some common IRA mistakes.

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Market volatility is on the rise. After a wild week you may be wondering, when will it end, how will this impact my retirement savings and should I be making changes to my portfolio? In this week's episode, Loren talks about the current swings and three investment strategies that will help you weather the storm.

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Iowa’s Governor has made some big income tax law changes. Today we talk about the new rules, rates and how they impact what you pay in retirement.

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Developing a legacy plan is the best way to ensure that your wishes are met at the end of your life or after you are gone. In this episode, we talk with Estate Planning Attorney, Charlie Bottenberg about how the process works. He tells us the difference between a will and a trust and the advantage of a financial power of attorney or medical power of attorney. Plus, he shares some great tips about deciding who is the right person to make decisions about your assets after you are gone.

Charlie Bottenberg

cbottenberg@ahlerslaw.com

515-246-0335

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How I am going to pay for health care in retirement? That question alone could prevent you from living out your retirement dreams. A plan is the answer that could help you feel retirement ready.

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You can’t “set it and forget it” when it comes to investments - you have to update your investment plan as you get closer to retirement. If you think about it as a slow cooker - you might turn the heat down on risk and crank up the temp on diversification. In this episode we talk about how the investment strategy changes as you head to and through retirement. 

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Tax Planning is one of the six components included in every customized retirement plan we help individuals and families put together. We call it Your Merkle Plan. In this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp joins us in the podcast booth to talk about the steps you can take to control taxes in retirement. 

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Retirement income is a new concept if you've been receiving W-2 wages for the last 30 or 40 years. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle discusses how to turn your retirement savings into retirement income. Plus Director of Medicare, AnnaMarie Morrow, joins us to talk about how the process impacts Medicare.

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Retirement is so much more than investments. It’s an entire lifestyle. In this episode of Retiring Today, learn how building a lifestyle plan is essential to your retirement vision and how Merkle Retirement Planning offers opportunities for fun, education, and connecting with your peers!

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What happens to my 401(k) when I retire? You have a lot of options. In this episode of Retiring Today, we cover two: leave it or roll it. Listen now to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both. 

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Are you ready for retirement, but don't know how to get started? Get organized with our Retirement Checklist. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about the things you can do right now to take control of your retirement.

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The IRS has changed the IRA rules. Again. In this Episode of Retiring Today, we decode the new IRS guidelines and talk about what it means if you’ve recently inherited an IRA. We also cover the questions that are still unanswered by the IRS and what distribution strategies you have for your inherited IRA. 

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Do you ever find yourself searching Google for answers to your retirement questions? In part two of The Web’s Most Searched Retirement Questions, we discuss more commonly searched retirement questions and their explanations. These topics range from taxes, RMDs, and choosing the best retirement account for you.

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When you have a question about something, you most likely turn to Google to find the answer. It's estimated Google processes approximately 63,000 search queries every second, translating to 5.6 billion searches per day and approximately 2 trillion global searches per year. On this episode of Retiring Today, we are answering just a few of the web's most searched retirement questions. We discuss retirement income, Social Security, and which retirement account is best. 

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How do I figure out how much money I need in retirement? What does a Retirement Income Plan look like? How do I access the money in my accounts once I am retired? We answer these concerns and more in this episode of Retiring Today. 

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In this episode of Retiring Today, we answer your most frequently asked retirement questions. From what is a retirement planner to Social Security and taxes, these are the things our retirement planners get asked the most. 

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You’ve probably seen the headlines with phrases like - Stock Market Slump, Dismal January, and Bears Beware. No doubt the stock market has seen some wild swings recently. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will discuss how these market swings don’t need to equal retirement swings.

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According to a new report by Financial Engines, 68% of adults aged 55 and over admit that they procrastinated setting money aside for retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss procrastinating and how it could affect your legacy plan.

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What factors will determine the economy in 2022? In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss the 2022 financial outlook including COVID, labor shortages, and the stock market. Plus, what you can do to take control of your retirement in the midst of the uncertainty of a new year. 

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According to a Business Insider 2021 article by Ben Winck, the average chance adults expect to work beyond 62 is 50.1%. That’s down from 51.4% in March and marks the smallest share since the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s survey began in 2014. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss the Retirement Resignation Revolution and how to know if you’re ready to retire.

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2022 is just around the corner. Is this the year you retire? Or maybe it’s the year you get serious about planning. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss five retirement resolutions you can do this year to help you get retirement ready!

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What happens to you when you’re gone is not a fun conversation - but it’s an important one. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are heading back to the classroom for Legacy Planning 101. We will tackle this tough topic plus provide you with the action steps you can take right now to protect the wealth you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

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For many, their retirement vision includes leaving a legacy for loved ones or charities. Those loved ones are often children or grandchildren. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about when, how, and if you should involve your children in your retirement planning process.

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Give and save. Sounds great right? In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss a strategy that could help you accomplish just that.

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When The Price is Right started back in 1956 a loaf of bread cost just 18 cents. In this episode of Retiring Today, we tackle the topic of inflation through one of America’s favorite gameshows. 

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Everyone wants a superhero on their side when it comes to retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about the superpowers of Social Security. Learn how to maximize your benefit and make sense of all of the options you have for electing this important piece of your retirement income. 

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When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! In this episode of Retiring Today, we have some fun fighting the ghosts that could haunt your retirement plan. 

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Do you have the right person on your team to help you through retirement? Many people tell us they have a long standing relationship with their current adviser - but are they the best person for the job? In this episode of Retiring Today, we tackle how to decide - what to look for in a retirement planner and how to break up with your current adviser, if it’s what’s best for your retirement vision.

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You live together. You’ve raised kids together. You’ve saved together. But should you retire together? In this episode of Retiring Today, we explore how to answer this question both financially and emotionally. 

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When you have a question about something or want to learn more about a topic, where do you typically turn? Google is apart of our daily lives. Account to a Google Search Study, Google Processes over 3.5 billion searches per day. Did you know about 30% of people get their financial information from a Google search but the results of a Google search are not your retirement plan. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about some of the common financial of Rules of Thumb, how they work and if they should rule your retirement.

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Turning 65 is a reason to celebrate! That’s because you are Medicare eligible - but trying to understand the program is no party. In this episode of Retiring Today, Director of Medicare, AnnaMarie Morrow joins Loren, Molly, and Richelle in the podcast booth to help us make sense of Medicare coverage, supplements, and the difference between Medigap and Advantage Plans.

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Compound interest is often called the eighth wonder of the world but how does it affect your retirement? In this episode of Retiring Today, we are talking about the power of compound interest and strategies to help you maximize this superhero. 

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Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are amounts that U.S. tax law requires one to withdraw annually from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss which types of investments these apply to, how they are calculated, and why they were suspended in 2020. 

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One in three baby boomers are unmarried. This group has to navigate some aspects of retirement differently than their married counterparts. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are discussing retiring single.

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The Game of Life was created in 1860 by Milton Bradley. The basic principles are simple - earn money, invest, retire. The game has evolved throughout the years but the goal is the same - reaching Happy Old Age. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss how adding in those life events like getting married, paying taxes, and searching for a job mirrors real life.

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You’ve worked 20, 30, or maybe even 40 years saving for retirement. Sometimes that retirement savings can feel like a junk drawer of investments. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren, Molly and Richelle talked about how to turn that junk drawer into a plan for retirement.

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2020 was not only the year of COVID-19 but also a wild ride for the stock market. The Dow Jones and S&P 500 saw the worst first quarter ever. March of 2020 was the most volatile month on record and the Dow Jones ended the year at record highs. If you don't like the idea of riding this roller coaster as your head to and through retirement, there are other options. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about alternatives to the stock market include bonds and fixed annuities. 

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"Do I have enough saved for retirement?" It's one of the most common questions and concerns we hear. If retirement feelslike a far-off concept or even unreachable, there are strategies you can do right now to boost your retirement savings. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are discussing 5 ways you can boost your retirement savings including evaluating your debt and maxing out your contributions. 

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When we recorded this episode of Retiring Today, President Biden and top Congressional leaders were meeting to discuss President Biden's $2.3 trillion dollar infrastructure bill. During this episode we want to look at some of the headlines associated with the plan and put them through the lens of a retirement planner.

Show Notes

Article 1: How Much of Your Estate Will be Lost to Taxes?

Article 2: Biden Tax Plan Could Hasten Shift to ETFs

Article 3: How Biden’s capital gains proposal may hit middle-class home sellers in red-hot markets

Article 4: How Advisors, Wealthy Clients Are Bracing For Huge Capital Gains Tax Hikes

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Traveling abroad. Workamping. Going back to school. These are just a few of the things that individuals consider when they are thinking of how to spend their time in retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are dreaming big and talking about how the dream drives many other aspects of the retirement plan.  

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According to a Morningstar report, 70% of people turning age 65 will need some type of long-term care services in their life and 24% of people turning 65 will require paid long-term care for more than two years. There are many costs in retirement you can plan for with a high degree of certainty. The fun stuff like visiting grandkids, traveling or living each day like it is Saturday. The necessary stuff like cost of living and taxes. One piece you can't predict with as much certainty is your health. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren and Molly are talking about rewriting the rules of long-term care. 

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Do you find yourself spending more time daydreaming about hanging out with grandkids, relaxing by the beach or doing your favorite hobbies and less time on getting up each day to go to work? If you've got the itch to trade your career in for fishing, volunteering or other fun then it may be time to retire. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk you step-by-step through the move after you decide it's time to retire. 

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We're often taught to use benchmarks to measure the success of our investment performance but as an industry we don't provide a lot of education around index construction. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about benchmark performance vs retirement performance. 

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Contrary to what we're often told, our product is not the plan. A retirement plan does include investments but the comprehensive customized plan incorporates a lot of other moving parts. In this never heard before podcast, Loren and Molly will be discussing the junk drawer of investments and the best way to organize them. 

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Retirement can be scary for some. With so many unknowns and unpredictable aspects, it's understandable you can feel scared at times. In this episode of Retiring Today, we breakdown some of the most common scares that may haunt people and how you can fight back with a retirement plan to help you achieve the retirement of your dreams.

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They say hindsight is 2020. But who could have told us 2020 would play out like this? How could the outcome of the 2020 presidential election affect you and your retirement vision? Find out in this special episode of Retiring Today!

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Whether you are a Trump supporter, Biden supporter, undecided or not interested in casting a vote, both candidates have plans for taxes, health care and Social Security that could impact your retirement. In this special edition of Retiring Today, we breakdown each candidate's plan and how your retirement could be affected by this election. 

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Market hate uncertainty. Election years always bring some uncertainty to the table as candidates from different viewpoints campaign and discuss potential policy changes. There's even MORE uncertainty with 2020 - elections, COVID and the consequent economic fallout, employment and education unknowns and whatever else 2020 wants to throw at us. In this episode of Retiring Today, Retirement Income Certified Professional®, Abby Huntrods, joins us in the podcast booth to talk how politics can play a big role in your retirement. 

Show Notes:

We Looked At How The Stock Market Performed Under Every U.S. President Since Truman - And The Results Will Surprise You

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Health care is a HUGE part of the overall retirement planning equation. From electing the Medicare options that are right for you to when is the best time to elect Medicare, there are a lot of questions that can come up. In this episode of Retiring Today, we uncover some of the mysteries, misconceptions and common questions about Medicare and supplemental plans with the Director of Medicare at Merkle Retirement Planning, AnnaMarie Morrow. 

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Most people think of tax season as January through April but as the end of the year draws near the window of opportunity for tax planning in 2020 is closing. When it comes to retirement, taxes are one of the biggest wealth eroding factors but if you implement a proactive tax plan you can control some of that future tax risk. During your working years there's much less you can do to control/limit your tax liability from year to year. When we talk about implementing a tax plan, we're focused on how to be most tax-efficient over your lifetime rather than saving the most tax today which historically has been the most common school of thought. In this episode of Retiring Today, we're going to be talking about some strategies to consider and information to gather prior to the December 31st deadline.

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What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow? How would your life change? It may seem glamorous to win the lottery or dream of a giant lump sum of money but the reality is, people who win the lottery are typically not accustomed to handling large sums of money given to them immediately and a whole host of problems can arise. The same logic can apply to those people who inherit large sums of money from friends or family members. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will cover how to keep your loved ones from Sudden Wealth Syndrome. 

Show Notes:

20 Lottery Winners that Lost Every Penny

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The old rule of thumb used to be that you needed $1 million to retire. Now, there are many in the industry who think you need $3 million to retire. If you didn't start planning for your retirement in your 20's or 30's, you are looking at $3,720 to $8,493 a month that you need to aside for retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, Abby Huntrods and Chawn Honkomp explore the idea of how much you need to save for retirement and if $3 million is really the new $1 million. 

Show Notes:

Retirement dreams: $3 million is the new $1 million

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We often say retirement has changed over the years - today's retirees don't experience retirement the same way that Americans in retirement did in 1950. WWII had ended, the economy was booming and the baby boomer generation was born. Now, many of those people born during the 1950s are getting ready to retire or have already retired. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss how much retirement has changed between then and now. 

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Next up in our Superhero series is the topic of Life Insurance. It is a topic that top of mind for a lot of people due to the Coronavirus pandemic landscape we are currently in. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will cover how life insurance can be sued in your retirement plan to create tax-free wealth for your loved ones, cover long-term care and also could be an income source. 

Show Notes:

FAQs About Insurance Claims Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

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Social Security is the backbone of your retirement. It can lay a great foundation for your income but should not be used as your only source of retirement income. In today's episode of Retiring Today, we are breaking down some of the top Social Security myths we hear from families and individuals as they prepare for retirement. 

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The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age has changed! In December of 2019, a major piece of legislation was passed and lots of changes came with it. How does the RMD age change from 70.5 to 72 in the SECURE Act going to affect your retirement? Tune into this week's episode of Retiring Today. 

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Next up in our Retirement Superhero Series is the Non-Qualified Account - an option that can supercharge your retirement and diversify your portfolio. In this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp and Abby Huntrods take over the podcast booth discussing the ways this superhero can help you meet your retirement vision. 

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Retirement has changed over time and the changes come in all forms. From corporate trends focusing pensions to go away to legislative changes, it can be hard to navigate what you should focus on in your retirement. In today's episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, we will be discuss retirement law changes, new investing options, and strategies to protect your legacy.

Articles Referenced in the Show:

Life in Retirement: The 1950s vs. Today

How retirement has changed in the last 30 years

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Worried about having enough money for your retirement? Income is the foundation of any retirement. It impacts almost all the decisions you make before retirement and in retirement. It also is the number one concern for pre-retirees. In today's episode of Retiring Today, we will explore the creation of retirement income and how to make it creatively customized for you and your retirement needs. 

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We've talked a lot about the Roth IRA and how powerful it can be in your retirement plan. Over the past few months, we've been working with our families to initiate Roth Conversions as we've experience unprecedented marketing volatility. In this episode of Retiring Today, Director of Medicare, AnnaMarie Morrow, join the team to talk about how Roth Conversions can affect your overall retirement plan.

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A powerful savings vehicle is the superhero of this episode of Retiring Today. The HSA is a superhero due to its health care benefits and tax savings. Director of Health Care, AnnaMarie Morrow, joins Loren Merkle, Molly Nelson, and Richelle Smith in the Retiring Today Podcast booth to discuss this powerful superhero.

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Many come into retirement with an employer plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), 401(a), 457, ESOP Plan, Pensions, and even SEP IRA or Simple IRAs. These plans are some of the easiest to set up and contribute to during your work years. But what about in retirement? In today's episode of Retiring Today, we will discuss different employer plans and how to utilize them in retirement. 

Show Notes:

Here's What to do if Your Company cuts its 401(k) match Match During Coronavirus

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There is a big difference between an accumulation adviser and a retirement planner. Many often use one or the other but you can really make the most of things by using both in your lifetime. In today's episode of Retiring Today, Merkle Retirement Planning's Investment Adviser Representative, Chawn Honkomp, joins the team to discuss the difference between an accumulation adviser and a retirement planning and when to make the most of these services in your lifetime. 

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We have defiantly seen a volatile market over the last few months and have officially ended a Bear market. Now Bear markets are normal, especially given the overall history of the stock market. But buy entering this new phase fo the market, it might have you wondering when is the right time to buy and when is the right time to sell. In this week's episode of Retiring Today, we evaluate your next market move and how you can prepare for the future periods of market volatility. 

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Introducing our Superhero Series! First superhero we are going to cover is the POWER of the Roth. Roth IRAs provide more of a benefit than ever before in today's "taxes are on sale" environment. Tax-Free money is always a good thing. Join us for a fun filled episode of Retiring Today!

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In the last three months of 2020, we have seen some of the most volatile market days insect 1929. Monday, March 9th and Monday, March 16th were some of the worst trading days in history with some of the largest drops ever. While some investors are used to volatility, this type of extreme volatility is unprecedented and something many have never seen in their lifetime. Pre-Retirees and Retirees are concerned and they have every right to be given the current circumstances. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are going to discuss market volatility and recession strategies - the dos and don'ts. 

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2020 has proved to be a game changer. Plans are not going the way many people had hoped or ever predicted. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss the risks associated with retirement and how you can manage those risks within your retirement plan.

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As millions of Americans wait on their stimulus payments, scammers are looking to take advantage. In this episode of Retiring Today, Julie Wagner - Compliance Officer at Merkle Retirement Planning, joins us to talk about these scams and how you can protect yourself. 

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Last Monday, stocks fell sharply with the Dow suffering its worst day since the "Black Monday" market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever. This was even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak. On this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp joins Loren, Molly, and Richelle to discuss why this time is different from 2008 and what steps you can take to protect your financial future. 

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What a week it has been for market volatility. Just Monday, the S&P 500 plummeted 7% at the open, tripping circuit breakers that briefly halted trading at the New York Stock Exchange. Plus global oil markets plunged after the implosion of an alliance between OPEC and Russia caused the worst one-day crash in crude prices in nearly 30 years. Then Thursday, a level-one circuit breaker was triggered yet again minutes into the opening bell after the S&P 500 dropped 7%. 

In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle breaks down what a Bear Market is, what you should be considering and why he doesn't see a recession is in the books for 2020.

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The coronavirus is now rattling our global markets. The Dow John Industrial Average plummeted over 1000 points or more than 4% in one day this past week as fiscal impact of the coronavirus is spreading. The losses mark the worst week for the Dow since the financial crash of 2008.

According to ABC News reporter Catherine Thorbecke, “The sharp fall comes as public head officials warn that Americans should prepare for community spread of coronavirus in the U.S. and as companies warn investors of supply chain issues related to the outbreak.”

The question on most pre-retirees and retirees minds are how could this impact their 401(k) and other retirement investments? In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss the market volatility, is your nest egg safe, and what it could mean for your portfolio.

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When planning for retirement, there's definitely a specific type of financial planning that needs to be done. When it comes to investing, accumulation investing and retirement investing are two completely different philosophies. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about the difference between your investing strategies during these different phases of life. 

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Social Security is an important source of income for retirees in America. Nonetheless, the process of applying for and calculating benefits can be tricky and complex, based on such factors as past income and your age when you choose to elect benefits. In this episode of Retiring Today, we walk through the history of Social Security and the top point to think about when electing your benefits. 

HeadlinesArticle 1: What to know for year two of the Trump tax plan

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Pre-retirees often come to us with the same questions "What do I need to know before retirement?" or "What should I be doing before I retire?" Preparing to leave full time work and make the transition from saving to spending can be complex and have lot of moving pieces. In this episode of Retiring Today, we answer the top frequently asked questions by pre-retirees including "Do I have enough money to retire?" How do I know when to take Social Security?" and "Do I need a financial adviser in retirement?"

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In a perfect world, retirement is easy. You make your plan, you give your two weeks notice, you celebrate your last day of work and then, before you know it, you are officially retired! The reality is that retirement is a third of your life, not a fleeting moment in time and as a major life phase, there is a lot of planning involved and it doesn't all happen at one time. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will walk you through a successful retirement timeline. 

Show Notes

Headline 1: New Law Amis To Help Americans Without Retirement Plans. Will It Work?

Headline 2: How To Pick A Fair Social Security Retirement Age

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With a longer lifespan and often less time building a nest egg, the stakes for women are higher in retirement, but these challenges don't have to sideline your planning. The ladies of Merkle Retirement Planning are taking over the mics in this episode of Retiring Today. We discuss the SECURE Act, what women need to consider when it comes to investments, health care, and how to plan to carry out legacy decisions. 

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The beginning of a New Year is often the time the people make resolutions. Whether you are 10 years out from retirement or ready to take your 30 year vacation this year, you are not going to want to miss this episode. We will cover how to plan for inflation, what is means to diversify your accounts from a tax perspective, making sure your accounts have the right beneficiaries on them and so much more! Plus, we welcome Merkle Retirement Planning Investment Adviser and CPA, Chawn Honkomp, to the podcast. 

Headline 1: Charles Schwab Acquires TD Ameritrade in $26 Billion All-Stock deal

Headline 2: Pot Stocks try to rebound from terrible 2019: ‘This is 2008 for the cannabis industry’

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Since 2006, the largest piece of legislative change in retirement rules took place last week and will go into effect January 1, 2020. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement or SECURE Act includes significant provisions aimed at increasing access to tax-advantaged accounts and preventing older Americans from outliving their assets. Lawmakers hope the new rules will do two things: encourage more business owners to offer retirement plans and encourage workers to save more for retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, we about the increases in the RMD age from 70.5 to 72 for most people, small employers banding together to offer 401k plans, the elimination of the stretch IRA for most non-spousal beneficiaries and spousal rollover traps. 

For more information on The SECURE Act, visit MerklePlan.com.

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What do you want to do when you retire? Do you want to travel the world? Do you want to live close to the grandkids? Do you finally want to get around those projects that have been pushed aside?

For many, retirement can be an exciting time to discover or expand a personal passion. As the daily grind of work and other responsibilities subside, retirees may have time to explore the activities, hobbies, or interest that can kindle a renewed sense of joy and commitment in their lives. But where is the best place to do these activities? In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk through what you should consider when choosing where to follow your passions in retirement, such as, cost of living, affordability of health care, and Loren's favorite, taxes. 

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There's one thing you can count on when you're dealing with Medicare - by the time you figure out the system, it will change. Those changes are coming January 1, 2020. The major of these changes will primarily impact those who are new to the government health insurance program. But this does leave pre-retirees and retirees with the question - how will this impact my retirement? 

In this episode of Retiring Today, Director of Health Care from Merkle Retirement Planning, AnnaMarie Marrow, joins Loren, Molly and producer Richelle in the podcast to talk Part A and B premium changes, Medigap plans going away and explain the new Plan G. 

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Bernie Madoff. Dean Mustaphalli. Elizabeth Holmes. There are plenty of reasons to distrust people these days. As with most professions, individuals in the financial field often seek to obtain various designations to demonstrate their level of knowledge. The financial industry is generally clouded by an atmosphere of distrust. While there are many honest financial advisers, there are also many unscrupulous ones engaging in fraud. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are talking about how to protect yourself from the Bernie Madoff's of the world and the importance of a designation.

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Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency. These are all buzz words we have heard from friends and in the news but what really is it and how does it work? In this episode of Retiring Today, we are covering Facebook getting into the cryptocurrency game, explaining how Bitcoin works, and most importantly, answering the question is Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin right for your retirement.

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Do you have a high-deductible health plan? If the answer is yes, you might be eligible for a Health Savings Account. But it is right for your retirement? In this episode of Retiring Today, we are breaking down these tax-advantaged accounts by talking about there advantages and disadvantages.

In the headlines this week, we are discussing 'Project Nightingale' - the latest health care data agreement between Google and Ascension. Plus as we lead into the end of 2019, we are talking more about Year-End Tax Planning and what you should be thinking about.

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According to TD Ameritrade's 2019 Retirement Pulse Survey, six in ten Americans think that $1 million will be enough for a comfortable retirement. But is that true? In this episode of Retiring Today, we breakdown the costs you should be thinking about in retirement. We'll discuss income planning, health care and long term care plus how to build a plan that will help you pay for the things you want and the things you need in retirement.

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Taxes can be complicated and stressful. In your working years, often the only major tax strategy to consider is maximizing contributions to your retirement plan at work, thereby decreasing your taxable income. In retirement, there are more choices about where to pull income form and when, and those decisions can have important tax consequences. Are there tax strategies you could implement before December 31st of this year? Find out on today's episode of Retiring Today.

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With slow global growth, trade wars, and inverted yield curves, it seems everyone is talking about a possible recession. However, no one knows for sure when it will happen. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will be breaking down strategies you can use to protect your portfolio from taking a plunge during the next market correction.

More to learn more about planning for your retirement? Check out our YouTube Channel, Merkle Retirement Planning.

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It’s a story that happens all too often. A number you don’t know pops up on your phone. An email lands in your inbox that seems suspicious. An ad online showcases a product that seems too good to be true. Scams have become something we deal with every day. While most scams may not be as serve as others, the act of scamming pre-retirees and retirees is a massive problem in the United States. In this episode of the Retiring Today podcast, we talk with, Julie Wagner, Compliance Officer at Merkle Retirement Planning about the latest scams, red flags you should be on the look out for, and how to protect yourself if you do fall victim.

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The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second time in 2019, slashing the federal funds rate by a quarter point. Now President Trump is calling for zero or a negative interest rate environment. In this episode of Retiring Today, we break down what this could mean for you and your retirement.

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We've all heard of a mutual fund, but how much do we REALLY know about them? Chances are you have a mutual fund or two in your investment portfolio. You own them, but do you really know much about them. In today's episode, we break down the top need to know truths about mutual funds and if they are right for you and your retirement goals.

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You've been working for 30, 40, maybe 50 years and you think it might be time to retire. Now it’s time to put your hard work to work for you. This podcast is going to cover the stuff most advisors don’t – a plan- not products that will guide you to and through retirement. We understand the process is complex and there are a lot of moving parts. That's why in each episode we will break down each piece of the retirement puzzle into an easy to understand concept. A new episode drops every Friday wherever you get your podcasts.