Retiring Today

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.

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 -- 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...

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 INCOM...

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!

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 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.  -- If you have questions about how you can avoid these surprises, schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call with one of our retiremen...

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 Mon...

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. -- If you have questions about your retirement journey, schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Re...

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.  -- If you have questions about your retirement journey...

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. -- If you have questions about your retirement journey, schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Ch...

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 be...

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

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 chec...

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.

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.

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

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.

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. -- If you're a woman about to retire or in retirement and interested to learn more, attend our upcomin...

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.