Do Roth Conversions Still Make Sense in 2026?
A Roth conversion can reshape your retirement tax strategy. This blog covers how it works, when it makes sense, and what to consider before making this decision. What Is a Roth Conversion? The basic
What is a Retirement Plan? Hint: It’s Not Your 401(k)
Many people assume their retirement savings tell them everything they need to know about the future. This article explores why a 401(k) is only one piece of the puzzle and
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Retirement Road Test: $1 Million Portfolio
A common saying is you need a million dollars for retirement, but what does that actually mean for you? In this blog, you’ll meet Tom and Sandi. They have $1 million saved for retirement
Confused About Retirement Taxes? You Are Not Alone
Retirement taxes can feel overwhelming, especially when income starts coming from multiple sources. This blog walks through how different retirement accounts are taxed, why those taxes can matter more once paychecks stop, and
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Will $1 Million Last? Stress Testing Retirement SpendingÂ
This blog explores how long $1 million might last in retirement under different spending scenarios, and why assumptions around lifestyle, inflation, taxes, and market volatility matter more than the headline number. A
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What Washington Changes Could Mean for Your RetirementÂ
Retirement laws continue to evolve as Washington rewrites the tax code and adjusts long-standing rules. Retirement Planners Clint Huntrods and Loren Merkle explain how recent legislation affects tax brackets, Required Minimum Distributions, inherited IRAs,
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The Retirement Readiness Checklist: Where to Start and What to Tackle NextÂ
Retirement Planner Loren Merkle, and Director of Medicare & Long-Term Care AnnaMarie Morrow walk through the Retirement Readiness Checklist, breaking retirement planning into nine practical areas to help you discover where to
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The Seven Social Security Rules Every Retiree Should Know
Social Security will likely be a major part of your retirement paycheck, but the rules behind your benefit, taxes, and timing can be more complicated than they look on the surface. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Chawn
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Launching Our First Magazine: Meet Adventurous AngieÂ
A brand-new Merkle Retirement Planning magazine is here, and its first issue puts a spotlight on Adventurous Angie—an energetic retiree proving that retirement isn’t the end of the story; it’s
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Fact or Fiction: Medicare, Costs, and Choices — What Really Matters Before 65 (and After)Â
When it comes to Medicare, misinformation travels fast. Maybe a friend insists it’s free. A coworker swears long-term care is covered. Someone else warns you about penalties for signing up