Read about the six pillars of a retirement plan
Essential Legacy Planning Documents for a Secure Retirement
Retirement Planner Loren Merkle discusses the critical topic of legacy planning and retirement. Discover the essential documents and strategies that can ensure your legacy is preserved according to your wishes. …
The Truth About 401(k)s | Why It’s Not A Complete Retirement Plan
Discover the ins and outs of your 401(k) and its role in your retirement plan. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp dive into what a 401(k) is and, more…
Understanding Retirement Income Strategies | A Mindset Shift
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Loren Merkle discusses the crucial mindset shifts needed when rethinking retirement income. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how retirement income works and strategies needed to navigate…
Retire Before 65 by Rethinking Your Health Care Options
Reclaim your Go-Go years! In this episode of Retiring Today, we’ll be discussing how to rethink retirement and discover strategies for health care, Medicare, and long-term care so you can…
How to Build Your Investment Portfolio for Retirement
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Loren Merkle discusses the important investment mindset shift needed for retirement planning. Learn about building a recession resistant portfolio, creating dependable income, rethinking risk, and more. Loren will…
Understanding Taxes in Retirement
In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp discuss the important mindset shift when it comes to taxes in retirement. They break down the current mindset, the…
Four Retirement Lifestyle Traps — and How to Avoid Them
When people think about retirement, they often focus on the numbers—how much they’ve saved, when to claim Social Security, or how to manage taxes. But equally important, and often overlooked, is how they’ll actually live day to day once they stop working. That’s where a retirement lifestyle plan comes in. According to Retirement Planner Loren…
There’s No Place Like Retirement | Navigating the Yellow Brick Road with Confidence
Embarking on the journey to retirement can feel as daunting as Dorothy’s trek through Oz. But just like Dorothy, who had the lion, scarecrow, and tin man to help her reach her goal, you don’t have to navigate your retirement journey alone. We take a journey down the yellow brick road to help you build…
We’re Off to Plan Retirement | The Yellow Brick Road to Retirement
Planning for retirement is often seen as a daunting task, filled with more questions than answers. In a special edition of “Retiring Today with Loren Merkle” we take a whimsical yet informative journey along our own yellow brick road to plan for retirement with Dorothy (host Molly Nelson), the Lion (Retirement Planner Loren Merkle), and…
The Road to Retirement at 64: Strategies, Tips, and Real-Life Examples
If you’re 64 years old and dreaming of retirement, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves teetering on the edge of this new chapter, filled with excitement and anxiety. Good planning can make the difference between a smooth transition to a financially secure retirement and running out of money in your golden years. Experienced retirement…
Navigating Retirement at 62 | Essential Action Steps for a Confident Future
Reaching the age of 62 is a significant milestone, often bringing the dream of retirement within sight. However, with this anticipation comes a flurry of questions and decisions that can significantly impact the quality and security of your retirement years. Experienced retirement planners Chawn Honkomp and Loren Merkle, provide some essential action steps for individuals…
Retirement Planning at Age 59: Taking Action Steps for a Secure Future
Planning for retirement is a journey filled with anticipation, excitement, and certainly a fair share of apprehension. At age 59, the runway to retirement becomes increasingly clearer, yet the path may be strewn with uncertainties. Experienced retirement planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods, explored actionable strategies for those on the brink of this exciting transition….
5 Common Retirement Income Traps (And How to Avoid Them)
Retirement planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp provide insight and action strategies that may help you sidestep common retirement income pitfalls. Let’s break down each trap and see how to safeguard your retirement. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Trap #1: Not Spending Enough in Retirement While many retirees worry about running out of money, a less obvious but equally damaging trap…
Don’t Just Stand By: Retirement Strategies for Volatile Markets
As retirement approaches, uncertainty around recessions, market volatility, and risk often grows. Retirement planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods offer practical guidance for turning market volatility from a source of anxiety into an opportunity for long-term financial growth. This blog post explores their actionable strategies—dollar-cost averaging, Roth conversions, and building a recession-resistant portfolio—designed to help…
3 Costly Health Care Traps to Avoid in Retirement
One area that can catch even the most diligent savers off guard is health care. We explore three of the biggest health care traps in retirement—and how you can avoid them. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Trap 1: Failing to Plan for Extra Health Care Costs Many people see Medicare as their golden ticket to affordable health care in…
Essential Retirement Checklist: How to Organize, Declutter, and Plan for Retirement
Retirement isn’t just about leaving the workforce—it’s about entering a new phase of life, and getting organized is one of the best ways to ensure your retirement journey is smooth and enjoyable. Much like preparing your home for a new chapter, organizing your financial life ahead of retirement helps create confidence and clarity. By following…
Don’t Let Taxes Take a Bite Out of Your Retirement: Strategies to Safeguard Your Savings
Worried your 401(k) or IRA will lead to a surprising tax bill in retirement? Learn why taxes can be higher after you stop working—and what proactive strategies can help you save hundreds of thousands of dollars. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– If you’re like most people, you’ve been diligently saving for years—stocking away funds in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s…
Deciding What to Do With Your 401(k) When You REtire: A Closer Look
For many, the 401(k) represents a large portion of retirement savings, so understanding your options—and the nuances that come with them—is an important part of your retirement income plan. We’ll break down the main paths you can take with your 401(k) upon retirement and the considerations to keep in mind, based on insights from Retirement Planners…
4 Retirement Tax Traps (And How to Avoid Them)
Taxes can quietly take a big bite out of your nest egg if you don’t plan ahead. Relying on old assumptions from your working years can lead to costly mistakes once you pivot to drawing down your assets. That’s why it’s crucial to understand some of the most common—and sneaky—tax traps that can surprise retirees….
Don’t Let Taxes Take a Bite Out of Your Retirement: Strategies to Safeguard Your Savings
Worried your 401(k) or IRA will lead to a surprising tax bill in retirement? Learn why taxes can be higher after you stop working—and what proactive strategies can help you save hundreds of thousands of dollars. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– If you’re like most people, you’ve been diligently saving for years—stocking away funds in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s…
Deciding What to Do With Your 401(k) When You REtire: A Closer Look
For many, the 401(k) represents a large portion of retirement savings, so understanding your options—and the nuances that come with them—is an important part of your retirement income plan. We’ll break down the main paths you can take with your 401(k) upon retirement and the considerations to keep in mind, based on insights from Retirement Planners…
Navigating Your Retirement Tax Strategy: Sherri’s Journey to Tax Diversification
When planning for retirement, there’s often a lot of focus on growing your nest egg through diversified investments, but what about diversifying your taxes? This is about strategic and long-term tax planning that could lower your tax bill and maximize your retirement income. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We explore the concept of tax diversification, illustrated by the hypothetical…
RMDs Explained: From Penalties to Strategies That Could Lower Your Retirement Tax Bill
We cover the intricacies of Required Minimum Distributions or RMDs, highlighting their impact on retirement planning and offering insights into strategies that can help minimize tax burdens and optimize retirement income. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)? RMDs refer to the minimum amount that must be withdrawn annually from your tax-deferred retirement accounts, such…
Roth IRAs Explained: Strategies for a Tax-Efficient Retirement Plan
Roth IRAs can feel a bit mysterious, but understanding how they work—and the rules around them—can make a real difference in your retirement planning. In this blog, we’ll clear up confusion around Roth IRAs, highlight their powerful benefits, and explain key rules like contribution limits, income thresholds, and the important “five-year rule.” Knowing these details…
Don’t Just Stand By: Retirement Strategies for Volatile Markets
As retirement approaches, uncertainty around recessions, market volatility, and risk often grows. Retirement planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods offer practical guidance for turning market volatility from a source of anxiety into an opportunity for long-term financial growth. This blog post explores their actionable strategies—dollar-cost averaging, Roth conversions, and building a recession-resistant portfolio—designed to help…
3 Costly Health Care Traps to Avoid in Retirement
One area that can catch even the most diligent savers off guard is health care. We explore three of the biggest health care traps in retirement—and how you can avoid them. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Trap 1: Failing to Plan for Extra Health Care Costs Many people see Medicare as their golden ticket to affordable health care in…
3 Investment Traps to Avoid as You Head Into Retirement
As retirement approaches, the decisions and strategies required to achieve a comfortable and secure retirement become more complex than most anticipate. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods highlight a critical reality: there are a handful of common investment traps that can jeopardize your retirement goals if not navigated thoughtfully. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Let’s break down three…
Essential Retirement Checklist: How to Organize, Declutter, and Plan for Retirement
Retirement isn’t just about leaving the workforce—it’s about entering a new phase of life, and getting organized is one of the best ways to ensure your retirement journey is smooth and enjoyable. Much like preparing your home for a new chapter, organizing your financial life ahead of retirement helps create confidence and clarity. By following…
Roth IRAs Explained: Strategies for a Tax-Efficient Retirement Plan
Roth IRAs can feel a bit mysterious, but understanding how they work—and the rules around them—can make a real difference in your retirement planning. In this blog, we’ll clear up confusion around Roth IRAs, highlight their powerful benefits, and explain key rules like contribution limits, income thresholds, and the important “five-year rule.” Knowing these details…
Retiring Earlier Than Planned: Strategies for a Confident Transition
Nearly half of retirees say they retired earlier than planned, according to a Mass Mutual Retirement Happiness Study. This blog explores the nuances of planning for early retirement. We delve into why individuals often retire earlier than planned and the steps to craft a comprehensive retirement plan that can help you be ready for a…
Can You Retire Earlier Than Expected?
In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle we cover important strategies to help you plan for the possibility of an extended retirement, emphasizing the need to anticipate a longer lifespan than previous generations. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Recent data from the Social Security Administration highlights that men and women reaching the age of 65 today can…
The Complete Guide to Medicare in 2025
In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and AnnaMarie Morrow discuss the most critical Medicare updates that will help you make the best decisions for your retirement plan. – Complete explanation of the $2000 out-of-pocket maximums for Medicare Part D Key topics: – A comprehensive breakdown of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D…
The Ultimate Guide to Help Beat Inflation in Retirement
Retirement is a phase in life that should be enjoyed, not spent worrying about running out of money. But with inflation spikes in recent years, many are concerned about sustaining their lifestyle in retirement. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan for and navigate inflation in retirement. Understanding the Impact of Inflation Why…
There’s No Place Like Retirement | Navigating the Yellow Brick Road with Confidence
Embarking on the journey to retirement can feel as daunting as Dorothy’s trek through Oz. But just like Dorothy, who had the lion, scarecrow, and tin man to help her reach her goal, you don’t have to navigate your retirement journey alone. We take a journey down the yellow brick road to help you build…
We’re Off to Plan Retirement | The Yellow Brick Road to Retirement
Planning for retirement is often seen as a daunting task, filled with more questions than answers. In a special edition of “Retiring Today with Loren Merkle” we take a whimsical yet informative journey along our own yellow brick road to plan for retirement with Dorothy (host Molly Nelson), the Lion (Retirement Planner Loren Merkle), and…
Navigating 2025 Medicare Changes | A Comprehensive Guide
Health care planning is a critical component of a secure retirement. With significant changes coming to Medicare in 2025, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Retirement Planner Loren Merkle and Director of Medicare AnnaMarie Morrow delve into the upcoming Medicare changes and their implications. Introduction to the 2025 Medicare Changes The landscape of Medicare…
Legacy Planning with Attorney Charlie Bottenberg
This blog post explores the often-overlooked essentials of estate planning, dispelling the myth that it’s only for the wealthy. With insights from retirement planner Loren Merkle and estate planning attorney Charlie Bottenberg, it covers the importance of updating wills, the role of trusts, powers of attorney, and strategies to protect your legacy and loved ones—especially…
3 Costly Health Care Traps to Avoid in Retirement
One area that can catch even the most diligent savers off guard is health care. We explore three of the biggest health care traps in retirement—and how you can avoid them. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Trap 1: Failing to Plan for Extra Health Care Costs Many people see Medicare as their golden ticket to affordable health care in…
Essential Retirement Checklist: How to Organize, Declutter, and Plan for Retirement
Retirement isn’t just about leaving the workforce—it’s about entering a new phase of life, and getting organized is one of the best ways to ensure your retirement journey is smooth and enjoyable. Much like preparing your home for a new chapter, organizing your financial life ahead of retirement helps create confidence and clarity. By following…
How To Test Drive Retirement
Retirement planning is a crucial stage in life, similar to making significant financial decisions like buying a car or a house. Loren Merkle brings a fresh perspective on the concept by introducing the idea of “test-driving retirement.” This approach involves taking steps to “test out” your retirement lifestyle, income, taxes, investments, health care costs, and…
Rethinking Your IRA Strategy
As retirement approaches, it’s essential to rethink your strategy for handling your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). With a focus on maximizing benefits and minimizing taxes, this blog will help you navigate the complexities of IRAs, understand their evolution, and leverage effective strategies like Roth conversions and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). We discuss important IRA rules…
There’s No Place Like Retirement | Navigating the Yellow Brick Road with Confidence
Embarking on the journey to retirement can feel as daunting as Dorothy’s trek through Oz. But just like Dorothy, who had the lion, scarecrow, and tin man to help her reach her goal, you don’t have to navigate your retirement journey alone. We take a journey down the yellow brick road to help you build…
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