Read about the six pillars of a retirement plan
Social Security: The Elephant in the Room
Social Security can be one of the biggest financial decisions in retirement. This article explores when to claim, how different strategies impact your income, and why your decision should be part of…
7 Steps to Retire Before 65… Even If You Think You Can’t Afford To
Retiring before age 65 may feel out of reach, especially when factoring in income, taxes, and health care. This article breaks down seven practical steps to help you understand what…
What If the Market Crashes in Your First Year of Retirement?
A market downturn early in retirement can have a lasting impact on your financial future. This blog walks through a hypothetical example of the impact of market volatility and explores strategies to…
Facing a Buyout or Layoff? Key Retirement Questions to Answer Before You Decide
If you’re offered a buyout or find yourself retiring earlier than planned, several important financial questions come into play. From health care coverage before Medicare to tax implications and 401(k) strategies, here’s what to consider…
$2 Million Saved ALL Pre-Tax: 3 Strategies to Reduce Your Tax Bill
A large IRA can be a powerful retirement asset—but it also comes with tax implications and planning decisions. This blog explores three strategies retirement planners often consider for large IRAs: reducing taxes…
The Hidden Crisis Facing Pre-Retirees
Loneliness is rising among adults over 45, and it can have a powerful impact on health, happiness, and fulfillment in retirement. Here’s what recent research reveals—and how thoughtful retirement planning could help…
The Hidden Crisis Facing Pre-Retirees
Loneliness is rising among adults over 45, and it can have a powerful impact on health, happiness, and fulfillment in retirement. Here’s what recent research reveals—and how thoughtful retirement planning could help protect connection and purpose in the years ahead. Loneliness Is Rising—And Often Unspoken A recent AARP study found that 40% of adults age 45+ meet the criteria for loneliness. That’s up from 35%…
Will $1 Million Last? Stress Testing Retirement Spending
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 Question Nearly Everyone Asks One of the most common retirement questions sounds simple: If I have $1 million, how long will it last? But as Retirement…
Launching Our First Magazine: Meet Adventurous Angie
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 the start of an exciting new chapter. Meet Angie and discover how she followed a customized retirement plan that helped her retire before Medicare eligibility—and…
Inside the Cave of Questions: Getting Started at 55+
This Indiana Jones–inspired episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle turns a common worry—how to start planning for retirement at 55—into a guided trek through six milestones: lifestyle, income, taxes, investments, health care, and legacy. We go on an adventure that blends adventure with practical guidance in search of the “compass of clarity.” Finding Your Way Out of the Cave Retirement planning can feel like stepping into a dim maze. As…
How to Know If You’re Retirement-Ready at Age 55
Our journey takes place inside the Cave of Questions because retirement often begins with more questions than answers and figuring out where to start can feel like navigating a dark cave. While inside, we discover that a map is a great place to begin—a guide to steer our travels. That map is the RetireSecure Roadmap, a visual representation of the personalized retirement plans we help families and individuals build. Each…
7 Essential Questions Your Financial Advisor Should Be Asking
Retirement planning isn’t just about saving money. It’s about making sure your plan supports the life you want to live once you stop working. Asking the right questions can uncover your goals, anticipate challenges, and create a plan that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods…
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…
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…
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…
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…
7 Steps to Retire Before 65… Even If You Think You Can’t Afford To
Retiring before age 65 may feel out of reach, especially when factoring in income, taxes, and health care. This article breaks down seven practical steps to help you understand what it really takes to retire early—and how the right plan can make it possible. Step 1: Get Clear on the Life You Want to Retire Into…
$2 Million Saved ALL Pre-Tax: 3 Strategies to Reduce Your Tax Bill
A large IRA can be a powerful retirement asset—but it also comes with tax implications and planning decisions. This blog explores three strategies retirement planners often consider for large IRAs: reducing taxes strategically, turning savings into reliable retirement income, and creating a lasting legacy. Understanding the Basics of an IRA An IRA or Individual Retirement Account is one of the most…
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 idea behind a Roth conversion is simple: pay taxes now in exchange for tax-free growth later. As Retirement Planner Loren Merkle explained, “What a Roth…
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 what a true written retirement plan includes, from income and taxes to health care and legacy planning. The 401(k) Balance For many people approaching retirement,…
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 at age 65, and in the first iteration of their retirement road test, that money was projected to run out by age 79. Rather than…
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 how thoughtful planning can help retirees keep more of what they’ve saved. The Tax Reality of Retirement Taxes don’t disappear when work ends—they can become more complicated. In retirement,…
What If the Market Crashes in Your First Year of Retirement?
A market downturn early in retirement can have a lasting impact on your financial future. This blog walks through a hypothetical example of the impact of market volatility and explores strategies to help protect your retirement income. Why the First Year Matters More Than You Think There’s never a “good” time for the market to drop—but the timing…
Facing a Buyout or Layoff? Key Retirement Questions to Answer Before You Decide
If you’re offered a buyout or find yourself retiring earlier than planned, several important financial questions come into play. From health care coverage before Medicare to tax implications and 401(k) strategies, here’s what to consider as you evaluate whether early retirement is truly within reach. When Retirement Happens Sooner Than Expected For many workers in their 50s and early 60s, retirement doesn’t always unfold…
$2 Million Saved ALL Pre-Tax: 3 Strategies to Reduce Your Tax Bill
A large IRA can be a powerful retirement asset—but it also comes with tax implications and planning decisions. This blog explores three strategies retirement planners often consider for large IRAs: reducing taxes strategically, turning savings into reliable retirement income, and creating a lasting legacy. Understanding the Basics of an IRA An IRA or Individual Retirement Account is one of the most…
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 what a true written retirement plan includes, from income and taxes to health care and legacy planning. The 401(k) Balance For many people approaching retirement,…
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 at age 65, and in the first iteration of their retirement road test, that money was projected to run out by age 79. Rather than…
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 how thoughtful planning can help retirees keep more of what they’ve saved. The Tax Reality of Retirement Taxes don’t disappear when work ends—they can become more complicated. In retirement,…
7 Steps to Retire Before 65… Even If You Think You Can’t Afford To
Retiring before age 65 may feel out of reach, especially when factoring in income, taxes, and health care. This article breaks down seven practical steps to help you understand what it really takes to retire early—and how the right plan can make it possible. Step 1: Get Clear on the Life You Want to Retire Into…
Facing a Buyout or Layoff? Key Retirement Questions to Answer Before You Decide
If you’re offered a buyout or find yourself retiring earlier than planned, several important financial questions come into play. From health care coverage before Medicare to tax implications and 401(k) strategies, here’s what to consider as you evaluate whether early retirement is truly within reach. When Retirement Happens Sooner Than Expected For many workers in their 50s and early 60s, retirement doesn’t always unfold…
The Retirement Readiness Checklist: Where to Start and What to Tackle Next
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 start and what to tackle next. Get Clear on Your Retirement Vision For many households, Social Security isn’t a side dish—it’s the main course. Chawn explains that for…
Launching Our First Magazine: Meet Adventurous Angie
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 the start of an exciting new chapter. Meet Angie and discover how she followed a customized retirement plan that helped her retire before Medicare eligibility—and…
Fact or Fiction: Medicare, Costs, and Choices — What Really Matters Before 65 (and After)
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 too late. The truth? Some of what you hear is right—but a lot of it isn’t. You’ll learn what Medicare actually covers, what it costs,…
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…
Launching Our First Magazine: Meet Adventurous Angie
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 the start of an exciting new chapter. Meet Angie and discover how she followed a customized retirement plan that helped her retire before Medicare eligibility—and…
Inside the Cave of Questions: Getting Started at 55+
This Indiana Jones–inspired episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle turns a common worry—how to start planning for retirement at 55—into a guided trek through six milestones: lifestyle, income, taxes, investments, health care, and legacy. We go on an adventure that blends adventure with practical guidance in search of the “compass of clarity.” Finding Your Way Out of the Cave Retirement planning can feel like stepping into a dim maze. As…
How to Know If You’re Retirement-Ready at Age 55
Our journey takes place inside the Cave of Questions because retirement often begins with more questions than answers and figuring out where to start can feel like navigating a dark cave. While inside, we discover that a map is a great place to begin—a guide to steer our travels. That map is the RetireSecure Roadmap, a visual representation of the personalized retirement plans we help families and individuals build. Each…
Top Legacy Planning Traps That Could Derail Your Retirement
Legacy planning isn’t always top of mind when preparing for retirement, but overlooking it can have costly and stressful consequences. You’ve worked hard to build your wealth—now it’s time to make sure it’s protected and passed on according to your wishes. In this blog, Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp share five common legacy…
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…
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