Read about the six pillars of a retirement plan
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Retirement investment strategies | Exploring the Role of Annuities and CDs
In this episode of “Retiring Today,” experienced retirement planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp dive deep into making sense of annuities. With the backdrop of a volatile stock market and record-high interest rates, annuities have become a hot topic for those nearing retirement. This blog post will unravel the intricate details, benefits, and considerations surrounding…
Unlocking $93,000 More From Social Security: John and Sue’s Journey
In this episode of Retiring Today, experienced retirement planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp delve into how to get an extra $93,000 out of Social Security. Get insights on maximizing benefits and learn about important Social Security basics through the case study of John and Sue from the Journey to Retirement Workshop. Discover how different…
Elections and Your Retirement | Managing Market Uncertainty
In this episode of Retiring Today, Elections and Your Retirement, we dive into how market volatility is influenced by election cycles and effective strategies you can employ to safeguard your investments. Whether you’re apprehensive about the upcoming election’s impact on the stock market or curious about the potential changes to Social Security and how they…
Early Retirement Strategies | 8 Reasons to Leave the Workforce Sooner
In this episode, Retirement Planners Clint Huntrods and Loren Merkle delve into the compelling reasons to consider retiring early. Discover the benefits of a more active retirement, the financial strategies to make it feasible, and how to plan for health care and Social Security. – Learn about the significance of time as a crucial factor…
How to Combat Inflation for a Secure Retirement Lifestyle
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…
Retirement Strategies | How to Stop Leaving Money on the Table
Don’t leave retirement money on the table due to taxes! We’re diving deep into strategic planning to save you potentially thousands in tax dollars. – Learn about the whopping $650 billion in tax savings retirees could utilize each year with proper planning. – Discover why traditional savings accounts, like IRAs and 401(k)s, could be a…
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,…
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…
What Washington Changes Could Mean for Your Retirement
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, and long-term planning — and why flexibility matters more than ever. Taxes: The Quiet Threat to Retirement Wealth For many retirees, taxes quietly take a…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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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