Read about the six pillars of a retirement plan
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…
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…
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…
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…
Retirement Sneaks Up: Steps to Take When You Need to Decide Fast
Retirement doesn’t always follow a perfect timeline. A buyout, layoff, health change—or even just the calendar—can speed up big decisions. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Haley Gutschenritter explain how to…
You’ve Inherited Money, Now What?
Inheriting money can be both emotional and overwhelming. In this blog, Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods explain how different types of assets—cash, investments, retirement accounts, real estate, life…
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…
How Do I Stack Up? Understanding Where You Stand with Your Retirement Savings
That comparison—how you “measure up” to your peers, your neighbors, or even a number you once read in an article—is normal. But it’s not always helpful without context. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp discussed what those averages really mean and, more importantly, how to start focusing on what matters: your own retirement goals…
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…
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…
Retirement Sneaks Up: Steps to Take When You Need to Decide Fast
Retirement doesn’t always follow a perfect timeline. A buyout, layoff, health change—or even just the calendar—can speed up big decisions. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Haley Gutschenritter explain how to quickly get your arms around income, taxes, Social Security, and health care— so you can take confident next steps without derailing your retirement vision. When…
Are You Making These Investor Mistakes?
Market volatility is unsettling, and it’s easy to make mistakes when emotions take over. Retirement Planners Chawn Honkomp and Loren Merkle tackle the most common investor missteps—and how to avoid them. From panic selling during downturns to sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “perfect time,” and even holding on to investments too long, they…
Retirement Fact or Fiction: Investments
When it comes to retirement, some of the most common beliefs about investing sound true—but in reality, they can lead you down the wrong path. Misconceptions about the stock market, savings accounts, bonds, or even the 4% rule can cause retirees to make costly mistakes. To help separate truth from fiction, Retirement Planners Loren Merkle…
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…
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…
Simplifying Tax Strategies For Your Retirement
Discover simple yet effective tax strategies for retirement. – Understanding the massive scope of the U.S. tax code and its implications on personal finance. – Explore the concept of tax loss harvesting and how it can reduce your tax bill. – Unravel the mysteries of Roth accounts, including contributions, growth, and distributions. – Learn about…
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…
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…
You’ve Inherited Money, Now What?
Inheriting money can be both emotional and overwhelming. In this blog, Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods explain how different types of assets—cash, investments, retirement accounts, real estate, life insurance, and personal property—are treated, which tax rules to watch for, and how to make thoughtful decisions that fit into your bigger retirement plan. When…
The Top 10 Retirement Wake-Up Calls
Retirement may bring dreams of sandy beaches, golf outings, and more time with family—but it also comes with surprises that can catch many off guard. In a recent episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp counted down the top 10 retirement wake-up calls. These “uh-oh moments” highlight the realities retirees face and the…
Are You Making These Investor Mistakes?
Market volatility is unsettling, and it’s easy to make mistakes when emotions take over. Retirement Planners Chawn Honkomp and Loren Merkle tackle the most common investor missteps—and how to avoid them. From panic selling during downturns to sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “perfect time,” and even holding on to investments too long, they…
Market Volatility: Why Staying Invested Matters
Market volatility. The phrase alone is enough to make some people uneasy — especially those approaching retirement. After all, when headlines scream about the “biggest drop in decades,” the instinct to hit the brakes is strong. But is that the right move? In this blog, we’ll explore how volatility works, why emotional reactions can quietly…
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…
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…
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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