Read about the six pillars of a retirement plan
How to Turn Retirement Savings Into Income That Outlasts Inflation, Taxes, and a 30 Year Retirement
Many people spend decades accumulating retirement accounts, investments, and financial products, but far fewer have a written strategy showing how everything works together. This blog explores the difference between owning…
Your Estate Plan May Not Protect Your Family the Way You Think It Does. Here Is Why.
Estate planning today is about much more than avoiding estate taxes. This blog explores how changes to tax laws, the SECURE Act, probate rules, and beneficiary planning are reshaping the…
How to Create Retirement Income Without a Pension (The Three-Legged Stool Is Not Coming Back)
This blog explores how retirement planning has evolved from the traditional “three-legged stool” of Social Security, pensions, and personal savings into a more complex process that requires greater focus on income planning,…
Tax Planning Now Could Save Your Family Money in the Great Wealth Transfer
A look at the massive wealth transfer underway, why families struggle to talk about inheritance, and how thoughtful planning can protect both wealth and relationships. The Largest Wealth Transfer in…
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…
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…
How to Turn Retirement Savings Into Income That Outlasts Inflation, Taxes, and a 30 Year Retirement
Many people spend decades accumulating retirement accounts, investments, and financial products, but far fewer have a written strategy showing how everything works together. This blog explores the difference between owning financial tools and having a retirement blueprint, how recent tax law changes may impact retirement decisions, and why planning for income, taxes, inflation, health care, and longevity…
How to Create Retirement Income Without a Pension (The Three-Legged Stool Is Not Coming Back)
This blog explores how retirement planning has evolved from the traditional “three-legged stool” of Social Security, pensions, and personal savings into a more complex process that requires greater focus on income planning, tax diversification, and long-term financial balance. The Decline of the Traditional Retirement Model Social Security remains a foundational part of retirement for many Americans, but the pension…
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 a broader retirement plan. The “Elephant in the Room” of Retirement When it comes to retirement planning, few decisions carry as much weight—or confusion—as Social…
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…
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…
How to Turn Retirement Savings Into Income That Outlasts Inflation, Taxes, and a 30 Year Retirement
Many people spend decades accumulating retirement accounts, investments, and financial products, but far fewer have a written strategy showing how everything works together. This blog explores the difference between owning financial tools and having a retirement blueprint, how recent tax law changes may impact retirement decisions, and why planning for income, taxes, inflation, health care, and longevity…
How to Create Retirement Income Without a Pension (The Three-Legged Stool Is Not Coming Back)
This blog explores how retirement planning has evolved from the traditional “three-legged stool” of Social Security, pensions, and personal savings into a more complex process that requires greater focus on income planning, tax diversification, and long-term financial balance. The Decline of the Traditional Retirement Model Social Security remains a foundational part of retirement for many Americans, but the pension…
Tax Planning Now Could Save Your Family Money in the Great Wealth Transfer
A look at the massive wealth transfer underway, why families struggle to talk about inheritance, and how thoughtful planning can protect both wealth and relationships. The Largest Wealth Transfer in History $124 trillion is expected to change hands over the next 20 years, according to estimates by the consulting firm Cerulli Associates. Much of that wealth is…
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…
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…
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…
Understanding Retirement Income: What It Is, How It Works, and Why it Matters
Retirement is a significant milestone in anyone’s life, marking the transition from years of employment to a period of relaxation and new experiences. A critical aspect of this transition is having a plan for retirement income. According to a study discussed by Molly Nelson, Loren Merkle, and Clint Huntrods, while 62% of advisors claim to…
Debunking Social Security Myths: A Guide To Navigating Your Benefit
Understanding Social Security is important as it plays a significant role in retirement planning. We help you make sense of the facts and provide insights into optimizing Social Security benefits to help you navigate this important income decision. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Why social security decisions matter The conversation began with Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp…
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…
Your Estate Plan May Not Protect Your Family the Way You Think It Does. Here Is Why.
Estate planning today is about much more than avoiding estate taxes. This blog explores how changes to tax laws, the SECURE Act, probate rules, and beneficiary planning are reshaping the estate planning conversation and why flexibility, protection, and coordination matter more than ever. Why Estate Planning Still Matters Many people assume estate planning is only…
Tax Planning Now Could Save Your Family Money in the Great Wealth Transfer
A look at the massive wealth transfer underway, why families struggle to talk about inheritance, and how thoughtful planning can protect both wealth and relationships. The Largest Wealth Transfer in History $124 trillion is expected to change hands over the next 20 years, according to estimates by the consulting firm Cerulli Associates. Much of that wealth is…
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…
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