Read about the six pillars of a retirement plan
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
Navigating Your Path to Early Retirement at Age 57
Are you 57 and dreaming of retirement? You’re not alone. Many individuals in their late 50s begin to seriously envision their retirement. Yet, transitioning from dreaming to doing can feel overwhelming. With numerous moving pieces and uncertainties, it’s crucial to start your journey with a plan. Experienced retirement planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp dive…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Year-End Tax Planning | 5 Strategies to Boost Your Retirement Income
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…
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….
Navigating the Complexities of Medicare: 7 Things You Need to Know
Medicare is a vital component of retirement planning, but it can be a complex and confusing topic for many. With numerous options, enrollment periods, and potential penalties, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of how Medicare works. We explore seven crucial aspects of Medicare that you might not be aware of with experienced retirement…
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…
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 reclaim your go-go years. Experienced Retirement Planner Loren Merkle and Merkle Retirement Planning Director of Medicare AnnaMarie Morrow cover: – Reasons why you may not have…
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…
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…
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. – Learn why almost everyone needs a legacy plan, regardless of the size of their assets. – Understand the misconceptions surrounding wills and trusts and…
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