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…
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…
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…
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…
Navigating 2025 Medicare Changes | A Comprehensive Guide
Health care planning is a critical component of a secure retirement. With significant changes coming to Medicare in 2025, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Retirement Planner Loren Merkle and Director of Medicare AnnaMarie Morrow delve into the upcoming Medicare changes and their implications. Introduction to the 2025 Medicare Changes The landscape of Medicare…
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…
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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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