Read about the six pillars of a retirement plan
Annuities Explained for Retirees: How to Know If One Is Right for Your Retirement Plan
Annuities are one of the most discussed—and often misunderstood—retirement planning tools. This blog explains what annuities are, the different types available, their potential benefits and drawbacks, and how to determine whether an annuity belongs in your…
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…
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…
Annuities Explained for Retirees: How to Know If One Is Right for Your Retirement Plan
Annuities are one of the most discussed—and often misunderstood—retirement planning tools. This blog explains what annuities are, the different types available, their potential benefits and drawbacks, and how to determine whether an annuity belongs in your overall retirement plan. Why Annuities Can Cause So Much Confusion Few retirement planning topics generate as much confusion as annuities. Part of the challenge is…
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…
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…
Annuities Explained for Retirees: How to Know If One Is Right for Your Retirement Plan
Annuities are one of the most discussed—and often misunderstood—retirement planning tools. This blog explains what annuities are, the different types available, their potential benefits and drawbacks, and how to determine whether an annuity belongs in your overall retirement plan. Why Annuities Can Cause So Much Confusion Few retirement planning topics generate as much confusion as annuities. Part of the challenge is…
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…
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…
$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…
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,…
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…
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….
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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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