Retiring Today

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4eC5nPh Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B April 15th is an important tax date, but it may not be the most important when it comes to tax planning. In this episode of Retiring Today, we give you 5 strategies to think about when it comes to year-end tax planning. Learn why December 31st is so important when maximizing your tax benefits and retirement savings. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Haley Gutschenritter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/haley-gutschenritter/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

In this episode of Retiring Today, host Molly Nelson and retirement planner Loren Merkle discuss the basics of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Learn about the evolution of IRAs since their creation in 1974, the tax advantages of making contributions, and the significance of rollover strategies from employer-sponsored plans, like a 401(k) or 403(b). They also discuss the impact of the sequence of returns risk for retirees, required minimum distributions (RMDs) and their tax implications, and the potential tax benefits of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3AByl3Q Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B  In this episode of Retiring Today, we explore how inflation affects your retirement savings and discuss strategies to protect your nest egg. Learn essential retirement planning concepts to maintain your purchasing power throughout your retirement. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ --   This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.  Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC.  MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4eaBLrW Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this week's episode of Retiring Today, host Molly Nelson and retirement planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods, discuss the six essential pillars of a comprehensive retirement plan. They dive into the "RetireSecure Roadmap," a visual representation of the retirement plans we help families and individuals build. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3Uq21rg Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this episode of Retiring Today, Dorothy (Molly Nelson) is looking to retire and needs some help from her friends, the Lion (Loren Merkle) and the Scarecrow (AnnaMarie Morrow). Join Dorothy as she discovers the six essential pillars along the yellow brick road - lifestyle, income, taxes, investments, health care, and legacy - to create her retirement plan. Dorothy eventually goes beyond the Emerald City with confidence in her plan and excitedly clicks her heels together saying, "There's no place like retirement." Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC.  MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

In this episode of Retiring Today, Dorothy (Molly Nelson) is looking to retire and needs some help from her friends, the Lion (Loren Merkle) and the Tin Man (Chawn Honkomp). Join Dorothy as she discovers the six essential pillars along the yellow brick road - lifestyle, income, taxes, investments, health care, and legacy - to create her retirement plan. After a long journey, Dorothy eventually reaches the emerald city with confidence in her plan and ready to retire. Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3YwoIfR Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Landing in Oz 03:00 The Lifestyle Plan 04:26 The Income Plan 07:42 Commercial Break 09:45 The Tax Plan 13:00 The Investment Plan 19:32 The Healthcare Plan 21:51 The Legacy Plan -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC.  MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4gXJY5o Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly Nelson and Loren Merkle, along with AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare at Merkle Retirement Planning, dive into the critical Medicare changes coming in 2025. - Understand Medicare Part D and its significance. - Important updates for 2025 Medicare Part D plans. - Key Medicare legislation changes from 2022 to 2029. - Strategies to avoid unexpected prescription drug costs. - How to account for health care as part of your overall retirement plan. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

In this episode of Retiring Today, host Molly Nelson and retirement planners Clint Huntrods and Loren Merkle dive into essential tips, strategies, and action steps for those aged 64 and dreaming of retirement. The team discusses the common mindset and concerns of individuals nearing retirement and emphasizes the importance of long-term planning through an insightful example of a hypothetical retiree named Jill. The episode explores key decisions around Social Security, pension options, and expense planning to help viewers think about decisions they might need to make when constructing their comprehensive retirement plan. Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3zRa1uq Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Dreaming of retirement at age 62? This episode of Retiring Today is packed with vital action steps to get you ready. Key topics include the power of Roth conversions, Social Security analysis, and optimizing your 401K. Whether it's understanding investment risks, crafting a comprehensive retirement plan, or maximizing Social Security benefits, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/47OzMYS Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

If you're 59 and looking to improve your retirement readiness, you're in the right place. Join hosts Loren Merkle, Clint Huntrods, and Molly Nelson as they discuss actionable strategies for a secure retirement. Learn about the benefits of in-service rollovers, managing market volatility, and maximizing catch-up contributions. Discover the powerful impact of Roth conversions and fixed indexed annuities to secure a stable income in your retirement years. Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3XSBIvT Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Are you 57 and dreaming of retirement? In today's episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, we give actionable steps to put yourself in a better position to plan for a successful retirement journey. - The challenges and opportunities of retiring at age 57 - What holds people back from serious retirement planning - Understanding and creating a recession-resistant portfolio - How to optimize your investments and reduce hidden fees - The importance of an intentional income plan for retirement Join us as we break down the essential steps to get retirement-ready! Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4eoP4FU Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In today's show: Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/44LdPbC Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, Retirement Planner Clint Huntrods and Loren Merkle are talking about the impact of the presidential election on your retirement, including: - An interesting historical perspective that can help you understand what to expect in an election year. - The story of a real couple and the changes they made to decrease the impact of market volatility on their retirement savings - A discussion on the parties – Republican and Democrat – and how which is in power impacts the markets - What can do to take control before the next election impacts your retirement savings. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Impact of election on personal investment portfolios. 04:57 Using predictive analytics to manage investment volatility. 06:34 Diversified investment strategy for long-term growth. 10:32 Recognize portfolio risk and take action now. 14:54 Debate over Social Security rules and future. 17:29 Social Security options can boost lifetime income. 22:06 Market performance independent of political factors. 24:36 S&P dropped, families reassured, financial plans discussed. 27:32 Plan your retirement with a quick call. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3wmPOLl Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Retire early! Does it feel like a pipe dream? Maybe you just need a reason! We discuss 8 Reasons to Retire Early and the strategies that could get you there, including how to figure out if you can afford it, how to pay for health care, and the weigh both the pros and cons of an early retirement! Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Exciting go-go phase, slow-go, and no-go. 05:10 Retiring at 62 with $7,000/month requires $1.5M. 07:36 Customized retirement roadmap answering financial security question. 12:55 Maximize contributions to Roth buckets if you qualify. 15:39 Roth may not be right for everyone. 20:02 Some companies offer healthcare coverage until 65. 21:58 Retirement savings handling and penalties explained briefly. 25:40 Retirement planning made easy with journey workshop. 27:35 Get retirement questions answered with a call. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4ageQtz Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B The IRS tax code is more than 6,000 pages – it would take more than 9 days to read! While the laws may be complicated, the strategies don't have to be. We make taxes simple by discussing the strategies that pertain to you and retirement. We break down tax loss harvesting, Roth conversions, Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA), and more! Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Plan retirement income to minimize taxable total. 04:24 Sell tech stocks, diversify, manage capital gains. 06:28 Use tax loss harvesting to save tax. 12:50 HSA for medical expenses with high deductible plan. 14:46 Maximize HSA benefits by allowing compounding growth. 17:14 Workshop uses John and Sue as examples. 21:18 Roth offers diverse investment options and flexibility. 25:12 Free workshop tailored to financial planning strategies. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xSVxc3 Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Retiring Today with Loren Merkle Host Molly Nelson share insight into inflation and retirement planning.- Discover why a modest amount of inflation is actually healthy for the economy.- Understand the impact of inflation on your retirement plans using real-life cost projections.- Explore strategic retirement planning to combat inflation's effect on fixed incomes. Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Inflation impacts retirement, causing higher living expenses. 05:32 Eye-opening talk on inflation planning in retirement. 06:22 Strategies for saving money on taxes in retirement. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xSVxc3 Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Retirement Planner Loren Merkle discusses important income and investment strategies that can help you prepare for rising retirement costs.-How to design a portfolio with inflation in mind.-The connection between retirement taxes and planning for inflation.-The important role portfolio diversification can play in mitigating infation risk. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chapter 00:00 High inflation impacts working and retired individuals. 03:57 "Forever bucket: long-term investment for retirement" 06:33 Accounting for inflation, strategies into retirement planning. 10:05 Merkel Retirement Planning: independent firm for retirement strategies. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xSVxc3 Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Facing the challenges of inflation can be daunting, especially as you plan for retirement. Learn actionable strategies to maintain your lifestyle without falling victim to the rising costs. - Discover how inflation has changed the cost of living over time, with a comparison of prices from the past to the present. - Understand the difference between working and retirement investment portfolios and how to adjust accordingly. - Learn the importance of knowing the risk level in your portfolio and how to control it to outpace inflation. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Haley Gutschenritter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/haley-gutschenritter/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Retirement planning: Income, inflation, sustaining lifestyle. 04:59 Retirement affects portfolio; shift from risk. 06:47 Year three: working portfolio down 37%. Retired: down 10%, better recovery. 13:07 Remarrying after 60 may disqualify Social Security. 14:51 Leveraging complexity for lifetime Social Security benefits. 20:41 Evaluate risk to achieve retirement goals effectively. 21:33 Discover and manage risk in changing market. 25:05 Retirement planning workshop offers actionable financial strategies. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xK7HnC Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this video, Retiring Today Host Molly Nelson recaps our eye-opening episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle. According to ThinkAdvisor.com, there are $650 billion in tax savings that could be realized by retirees with the proper planning. Find out: - Why retirees are leaving money on the table - How to develop a plan that makes the most of your retirement savings - Why you can't just focus on investments in retirement Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Early proactive financial planning saves money later. 04:45 Long-term tax planning incorporates investments and spending. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xK7HnC Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B According to ThinkAdvisor.com, retirees leave $650 billion on the table in tax savings each year because of missed tax planning opportunities. What can you do to make sure this doesn't happen to you? Retirement Planner Loren Merkle talks about strategies that help you pay less in taxes and have more to spend in retirement, including:- Why many advisors need to shift their focus when helping people plan for retirement- The common investment that could be costing you more than you realize- A strategy that could lower your tax bill in retirement Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chapter 00:00 Financial planning for retirement at age 30-40. 05:37 Study shows significant tax savings in investments. 07:53 Early retirement may qualify for Affordable Care. 10:03 Annuities fees, evaluate before replacing mutual funds. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xK7HnC Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Billions of dollars are left on the table each year that could be in the hands of retirees due to a lack long-term tax planning. We help you get that money off the table and into your pocket with long-term tax and income planning strategies that help you make the most of your retirement savings. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Retiring people face financial challenges, need strategies. 04:45 Planning Roth conversions to minimize retirement taxes. 06:52 Intentionally pay taxes now to defer later. 12:14 Analyze annuity type, fees, return potential, fit. 14:59 Have a plan before engaging in investments. 19:53 Tax plan neglect, focus on investments, missed opportunities. 21:52 Saving money for healthcare; importance of planning. 23:49 Efficient investments crucial for long-term financial growth. 27:02 Prepare for retirement through upcoming workshop. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4cLg96d Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Will Social Security go broke? Retiring Today With Loren Merkle Host Molly Nelson recaps predictions of Social Security, including options lawmakers have for changing the rules. Understand this vital source of retirement income with these key takeaways.- The possibility of altering the Social Security benefits formula.- Grasp the expected percentage of benefits people might receive post-2034.- Consider the public's reaction to a possible reduction in Social Security benefits.- Learn what full retirement age means and how it affects your Social Security benefits.- Explore the factors beyond age that impact the decision to elect Social Security benefits. Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Yearly COLA adjustments, uncertainty and future concerns. 03:47 Stay informed about Social Security to maximize benefits. -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4cLg96d Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Knowing when to elect Social Security can feel overwhelming. With the possibility of 81 different election options for couples, the choice is anything but straightforward. It is more than just deciding between taking benefits at 62 (when you can first elect), at Full Retirement Age (66 or 67 for most people), or at 70 (the age at which your benefit stops growing). Experienced Retirement Planner Loren Merkle explains: - The impact Social Security decisions have on your retirement, with lifetime benefits reaching up to $500,000 for individuals. - The difference between taking Social Security early vs. at Full Retirement Age (FRA) and how health and longevity play into this decision. - Why factors like your investments, and your legacy plan should be considered when making your Social Security election. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.`

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3xpdWx6 Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this episode of Retiring Today discuss Social Security and the role it plays in a comprehensive retirement plan. We explore when you should elect Social Security and we help you understand which of the 81 Social Security options is right for you. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 The Importance of Your Social Security Benefit 04:00 Social Security Eligibility Rules 05:35 Your Social Security Break-Even Point 12:00 How Much Health Care Costs in Retirement 19:00 How Find the Right Social Security Options for You -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about building a retirement plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by booking a Retire Ready Call today: https://bit.ly/4adDED6 In this episode recap, Loren Merkle discusses how you can protect your retirement savings by choosing the right financial advisor who specializes in the financial services that are best suited for your stage in life and by creating a retirement plan that is based on realistic financial assumptions. These tips can help you develop a retirement plan that allows you to achieve the retirement lifestyle that you want for your retirement. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chapters 00:00 The Challenges of Retirement 01:18 How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor for You 03:05 Building a Retirement Plan Using Realistic Assumptions -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare yourself for retirement by registering for our complimentary Journey to Retirement online workshop: https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/ Imagine a $10 million difference between financial plans. That's right, $10 million. Alarming, right? We recently met with a couple who experienced just that. Hear a recap of their story and find out what questions to ask to ensure you have a comprehensive retirement plan, not just an investment plan. Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters: 0:00 The Importance of Choosing The Best Financial Advisor for You 2:10 Questions You Can Ask Your Financial Advisor -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/43rlPhp Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Retirement is one of the most important decisions that you will make and there is a lot of conflicting retirement information that you may hear. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about what you can do to protect your nest egg, grow your retirement investments, and live comfortably in retirement. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Understanding How to Achieve Retirement Goals 01:40 Be Cautious of Mixed Messaging Around Retirement 02:52 How to Create a Realistic Retirement Investment Plan 07:05 Use the Right Assumptions When Building a Retirement Plan 07:47 Not All Financial Advisors Do The Same Thing 11:50 Can I Still Elect My Social Security Survivorship Benefit If I Remarry? 18:35 Questions You Can Ask Your Advisor to Know if Your Retirement Plan Is Realistic 22:50 What is a Realistic Rate of Return for Your Investments -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about building a retirement plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by booking a Retire Ready Call today: https://bit.ly/3TlkB2q Retirement is so much more than investments. Did you know there are six pillars that hold up a comprehensive retirement plan? Retirement Planner Loren Merkle discusses each pillar, how they work together, and why they are the foundation of your retirement. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chapters 00:00 What is a Retirement Plan? 00:57 The Lifestyle Plan 01:22 The Income Plan 01:58 The Tax Plan 02:30 The Healthcare Plan 03:20 The Investment Plan 04:33 The Legacy Plan 05:50 Implementing Your Retirement Plan -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about building a retirement plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by registering for our online Journey to Retirement Workshop: https://bit.ly/3ve5nUV Nothing about retirement is a straight line. There are twists and turns along the way. You don't feel the same, spend the same, or even invest the same during a 20 or 30-year retirement. That's why you can't set it and forget it when building a retirement plan. Working with a retirement planner means THEY should reach out to YOU throughout retirement. Find out when and why you have to update your plan throughout retirement. Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters 00:00 You Can't Set Your Retirement Plan & Forget It 00:45 What Are The Rules of Retirement 02:00 How Spending Changes in Throughout Retirement 03:03 Your Financial Advisor Should Not Be Setting Your Plan & Forgetting It 03:21 What Your Financial Advisor Should Be Doing -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3vozpFB Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this episode of Retiring Today we talk about how you can't just set your retirement plan and forget it. Many external factors such as legislation and life changes can have a big impact on your retirement, creating a need to make changes to your retirement plan so you can protect your retirement savings and maximize your retirement income. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Your Cannot Set Your Retirement Plan and Forget It 02:51 How Legislation Can Impact Your Retirement 07:22 Change Your Retirement Plan to Maximize Savings with New Legislation 12:33 The Three Phases of Retirement 19:40 Review Your Retirement Plan At Least Once Per Year 20:30 How to Build a Retirement Plan -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Start preparing for your retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3Tblc70 This recap video includes a list of questions you can ask your financial advisor to ensure you have the right person on your team as you head into retirement. Not all advisors do the same things, and not all teams specialize in retirement. Find out what to look for in a retirement planner and the specific ways they can help you make the most of your retirement. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chapters 00:00 What to ask your financial advisor 02:10 Is Your Financial Advisor Being Proactive? 03:00 Is Your Advisor Talking to You About Your Tax Plan? 03:45 Are You Working With A Financial Advisor or Retirement Planner? 05:05 Finding A Planning Team -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare yourself for retirement by registering for our complimentary Journey to Retirement online workshop: https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/ What is your advisor's succession plan? It can feel like a difficult conversation to have, but it's an important one. After all, this is your retirement savings. If the person you are working with doesn't have a plan for you when they retire, it may be time for you to move on. Retiring Today Host Molly Nelson talks about the questions to ask, what to look for, and the importance of asking your advisor about their retirement. Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters: 0:00 Is Your Financial Advisor Retiring? 1:20 Does Your Advisor Have a Succession Plan? -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4ay3D8f Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this episode of Retiring Today we give you some steps you can take if your financial advisor is retiring. From a checklist of questions you can ask your advisor to qualities you should look for in a new advisor. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Your Financial Advisor is Retiring, Now What? 00:54 More People Are Retiring Now Than Ever Before 02:30 You Don't Want to Retire With Your Advisor 3:40 Don't Let Your Advisor Get Picked For You 4:33 Your Financial Advisor Checklist 9:38 Do You Have the Right Advisor? 13:20 Social Security Survivorship Benefits 19:50 Does Your Advisor Have a Succession Plan? 20:45 The Team Approach to Retirement Planning 23:43 Developing a Recession Resistant Investment Portfolio -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Start preparing for your retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3VbxA9D How does probate work? Do you need a will or a trust to avoid probate? Retirement Planner Loren Merkle breaks down the probate process, plus tips on how to make sure you don't make a common trust mistake. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chapters 00:00 The Probate Process Explained & The Cost of Probate 01:00 Is a Trust or a Will Best? 01:55 Which Assets Go Into a Trust 03:57 How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney 04:24 One Common Legacy Planning Misconception -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about building a legacy plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by booking a Retire Ready Call today: https://bit.ly/4a6ffiZ What are you putting off - a dentist appointment, mending a relationship, thinking about what happens to your assets when you're gone? You are not alone. In this episode recap, Host Molly Nelson highlights the importance of a building a legacy plan and some heartbreaking stories of what can happen without a legacy plan. These stories may motivate you to take the first step to securing what happens to your retirement savings when you are gone. Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters 00:00 Don't Put Off Building Your Legacy Plan 01:30 What Is a Legacy Plan? 01:34 How to Retire Early and Avoid a 401(k) Penalty 02:02 Creating a Written Legacy Plan -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3VbxA9D Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/49NrPn2 In this episode of Retiring Today we discuss important mindset shifts when it comes to legacy planning. You will learn about the legacy planning process and whether a will or a trust is best for your situation. Loren even reviews 3 often overlooked legacy planning documents that can help you optimize your legacy plan. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 What is a Legacy Plan? 02:48 Legacy Planning Isn't Just for the Ultra Wealthy 04:08 A Will Does Not Take Care of Everything 04:50 The Government's Legacy Plan 5:50 The Differences Between a Will and a Trust 11:10 What is an Estate? 12:10 Plan Now for Your Loved Ones 15:15 Three Often Overlooked Legacy Planning Documents 21:20 Get Organized for Your Loved Ones 22:21 Update Your Beneficiaries -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Start preparing for your retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/ At age 59 1/2, many people have an important retirement to make: leave your money in a 401(k) or roll it into an IRA. In this recap video, Retirement Planner Loren Merkle talks about the advantages of leaving your money in your 401(k), including when it could save you money, at what age you can avoid early withdrawal penalties, and a little-known 401(k) rule that kicks in at age 55. But that's just half the story. You also need to know the advantages of rolling your money to an IRA. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp dicuss that during the full episode of "Isn't My 401(k) a Retirement Plan?" Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chapters 00:00 The 59 1/2 Decision 00:34 Reasons to keep your money in your 401(k) 01:34 How to Retire Early and Avoid a 401(k) Penalty 02:58 Building a Customized Retirement Plan -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about retirement income and assessing risk by registering for our complimentary Journey to Retirement online workshop: https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/ Using terms like moderate, aggressive, and conservative to assess investment risk are subjective. What's aggressive to one person might be moderate to another and vice versa. When it comes to your 401(k), real numbers are the best way to assess your investment risk. In this recap, host Molly Nelson talks about how a risk assessment using real numbers helps you understand your 401(k) investments and make the proper adjustments to set you up for retirement. Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters: 0:00 Why you should care about your investment risk in retirement 1:40 What you can do if you are not comfortable with the risk level in your investment portfolio This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3wQnVLh Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/3wHyTTp In this episode of Retiring Today we dive into the 401(k) retirement account and explore common 401(k) misconceptions, maximum 401(k) contributions, and 401(k) investment strategies that can help optimize your investment risk level. We also discuss the important role a 401(k) account can play as part of a comprehensive retirement plan. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters 00:00 A 401(k) Is Not A Retirement Plan 01:25 The Advantages of a 401(k) 02:05 The Downsides of a 401(k) 03:08 Should You Use a 401(k) or a Roth 401(k) 04:15 Changing How You Think About Your 401(k) Investment Strategy 08:13 The Importance of Understanding Your 401(k) Investment Risk Level 11:01 How to Evaluate Investment Risk In Numbers 17:30 2024 401(K) Contribution Limits 18:15 The 401(k) 59 1/2 Rule 22:00 The 401(k) Is Not Designed for Investment Control 24:15 401(k) Withdrawal Rules -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/42YU8Mw Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/49CaTzG In this episode of Retiring Today we discuss important mindset shifts when it comes to your retirement income. Discover key insights and strategies to help you navigate the transition from working life to retirement. Also learn how to you can start building your retirement income plan and understand how much you might need saved for retirement. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters 00:00 How to Rethink Your Income in Retirement 02:10 Retiring Without A Pension 04:30 Does the 4% Rule Work? 05:18 Do You Need $3 Million to Retire? 06:35 When to Take Social Security 09:00 How to File for Social Security 13:00 Don't Use Rules of Thumb 16:29 How to Build an Income Plan for Retirement 23:15 Tax Efficient Income Strategies -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Discover more healthcare and Medicare tips by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/ Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop to take the first step in your retirement journey - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/ To make the most of retirement you have to think differently about EVERYTHING – including healthcare. Today we talk about healthcare in retirement and how it may be more affordable than you think. We also discuss options that can help you plan for the expense of long-term care. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters 00:00 Can You Retire Before 65? 02:10 Building a Comprehensive Retirement Plan 03:24 Rethinking Healthcare in Retirement 10:51 Understanding Medicare 13:10 How Prescription Drug Coverage Can Change Each Year 19:09 Planning for the Cost of Long Term Care -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Discover more tips to help you get started with your retirement investment plan by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/ Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop to take the first step in your retirement journey - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/ To make the most of retirement you have to think differently about EVERYTHING – including investments. Today we talk about how to rethink your investments, specifically how to build an investment portfolio for retirement, how to think about your investment risk in retirement, and what you can do now to put yourself in a better position to retire! Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Investments in Retirement 02:00 How People Think of Investments Before Retirement 03:07 Building A Recession Resistant Portfolio 07:15 The 60/40 Portfolio Strategy and Why It Is Outdated 12:27 Investing Today is Not the Same as Investing 20 Years Ago 14:10 Alternative Investment Options 15:21 What a Investment Portfolio for retirement looks like 16:57 Annuities and Dependable Income 21:20 Rethinking Your Investment Risk 22:57 How Having Too Much Risk Can Impact Your Investment Portfolio -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Discover more retirement tax saving strategies in the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/ Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop to take the first step in your retirement journey - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/ Retirement is a mindset shift – EVERYTHING changes including the way you should think about taxes. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp discuss how taxes in retirement can be different than taxes in your working years. They help you understand how you can begin to calculate what you may be taxed throughout your retirement and demonstrate tax strategies that can help you lower your tax bill in retirement Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Taxes in Retirement 04:48 What You Can Control with Your Taxes in Retirement 10:52 How to Calculate Your Social Security Tax Rate 20:50 Retirement Accounts: Taxed vs. Tax-Free 25:08 The Power of a Comprehensive Retirement Plan -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Learn more about how to retire confidently by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/ Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/ Retirement can be an exciting and stressful time in your life. In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle we help you understand how to build confidence in your retirement vision by detailing three ways you can overcome your fear of running out of money in retirement. Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp explain how retirement strategies such as analyzing your social security options and creating a retirement budget can help ease your retirement worries. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapters 00:00 The Causes of Retirement Fear 04:34 Electing Social Security 06:02 Tax Savings in Retirement 06:52 Building a Retirement Investment Inventory 10:46 How Much You Need for Your Retirement Lifestyle 11:27 How to Make a Retirement Budget 16:51 The Importance of a Budget in a Comprehensive Retirement Plan 17:38 How to Make a Retirement Plan 20:13 The Psychology of Retiring 24:22 Starting Your Retirement Journey This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.

Are you worried about having a plan in place when you pass? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠ ABOUT THIS EPISODEDo you think you have to work until 65 because of the high cost of health care? Maybe not. In this episode, we discuss how you can reclaim your retirement! Medicare Director AnnaMarie Morrow runs the numbers to show you what it could look like if you retire early and gives you some ideas about how to pay for health care. Plus, we talk about why you can't “set it and forget it” when it comes to Medicare decisions and why you can't ignore the high cost of long-term care. AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

Don't wait! Have a plan in place and DOWNLOAD your Succession Plan Checklist now at SuccessionChecklist.com Are you worried about having a plan in place when you pass? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠ ABOUT THIS EPISODE When it comes to planning for retirement – we preach being prepared – and we emphasize “act now.” Your end of life is no different. Plan now for yourself and for your loved ones. Special guest Ryan Fredregill of Celebrate Life Iowa stresses the importance of having a plan for your funeral for when you pass and the best way you can accomplish that. Ryan FredregillCelebrate Life IowaCelebrateLifeIowa.com(515) 689-5522 Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Everything changes in retirement – including how you think about the legacy you want to leave behind. Find out which three legacy planning documents are often overlooked and how to make sure all of your ducks are in a row when it comes to what happens to you, your retirement savings, and your possessions. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Whether this is your first year on Medicare or you've been on it for several years, you should take a look at your plan each year. In this rebroadcast we discuss how revisiting your coverage and supplement could save you money and prevent surprises when you visit the doctor or pick up a prescription. AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com ABOUT THIS EPISODE Many Americans fear they will outlive their retirement savings. We discuss three ways to overcome your fear of running out of money in retirement – including often overlooked factors like inflation and taxes. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® Clint Huntrods, PhD Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com ABOUT THIS EPISODE We get a LOT of questions about Medicare during our online Journey to Retirement Workshops. In this rebroadcast, Merkle Retirement Planning Director of Medicare AnnaMarie Morrow, answers some of your most frequently asked questions to help you make sense of Medicare. AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today Jack Henry, Producer of Retiring Today

Get your retirement toolkit today! This complimentary toolkit includes a copy of Loren's book Retire Your Way. Go to RetireYourWayToolKit.com To schedule a 15 Minute Retirement Check up call go to MerkleRetire.com ABOUT THIS EPISODE It may sound hard to believe, but a recent study finds many people fear retirement more than death. During this rebroadcast, we uncover what people fear most and discuss ways to face this phase more confidently. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® Clint Huntrods, PhD Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today Richelle Smith, Producer of Retiring Today

Do you have more questions about retirement? Schedule your 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call to talk with a retirement planner at ⁠MerkleRetire.com⁠ ABOUT THIS EPISODEA new phase of life requires a new perspective. Find out why you have to rethink taxes and retirement and what you can do right now to get to put yourself in a better position to retirement. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today Jack Henry, Producer of Retiring Today