As you watch the stock market swing, inflation soar, and interest rates rise, you may be wondering, can I still retire or stay retired? In this episode, we talk about ways to take advantage of the bear markets and how you can develop a plan for your retirement now. 

As you watch the stock market swing, inflation soar, and interest rates rise, you may be wondering, can I still retire or stay retired? In this episode, we talk about ways to take advantage of the bear markets and how you can develop a plan for your retirement now.

89. Strategies to Utilize in a Bear Market

Interest rates are on the rise while inflation recently hit a 40-year high - this while talk of a bear market makes headlines. During this kind of storm, you may be wondering, should I invest in bonds? In this episode, we talk about the different types of bonds and ways they can be incorporated into your portfolio.

Interest rates are on the rise while inflation recently hit a 40-year high - this while talk of a bear market makes headlines. During this kind of storm, you may be wondering, should I invest in bonds? In this episode, we talk about the different types of bonds and ways they can be incorporated into your portfolio.

88. Should I Buy Bonds?

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have helped millions save for retirement. But because IRAs were created by government legislation, there are many rules and complexities that need to be understood and navigated. Listen to find out how to avoid some common IRA mistakes.

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have helped millions save for retirement. But because IRAs were created by government legislation, there are many rules and complexities that need to be understood and navigated. Listen to find out how to avoid some common IRA mistakes.

87. Sneaky IRA Rules

Market volatility is on the rise. After a wild week you may be wondering, when will it end, how will this impact my retirement savings and should I be making changes to my portfolio? In this week's episode, Loren talks about the current swings and three investment strategies that will help you weather the storm.

Market volatility is on the rise. After a wild week you may be wondering, when will it end, how will this impact my retirement savings and should I be making changes to my portfolio? In this week's episode, Loren talks about the current swings and three investment strategies that will help you weather the storm.

86. What to Do During a Market Meltdown

Iowa’s Governor has made some big income tax law changes. Today we talk about the new rules, rates and how they impact what you pay in retirement.

Iowa’s Governor has made some big income tax law changes. Today we talk about the new rules, rates and how they impact what you pay in retirement.

85. Income Tax Changes in Iowa

Developing a legacy plan is the best way to ensure that your wishes are met at the end of your life or after you are gone. In this episode, we talk with Estate Planning Attorney, Charlie Bottenberg about how the process works. He tells us the difference between a will and a trust and the advantage of a financial power of attorney or medical power of attorney. Plus, he shares some great tips about deciding who is the right person to make decisions about your assets after you are gone. Charlie Bottenberg cbottenberg@ahlerslaw.com 515-246-0335

Developing a legacy plan is the best way to ensure that your wishes are met at the end of your life or after you are gone. In this episode, we talk with Estate Planning Attorney, Charlie Bottenberg about how the process works. He tells us the difference between a will and a trust and the advantage of a financial power of attorney or medical power of attorney. Plus, he shares some great tips about deciding who is the right person to make decisions about your assets after you are gone. Charlie Bottenberg cbottenberg@ahlerslaw.com 515-246-0335

84. Your Merkle Plan Series: Legacy

How I am going to pay for health care in retirement? That question alone could prevent you from living out your retirement dreams. A plan is the answer that could help you feel retirement ready.

How I am going to pay for health care in retirement? That question alone could prevent you from living out your retirement dreams. A plan is the answer that could help you feel retirement ready.

83. Your Merkle Plan Series: Health Care

You can’t “set it and forget it” when it comes to investments - you have to update your investment plan as you get closer to retirement. If you think about it as a slow cooker - you might turn the heat down on risk and crank up the temp on diversification. In this episode we talk about how the investment strategy changes as you head to and through retirement. 

You can’t “set it and forget it” when it comes to investments - you have to update your investment plan as you get closer to retirement. If you think about it as a slow cooker - you might turn the heat down on risk and crank up the temp on diversification. In this episode we talk about how the investment strategy changes as you head to and through retirement.

82. Your Merkle Plan Series: Investments

Tax Planning is one of the six components included in every customized retirement plan we help individuals and families put together. We call it Your Merkle Plan. In this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp joins us in the podcast booth to talk about the steps you can take to control of taxes in retirement. 

Tax Planning is one of the six components included in every customized retirement plan we help individuals and families put together. We call it Your Merkle Plan. In this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp joins us in the podcast booth to talk about the steps you can take to control of taxes in retirement.

81. Your Merkle Plan Series: Taxes

Retirement income is a new concept if you've been receiving W-2 wages for the last 30 or 40 years. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle discusses how to turn your retirement savings into retirement income. Plus Director of Medicare, AnnaMarie Morrow, joins us to talk about how the process impacts Medicare.

Retirement income is a new concept if you've been receiving W-2 wages for the last 30 or 40 years. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle discusses how to turn your retirement savings into retirement income. Plus Director of Medicare, AnnaMarie Morrow, joins us to talk about how the process impacts Medicare.

80. Your Merkle Plan Series: Income

Ever wondered about the future of Social Security? Need help creating a plan for Long-Term Care? What happens if you retire during a Recession?Retiring in today’s world can be complex and complicated. Each week, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Loren Merkle and co-host Molly Nelson will tackle trending financial topics and apply them to your retirement. You’ll takeaway the important, need-to-know information about preparing for retirement and what happens after you get there. Retiring Today will give you actionable tips that you can use to reach your retirement goals.

Ever wondered about the future of Social Security? Need help creating a plan for Long-Term Care? What happens if you retire during a Recession? Retiring in today’s world can be complex and complicated. Each week, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Loren Merkle and co-host Molly Nelson will tackle trending financial topics and apply them to your retirement. You’ll takeaway the important, need-to-know information about preparing for retirement and what happens after you get there. Retiring Today will give you actionable tips that you can use to reach your retirement goals.

Retiring Today

According to TD Ameritrade's 2019 Retirement Pulse Survey, six in ten Americans think that $1 million will be enough for a comfortable retirement. But is that true? In this episode of Retiring Today, we breakdown the costs you should be thinking about in retirement. We'll discuss income planning, health care and long term care plus how to build a plan that will help you pay for the things you want and the things you need in retirement.

According to TD Ameritrade's 2019 Retirement Pulse Survey, six in ten Americans think that $1 million will be enough for a comfortable retirement. But is that true? In this episode of Retiring Today, we breakdown the costs you should be thinking about in retirement. We'll discuss income planning, health care and long term care plus how to build a plan that will help you pay for the things you want and the things you need in retirement.

6. Do you need $1 Million to Retire? 

With slow global growth, trade wars, and inverted yield curves, it seems everyone is talking about a possible recession. However, no one knows for sure when it will happen. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will be breaking down strategies you can use to protect your portfolio from taking a plunge during the next market correction. More to learn more about planning for your retirement? Check out our YouTube Channel, Merkle Retirement Planning.

With slow global growth, trade wars, and inverted yield curves, it seems everyone is talking about a possible recession. However, no one knows for sure when it will happen. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will be breaking down strategies you can use to protect your portfolio from taking a plunge during the next market correction. More to learn more about planning for your retirement? Check out our YouTube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBCnotSZGQDOTLrDsasWVOw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Merkle Retirement Planning</a>.

4. A Recession Resistant Retirement

Do you have a high-deductible health plan? If the answer is yes, you might be eligible for a Health Savings Account. But it is right for your retirement? In this episode of Retiring Today, we are breaking down these tax-advantaged accounts by talking about there advantages and disadvantages. In the headlines this week, we are discussing 'Project Nightingale' - the latest health care data agreement between Google and Ascension. Plus as we lead into the end of 2019, we are talking more about Year-End Tax Planning and what you should be thinking about.

Do you have a high-deductible health plan? If the answer is yes, you might be eligible for a Health Savings Account. But it is right for your retirement? In this episode of Retiring Today, we are breaking down these tax-advantaged accounts by talking about there advantages and disadvantages. In the headlines this week, we are discussing 'Project Nightingale' - the latest health care data agreement between Google and Ascension. Plus as we lead into the end of 2019, we are talking more about Year-End Tax Planning and what you should be thinking about.

7. The In's & Out's of a Health Savings Account

Bernie Madoff. Dean Mustaphalli. Elizabeth Holmes. There are plenty of reasons to distrust people these days. As with most professions, individuals in the financial field often seek to obtain various designations to demonstrate their level of knowledge. The financial industry is generally clouded by an atmosphere of distrust. While there are many honest financial advisers, there are also many unscrupulous ones engaging in fraud. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are talking about how to protect yourself from the Bernie Madoff's of the world and the importance of a designation.

Bernie Madoff. Dean Mustaphalli. Elizabeth Holmes. There are plenty of reasons to distrust people these days. As with most professions, individuals in the financial field often seek to obtain various designations to demonstrate their level of knowledge. The financial industry is generally clouded by an atmosphere of distrust. While there are many honest financial advisers, there are also many unscrupulous ones engaging in fraud. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are talking about how to protect yourself from the Bernie Madoff's of the world and the importance of a designation.

9. The Importance of a Financial Designation

There's one thing you can count on when you're dealing with Medicare - by the time you figure out the system, it will change. Those changes are coming January 1, 2020. The major of these changes will primarily impact those who are new to the government health insurance program. But this does leave pre-retirees and retirees with the question - how will this impact my retirement?  In this episode of Retiring Today, Director of Health Care from Merkle Retirement Planning, AnnaMarie Marrow, joins Loren, Molly and producer Richelle in the podcast to talk Part A and B premium changes, Medigap plans going away and explain the new Plan G. 

There's one thing you can count on when you're dealing with Medicare - by the time you figure out the system, it will change. Those changes are coming January 1, 2020. The major of these changes will primarily impact those who are new to the government health insurance program. But this does leave pre-retirees and retirees with the question - how will this impact my retirement?  In this episode of Retiring Today, Director of Health Care from Merkle Retirement Planning, AnnaMarie Marrow, joins Loren, Molly and producer Richelle in the podcast to talk Part A and B premium changes, Medigap plans going away and explain the new Plan G.

10. Medicare Changes in 2020

Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency. These are all buzz words we have heard from friends and in the news but what really is it and how does it work? In this episode of Retiring Today, we are covering Facebook getting into the cryptocurrency game, explaining how Bitcoin works, and most importantly, answering the question is Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin right for your retirement.

Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency. These are all buzz words we have heard from friends and in the news but what really is it and how does it work? In this episode of Retiring Today, we are covering Facebook getting into the cryptocurrency game, explaining how Bitcoin works, and most importantly, answering the question is Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin right for your retirement.

8. What really is Cryptocurrency?

Julie Wagner

It’s a story that happens all too often. A number you don’t know pops up on your phone. An email lands in your inbox that seems suspicious. An ad online showcases a product that seems too good to be true. Scams have become something we deal with every day. While most scams may not be as serve as others, the act of scamming pre-retirees and retirees is a massive problem in the United States. In this episode of the Retiring Today podcast, we talk with, Julie Wagner, Compliance Officer at Merkle Retirement Planning about the latest scams, red flags you should be on the look out for, and how to protect yourself if you do fall victim.

It’s a story that happens all too often. A number you don’t know pops up on your phone. An email lands in your inbox that seems suspicious. An ad online showcases a product that seems too good to be true. Scams have become something we deal with every day. While most scams may not be as serve as others, the act of scamming pre-retirees and retirees is a massive problem in the United States. In this episode of the Retiring Today podcast, we talk with, Julie Wagner, Compliance Officer at Merkle Retirement Planning about the latest scams, red flags you should be on the look out for, and how to protect yourself if you do fall victim.

3. Fighting Scammers with Julie Wagner

Taxes can be complicated and stressful. In your working years, often the only major tax strategy to consider is maximizing contributions to your retirement plan at work, thereby decreasing your taxable income. In retirement, there are more choices about where to pull income form and when, and those decisions can have important tax consequences. Are there tax strategies you could implement before December 31st of this year? Find out on today's episode of Retiring Today.

Taxes can be complicated and stressful. In your working years, often the only major tax strategy to consider is maximizing contributions to your retirement plan at work, thereby decreasing your taxable income. In retirement, there are more choices about where to pull income form and when, and those decisions can have important tax consequences. Are there tax strategies you could implement before December 31st of this year? Find out on today's episode of Retiring Today.

5. Year-End Tax Planning Strategies 

Introducing our Superhero Series! First superhero we are going to cover is the POWER of the Roth. Roth IRAs provide more of a benefit than ever before in today's "taxes are on sale" environment. Tax-Free money is always a good thing. Join us for a fun filled episode of Retiring Today!

Introducing our Superhero Series! First superhero we are going to cover is the POWER of the Roth. Roth IRAs provide more of a benefit than ever before in today's "taxes are on sale" environment. Tax-Free money is always a good thing. Join us for a fun filled episode of Retiring Today!

25. Superhero Series: The Power of the Roth

In the last three months of 2020, we have seen some of the most volatile market days insect 1929. Monday, March 9th and Monday, March 16th were some of the worst trading days in history with some of the largest drops ever. While some investors are used to volatility, this type of extreme volatility is unprecedented and something many have never seen in their lifetime. Pre-Retirees and Retirees are concerned and they have every right to be given the current circumstances. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are going to discuss market volatility and recession strategies - the dos and don'ts. 

In the last three months of 2020, we have seen some of the most volatile market days insect 1929. Monday, March 9th and Monday, March 16th were some of the worst trading days in history with some of the largest drops ever. While some investors are used to volatility, this type of extreme volatility is unprecedented and something many have never seen in their lifetime. Pre-Retirees and Retirees are concerned and they have every right to be given the current circumstances. In this episode of Retiring Today, we are going to discuss market volatility and recession strategies - the dos and don'ts.

24. The Continuous Anxiety of the Market

2020 has proved to be a game changer. Plans are not going the way many people had hoped or ever predicted. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss the risks associated with retirement and how you can manage those risks within your retirement plan.

2020 has proved to be a game changer. Plans are not going the way many people had hoped or ever predicted. In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss the risks associated with retirement and how you can manage those risks within your retirement plan.

23. Risks in Retirement

As millions of Americans wait on their stimulus payments, scammers are looking to take advantage. In this episode of Retiring Today, Julie Wagner - Compliance Officer at Merkle Retirement Planning, joins us to talk about these scams and how you can protect yourself. 

As millions of Americans wait on their stimulus payments, scammers are looking to take advantage. In this episode of Retiring Today, Julie Wagner - Compliance Officer at Merkle Retirement Planning, joins us to talk about these scams and how you can protect yourself.

22. Coronavirus Stimulus Relief Bill: A Scammers Paradise

Last Monday, stocks fell sharply with the Dow suffering its worst day since the "Black Monday" market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever. This was even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak. On this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp joins Loren, Molly, and Richelle to discuss why this time is different from 2008 and what steps you can take to protect your financial future. 

Last Monday, stocks fell sharply with the Dow suffering its worst day since the "Black Monday" market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever. This was even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak. On this episode of Retiring Today, Chawn Honkomp joins Loren, Molly, and Richelle to discuss why this time is different from 2008 and what steps you can take to protect your financial future.

21. The Stock Market Meltdown of 2020

What a week it has been for market volatility. Just Monday, the S&amp;P 500 plummeted 7% at the open, tripping circuit breakers that briefly halted trading at the New York Stock Exchange. Plus global oil markets plunged after the implosion of an alliance between OPEC and Russia caused the worst one-day crash in crude prices in nearly 30 years. Then Thursday, a level-one circuit breaker was triggered yet again minutes into the opening bell after the S&amp;P 500 dropped 7%.  In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle breaks down what a Bear Market is, what you should be considering and why he doesn't see a recession is in the books for 2020.  

What a week it has been for market volatility. Just Monday, the S&amp;P 500 plummeted 7% at the open, tripping circuit breakers that briefly halted trading at the New York Stock Exchange. Plus global oil markets plunged after the implosion of an alliance between OPEC and Russia caused the worst one-day crash in crude prices in nearly 30 years. Then Thursday, a level-one circuit breaker was triggered yet again minutes into the opening bell after the S&amp;P 500 dropped 7%.  In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle breaks down what a Bear Market is, what you should be considering and why he doesn't see a recession is in the books for 2020.

20. Welcome to the Bear Market

The coronavirus is now rattling our global markets. The Dow John Industrial Average plummeted over 1000 points or more than 4% in one day this past week as fiscal impact of the coronavirus is spreading. The losses mark the worst week for the Dow since the financial crash of 2008. According to ABC News reporter Catherine Thorbecke, “The sharp fall comes as public head officials warn that Americans should prepare for community spread of coronavirus in the U.S. and as companies warn investors of supply chain issues related to the outbreak.” The question on most pre-retirees and retirees minds are how could this impact their 401(k) and other retirement investments? In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss the market volatility, is your nest egg safe, and what it could mean for your portfolio.

The coronavirus is now rattling our global markets. The Dow John Industrial Average plummeted over 1000 points or more than 4% in one day this past week as fiscal impact of the coronavirus is spreading. The losses mark the worst week for the Dow since the financial crash of 2008. According to ABC News reporter Catherine Thorbecke, “The sharp fall comes as public head officials warn that Americans should prepare for community spread of coronavirus in the U.S. and as companies warn investors of supply chain issues related to the outbreak.” The question on most pre-retirees and retirees minds are how could this impact their 401(k) and other retirement investments? In this episode of Retiring Today, we discuss the market volatility, is your nest egg safe, and what it could mean for your portfolio.

19. Coronavirus & Your 401(k)

When planning for retirement, there's definitely a specific type of financial planning that needs to be done. When it comes to investing, accumulation investing and retirement investing are two completely different philosophies. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about the difference between your investing strategies during these different phases of life. 

When planning for retirement, there's definitely a specific type of financial planning that needs to be done. When it comes to investing, accumulation investing and retirement investing are two completely different philosophies. In this episode of Retiring Today, we talk about the difference between your investing strategies during these different phases of life.

18. Accumulation Investing vs. Retirement Investing

Social Security is an important source of income for retirees in America. Nonetheless, the process of applying for and calculating benefits can be tricky and complex, based on such factors as past income and your age when you choose to elect benefits. In this episode of Retiring Today, we walk through the history of Social Security and the top point to think about when electing your benefits.   Headlines Article 1: What to know for year two of the Trump tax plan

Social Security is an important source of income for retirees in America. Nonetheless, the process of applying for and calculating benefits can be tricky and complex, based on such factors as past income and your age when you choose to elect benefits. In this episode of Retiring Today, we walk through the history of Social Security and the top point to think about when electing your benefits.  Headlines Article 1: <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/know-two-trump-tax-plan-031112025.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What to know for year two of the Trump tax plan</a>

17. The Basics of Social Security

Pre-retirees often come to us with the same questions "What do I need to know before retirement?" or "What should I be doing before I retire?" Preparing to leave full time work and make the transition from saving to spending can be complex and have lot of moving pieces. In this episode of Retiring Today, we answer the top frequently asked questions by pre-retirees including "Do I have enough money to retire?" How do I know when to take Social Security?" and "Do I need a financial adviser in retirement?" 

Pre-retirees often come to us with the same questions "What do I need to know before retirement?" or "What should I be doing before I retire?" Preparing to leave full time work and make the transition from saving to spending can be complex and have lot of moving pieces. In this episode of Retiring Today, we answer the top frequently asked questions by pre-retirees including "Do I have enough money to retire?" How do I know when to take Social Security?" and "Do I need a financial adviser in retirement?"

16. Pre-Retirees Most Asked Questions

In a perfect world, retirement is easy. You make your plan, you give your two weeks notice, you celebrate your last day of work and then, before you know it, you are officially retired! The reality is that retirement is a third of your life, not a fleeting moment in time and as a major life phase, there is a lot of planning involved and it doesn't all happen at one time. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will walk you through a successful retirement timeline.   Show Notes Headline 1: New Law Amis To Help Americans Without Retirement Plans. Will It Work? Headline 2: How To Pick A Fair Social Security Retirement Age

In a perfect world, retirement is easy. You make your plan, you give your two weeks notice, you celebrate your last day of work and then, before you know it, you are officially retired! The reality is that retirement is a third of your life, not a fleeting moment in time and as a major life phase, there is a lot of planning involved and it doesn't all happen at one time. In this episode of Retiring Today, we will walk you through a successful retirement timeline.  Show Notes Headline 1: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/01/11/794619987/new-law-aims-to-help-americans-without-retirement-plans-will-it-work" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Law Amis To Help Americans Without Retirement Plans. Will It Work?</a> Headline 2: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ebauer/2020/01/12/how-to-pick-a-fair-social-security-retirement-age/#7e3c09e31919" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Pick A Fair Social Security Retirement Age</a>

15. The Retirement Timeline

With a longer lifespan and often less time building a nest egg, the stakes for women are higher in retirement, but these challenges don't have to sideline your planning. The ladies of Merkle Retirement Planning are taking over the mics in this episode of Retiring Today. We discuss the SECURE Act, what women need to consider when it comes to investments, health care, and how to plan to carry out legacy decisions. 

With a longer lifespan and often less time building a nest egg, the stakes for women are higher in retirement, but these challenges don't have to sideline your planning. The ladies of Merkle Retirement Planning are taking over the mics in this episode of Retiring Today. We discuss the SECURE Act, what women need to consider when it comes to investments, health care, and how to plan to carry out legacy decisions.

14. Women in Retirement

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