Understanding Today’s Financial Environment
Welcome, I’m Michele McCarty-Woods, a Financial Advisor serving Des Moines, Iowa and the surrounding communities. I understand that individuals face unique challenges as they prepare for retirement. Let me help take the mystery out of preparing for today and tomorrow. Whether your goal is saving for retirement, college savings, or estate strategies, my personalized service focuses on your needs, wants, and financial goals and objectives.
With over 28 years of experience in the Financial and Insurance Industry, I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise. My company, Retirement Resources USA, Inc., is on Lake Panorama in Panora. My home, on the north end of the Wakonda Golf Course, is also available for meetings by appointment only. Simply call my office for details.
Outside of the office I am committed to my husband and four children and I love riding horses. I can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come and look forward to working with you through all stages of your life. It does not cost anything to meet with me, so please call.
Helpful Content
Money Draining Food Myths
These food myths will really put a drain on your wallet.
Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?
Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.
The Half Million Dollar Baby
The true cost of raising a child may be far more than you expect.
Saving Early & Letting Time Work For You
The earlier you start pursuing financial goals, the better your outcome may be.
Choices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer
Individuals have three basic choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at a previous employer.
How Women Can Prepare For Retirement
Are women prepared for a 20-year retirement?
The Cost of Medical Care
Learn about the risks of not having health insurance in this informative article.
Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) Explained
Have you considered the special tax treatment on company stock held in a 401(k) plan?
Making a Charitable Contribution
There are benefits and limitations when you decide to donate stock.
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Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Estimate the maximum contribution amount for a Self-Employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
My Retirement Savings
Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.
Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Determine your potential long-term care needs and how long your current assets might last.
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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup
It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial professional about changes in your situation.
RE: Retirement
How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?
Keeping Up with the Joneses
Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?
Surprise! You’ve Got Money!
Here’s a quick guide to checking to see if you have unclaimed money.
The Latte Lie and Other Myths
Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.