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 32 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
Surprises
Making the most of surprises is a great reason to work with us.
Building a Solid Financial Foundation
Sustain financial well-being or create wealth through these actions.
A Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned
Here are some simple and inexpensive energy-saving tips that may help you save money.
Teen Drinking and Your Liability
Drinking may be a “rite of passage” for teens, but when it occurs in your home you may be held responsible for their actions.
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
Changing Unhealthy Behaviors
Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors.
Red Flags for Tax Auditors
Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.
Disability and Your Finances
In the event of an unforeseen accident or illness, disability insurance may be a good way to protect your income and savings.
Budget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time
Tax preparation may be the perfect time to give the household budget a check-up.
View all articles 
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
How Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
Historical Inflation
See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
IRA Income
Estimate the potential monthly income your IRA balance could generate in retirement.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
View all calculators 
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?
Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.
Estate Management 101
A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.
Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart
Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?
Leaving Your Lasting Legacy
Want to do more with your wealth? You might want to consider creating a charitable foundation.
