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
Please Leave Home Without It
Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with data breaches at major companies and financial institutions.
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.
Forecast
This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.
Intellectual Property and Your Estate
Do you have intellectual property? Consider how you might include your IP into your estate strategy in this detailed article.
What's So Great About a Rollover?
Making a career move requires tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your retirement plan.
Four Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy
Estate strategies for millennials may sound like less of a concern than retirement, but young adults should prepare now.
Navigating Retirement Pitfalls
Why are they made again and again? Making sense of these errors in judgment.
Life Insurance Myths: Debunked
Whether you have life insurance through your work or are retired it pays to know the truth about life insurance coverage.
Separating the Signal From the Noise
A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.
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College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
Estimate how much home may fit within your budget based on income and expenses.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Compare different mortgage term lengths side by side to find the option that fits your budget.
Social Security Tax Estimator
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax.
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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
What You Need to Know About Social Security
Every so often, you'll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?
The Other Sure Thing
A new LIMRA study shows that 40% of Americans believe the death of a primary wage earner would cause financial challenges.
Safeguard Your Digital Estate
If you died, what would happen to your email archives, social profiles and online accounts?
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
The Power of Compound Interest
Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.
