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
The Half Million Dollar Baby
The true cost of raising a child may be far more than you expect.
What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?
This article can be a helpful guide when beginning to prepare for education expenses.
Do You Owe The AMT?
If you want to avoid potential surprises at tax time, it may make sense to know where you stand when it comes to the AMT.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
Buying a Vacation Home? 5 Questions to Consider First
You may be considering purchasing a vacation property, this can be an exciting milestone, but there are a few things to consider first.
Glossary of Scam Terms
A helpful glossary of current scams.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
Estate Management Checklist
Is your estate in order? This short quiz may help you assess your overall strategy.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
View all articles 
How Much Do I Need To Retire?
How much is enough to retire? It depends on your lifestyle, timeline, and more. Use this calculator to get a personalized est
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
Credit Card Payoff
Find out how long it may take to pay off a credit card balance and what it costs in interest.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
How Long Will My Savings Last If I Become Disabled?
See how long your current savings might last if a disability interrupted your income.
View all calculators
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Encore Careers: Push Your Boundaries
Ready for retirement? Find out why many are considering encore careers and push your boundaries into something more, here.
Making Your Tax Bracket Work
Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
When Do You Need a Will?
When do you need a will? The answer is easy: Right Now.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.