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
Annuity Comparison
Compare annuity options to see how each one could affect your long-term income outlook.
Retirement and Quality of Life
Asking the right questions about how you can save money for retirement without sacrificing your quality of life.
The Latte Lie and Other Myths
Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.
Your Social Security Roadmap
Help clients navigate their Social Security claiming decisions with our interactive roadmap.
Your Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement
A change in your mindset during retirement may drive changes to your portfolio.
Managing the Risk of Outliving Your Money
Steps to help you sustain and grow your retirement savings.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)
Explaining Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) and their benefit to estate strategy.
The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores
What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?
View all articles 
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
Compare the true costs of buying versus leasing a vehicle to find the better fit for you.
Historical Inflation
See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Assess Your Life Insurance Needs
Estimate how much life insurance coverage may be appropriate for your situation.
Annuity Comparison
Compare annuity options to see how each one could affect your long-term income outlook.
View all calculators
Surprises
Making the most of surprises is a great reason to work with us.
Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart
Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?
Coaches
Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We'd like to be one of them.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
RE: Retirement
How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.