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
Creative Ways to Motivate Your Employees
Five creative (and inexpensive) ideas for motivating your employees.
Spotting Credit Trouble
The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.
Monthly Memberships
A look as how autopay subscriptions can be a drain on your finances, especially when forgotten.
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Your credit score may influence how much you pay for auto and home insurance.
Insurance Needs Assessment: When You're Young and Single
Even if you’re young and single, you should still consider protecting yourself.
Pickleball in Retirement
Learn about the latest sport to sweep the nation with this informative article.
How Boomers and Millennials Differ
The YOLO Economy is a focus on experiences over material possessions, prompting Boomers to consider a similar mindset.
Steps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities
Planning for children with special needs can be confusing but by working together, we can help navigate those challenges.
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.
IRA Income
Estimate the potential monthly income your IRA balance could generate in retirement.
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you may earn over your working years based on your current income.
The Power of 401k Catch-Ups
See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Find out how large your emergency fund should be based on your monthly expenses.
View all calculators
How to Retire Early
Retiring early sounds like a dream come true, but it’s important to take a look at the cold, hard facts.
Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities
What is your plan for health care during retirement?
A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.
The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth
Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular?
Forecast
This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.
Saving for College 101
Here's a crash course on saving for college.