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
What To Do When Your Income Reaches 7 Figures
Preserve your high net worth with these foundational tips.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
A New Way to Look at Your Bucket List
Bucket lists don’t have to be for tomorrow.
Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen
This early financial decision could prove helpful over time.
Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date
Executors can value the estate on the date of death, or on its six-month anniversary —the “Alternate Valuation Date."
Monthly Memberships
A look as how autopay subscriptions can be a drain on your finances, especially when forgotten.
Consider Keeping Your Life Insurance When You Retire
Reasons to retain your coverage into your retirement years.
U.S. Personal Savings Rate
What can be learned from the savings rate?
Succeeding at Business Succession
There are a number of reasons for business owners to consider a business succession plan sooner rather than later.
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What's Your MPG?
Calculate your vehicle's fuel efficiency and see what you're spending on gas annually.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term financial outcomes of renting versus buying a home.
Estimate Your RMD
Calculate your required minimum distribution amount based on your account balance and age.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
Compare the true costs of buying versus leasing a vehicle to find the better fit for you.
Simple 401k
See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.
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Top 5 Things to Tell Your Financial Pro
Here are the top 5 things your team may want to hear.
Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?
Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.
Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart
Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
