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
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.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
How to Make the Tax Code Work for You
When you take the time to learn more about how it works, you may be able to put the tax code to work for you.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
When Does Your Personal Car Become a Commercial Vehicle?
At what point can you call a personal vehicle commercial?
Keep Your Umbrella Handy
Umbrella liability can be a fairly inexpensive way to help shelter current assets and future income from the unexpected.
Universal Life Insurance
Universal life insurance is permanent insurance with a flexible premium. Here's how it works.
Understanding Extended Care
Understanding the types of extended care services—and what those services could cost—may be critical.
The Threat of Identity Theft
An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.
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Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you may earn over your working years based on your current income.
My Retirement Savings
See how your current savings rate and contributions may grow into retirement income.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Estimate potential long-term care costs and what coverage may help address them.
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Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?
Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.
RE: Retirement
How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?
Working With A Financial Professional
A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.
Exit Strategies of the Rich and Famous
Estate conservation is too important to put off. Do you have a smart exit strategy?
Forecast
This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
