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
First Year of Retirement: What to Expect
Understand the key financial and lifestyle shifts that happen in your first year of retirement.
Personal Finance Calendar
Use this handy calendar to remember the year’s most important financial dates.
Password Protection Strategies
Simple steps may help you foil hackers and protect your privacy.
Financially Savvy at Six Figures
Help your clients with these practical steps to make the most of their six-figure income.
Test Your Life Insurance Knowledge
How much do you know about one of the most important tools you have to help protect your and your family’s financial future?
Building a Solid Financial Foundation
Sustain financial well-being or create wealth through these actions.
Fixed or Variable Mortgage, Which Should You Pick?
When selecting a mortgage, one of the most critical choices is between a fixed or variable interest-rate mortgage.
Estate Strategies of the Rich and Famous
The examples of famous celebrities underline the need for a clear estate strategy.
The Most Overlooked Item of Any Home Improvement
The item most homeowners forget on their home improvement project checklist is insurance.
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Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term financial outcomes of renting versus buying a home.
Inflation & Retirement
See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.
Credit Card Payoff
Find out how long it may take to pay off a credit card balance and what it costs in interest.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
The Power of 401k Catch-Ups
See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.
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Coaches
Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We'd like to be one of them.
Retirement Plan Detectives
Watch this fun video for tips on how to search for missing money.
Investments
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
The Wild West of Data Theft
Learn about cyber liability insurance in this entertaining video.
Acres of Diamonds
In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.
