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 Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?
This article can be a helpful guide when beginning to prepare for education expenses.
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.
The Three Keys to a Great Password
Have fun and learn how to craft the perfect password with the help of this highly engaging infographic.
The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy
Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Four Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy
Estate strategies for millennials may sound like less of a concern than retirement, but young adults should prepare now.
Yours, Mine, and Ours: Estate Strategies for Second Marriage
Second marriages are a trigger event to revisit any existing estate strategies.
Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List
This article provides a checklist of steps to take if you experience a data breach.
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Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
The Power of 401k Catch-Ups
See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Social Security Tax Estimator
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be subject to federal income tax.
Historical Inflation
See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.
How Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
View all calculators 
Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?
Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Leaving Your Lasting Legacy
Want to do more with your wealth? You might want to consider creating a charitable foundation.
The Wild West of Data Theft
Learn about cyber liability insurance in this entertaining video.
To Buy or Not to Buy
The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
