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 You Lose Your Wallet
Ever lost your wallet? Frustrating. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe.
Silver Sneakers 101
Medicare’s popular program, offering free gym membership and health education.
Disability and Your Finances
In the event of an unforeseen accident or illness, disability insurance may be a good way to protect your income and savings.
Insurance Needs Assessment: When You're Newly Married
Marriage changes everything, including your insurance needs.
Retiree Health Care Coverage Overseas
Retirees traveling abroad need to know that their health insurance travels with them.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen
This early financial decision could prove helpful over time.
Budgeting After a Divorce
Divorce is the second most stressful time in a person's life. Here's some tips to get through it.
What to Look for in an Extended-Care Policy
Here’s a list of 8 questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of extended-care insurance.
View all articles 
Annuity Comparison
Compare annuity options to see how each one could affect your long-term income outlook.
What's Your MPG?
Calculate your vehicle's fuel efficiency and see what you're spending on gas annually.
Federal Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate your potential federal capital gains tax liability on the sale of an asset.
Assess Your Life Insurance Needs
Estimate how much life insurance coverage may be appropriate for your situation.
What Rate Would I Need to Earn on My Savings?
Work backwards from your savings goal to find the rate of return you'd need to get there.
My Retirement Savings
See how your current savings rate and contributions may grow into retirement income.
View all calculators
The Richest Man in Babylon
In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?
Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?
There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.
Acres of Diamonds
In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.