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
Red Flags for Tax Auditors
Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.
What If You Get Audited?
The chances of an IRS audit aren't that high. And being audited does not necessarily imply that the IRS suspects wrongdoing.
What Will You Do With Your Bonus or Windfall?
This article examines one's options when receiving a work bonus or other financial windfalls.
Why Do Renters Have to Save More?
How much more would retirement cost if you owned your home rather than rented? It could actually be several times less.
A Look at Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance remains in force as long as you remain current with premiums. Here's how it works.
Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities
Looking forward to retirement? It's critical to understand the difference between immediate and deferred annuities.
Pay Yourself First
It sounds simple, but paying yourself first can really pay off.
Password Protection Strategies
Simple steps may help you foil hackers and protect your privacy.
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026
A look at the new retirement contribution limits from the IRS.
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The Power of 401k Catch-Ups
See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.
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.
Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
Compare the true costs of buying versus leasing a vehicle to find the better fit for you.
My Retirement Savings
See how your current savings rate and contributions may grow into retirement income.
Simple 401k
See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
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Should You Ever Retire?
A growing number of Americans are pushing back the age at which they plan to retire. Or deciding not to retire at all.
Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?
Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.
Preparation is the Key to Retirement
The simplest ideas can sometimes make a massive difference over time. Enjoy this brief video to learn more.
Your DNA Test
A Detailed Needs Analysis (DNA) can be a simple way to care for loved ones, no matter what the future may hold.
The Cost of Procrastination
Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.
The Richest Man in Babylon
In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.