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
To Catch a Thief
Having your identity stolen may result in financial loss plus the cost of trying to restore your good name.
Budget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time
Tax preparation may be the perfect time to give the household budget a check-up.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
How Women Can Prepare For Retirement
Are women prepared for a 20-year retirement?
Password Protection Strategies
Simple steps may help you foil hackers and protect your privacy.
Dog Bites Neighbor. Now What?
Even dogs have bad days. So, what happens when your dog bites a neighbor or passing pedestrian?
When Should You Take Social Security
Monthly Social Security payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits.
9 Facts About Retirement
Regardless of how you approach retirement, there are some things about it that might surprise you.
What's So Great About a Rollover?
Making a career move requires tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your retirement plan.
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Bi-Weekly Payments
This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.
Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?
Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
What Is My Current Net Worth?
Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Home Mortgage Deduction
Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.
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Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
Rightsizing for Retirement
What does your home really cost?
Making Your Tax Bracket Work
Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
How Cash Apps Work
Peer-to-peer payment apps are one of the newest ways to send money.
Exit Strategies of the Rich and Famous
Estate conservation is too important to put off. Do you have a smart exit strategy?
The Other Sure Thing
A new LIMRA study shows that 40% of Americans believe the death of a primary wage earner would cause financial challenges.
