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
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
IRA Income
Estimate the potential monthly income your IRA balance could generate in retirement.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Compare different mortgage term lengths side by side to find the option that fits your budget.
Why Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy
Do you have an estate strategy? You should.
Year-End Charitable Gifting and You
This article may help you maximize the benefits of your donation for your chosen charity.
Critical Estate Documents
Sound estate management includes creating financial and healthcare documents. Here's an inside look.
Roth IRA for Kids
Learn about the benefits and requirements of opening a Roth IRA for kids.
Inflation & Your Money
It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.
Is a Variable Annuity Right for Me?
Pundits go on and on about how “terrible” or “wonderful” annuities are, but they never talk about if annuities are right.
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The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do
Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Estimate potential long-term care costs and what coverage may help address them.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
Historical Inflation
See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Find out how large your emergency fund should be based on your monthly expenses.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
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Retirement Redefined
Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
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.
Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
RE: Retirement
How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?