Michele McCarty-Woods

Serving Des Moines
and surrounding communities
515-777-2534
641-755-2530

Retirement

Where will your retirement money come from? If you’re like most people, qualified-retirement plans, Social Security, personal savings and investments are expected to play a role. Once you have estimated the amount of money you may need for retirement, a sound approach involves taking a close look at your potential retirement-income sources.

 
 
Leaving Your Lasting Legacy

Leaving Your Lasting Legacy

Want to do more with your wealth? You might want to consider creating a charitable foundation.

AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship

AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship

The impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can have on retirees with a consulting or small business venture.

Working With A Financial Professional

Working With A Financial Professional

A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.

 

How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?

Knowing the rules may help you decide when to start benefits.

How Retirement Spending Changes With Time

It can be difficult for clients to imagine how much they’ll spend in retirement. This short, insightful article is useful.

IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty

The list of IRA withdrawals that may be taken without incurring a 10% early penalty has grown.

Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business

To choose a plan, it’s important to ask yourself four key questions.

Money that Buys Good Health is Never Ill Spent

It's important to make sure your retirement strategy anticipates health-care expenses.

Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security

When to start? Should I continue to work? How can I maximize my benefit?

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My Retirement Savings

See how your current savings rate and contributions may grow into retirement income.

Emergency Fund Calculator

Find out how large your emergency fund should be based on your monthly expenses.

Inflation & Retirement

See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.

Estimate Your RMD

Calculate your required minimum distribution amount based on your account balance and age.

Annuity Comparison

Compare annuity options to see how each one could affect your long-term income outlook.

The Power of 401k Catch-Ups

See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.

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What You Need to Know About Social Security

Every so often, you'll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?

Timing Your Retirement

This short video illustrates the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk.

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.

Retiring the 4% Rule

A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.

How to Bake a Pie-R-A

Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged differently from traditional IRAs. Do you know how?

RE: Retirement

How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?

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