Retiring Today

Merkle Retirement Planning
  • 3.6 (21)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Ever wondered about the future of Social Security? Need help creating a plan for Long-Term Care? What happens if you retire during a Recession? Retiring in today’s world can be complex and complicated. Each week, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Loren Merkle and co-host Molly Nelson will tackle trending financial topics and apply them to your retirement. You’ll takeaway the important, need-to-know information about preparing for retirement and what happens after you get there. Retiring Today will give you actionable tips that you can use to reach your retirement goals.

  1. 4d ago

    243: You Have a Million-Dollar IRA. Is a Roth Conversion Worth It?

    If you have a large IRA balance and retirement is getting closer, your tax bill may be bigger than you expect. This episode breaks down why taxes catch so many retirees off guard and what you can do about it now. Ready to take your next step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3Sy2vxl Download your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eE Loren Merkle, Molly Nelson, and Chawn Honkomp walk through a hypothetical example of a 62-year-old with a $1 million IRA to show how an intentional Roth conversion strategy can reduce their total tax bill over a 20-year retirement. The numbers are specific, the strategy is practical, and the example makes it easy to see how this could apply to your own situation. The conversation also covers how Required Minimum Distributions force taxable income whether you need the money or not, why Social Security timing affects your tax picture more than most people realize, and why historically low tax brackets right now create a window worth paying attention to. The episode closes with six action steps you can take now. Getting a retirement tax strategy, running a Roth conversion analysis, coordinating Social Security, reviewing your investment purpose, planning for health care costs, and thinking about your legacy. -- Loren Merkle CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

  2. Aug 2

    242. You Have More Control Over Your Retirement Tax Bill Than You Think

    You saved diligently for decades. But the tax bill waiting inside your IRA may be larger than you think, and it can grow every year. Ready to take your next step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3Sy2vxl Want to go deeper? Download the Tax Strategies for Retirement guide at MerkleTaxGuide.com In this episode, Loren Merkle, Molly Nelson, and Chawn Honkomp break down why taxes catch so many retirees off guard and what you can do about it now. They cover why money sitting in a 401(k) or traditional IRA is not yours to keep in full. They also walk through Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), which force you to take money out of your accounts whether you need it or not, and what that does to your tax bill over time. Loren walks through an illustrated example showing how one intentional Roth conversion strategy saved a pre-retiree over $110,000 in retirement taxes. The episode also covers what the national debt could mean for future tax rates, why Social Security timing affects your taxes more than most people realize, and how looking at your retirement accounts in three separate buckets gives you real choices about what you pay in taxes each year. -- Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

  3. Jun 28

    241. The Key Financial Decisions That Come With Each Decade of Retirement.

    Retirement isn’t a single event, it’s a journey that can span 20, 30 or even 40 years. The financial decisions you face at age 50 may look very different from the ones you’ll encounter in your 60s, 70s and beyond. In this episode, we explore the key planning priorities that often emerge during each decade of retirement and how those decisions can affect your long-term financial picture. From deciding when to claim Social Security and creating an income strategy designed to help support your needs, to managing taxes, planning for health care costs, navigating required minimum distributions and preparing for legacy and estate considerations, every stage of retirement brings new opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re approaching retirement, recently retired or years into the journey, this episode offers helpful insights into the financial decisions that may matter most at every stage of retirement and how thoughtful planning can help you move forward with a greater sense of confidence. Ready to take your first step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/42nu7qP Download your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eE --Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. The testimonial shared in this episode is provided by a current client, who did not receive compensation for their experience with Merkle Retirement Planning. This testimonial does not present conflicts of interest due to the relationships or services offered. This published testimonial is representative of this individual’s experience only.

  4. Jun 21

    240. Annuities Explained: Pros, Cons, and How to Know If One Belongs in Your Retirement Plan

    What role can annuities play in retirement planning, and how do you know if they may be worth considering? In this episode, we break down the pros, cons and complexities of annuities in a practical, easy-to-understand way. From income features and potential downside protection to fees, surrender charges and liquidity concerns, you’ll learn why annuities may be a helpful tool for some retirees, but not the right fit for others. The episode explores different types of annuities, including variable annuities, fixed indexed annuities and income-focused strategies that may help create a personal pension-style income stream in retirement. You’ll also hear why some retirees value annuities for the added predictability they may provide, especially during market volatility or for those concerned about outliving their money. Most importantly, this discussion emphasizes that a product should never replace a comprehensive retirement plan. Whether you already own an annuity or are considering one for the first time, this episode offers educational insight to help you better understand whether an annuity may fit into your retirement strategy. -- 🗓️ Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4wTW07O 📖 Download your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eE -- Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, PhD https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

  5. Jun 14

    239. The Retirement Blueprint: How to Plan for Inflation, Taxes, and 30 Years of Income at the Same Time

    What does it take to build a retirement plan designed to support you for 20, 30 or even 40 years? In this episode, Loren Merkle, Molly Nelson and Haley Gutschenritter explain why owning IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities and savings accounts does not automatically create a retirement strategy. Using the analogy of construction blueprints versus tools, they explain how a written retirement plan can help coordinate income, taxes, inflation, health care and long-term financial decisions into one cohesive plan built for the realities of retirement. The episode dives into how inflation can quietly erode purchasing power over time, why taxes may become one of the key challenges to long-term retirement wealth, how the bucket strategy can help balance short-term income needs with long-term growth and how recent tax law changes, including the senior bonus deduction, may affect planning decisions. Whether you’re nearing retirement or already retired, this episode offers practical insights into building a retirement blueprint designed to help support income needs while adapting to inflation, taxes, market volatility and the unexpected challenges that can come with a long retirement. -- Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Haley Gutschenritter, CFP® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/haley-gutschenritter/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

  6. Jun 7

    238. You Have an Estate Plan. Here’s Why It May Not Work the Way You Think

    Even if you already have an estate plan in place, there’s a good chance it may not work the way you think. In this episode, Loren Merkle, Molly Nelson, and guest attorney Charlie Bottenberg of Brick Gentry P.C. discuss how estate planning has evolved — and why outdated documents, old trust language, and overlooked beneficiary designations could create unintended tax consequences, probate issues, or family complications. They explain why estate taxes are no longer the primary concern for most families, how the SECURE Act changed inherited retirement accounts, and why modern estate planning is now focused on flexibility, protection, and control. You’ll also learn what probate really is, common mistakes people make with IRAs and trusts, and why regularly reviewing your plan is so important. Whether you’re updating an old will, thinking about how to protect your family, or simply trying to better understand how your assets may transfer someday, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make more informed decisions about your legacy. -- Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4d9P6ne Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with the Retire Your Way Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4uWAwFL -- Loren Merkle,CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Charlie Bottenberg https://brickgentrylaw.com/attorneys/charlie-bottenberg -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

  7. May 31

    237. The Three-Legged Retirement Stool Is Gone: How to Create a Personal Pension With Income Buckets, Tax Diversification, and Social Security Timing

    Most retirees no longer have a pension, and that changes everything about how you build retirement income. If you've ever felt like retirement planning is harder than it used to be, this episode explains exactly why, and what you can do about it. Ready to take your first step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/42nu7qP Download your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eE Retirement used to rest on the three legged stool: Social Security, a pension, and personal savings. Today, with only 15% of private-sector workers having access to a pension, the responsibility of building reliable retirement income falls on you. This episode breaks down how income diversification and tax diversification work together to bring stability back to your retirement plan, and how structuring income for now, later, and forever changes how confidently you can retire. Chapters 0:00 – The Three-Legged Stool 2:30 – Why Retirement Feels Off-Balance 8:00 – Income Diversification 10:30 – Tax Diversification 14:00 – Tax Laws Keep Changing 16:00 – Social Security 18:00 – Creating a Personal Pension -- Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

  8. May 24

    236. The Great Wealth Transfer Is Happening: How to Start the Family Inheritance Conversation and The Tax Trap Retirees Need to Know About

    A massive $124 trillion is expected to pass from one generation to the next over the next 20 years, but most families aren’t talking about it. In this episode, Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods break down why inheritance conversations are often avoided, the disconnect between parents and children, and how a lack of communication can impact both finances and family relationships. You’ll also hear a hypothetical example of how tax planning can significantly affect what beneficiaries actually receive, and why having a clear plan before the transfer is so important. Whether you plan to share the details or keep things private, one thing is clear: planning ahead can make all the difference. -- Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/47ZRb2c 📖 Download your copy of the Retiring Today Magazine at https://bit.ly/4nDw5eE -- Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, PhD https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

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About

Ever wondered about the future of Social Security? Need help creating a plan for Long-Term Care? What happens if you retire during a Recession? Retiring in today’s world can be complex and complicated. Each week, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Loren Merkle and co-host Molly Nelson will tackle trending financial topics and apply them to your retirement. You’ll takeaway the important, need-to-know information about preparing for retirement and what happens after you get there. Retiring Today will give you actionable tips that you can use to reach your retirement goals.

Information

  • Creator
    Merkle Retirement Planning
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    262
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Merkle Retirement Planning
  • Show Website
    Retiring Today

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