Retiring Today

Merkle Retirement Planning
  • 3.5 (20)
  • 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. 14h ago

    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.

    26 min

  2. 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.

    26 min

  3. 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.

    25 min

  4. 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.

    22 min

  5. Apr 26

    235. The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Claiming Social Security

    Social Security is the elephant in the room when it comes to retirement planning. Everyone knows the decision is there, but between your neighbor who claimed at 62 and your coworker waiting until 70, it's hard to know what you should actually do. For a married couple, this decision can impact over a million dollars in lifetime retirement income. For a single filer, it can impact $500,000 or more. This episode cuts through the noise and shows you how to prioritize Social Security decisions based on your life, your income needs, and your retirement plan. If you're 55 or older and asking yourself "when should I claim Social Security?" this episode is for you. -- Download the Social Security guide from this episode here: https://bit.ly/4tz4Ple Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4vvLVxt 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more retirement insights! -- 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.

    26 min

  6. Apr 19

    234. 7 Steps to Retire Before 65. Even If You Think You Can't Afford To

    If 65 has been your retirement target, ask yourself why. For most people it comes down to one thing, health care before Medicare kicks in. The good news is there are more options than most people realize. Retiring before 65 involves more than just solving the health care gap. You also need a plan for your taxes, your investments, your income, and how long that money needs to last. This episode walks you through seven steps to address all of it. What We Cover: 00:00 The Seven Steps to Retire Before 65 01:41 Get Clear on Your Lifestyle 04:57 Plan for a Longer Retirement Than You Think 07:43 Determine What Enough Really Means 11:27 Increase Your Savings Power 15:39 Use the Bucket Strategy 17:31 Adjust Your Investment Strategy 19:37 Solve the Two Big Gaps: Health Care and Taxes If you're 55 or older and asking yourself, “Can I retire before 65?” this episode is for you. -- 🗓️ Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3PUxvX2 📖 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.

    25 min

  7. Apr 12

    233. What If the Market Crashes in Your First Year of Retirement?

    Imagine retiring with $750,000 and watching it drop by 30% in year one. A market drop like that can have a real impact on your retirement income. In this episode, we break down the bucket strategy, a way to divide your money into three buckets designed to help protect your income during market downturns. We also cover how to evaluate the risk you’re currently taking and how it may need to change in retirement, plus why your tax strategy and Social Security decisions play a key role in making your money last. If you're 55 or older and concerned about what a market drop could do to your retirement income, this episode is for you. -- Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3PKQseH 📖 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.

    25 min

  8. Apr 5

    232 Laid Off After 55? What to Do About Health Care, Taxes, and Your 401(k)

    Last year, 1.1 million people were laid off, numbers not seen since 2020. And 40% of people retire earlier than they planned. If a layoff or buyout is on your radar, the decisions you make about health care, taxes, and your 401(k) will follow you for the rest of your retirement. Key Takeaways: ✅ Losing your job doesn't mean losing your health insurance. COBRA can keep you covered for up to 18 months. ✅ The money in your HSA can be used tax-free to pay for qualified health care expenses in retirement. ✅ The Rule of 55 lets you take money from your 401(k) early without the 10% penalty. ✅ An example of how a family that got a $150,000 severance ended up in a higher tax bracket. If you're 55 or older and worried about a layoff, buyout, or early retirement, then this episode is for you. -- 🗓️ Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call https://bit.ly/4bD27ns 📋 Download the complimentary guide, "Can You Retire If Offered a Buyout? Ask Yourself These Six Questions" at https://bit.ly/4bORYoE -- 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.

    26 min
See All (258)

Trailer

3.5
out of 5
20 Ratings

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
    258
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Merkle Retirement Planning
  • Show Website
    Retiring Today

You Might Also Like