Not all financial advisors are retirement planners, and that distinction could be worth thousands of dollars to you. In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly, Loren, and Clint pull back the curtain on the critical difference between an accumulation advisor and a comprehensive retirement planner. We explore why someone who has done a great job growing your money may not be equipped to help you live off of it, and what a truly comprehensive retirement plan covers that an investment-only approach simply misses. If you've ever wondered whether your current advisor is really prepared for your retirement, this episode is for you.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4xuKiQT

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Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint HuntrodsPhD, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://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.

You've worked hard, saved diligently, and done everything right. But there's a question that keeps so many pre-retirees up at night: Will my money actually last? In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly, Loren, and Clint tackle one of the most fundamental fears in retirement, running out of money, and show you that with the right plan, it doesn't have to be your reality. We break down the retirement income gap, introduce the NOW / LATER / FOREVER income bucket framework, and walk through how a written withdrawal strategy can be the difference between thriving in retirement and just surviving it.Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4xfCy5t--Loren MerkleCFP, RICP, Certified Financial Fiduciaryhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint HuntrodsCertified Financial Fiduciary, PhDhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://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.

Market swings are inevitable, but your retirement plan doesn't have to be a victim to them. In this episode, we break down six proactive and reactive strategies you can use to protect your retirement lifestyle when the market gets volatile, plus a hypothetical example showing how one family saved over $12,800 using tax loss harvesting.

Ready to take the next step?  Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4qiY4mS
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Loren Merkle
CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®
https://merkleretirementplanning.com/...
Clint Huntrods
PhD, Certified Financial Fiduciary®
https://merkleretirementplanning.com/...
Molly Nelson
Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle
https://merkleretirementplanning.com/...

Inheriting an IRA can feel overwhelming—emotionally and financially. With new rules requiring many beneficiaries to withdraw funds within 10 years, the decisions you make today could have long-term tax and retirement implications. In this episode, we walk through how to invest an inherited IRA, how withdrawal strategies impact your plan, and how to align this money with your personal goals. If you’ve recently inherited money—or expect to—this is a must-listen. 

Ready to take your next step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3TX6rsq

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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/

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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.

Retirement comes with opportunities, but it also brings financial risks that can catch people off guard. Learn eight common reasons retirees can run short on money and practical planning strategies that may help you prepare for a more confident retirement.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4hu6DJo

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Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with the Retire Your Way Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4x2nzM3

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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/

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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.

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.

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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/

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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.

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.

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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/

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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.

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/

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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.

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.

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🗓️ 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

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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/

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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.

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.

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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/

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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.