Retiring Today

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.