Retiring Today

Retiring Today

By Merkle Retirement PlanningBusinessInvesting
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Retiring Today episodes

  • 211. How Do I Stack Up? A Look at National Averages and What a 25-Year Retirement Could Cost.

    Many Americans approaching retirement ask, “How do I stack up?” In this episode, Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp explore how average retirement savings vary by age and income—and why those numbers don’t tell the whole story. While national benchmarks offer context, your retirement readiness depends on your lifestyle, where you live, and the strategies outlined in your retirement plan. Discover how having a written retirement plan can help bring clarity—even if you’re not yet at the number you once envisioned.

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    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a 15-minute RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3GP5lZG to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3ITDbx8

    --

    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.

    26 min
  • 210. Why Staying Invested Matters

    Market swings can feel unsettling, especially as retirement approaches. In this episode of Retiring Today, Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods join Molly Nelson to explain why some of the best market days often follow the worst—and what that means for your retirement investments. They discuss how emotions, world events, and economic uncertainty influence markets, and how a retirement plan can help you stay grounded.

    From staying invested during downturns to strategies such as Roth conversions and dollar-cost averaging, this episode provides a research-based perspective aimed at helping you navigate market unpredictability with confidence and clarity.

    --

    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/4eBqNO5 to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/44Q73mv

    --

    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.

    27 min
  • 209. Long Term Care Costs, Options, and Planning

    Long-term care is one of the most overlooked—but essential—parts of retirement planning. This episode breaks down what long-term care actually includes, how much it may cost, and why it’s important to have a plan that integrates long-term care before exploring insurance options. A hypothetical example illustrates how long-term care costs can affect a retirement portfolio and the types of solutions available today, from hybrid life insurance to investment-based strategies. With the right planning, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.


    --

    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/44EE4St to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3Tipp9q

    --

    Loren Merkle

    CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®

    https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

    AnnaMarie Morrow

    Director of Medicare & Long-Term Care

    https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/

    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
  • 208. Debunking Common Retirement Tax Myths

    Taxes don’t stop when your paycheck does, and what you think you know about taxes in retirement could cost you. In this episode of Retiring Today, we break down five common assumptions about retirement taxes and reveal whether they’re fact or fiction.
    Each statement is explored in detail to help you understand how retirement income, account types, and where you live can all shape your future tax bill.
    These five retirement tax beliefs are put to the test:
    Fact or Fiction: My taxes will be lower in retirement.
    Fact or Fiction: Social Security benefits are tax-free.
    Fact or Fiction: Qualified Roth IRA withdrawals are always tax-free.
    Fact or Fiction: RMDs only apply to traditional IRAs.
    Fact or Fiction: Moving to a no-income tax state eliminates all taxes.
    If you are preparing for retirement, this conversation will help you separate myth from reality and build a more informed plan for the future.
    --
    Ready to take the next step?  Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/44vkHew to get answers to your retirement questions.
    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/4liS4ab
    --
    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
  • 207. Avoid These 5 Traps When Estate Planning in Retirement

    Legacy planning is more than just deciding who gets what—it's about making things easier for your loved ones and making sure your wishes are honored. This episode walks through five common estate planning mistakes that can cause stress, confusion, and financial problems down the road. We talk about the power of updating your beneficiaries, why having a will or trust matters, and how to make sure your spouse is taken care of if something happens to you.

    This episode covers topics like estate planning, legacy planning, retirement planning, wills and trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, Social Security planning, and more—so you can plan with confidence and achieve peace of mind.

    --

    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/3ZtIQ2x to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3FSU8GS

    --

    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.

    26 min
  • 206. Avoid These 4 Lifestyle Traps as You Plan for Retirement

    You’ve saved, you’ve budgeted, and you’ve run the numbers—but have you really thought about how you’ll live in retirement? In this episode, we highlight common lifestyle pitfalls that can lead to boredom, frustration, or missed opportunities.

    We explore four key traps many retirees fall into: making emotional decisions, spending too little out of fear, letting others’ opinions influence your choices, and entering retirement without a clear sense of purpose.

    This episode shines a light on the lifestyle pillar, offering insights to help you align your time, values, and resources—so your retirement feels intentional and meaningful.

    --

    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/4jDirGq to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/45Jd59n

    --

    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.

    27 min
  • 205. The Basics of Legacy Planning with Estate Planning Attorney Charlie Bottenburg

    When was the last time you thought about your estate plan—or whether you even have one? In this episode, Loren Merkle and Molly Nelson sit down with estate planning attorney Charlie Bottenberg to explore why legacy planning matters and how it fits into a comprehensive retirement plan.

    If you haven’t created your own plan, the state already has one for you—and it might not reflect your wishes. Learn the difference between a will and a trust, how to avoid probate, and what happens if powers of attorney and medical directives aren’t in place when you need them most. This episode is for anyone looking for clarity and confidence as they prepare for the future.

    --

    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/43jVtiT to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/456rOLv

    --

    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
  • 204. 5 Retirement Income Traps in Retirement

    Retirement can bring freedom, but only if your income plan is built for your needs. In this episode of Retiring Today, we walk through five common income traps that can catch families by surprise. Each trap is unpacked with practical steps to help you think more critically and make more informed decisions.

    --

    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/4kCEI8y to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3ZzEruH

    --

    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 are provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are outside business activities 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 that 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
  • 203. How Market Volatility Can Create Opportunities

    Market volatility is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be a setback. In this episode, retirement planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods join host Molly Nelson to help you rethink volatility as an opportunity. They explain how two proactive strategies, dollar-cost averaging and Roth conversions, can turn down markets into powerful moments for long-term retirement growth.

    Clint breaks down dollar-cost averaging with a five-month example, showing how a consistent $1,000 monthly investment during a volatile market could result in purchasing more shares at lower prices—lowering the average cost per share to $37.45 compared to a $50 lump sum investment. It’s a clear demonstration of how strategy can outperform timing when it comes to building long-term value in your retirement portfolio.

    The episode also covers what a recession-resistant retirement plan really looks like and how it can offer you stability, confidence, and control.

    --

    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/4dldSPN to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/45fhnoK🔔

    --

    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."

    27 min
  • 202. Three Health Care Traps In Retirement

    Health care is one of the most misunderstood—and potentially costly—parts of retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, we analyze three common health care traps that can affect your income, confidence, and quality of life in retirement. From Medicare premiums to long-term care expenses, these health care traps can be avoided with proactive planning. Here’s a quick look at each trap and how to prepare for it:

    Trap #1: Failing to Plan for Extra CostsMany retirees overlook out-of-pocket expenses like copays, dental, and prescriptions. Planning for these costs within your income plan helps avoid stress when unexpected bills arise.

    Trap #2: Underestimating Medicare PremiumsMedicare premiums are based on income from two years prior. A sudden rise in income can push you into a higher premium tier—sometimes over $600/month. Coordinated planning helps avoid these surprises.

    Trap #3: Ignoring Long-Term Care NeedsAbout 70% of people over age 65 will need some form of long-term care. Medicare covers only limited days of skilled nursing care, and extended care needs can quickly drain savings. We cover options that can help manage this risk.


    --

    Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/3SwjxIU to get answers to your retirement questions.

    Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3Z7bF4k


    --

    Loren Merkle

    CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®

    https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/


    AnnaMarie Morrow

    Director of Medicare & Long-Term Care

    https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/


    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.

    27 min

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