Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4ay3D8f

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B

In this episode of Retiring Today we give you some steps you can take if your financial advisor is retiring. From a checklist of questions you can ask your advisor to qualities you should look for in a new advisor.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

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

Clint Huntrods, PhD, Retirement Planner

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 Your Financial Advisor is Retiring, Now What?

00:54 More People Are Retiring Now Than Ever Before

02:30 You Don't Want to Retire With Your Advisor

3:40 Don't Let Your Advisor Get Picked For You

4:33 Your Financial Advisor Checklist

9:38 Do You Have the Right Advisor?

13:20 Social Security Survivorship Benefits

19:50 Does Your Advisor Have a Succession Plan?

20:45 The Team Approach to Retirement Planning

23:43 Developing a Recession Resistant Investment Portfolio

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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.

Start preparing for your retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3VbxA9D

How does probate work? Do you need a will or a trust to avoid probate? Retirement Planner Loren Merkle breaks down the probate process, plus tips on how to make sure you don't make a common trust mistake.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

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

Chapters

00:00 The Probate Process Explained & The Cost of Probate

01:00 Is a Trust or a Will Best?

01:55 Which Assets Go Into a Trust

03:57 How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney

04:24 One Common Legacy Planning Misconception

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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.

Learn more about building a legacy plan and take the first step of your retirement journey by booking a Retire Ready Call today: https://bit.ly/4a6ffiZ

What are you putting off - a dentist appointment, mending a relationship, thinking about what happens to your assets when you're gone? You are not alone. In this episode recap, Host Molly Nelson highlights the importance of a building a legacy plan and some heartbreaking stories of what can happen without a legacy plan. These stories may motivate you to take the first step to securing what happens to your retirement savings when you are gone.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 Don't Put Off Building Your Legacy Plan

01:30 What Is a Legacy Plan?

01:34 How to Retire Early and Avoid a 401(k) Penalty

02:02 Creating a Written Legacy Plan

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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.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3VbxA9D

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/49NrPn2

In this episode of Retiring Today we discuss important mindset shifts when it comes to legacy planning. You will learn about the legacy planning process and whether a will or a trust is best for your situation. Loren even reviews 3 often overlooked legacy planning documents that can help you optimize your legacy plan.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapter

00:00 What is a Legacy Plan?

02:48 Legacy Planning Isn't Just for the Ultra Wealthy

04:08 A Will Does Not Take Care of Everything

04:50 The Government's Legacy Plan

5:50 The Differences Between a Will and a Trust

11:10 What is an Estate?

12:10 Plan Now for Your Loved Ones

15:15 Three Often Overlooked Legacy Planning Documents

21:20 Get Organized for Your Loved Ones

22:21 Update Your Beneficiaries

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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.

Start preparing for your retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/

At age 59 1/2, many people have an important retirement to make: leave your money in a 401(k) or roll it into an IRA. In this recap video, Retirement Planner Loren Merkle talks about the advantages of leaving your money in your 401(k), including when it could save you money, at what age you can avoid early withdrawal penalties, and a little-known 401(k) rule that kicks in at age 55. But that's just half the story. You also need to know the advantages of rolling your money to an IRA. Retirement Planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp dicuss that during the full episode of "Isn't My 401(k) a Retirement Plan?"

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

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

Chapters

00:00 The 59 1/2 Decision

00:34 Reasons to keep your money in your 401(k)

01:34 How to Retire Early and Avoid a 401(k) Penalty

02:58 Building a Customized Retirement Plan

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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.

Learn more about retirement income and assessing risk by registering for our complimentary Journey to Retirement online workshop: https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

Using terms like moderate, aggressive, and conservative to assess investment risk are subjective. What's aggressive to one person might be moderate to another and vice versa. When it comes to your 401(k), real numbers are the best way to assess your investment risk. In this recap, host Molly Nelson talks about how a risk assessment using real numbers helps you understand your 401(k) investments and make the proper adjustments to set you up for retirement.

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters:

0:00 Why you should care about your investment risk in retirement

1:40 What you can do if you are not comfortable with the risk level in your investment portfolio

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.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3wQnVLh

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/3wHyTTp

In this episode of Retiring Today we dive into the 401(k) retirement account and explore common 401(k) misconceptions, maximum 401(k) contributions, and 401(k) investment strategies that can help optimize your investment risk level. We also discuss the important role a 401(k) account can play as part of a comprehensive retirement plan.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

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

Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA®

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 A 401(k) Is Not A Retirement Plan

01:25 The Advantages of a 401(k)

02:05 The Downsides of a 401(k)

03:08 Should You Use a 401(k) or a Roth 401(k)

04:15 Changing How You Think About Your 401(k) Investment Strategy

08:13 The Importance of Understanding Your 401(k) Investment Risk Level

11:01 How to Evaluate Investment Risk In Numbers

17:30 2024 401(K) Contribution Limits

18:15 The 401(k) 59 1/2 Rule

22:00 The 401(k) Is Not Designed for Investment Control

24:15 401(k) Withdrawal Rules

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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.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/42YU8Mw

Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building your income plan and a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/49CaTzG

In this episode of Retiring Today we discuss important mindset shifts when it comes to your retirement income. Discover key insights and strategies to help you navigate the transition from working life to retirement. Also learn how to you can start building your retirement income plan and understand how much you might need saved for retirement.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

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

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 How to Rethink Your Income in Retirement

02:10 Retiring Without A Pension

04:30 Does the 4% Rule Work?

05:18 Do You Need $3 Million to Retire?

06:35 When to Take Social Security

09:00 How to File for Social Security

13:00 Don't Use Rules of Thumb

16:29 How to Build an Income Plan for Retirement

23:15 Tax Efficient Income Strategies

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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.

Discover more health care and Medicare tips by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/

Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop to take the first step in your retirement journey - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

To make the most of retirement you have to think differently about EVERYTHING – including health care. Today we talk about health care in retirement and how it may be more affordable than you think. We also discuss options that can help you plan for the expense of long-term care.

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

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

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

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

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 Can You Retire Before 65?

02:10 Building a Comprehensive Retirement Plan

03:24 Rethinking Health care in Retirement

10:51 Understanding Medicare

13:10 How Prescription Drug Coverage Can Change Each Year

19:09 Planning for the Cost of Long Term Care

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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.

Discover more tips to help you get started with your retirement investment plan by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit -

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/toolkit/

Register for the next Journey to Retirement online workshop to take the first step in your retirement journey - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/workshops/

To make the most of retirement you have to think differently about EVERYTHING – including investments. Today we talk about how to rethink your investments, specifically how to build an investment portfolio for retirement, how to think about your investment risk in retirement, and what you can do now to put yourself in a better position to retire!

Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®

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

Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today

https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/

Chapters

00:00 Rethinking Investments in Retirement

02:00 How People Think of Investments Before Retirement

03:07 Building A Recession Resistant Portfolio

07:15 The 60/40 Portfolio Strategy and Why It Is Outdated

12:27 Investing Today is Not the Same as Investing 20 Years Ago

14:10 Alternative Investment Options

15:21 What a Investment Portfolio for retirement looks like

16:57 Annuities and Dependable Income

21:20 Rethinking Your Investment Risk

22:57 How Having Too Much Risk Can Impact Your Investment Portfolio

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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.