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Avoid Retirement Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands
A complimentary 2-hour online workshop for adults age 55–70+ who want to retire confidently — without running out of money or overpaying in taxes. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary digital Journey to Retirement Workbook to follow along.
1,800+ Families Registered
Join thousands who've taken the first step
A complimentary 2-hour online workshop for adults age 55–70+ who want to retire confidently — without running out of money or overpaying in taxes. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary digital Journey to Retirement Workbook to follow along.
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Retirement Is One of the Most ImportantJourneys of Your Life
Small decisions — like when to claim Social Security, how to withdraw retirement funds, or which accounts to tap first — can impact your retirement income for decades. Many retirees can unknowingly lose thousands each year due to avoidable tax and income planning mistakes.
The 6 Pillars of a RetireSecure Roadmap
After helping hundreds of families to and through retirement, we've developed your RetireSecure Roadmap — six essential pillars that cover every aspect of a successful retirement: Lifestyle, Income, Taxes, Investments, Health Care, and Legacy.
Considering how you may want to spend your time in retirement
Lifestyle
Exploring different retirement goals and their costs
Understanding the transition from working life to retirement
Planning for active vs. passive retirement phases
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Reviewing potential income sources and timing considerations
Income
Understanding Social Security claiming strategies
Exploring strategies for maximizing Social Security
Creating a sustainable retirement income plan
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Exploring how different account types are taxed
Taxes
Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Planning for tax-efficient withdrawal strategies
Demonstrating the impact of Roth conversions
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Understanding how to balance diversification and risk
Investments
The Pros & Cons of Mutual Funds
Investment strategies that help create reliable income
Rebalancing portfolios for retirement income
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Outlining coverage options to be aware of before age 65
Health Care
Understanding Medicare enrollment and timing
Planning for long-term care expenses
Exploring Medicare Part B premiums
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The differences between a Will and a Trust
Legacy
Understanding the Probate Process
Exploring strategies that can create a tax-free legacy
Learning about legacy planning documents and how they are used
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This Workshop Is Ideal If You...
We designed Journey to Retirement for a specific audience. See if it's a fit.
Unsure if you can retire
or if your savings will last
Age 55-70+
approaching or recently retired
Want a clear strategy
before you stop working
Want more confidence
not just generic financial tips
Meet Your Presenters
Loren Merkle
CFP® • Founder, Merkle Retirement Planning
Loren Merkle is an award-winning CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and founder of Merkle Retirement Planning with over 24 years of experience. Author of "Retire Your Way" and host of the Iowa Motion Picture Award-winning show "Retiring Today," his expertise has been featured on ABC, CBS, and NBC. Loren has received multiple honors including Best Financial Planner and the Camille Wanna Award. A dedicated philanthropist supporting Habitat for Humanity and The Food Bank of Iowa, Loren is also a single dad to his daughter Jayce and surprisingly, a former competitive axe thrower who enjoys boating, camping, and hiking.
Clint Huntrods, PhD
Certified Financial Fiduciary® • Retirement Planner
Clint Huntrods, PhD, Certified Financial Fiduciary®️, is a dedicated Retirement Planner who helps families and individuals approach retirement with confidence and clarity. He has passed the Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination and is registered as an Investment Adviser Representative. He holds life and health insurance licenses. Clint is committed to staying informed in the ever-evolving retirement landscape. He shares retirement strategies and insights on our TV show Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, facilitates retirement workshops, and can be heard on in our podcast, Retiring Today.
Chawn Honkomp
CFP® • CPA • Retirement Income Certified Professional®
Chawn Honkomp combines 20+ years of experience with extensive credentials including CFP®, CPA, Retirement Income Certified Professional®, and Chartered Financial Consultant®. He earned his MBA from the University of Iowa, and he has passed the Series 7 and 66 FINRA examinations. His insights are featured on Retiring Today with Loren Merkle and the company's YouTube channel. Growing up as one of five brothers on a dairy farm shaped his strong work ethic. Today, he cheers on his high school son's sports teams, follows his daughter's adventures at the University of Iowa, and enjoys bike rides with his wife Ryan.
AnnaMarie Morrow
Director of Medicare & Long-Term Care
AnnaMarie Morrow is our in-house Director of Medicare & Long-Term Care. She has helped hundreds of pre-retirees make important Medicare and supplement decisions. AnnaMarie holds life, health, and accident Iowa insurance licenses and America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse licenses. She is also a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) certificate holder and a certified Medicare agent with several private insurance carriers. Additionally, AnnaMarie has achieved the Medicare Advantage Certification, awarded by NABIP.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
WHAT OUR FAMILIES
HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US
The testimonial shared in this document 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.
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Mark M.
CJ G.
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Kent. P
"...We would highly recommend Merkle Retirement.
We wish we would have engaged Merkle years
ago. This has been the best retirement move
we have made!”
“The Merkle team provides personable and professional expertise unrivaled
in this area...The peace
of mind provided to us by the Merkle team allows us to more fully enjoy this
special time of our lives.”
"...I am so happy to have
such an excellent team working for my future and ensuring I do the best to achieve
my financial goals.” ”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access the workshop after the scheduled session?
How long is the workshop?
Can my spouse or partner attend with me?
Do I need to already be retired?
What technology do I need?
What if I can't make my scheduled workshop date?
DON'T MISS OUT
Get Your Seat
Today Before It's Too Late!
This session will only be offered two times this month. Register now to secure your spot and receive the workshop materials.
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© Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC
We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of investment and insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives. Investment Advisory Services offered through Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. Insurance Services offered through MRP Insurance, LLC. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. None of the information contained on this website shall constitute an offer to sell or solicit any offer to buy a security or any insurance product. Any references to protection benefits or steady and reliable income streams on this website refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way, to securities or investment advisory products. Annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are insurance products that may be subject to fees, surrender charges and holding periods which vary by insurance company. Annuities are not FDIC-insured. The information and opinions contained in any of the material requested from this website are provided by third parties and have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. They are given for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to buy or sell any of the products mentioned. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s 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 document 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.