Retiring Today

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272

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Ever wondered about the future of Social Security? Need help creating a plan for Long-Term Care? What happens if you retire during a Recession? Retiring in today’s world can be complex and complicated. Each week, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Loren Merkle and co-host Molly Nelson will tackle trending financial topics and apply them to your retirement. You’ll takeaway the important, need-to-know information about preparing for retirement and what happens after you get there. Retiring Today will give you actionable tips that you can use to reach your retirement goals.

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October 25, 2026Episode 55329 min

553. 4 Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most estate planning mistakes aren't made by people who don't care, they're made by people who care deeply and act without the right guidance. In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly, Loren, and Chawn walk through the most common estate planning decisions that backfire: adding a child's name to a deed, naming the wrong beneficiary, setting up joint tenancy without understanding the consequences, and making IRA inheritance mistakes that create massive tax bills for the people you love most. If you want to learn more about ways to help protect your family’s financial future, this episode is for you. Ready to take your first step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/46YC08t — 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.

October 18, 2026Episode 25229 min

252. What Happens to Your Retirement Income When a Spouse Dies?

It's the conversation most couples avoid — but avoiding it doesn't make it less likely to happen. When one spouse dies, the surviving partner can lose between a third and half of their household retirement income almost overnight. In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly, Loren, and Haley walk through what actually happens to your retirement when a spouse dies first — the income cliff, the widow's penalty, the Social Security survivor benefit, and the steps every couple needs to take now to make sure the surviving spouse is protected. This is one of the most important financial conversations you will ever have. -- Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4jiL0fQ 🔔 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/ Haley Gutschenritter CFP®️ https://merkleretirementplanning.com/team-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.

October 11, 2026Episode 25129 min

251. How to Potentially Save $136,000 on Your Retirement Tax Bill

Most retirees overpay in taxes, not because they've done anything wrong, but because nobody has ever built a long-term tax plan around their retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly, Loren, and Clint show you how a coordinated tax, income, and investment plan could potentially save you $140,000 on your retirement tax bill. We cover why the tax blind spots exist, what it looks like when your advisor and tax preparer finally work together, and how a structured approach to withdrawals – the NOW, LATER, and FOREVER bucket framework – helps you keep more of the money you've worked a lifetime to save. -- Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4xBIZ1L 🔔 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 PhD, Certified Financial Fiduciary®️https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice, and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

October 4, 2026Episode 56029 min

250. 5 Reasons People Put Off Retirement Planning and What the Delay Could Cost

Only 23% of people near retirement age have a written retirement plan. In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly, Loren, and Chawn explore the five real reasons people put off retirement planning, the financial cost of each one, and what to do about it. From conflicting priorities and fear of bad news to distrust of advisors and the do-it-yourself mentality, today's show names the barriers that are keeping people from the retirement they've worked so hard for — and shows that every single one of them has a solution. Ready to take your first step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/46vSXac --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.

September 27, 2026Episode 24929 min

249. A New Way to Think About Paying for Long-Term Care

Long-term care is one of the most overlooked and potentially costly parts of retirement planning. In this episode of Retiring Today, we walk through what long-term care really means, the likelihood you or a loved one may need it, and the financial impact it can have on your retirement. Most importantly, we introduce a modern approach to long-term care planning, a new way of thinking about how to prepare for these expenses without derailing your retirement. -- Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3UI1RPd 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more retirement insights! -- Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® AnnaMarie MorrowDirector of Medicare & Long-Term Care Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle -- 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.

September 20, 2026Episode 24828 min

248. The 5 Retirement Conversations Every Couple Should Have

Most couples spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning their retirement together, and that gap has real financial consequences. In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly, Loren, and Chawn walk through the five retirement conversations every couple needs to have before they stop working, with each other and with their retirement planner. These aren't feel-good conversations. They're urgent, practical, and potentially worth tens of thousands of dollars. If you and your spouse haven't had all five of these conversations, this episode will show you exactly where to start. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4qQtt0m -- 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.

September 13, 2026Episode 24729 min

247. Retirement Planner vs. Investment Advisor: Why the Difference Matters

Not all financial advisors are retirement planners, and that distinction could be worth thousands of dollars to you. In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly, Loren, and Clint pull back the curtain on the critical difference between an accumulation advisor and a comprehensive retirement planner. We explore why someone who has done a great job growing your money may not be equipped to help you live off of it, and what a truly comprehensive retirement plan covers that an investment-only approach simply misses. If you've ever wondered whether your current advisor is really prepared for your retirement, this episode is for you. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4xuKiQT -- Loren Merkle CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods PhD, Certified Financial Fiduciary® 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.

September 6, 2026Episode 24628 min

246. Will Your Money Last as Long as You Do?

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

August 30, 2026Episode 24628 min

246. 6 Money Moves for Market Swings

Market swings are inevitable, but your retirement plan doesn't have to be a victim to them. In this episode, we break down six proactive and reactive strategies you can use to protect your retirement lifestyle when the market gets volatile, plus a hypothetical example showing how one family saved over $12,800 using tax loss harvesting. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/4qiY4mS -- Loren Merkle CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/... Clint Huntrods PhD, Certified Financial Fiduciary® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/... Molly Nelson Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle https://merkleretirementplanning.com/...

August 23, 2026Episode 24528 min

245. You’ve Inherited an IRA — Now What?

Inheriting an IRA can feel overwhelming—emotionally and financially. With new rules requiring many beneficiaries to withdraw funds within 10 years, the decisions you make today could have long-term tax and retirement implications. In this episode, we walk through how to invest an inherited IRA, how withdrawal strategies impact your plan, and how to align this money with your personal goals. If you’ve recently inherited money—or expect to—this is a must-listen. Ready to take your next step in retirement planning? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3TX6rsq -- 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.

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