Understanding Today’s Financial Environment
Welcome, I’m Michele McCarty-Woods, a Financial Advisor serving Des Moines, Iowa and the surrounding communities. I understand that individuals face unique challenges as they prepare for retirement. Let me help take the mystery out of preparing for today and tomorrow. Whether your goal is saving for retirement, college savings, or estate strategies, my personalized service focuses on your needs, wants, and financial goals and objectives.
With over 32 years of experience in the Financial and Insurance Industry, I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise. My company, Retirement Resources USA, Inc., is on Lake Panorama in Panora. My home, on the north end of the Wakonda Golf Course, is also available for meetings by appointment only. Simply call my office for details.
Outside of the office I am committed to my husband and four children and I love riding horses. I can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come and look forward to working with you through all stages of your life. It does not cost anything to meet with me, so please call.
Helpful Content
The Five Basics of Financial Literacy
How literate are you when it comes to your finances? Brush up with these five basics.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
Estimate how much home may fit within your budget based on income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term financial outcomes of renting versus buying a home.
Is Term Life Insurance for You?
Term insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. Here's how it works.
Insuring Your Business With a Buy/Sell Agreement
It may help your business be better prepared in the event of the death of a principal or key employee.
Separating the Signal From the Noise
A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.
Four Steps to Valuing an Estate
Determining the value of your estate, or for someone who has passed away, can be a complex undertaking.
Exploring Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
Help small businesses make better retirement decisions for employees with this eye-catching and informative infographic.
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.
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The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do
Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Estimate potential long-term care costs and what coverage may help address them.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Find out how large your emergency fund should be based on your monthly expenses.
Federal Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate your potential federal capital gains tax liability on the sale of an asset.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
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Rightsizing for Retirement
What does your home really cost?
The Other Sure Thing
A new LIMRA study shows that 40% of Americans believe the death of a primary wage earner would cause financial challenges.
Dreaming Up an Active Retirement
When you retire, how will you treat your next chapter?
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
The Cost of Procrastination
Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.
Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?
There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.