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
Federal Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate your potential federal capital gains tax liability on the sale of an asset.
The Five Basics of Financial Literacy
How literate are you when it comes to your finances? Brush up with these five basics.
Making Sense of HSAs and FSAs
How HSAs and FSAs might help your household.
How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies
This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.
Find That Lost Retirement Account
With over 24 million “forgotten” 401(k) accounts, you may be surprised to learn of your unclaimed “found” money.
Keep Your Umbrella Handy
Umbrella liability can be a fairly inexpensive way to help shelter current assets and future income from the unexpected.
What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor
What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.
Good Health is Good Business
Good employee health can be great for the company’s bottom line.
Retiree Health Care Coverage Overseas
Retirees traveling abroad need to know that their health insurance travels with them.
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Simple 401k
See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.
My Retirement Savings
See how your current savings rate and contributions may grow into retirement income.
What Rate Would I Need to Earn on My Savings?
Work backwards from your savings goal to find the rate of return you'd need to get there.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
Compare Roth and traditional 401(k) options to see which may work better for your situation.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
Assess Your Life Insurance Needs
Estimate how much life insurance coverage may be appropriate for your situation.
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Retirement and Quality of Life
Asking the right questions about how you can save money for retirement without sacrificing your quality of life.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Working With A Financial Professional
A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Keeping Up with the Joneses
Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?
How Cash Apps Work
Peer-to-peer payment apps are one of the newest ways to send money.