Taxes Don’t Retire When You Do—Make a Smarter Plan
Many retirees expect their taxes to decrease after leaving the workforce. But in reality, retirement can bring unexpected tax burdens that shrink your income and drain your savings faster than anticipated.
From required minimum distributions (RMDs) to Social Security taxation, retirees face a complex landscape where timing and strategy make a big difference.
Fortunately, with smart tax planning, you can reduce your lifetime tax liability, keep more of your income, and extend the life of your retirement savings. Read More
Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, sits down with Paul R. Lowe, founder of TriMark3 Insurance, to discuss his relationship-based, experience-driven approach to retirement planning. With a strong focus on integrity, client education, and safe financial strategies, Paul helps families navigate the ups and downs of life with confidence and clarity.
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Paul R. Lowe of TriMark3 Insurance about his decades-long commitment to helping others achieve financial peace of mind. From Million Dollar Round Table recognition to a lifetime of service-oriented values, Paul shares how personal connection, practical guidance, and safe options help clients build a retirement they can trust.
Brent Meyer: Paul, thank you for joining us for this edition of the SafeMoney.com Spotlight Series. Let’s start with your approach—what guides the way you help people prepare for retirement?
Paul R. Lowe: I’ve always had a heart for helping others. With years of experience in the financial industry, I’ve learned that listening first is key. Retirement planning isn’t about pushing products—it’s about people. When you take the time to understand someone’s goals, needs, and concerns, the right solutions follow. Read More
Market Volatility Can Derail Your Retirement—Here’s How to Stay on Track
You’ve spent decades saving and investing—but one market crash at the wrong time can undo years of progress.
When you’re close to or in retirement, market risk becomes income risk. That’s because your savings are no longer just growing—they’re being used to pay your bills. And that changes everything.
The good news? With the right strategies, you can still enjoy market-linked growth without putting your income—and your peace of mind—at risk. Read More
You’ve saved. You’ve planned. But one of the biggest retirement risks could still be hiding in your numbers: An income gap.
This gap is the shortfall between what you’ll need each month to live comfortably and what you can count on from guaranteed income sources. It’s more common than people think—especially with inflation, longer lifespans, and uncertain markets.
During Retirement Readiness Month, now’s the perfect time to calculate your income gap and explore safe, reliable ways to fill it. Read More
Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, sits down with the team at Guardian Investment Advisors to explore their comprehensive, education-first approach to retirement planning. With a commitment to fiduciary standards and personalized guidance, Guardian helps clients not just retire—but retire confidently.
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with the team at Guardian Investment Advisors about their values-driven, education-first philosophy in helping clients navigate retirement. With a commitment to the fiduciary standard and a focus on comprehensive, personalized financial strategies, Guardian stands out for its ability to help clients not just get to retirement—but thrive in it.Read More
Preparing for retirement isn’t just about saving—it’s about being ready. July marks Retirement Readiness Month, a perfect time to check in on your financial health, income strategy, and long-term confidence. Whether you’re five years away or already retired, there’s still time to fine-tune your plan and protect what matters most.
Retirement isn’t a single event—it’s a lifelong shift in how you live, spend, and manage risk. So let’s walk through the key elements of being retirement ready—and what steps you can take right now to improve your outlook.
1. Are You Prepared for Rising Costs?
Many retirees underestimate how much they’ll spend in retirement. Inflation, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle choices can all push your costs higher than expected. A retirement readiness check should include an honest look at your future expenses. Read More
Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, sits down with Marlene Woodyard, Principal Owner of Woodyard Insurance Group, to explore how her holistic, values-based approach is helping pre-retirees and retirees across South Carolina navigate retirement with confidence. With a deep commitment to client education and financial empowerment, Marlene shares what sets her team apart—and why planning for tomorrow starts with understanding what matters most today.
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Marlene Woodyard, Principal Owner of Woodyard Insurance Group, about her holistic, values-driven approach to retirement planning. With expertise in Medicare, long-term care, estate strategies, and guaranteed income solutions, Marlene shares how she helps clients align their financial plans with their personal goals. Through education, integrity, and personalized guidance, Marlene empowers individuals to “Plan more. Worry less.™️” and face retirement with lasting confidence and clarity.Read More
Retirement planning is rarely perfect. Life throws curveballs—health issues, market downturns, career changes—and even the most diligent savers can stumble along the way. If you’ve made financial missteps or feel unprepared as you approach retirement, you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to make course corrections.
In 2025, there are still actionable strategies that can help you recover from common retirement mistakes. Whether you’re already retired or just a few years out, these planning moves can help secure your financial future and restore peace of mind.
Let’s explore three of the most common retirement mistakes—and how you can still fix them this year. Read More
When it comes to your retirement nest egg, one simple truth stands above the rest: if you can’t afford to lose it, you shouldn’t risk it. That’s where the power of zero comes in—a principle that prioritizes safety, predictability, and peace of mind in retirement.
Let’s explore why protecting your money is often more powerful than chasing higher returns, especially when you’re nearing or already in retirement.
Understanding the Power of Zero
In financial planning, the power of zero refers to having zero losses during down markets. It may sound modest compared to flashy gains, but avoiding market losses—especially during critical retirement years—can dramatically improve long-term outcomes. Read More
Start a Conversation About Your Retirement What-Ifs
Start a Conversation About Your Retirement What-Ifs
Already working with someone or thinking about getting help? Ask us about what is on your mind. Learn More
What Independent Guidance Does for You
What Independent Guidance
Does for You
See how the crucial differences between independent and captive financial professionals add up. Learn More
Stories from Others Just Like You
Stories from Others
Just Like You
Hear from others who had financial challenges, were looking for answers, and how we helped them find solutions. Learn More
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