Retirement Isn’t a Set-It-and-Forget-It Plan
You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and maybe even built a retirement income plan. But even well-prepared retirees can be blindsided by unexpected financial challenges.
Retirement is full of moving parts—some predictable, others not. And while market fluctuations and inflation get the headlines, many retirees are caught off guard by less obvious threats: tax traps, healthcare costs, longevity risk, and unrealistic spending expectations.
If you want peace of mind in retirement, it’s essential to anticipate what could go wrong and take steps to protect yourself now. Read More
Social Security Is More Than Just a Check—It’s a Strategy
In 2025, Social Security remains one of the most important pillars of retirement income. For many Americans, it’s the largest source of guaranteed, inflation-adjusted income for life. But when you claim your benefit can mean the difference between scraping by or enjoying financial stability well into your 80s or 90s.
Yet too many retirees still make the mistake of claiming benefits at the wrong time. Some take them too early out of fear or misinformation. Others delay without fully understanding the impact on taxes, spousal benefits, or other income sources.
This guide breaks down how Social Security timing works, how claiming age affects your income and taxes, and how to coordinate it with other retirement strategies like annuities, Roth IRAs, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Read More
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
Turn Your Savings Into a Steady Retirement Paycheck
You’ve spent your entire career earning a paycheck. But in retirement, there’s no employer sending you a direct deposit every two weeks.
So… how do you pay yourself?
That’s the heart of retirement readiness: creating a personal, sustainable, and secure income stream that lasts as long as you do.
In this article, we’ll show you how to turn your savings into a retirement paycheck—with less stress and more confidence. 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
