Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, sits down with Michael Quarles and Heather Herring, principals at Financial Longevity Advisory LLC, to explore their whole-client, fiduciary-first approach to retirement planning. With a strong commitment to integrity, education, and personalized service, Michael and Heather help individuals and families prepare for the future with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Michael Quarles and Heather Herring of Financial Longevity Advisory about their holistic, relationship-centered approach to retirement planning. Drawing on years of experience and a deep commitment to fiduciary values, Michael and Heather share how they empower clients with education, transparency, and reliable income strategies—so they can enjoy retirement with clarity and confidence. Read More
You’ve spent July getting your retirement strategy on track—securing income, timing your Social Security, and accounting for inflation and healthcare. But now it’s time to take the next step…
What happens after you’ve achieved retirement readiness?
The answer: legacy readiness.
In August, we turn the page to a new but equally important chapter—Make-a-Will Month. But before we dive in, let’s explore why transitioning from retirement planning to estate planning matters so much. Read More
Retirement isn’t just a number or an age—it’s a destination. The question is: Where are you headed, and are you on the right path to get there?
Whether you’re dreaming of quiet coastal living, international travel, or staying close to family with no financial worries, clarity is the key to confidence. That means knowing what you want and having a plan that aligns your income, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Define Your Ideal Retirement Lifestyle
Before you can build a financial plan, you need to visualize your retirement destination. Here are a few questions to guide your vision: Read More
Inflation: The Silent Threat to Retirement Security
Most retirees think about market risk, healthcare costs, and outliving their savings. But there’s one danger that quietly chips away at your financial confidence—inflation.
Unlike a market crash, inflation doesn’t make headlines every day. It slowly erodes your purchasing power year after year. And by the time you feel its full impact, it’s often too late to adjust.
If you’re planning for retirement—or already in it—understanding how inflation affects your income is critical to keeping your lifestyle and peace of mind intact.
How Inflation Impacts Retirees
Inflation means that the same dollar buys less over time. That $100 you spent on groceries ten years ago? It might cost $130 or more today. Read More
What Does Retirement Really Mean to You?
For some, it’s mornings without an alarm clock. For others, it’s travel, family, hobbies—or simply freedom from financial worry. But regardless of how you define it, one truth stands out:
- Peace of mind is the most valuable asset in retirement.
Too many people approach retirement focused only on numbers: the size of their portfolio, their withdrawal rate, their expected returns. But if your plan leaves you stressed, uncertain, or fearful of the future—it’s not complete. Read More
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
