Mercer Advisors
Sharing Knowledge

Retirement

A comprehensive approach to retirement planning considers tax planning, investment management, estate planning, and much more. Our expert financial advisors, CPAs, and estate lawyers share strategies on how to set and meet your retirement goals.

Couple discussing finances
Retirement Guide

Social Security: When To Claim, How To Help Maximize, and Common Mistakes To Avoid

A comprehensive guide to Social Security claiming strategies, including when to start benefits, six ways to help maximize your monthly payment, and seven common mistakes to avoid.

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Retirement Podcast

Episode 529 – Retirement Misconceptions

We debunk widespread retirement misconceptions about Social Security, long-term care, taxes, and the myth of a magic retirement number.

Older Couple Talking to Younger Woman
Retirement Article

What Are QLACs and Who Should Consider One?

Here is how qualified longevity annuity contracts (QLACs) work, the current rules, and when one might make sense for your retirement income plan.

Retirement Article

Retirement Tax Planning: Your Lowest-Tax Window May Be Open

Retired but not yet taking RMDs? You may be in your lowest-tax window. Learn how Roth conversions and smart withdrawal sequencing can cut lifetime taxes.

Retirement Article

Medicare Covers a Lot. It Doesn’t Cover Long-Term Care.

Medicare doesn’t cover long-term custodial care. Learn what it covers, what it doesn’t, and how self-funding, hybrid insurance, and estate planning can help you prepare for the gap.

Retirement Article

What To Handle Before Dec. 31 and What Can Wait

A year-end financial checklist sorted by whether you’re employed, retired, or taking required minimum distributions (RMDs). Plus the items that don’t have December deadlines.

Retirement Article

Roth Conversion Strategy for Low-Income Years

A Roth conversion strategy during low-income years may help you shift pretax savings to tax-free growth. Learn how to coordinate conversions with IRMAA, ACA, and Social Security.

Retirement Article

What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor?

A fiduciary financial advisor is legally bound to act in your best interest. Learn what fiduciary duty means, how to verify status, and why fee-based matters.

Retirement Article

What Comprehensive Financial Planning Can Do for You

Learn what comprehensive financial planning is and how connecting cash flow, taxes, investments, retirement, estate, and insurance can help you reach your goals.

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Retirement Podcast

Episode 527 – Trump Accounts

Bryan Strike joins us to explain Trump Accounts: eligibility, the $1,000 seed, contribution limits, and how they compare to 529 plans for kids’ futures.

Retirement Guide

Retirement Tax Planning: A Year-Round Guide to Help Keep More of What You’ve Built

A comprehensive retirement tax planning guide covering Roth conversions, RMDs, IRMAA, Social Security taxation, QCDs, and tax-loss harvesting strategies for retirees.

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Retirement Podcast

Episode 526 – First Years of Your Retirement: How Best to Prepare

Discover why the first years of retirement set the tone for long-term success and how to spend intentionally during your most active, healthy years.

Retirement Article

Catch-Up Contributions 2026: What’s New for Savers

SECURE 2.0 catch-up rules are in effect for 2026. New limits, a higher Roth threshold, and final IRS guidance change how older savers should plan.

FAQs
Retirement FAQ

Where can I find my Social Security estimate?

See the answer
Retirement FAQ

How much will Social Security increase in 2027?

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Retirement FAQ

What happens to Social Security if the trust fund runs out?

See the answer
Retirement FAQ

Is Social Security taxable?

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Retirement FAQ

Can I work and collect Social Security at the same time?

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Retirement FAQ

What is the Social Security break-even age?

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Retirement FAQ

Is it better to claim Social Security at age 67 or 70?

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Retirement FAQ

What is full retirement age for Social Security?

See the answer

Further Learning

Listen
Tax Planning Podcast

Episode 530 – Year-End Financial Planning Checklist

John Walker and Jason O’Meara discuss key year-end planning steps: maxing retirement contributions, taking RMDs, managing inherited IRAs, and Roth conversions before Dec. 31.

Multi-generational family having dinner together
Financial Planning Article

What To Do With the Money You’re Not Going To Spend

When your retirement projections show you have more than enough, the question shifts from saving to spending. Explore strategies for surplus wealth.

Couple moving
Tax Planning Article

Planning a California Residency Change Before Your Liquidity Event

Changing California residency before a liquidity event requires careful planning. Learn the two-year timeline, safe harbor rules, and strategies to help reduce your tax exposure.

Woman at desk in front of computer
Women & Wealth Article

Financial Planning for Women Business Owners: Beyond the Business

Women business owners may face distinct financial planning challenges. Learn how to coordinate investments, tax, estate, and insurance strategies that go beyond the business.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

Explore Our Solutions

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Tax Planning & Preparation
Insurance Solutions
Investment Management
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Want to learn more about Mercer Advisors?

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