Mercer Advisors
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Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is about much more than saving enough money — it’s about coordinating Social Security timing, Roth conversions, required minimum distributions, and retirement income strategy into a plan that can support the life you want to live. At Mercer Advisors, we help clients at every stage of their retirement journey, from early career savers to pre-retirees navigating the most critical decisions of their financial lives. Browse the resources below for evidence-based retirement planning guidance across tax, income, and investment strategy.

Couple discussing finances
Financial Planning 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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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.

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.

Couple talking to advisor
What Clients Ask Guide

How To Choose a Wealth Management Firm at $1M-$10M: The Complete Guide

Learn how to choose a wealth management firm: Discover the questions to ask, fee structures, fiduciary standards, and integrated solutions that can help protect and grow your wealth.

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.

Insurance Solutions 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.

Financial Planning 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.

Tax Planning Article

Before You Sell Your Home, Consider This Tax Strategy

Converting your home to a short-term rental before you sell can pair a cost segregation study with the Section 121 exclusion. Here’s how it works.

Financial Planning 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.

FAQs
Financial Planning FAQ

Where can I find my Social Security estimate?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

How much will Social Security increase in 2027?

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Financial Planning FAQ

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

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

Is Social Security taxable?

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Financial Planning FAQ

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

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What is the Social Security break-even age?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

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

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What is full retirement age for Social Security?

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Further Learning

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.

Market Commentary On-Demand Webinar

Q4 Market Outlook: The Fed, Deficits, Energy, Valuations, and More

Mercer Advisors CIO Don Calcagni and Partner Kara Duckworth break down inflation, the Fed, deficits, AI valuations, and housing in this Q4 market outlook webinar.

Market Commentary Article

AI and Your Portfolio

The rise of artificial intelligence is impacting the financial markets and the economy in 5 key ways.

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.

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Financial Planning
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