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.

Retirement Article

How SECURE 2.0 Is Reshaping Your Retirement Savings Options

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 introduced significant updates to retirement savings rules — automatic enrollment, emergency savings accounts, and enhanced catch-up contribution limits — that can meaningfully change how you plan for the future.

Women & Wealth Guide

Retirement Planning for Single Women: A Complete Guide

A practical guide to retirement planning for single women — covering Social Security, long-term care, estate planning, and an age-specific checklist.

man meeting with a financial advisor in office, shaking hands
What Clients Ask Article

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Advisor

Discover the essential questions to ask when choosing a financial advisor — covering fiduciary duty, compensation models, and team approach.

Couple talking about finances.
Retirement Article

The DINK Financial Advantage: Building Wealth Together

Dual income, no kids (DINK) couples have a rare financial window. From backdoor Roth IRAs to early retirement, discover strategies to help protect and grow your wealth.

Older Woman Viewing Computer
Women & Wealth Article

Financial Planning for Single Women Over 50

Single women over 50 face distinct retirement challenges. Learn Social Security strategies, long-term care planning, estate planning, and solo income sequencing.

Listen
Retirement Podcast

Episode 523 – Measuring the Success of Your 401(k) Plan

John Walker and Jason O’Meara of Mercer Advisors join retirement specialist Dennis Jablonski to break down the metrics that define 401(k) plan success.

Retirement Guide

The Complete Retirement Income Guide: How to Make  Your Money Last

Explore a comprehensive guide on retirement income planning, including Social Security strategies, withdrawal sequencing, and sequence-of-returns risk.

Couple discussing retirement planning with advisor.
Insurance Solutions Article

Funding LTC Insurance From Your Retirement Plan

SECURE 2.0 created qualified long-term care distributions (QLTCDs), letting retirement plan participants pay LTC insurance premiums without the 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Couple discussing retirement
Retirement Article

HSA: A Retirement Account You’re Probably Underusing

Are you underusing your health savings account? Learn how an HSA’s triple tax advantage can become one of your most powerful retirement planning tools.

Man woman discussing retirement plan
Retirement Article

Smart Strategies to Retire Early: Beyond the FIRE Movement

Learn how you could retire early with the Retire Sooner method. Discover why financial independence goes beyond the FIRE movement’s extreme frugality.

Investment Management Article

Bond Investing Basics: What Every Investor Should Know

Explore our quick explanation of the bond market. Understand how bond yields, prices, and interest rates can impact your investments and comprehensive financial plan.

What Clients Ask Article

Why One Team Can Simplify Your Financial Life

Mercer Advisors brings wealth planning, investment management, taxes, estate, and retirement under one coordinated team for integrated and aligned financial outcomes.

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Retirement Podcast

Episode 520 – Inflation and Your Retirement Plan

John Walker and Jason O’Meara discuss how inflation can impact the purchasing power of your retirement savings and share strategies to help protect your wealth.

FAQs
Financial Planning FAQ

What should I do immediately after receiving a large inheritance?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

Do I have to pay taxes on money I inherit?

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Financial Planning FAQ

What is the step-up in basis, and why does it matter?

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Financial Planning FAQ

What are the rules for an inherited IRA?

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Financial Planning FAQ

Should I invest my inheritance all at once or gradually?

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Financial Planning FAQ

How do I update my estate plan after receiving an inheritance?

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Financial Planning FAQ

What is sudden wealth syndrome, and how do I avoid it?

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Financial Planning FAQ

Do I need a financial advisor to manage an inheritance?

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Further Learning

Listen
Investment Management Podcast

Episode 39 – Financial Planning Is a Prerequisite to Successful Investing

Don Calcagni, Chief Investment Officer, breaks down why financial planning should be the essential first step to building, sustaining, and transferring wealth.

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Investment Management Podcast

Episode 525 – Investment Philosophy vs. Strategy

Discover how your core beliefs shape investment decisions. John Walker and Jason O’Meara break down philosophy vs. strategy for long-term success.

Women & Wealth Article

Beyond Business Growth: Wealth Planning for Women Founders

Many women founders face a three-way financial pull. Learn how to help protect personal wealth, optimize taxes, and plan your business exit — all at once.

Estate Planning Article

Illinois Estate Tax: What High-Net-Worth Families Need To Know

Illinois’ $4 million estate tax exemption, far below the $15 million federal threshold, can expose high-net-worth families to unexpected state tax bills without proactive planning.

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
Estate Planning
Tax Planning & Preparation
Insurance Solutions
Investment Management
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