Roth Conversions: Smart Planning or Tax Trap? By Jim McGowan, CFP®| Apollon Financial “Should I Do a Roth Conversion?” That’s a common question I hear from so many people, especially…
Read More
Merck Pension: Should You Take the Lump Sum or Monthly Annuity? By Jim McGowan, CFP®| Apollon Financial ✅ Lump Sum: Flexibility with Responsibility Pros: Control & Flexibility: You have…
What Every Merck Employee Should Know About Your Pension By Jim McGowan, CFP® INTRODUCTION As a Merck employee, your pension is a significant piece of your retirement picture. Yet with…
Five years ago, I was interviewed on NBC Morning News during one of the most turbulent times in modern history. The pandemic was disrupting lives, rattling markets, and challenging even…
Merck Announces Major Reorganization According to Merck, CEO Rob Davis recently shared plans for a multiyear “optimization initiative,” aiming to reallocate $3 billion in annual resources by 2027. The goal?…
Pre-Tax vs. Roth 401(k): Same Growth, Different Path By Jim McGowan, CFP®| Apollon Financial If you’ve ever wondered whether a pre-tax or Roth 401(k) is better for your retirement, you’re…
When most people hear “retirement planning,” they think about one thing—saving enough. But real retirement planning is so much more than setting a number. It’s about aligning your finances with…
Recently, I received a heartfelt letter from a client. “Thank you for your calm guidance in these matters. Admiration and appreciation from the bottom of my heart.” This note reminded…
Merck professionals: Are you maxing out your 401(k) too early? Learn how contribution timing could impact your employer match—and how to avoid leaving money on the table. If you’re aiming…
Backdoor Roth Contributions — How To Do Them Right By Jim McGowan, CFP®| Apollon Financial Roth IRAs are a smart way to build tax-free retirement income. But if your income…