A new Department of Labor proposal is sparking timely debate over the role of alternative investments in 401(k) plans. In a recent InvestmentNews article, Jim McGowan shared his perspective on…
Camille CarterMarch 31, 2026
Donor-Advised Funds for Charitable Tax Deductions By: Jim McGowan, CFP® It’s that time of year again when everyone starts scrambling for year-end tax strategies. One tool more families are starting…
Jim McGowanDecember 4, 2025
Making the Most of your Merck 401(k): How the Spillover Election and Automatic Roth Conversion Work Together By Jim McGowan, CFP® For Merck employees, understanding the details of your 401(k)…
Jim McGowanOctober 21, 2025
How Interest Rates Impact Your Merck Lump Sum Pension Payout By Jim McGowan, CFP® Thinking about taking your Merck pension as a lump sum? Before you lock in that decision,…
Jim McGowanSeptember 23, 2025
Here’s the truth: Nobody wakes up excited to build a retirement plan. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: ✅ Not being a burden on their kids ✅ Avoiding the…
Jim McGowanSeptember 22, 2025
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…
Jim McGowanSeptember 11, 2025
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…
Jim McGowanSeptember 2, 2025
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…
Jim McGowanAugust 26, 2025
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…
Jim McGowanAugust 20, 2025