When it comes to RSUs, most people default to one of these paths without giving it much thought: 1. Hold the shares and wait for a price target that exists…
Jim McGowanApril 16, 2026
By Jim McGowan, CFPยฎ When you're buying a home, whether itโs your first or your fifth, the mortgage process can feel overwhelming. With all the moving piecesโcredit scores, interest rates,…
Jim McGowanFebruary 3, 2026
Donor-Advised Funds for Charitable Tax Deductions By: Jim McGowan, CFPยฎ Itโs 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, CFPยฎ 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, CFPยฎ Thinking about taking your Merck pension as a lump sum? Before you lock in that decision,…
Jim McGowanSeptember 23, 2025
Hereโs the truth: Nobody wakes up excited to build a retirement plan. ๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐: โ
Not being a burden on their kids โ
Avoiding the…
Jim McGowanSeptember 22, 2025
Roth Conversions: Smart Planning or Tax Trap? By Jim McGowan, CFPยฎ| Apollon Financial โShould I Do a Roth Conversion?โ Thatโs 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, CFPยฎ| Apollon Financial โ
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, CFPยฎ INTRODUCTION As a Merck employee, your pension is a significant piece of your retirement picture. Yet with…
Jim McGowanAugust 26, 2025