What's in a billfold? For Loren Merkle, it shaped his life's work helping people plan for retirement. A lost wallet, and the fifteen dollars representing three months of hard work, proved devastating for a small-town kid from Iowa.

The pain of that experience convinced Loren that financial losses can be life-changing. The billfold he misplaced remains a motivating factor in his work helping people plan for rewarding retirements without unnecessary risk. In his book, Retire Your Way, Loren addresses the many considerations to examine as part of a viable retirement plan.

Although he did not grow up in a home with a lot of money, Loren drew upon the love and inspiration of his parents to learn and achieve. Loren participated in numerous activities that shaped his determination to figure out the world of money. He turned weaknesses into strengths by building his financial acumen through hard work, discipline, knowledge, and generosity.

He founded his company, Merkle Retirement Planning, on the premise that retirement isn't so much about the wealth you attain as the wealth you retain. Through the growth of his local, independent company, Loren recognizes the importance of caring for the clients he and his team serve while treating them as a community rather than customers.

That personable touch is evident as you turn the pages of Retire Your Way. Loren avoids the complicated jargon inherent to the financial industry and offers an understandable perspective on situations you could confront in retirement