Money Mentors

2024 is quickly coming to a close, but there's still time to make a few financial changes. On this week's episode, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services walk you through some financial steps you might want to take to finish strong - and set yourself up for a better 2025. Need a year-end retirement check-up? Set up a quick chat now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

The FTC has a new rule to make it easier for consumers to cancel recurring subscriptions and memberships called 'Click-to-Cancel.' But how hard is it to cancel a financial service, product - or even advisor relationship - that's not working for you? Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss that on this week's episode. Plus, we'll dive into ways you might save by canceling a few services on a regular basis. Need a second opinion on something you've been sold? Connect for a chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

A new international survey gives The United States a C+ grade for its retirement system. But Gerald Green and Marcus Grost, your Money Mentors at Mattson Financial Services, take issue with some of the survey's rankings. Find out why on this week's episode, and discover how you can take advantage of what the U.S. retirement system has to offer. Need help navigating decisions on things like Social Security and Medicare? Schedule a chat now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

While your Money Mentors at Mattson Financial Services have been through retirement hundreds of times through their clients, we know that for you - it's likely the first, and only time you'll ever go through it. So this week, Laurel Steward and Corey Davis explore the 7 challenges you may run into over the first 10 years of retirement, and how to navigate each one. Here's the good news: you don't have to go it alone. Reach out now for a complimentary retirement check-up at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

A new survey finds most Americans fear retirement more than they fear - dying! On this week's episode, your Money Mentors Laurel Steward and Marcus Grost of Mattson Financial Services discuss why so many people are scared of retirement, as well as the steps to take to overcome that fear. We'll also dive into one of the options you may have during Open Enrollment at your workplace that can help with future retirement health care costs - and save you in taxes. Schedule your year-end retirement check-up now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Whether you've lost a spouse, you never got married or perhaps you're divorced, this week's episode is for you. Our case study with your Money Mentors, Laurel & Taylor Steward, focuses on a hypothetical scenario of someone approaching retirement solo - and how that affects the planning process. Good news: you don't have to go it alone in retirement. Sign up now for your complimentary review at www.MattsonFinancial.com.   

Just like a football game, the 4th quarter is very important when it comes to whether you 'win or lose' the year financially. This week, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss the 4th quarter plays you may want to consider in 2024. We'll also dive into the surprises people find in their first year of retirement. See if you're prepared! Schedule a year-end retirement check-up now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Every few months, Congress has to race to avoid a government shutdown as lawmakers fail to reach a deal on a new spending plan. But this kicking the can down the road will likely have an impact on all of us as taxpayers in the future. On this week's episode with Gerald Green and Marcus Grost, we'll discuss what it might mean for you & your family. Plus, we dive into the immediate impact of the recent Fed rate cut on your savings options. Need a year-end financial review? Schedule a chat now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

After more than three decades of helping people retire successfully, Mattson Financial Services founder Gary Mattson has finally put that experience on paper. This week, learn about his new book, "What Your Parents Never Told You About Money," and how you can get your hands on one of the first copies. Or buy your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/What-Parents-Never-About-Money/dp/B0D8KDSHKX  

Forget $1 million. A new survey says many Americans now think it will take $1.8 million in order to retire comfortably! On this week's episode, Laurel & Gerald discuss why that may - or may not - be the case, and how to get closer to your own comfortable number. Plus, we celebrate the 94th birthday of one of the world's most well-known investors. Need a second opinion on your retirement or investment strategy? Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

There's a lot of economic data coming our way right now, but it turns out the government got it wrong (really wrong!) on one big piece of the economic picture. So, who do we trust? And what if that data leads to interest rate cuts this fall? Laurel & Taylor discuss it on this week's episode, but if you need an analysis of your own economic data, connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

We all want a cash cushion to help with life's emergencies, but how much should we put away in that retirement fund...especially if we're retired? Gary & Marcus discuss the numbers on this week's episode, and how they approach dividing up your assets into easy-to-understand options for retirement. Need help with questions like this? Set up a chat now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Chances are, your questions about retirement are similar to many others we receive on "Money Mentors." So, this week, Laurel & Taylor delve into a retirement scenario for a hypothetical couple, Jim & Wendy. We'll walk step-by-step through the Mattson Financial process for helping people solve their own retirement puzzles. See if one of your questions comes up - and feel free to reach out for a personalized consultation at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

While all the talk is about who wins the White House in 2024, we're preparing for tax changes (no matter who's in office) in the next 2 years. This week, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services explain why good savers and retirees need to circle 2026 on their calendars - and start some forward tax planning during this calendar year. Find out what your retirement tax bill might look like at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Many investors see red arrows on Wall Street and panic, but at Mattson Financial Services, we look at it as an opportunity. Take a peek inside our investment philosophy on this week's episode with Laurel & Taylor Steward. And if you need a second opinion on your investment strategy, connect with us at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

While President Biden prepares to call it quits after this term, he stands to make more as a retiree than he did as Commander in Chief! This week, Laurel Steward & Corey Davis of Mattson Financial Services discuss whether you might be able to structure your retirement the same way. Plus, find out how the political changes might impact your investment strategy. Get a complimentary second opinion on your retirement plans at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

The political events of the last few weeks may not shake the markets - but they may shake our confidence. On this week's episode, Gary Mattson & Corey Davis of Mattson FInancial Services explain how the uncertainty may impact your investment decisions from here. We'll also discuss how traditional 60/40 portfolios may be outdated - and what to consider instead. Need a portfolio check-up? Connect with your Money Mentors at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

I bonds are paying less than they were a couple of years ago, but interest rates are still high, so this week Laurel & Gerald discuss options for the more conservative side of your portfolio that you may want to consider. And if you're thinking of a move just to save on taxes - hold up. We'll discuss the pros & cons. Have a question for your Money Mentors? Ask it in person at our August First Friday event. Just RSVP here: https://mattsonfinancial.com/events/index.html  

A new survey by Vanguard reveals how much 401(k) savers are contributing each year...so how do your numbers compare? Gary & Corey discuss the keys to saving successfully in your retirement accounts, plus what to do if you have FOMO with the current market. Need a second opinion on your 401(k)? Check out www.Mattson401k.com. 

Ideally, you've been planning for retirement for years. But what if you have to make that decision in a hurry? This week, Gary & Corey discuss the steps you might want to take if your retirement is just days, weeks or a few months away. We'll also discuss how to do a mid-year review of your finances and investments in 2024. Need help with that? Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.