Money Mentors

Successful investing is much more than just luck - or picking the right stocks. This week, we discuss the one component that even successful investors don't talk about, and how it can make a difference for both you & your family. Gerald and Corey also discuss how to create a withdrawal strategy for retirement when you have multiple accounts. Need help with your questions? Connect with your Money Mentors at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

The Federal Reserve is still struggling to reach its inflation target, and the real life impact on us is higher prices for just about everything we buy. But is there an upside to inflation and higher interest rates for retirement savers? Laurel & Gerald discuss that on this week's episode. Plus, our Summer Savings Series continues with lessons on how even spouses who don't work outside the home can save more for retirement. Have a question you'd like us to address on the podcast? Drop us a note at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Think of all the fees you pay in your daily life. From streaming services to concert tickets to airline fares...they're everywhere! But some of the biggest fees you'll ever pay may be hiding in the fine print on your investments or even your 401(k). As part of our Summer Savings Series on "Money Mentors," Laurel and Taylor discuss the importance of knowing what you're paying in fees when planning for retirement. Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com to have our team run a complimentary fee analysis for you. 

All kinds of questions come up when you make the decision to retire, but are you asking the right ones? This week, Gary & Laurel discuss 5 key questions to consider to help you plan for life after work...and they're not all financial. Need help with any one of these questions? Connect to set up a visit with your Money Mentors at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Meme stocks are back in the headlines, but should these social media-driven investments cause you any concern? Gary & Laurel dive into this topic this week, as well as the latest projections for a Social Security cost-of-living raise in 2025. Have questions about something in the headlines? Drop us an e-mail at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Retirement is full of surprises, but you also want to keep those to a minimum - especially as you settle in to your next chapter. This week, Taylor & Gerald discuss the common surprises that come up in the first 6 months of retirement. We'll also discuss why so many people don't know if they can retire. If that's a question in your mind, connect now for a chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Graduations aren't just for your kids & grandkids. Depending on how much you've saved for retirement, you may also be ready to graduate to a different level of investing. On this week's episode, Laurel & Gerald talk about when you might want to leave certain strategies behind - and why new levels of savings might mean more options for retirement investing. Need a second opinion on your plan? Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.  

Certain changes are on hold when it comes to inherited retirement accounts, so if you've been the recipient of someone's IRA, 401(k) or other account in the last few years, you'll want to catch this week's episode. Laurel & Taylor also discuss an important May 17th deadline for taxpayers - and this one could help put more money in your pocket! Need some help with the tax rules for your retirement? Check out our resources at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Should you retire at the top of your game - or when things are on the decline career-wise or health-wise? Making that decision is a struggle, even for top athletes like Tiger Woods. This week, Laurel & Gerald discuss some of the non-financial factors that go into that decision. Plus, we'll preview our May First Friday event. Find the details at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Now that you've (hopefully) filed your taxes for last year, don't file that tax return away just yet. This week, Laurel & Gerald discuss what it can show you about how to plan for a more tax-efficient future. We also discuss the 3 tax buckets - and how to get more into that tax-free bucket for retirement. Curious about your retirement tax bill? Click the calculator at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Every time you save a dollar into a traditional retirement account versus a Roth, you're making a decision about paying taxes now vs. later in retirement. But which strategy makes sense for you? And why would you want to pay now versus later? Laurel & Taylor dive into this topic this week, as well as some of the more unusual tax deductions the IRS has allowed over the years. Have questions about tax planning for retirement? Connect with our team for a chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

As the market surges, so does the number of 401(k) millionaires. If you're one of them, how do you keep what you have and continue growing that pot of money? And what if you don't have a million in savings? Can you still make retirement work? Laurel & Gerald discuss the million-dollar pitfalls and opportunities on this week's episode. Check out more about our 401(k) resources at www.Mattson401k.com. 

Some politicians are floating the idea of raising the retirement age for Social Security. But if they follow through, what would that mean to you? Laurel dives into the details this week to explain the pros & cons. We'll also discuss how your basketball picks this time of year may also correlate with how you pick your investments. Check out more resources for your retirement at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Your tax picture often changes in retirement, thanks to different rules on how retirement income is taxed - plus the required minimum distributions that kick in during your 70's. This week, Laurel & Taylor discuss what catches retirees offguard the most, and how you can avoid tax surprises with a little forward planning. Curious about your retirement tax bill? Click on the calculator at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Brackets busted, anyone? Forget the basketball...maybe we should focus instead on tax brackets. This week, Laurel & Taylor discuss the 'fun' that can be had in getting into the lowest tax bracket possible in retirement. They'll also explain IRMAA. No, it's not your long lost aunt - but it could impact you once you're of Medicare age. Find more retirement resources at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Sometimes life hands you challenges - things like a pink slip, or divorce. But there are ways you might be able to take those challenges and turn them into retirement opportunities. Listen to Laurel & Gerald this week as we discuss how to evaluate buyout offers - or in the case of divorce, research your Social Security options. Need a second opinion? Connect with our team at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Who says getting older doesn't have its perks? On this week's episode, Gary & Laurel discuss some of the tax breaks you can take advantage of to boost your retirement plan as you reach your 50's and 60's. Talk to our team about how to build your tax efficient plan at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

One of the big, unfortunate surprises for retirees is that yes, you may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits. On this week's episode, Laurel & Taylor discuss the income thresholds you need to know when it comes to taxability. We'll also discuss why your RMD might also be bigger than you expected in 2024. Need some help with your retirement numbers? Connect for a chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

An astounding number of assets will change hands over the next two decades - nearly $73 trillion will be passed from baby boomers to younger generations. If that's a priority for you & your family, how do you avoid pitfalls like higher taxes for your heirs - or family disputes? Gary & Gerald dive into this tricky topic on this week's episode. Need help with your family's plan? Find more resources at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

While inflation has eased, there are some areas where prices are increasing by double digits...so how is your retirement income supposed to keep up? Gary & Laurel discuss this issue this week, and why you shouldn't have to settle for a pay cut in order to retire successfully. Wondering how you can keep up? Connect for a chat at  www.MattsonFinancial.com.