Money Mentors

America's reaching "peak 65," as millions of baby boomers reach an important retirement milestone in the next couple of years. This week, Gary & Laurel dive into the decisions you'll want to be prepared to make, whether you plan to retire at 65 or not. Have questions about your retirement milestones? Chat with us at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Sure, tax season can seem like a chore, but it's also a good opportunity to revisit your financial situation and look for additional savings. Laurel discusses the things to look for as you gather your financial documents, plus how your Money Mentors at Mattson Financial Services keep themselves up to date on all the latest changes. Time for a retirement tax check-up? Schedule it now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.  

Retirement rules are constantly changing. From tax planning to estate planning to your 401(K), there are plenty of updates for 2024. This week, Gerald and Gary walk through some of the biggest rule changes and how they might help you improve your financial picture this year. Need help updating your retirement plan? Talk to your Money Mentors at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

If retirement is one of your 2024 resolutions, this week's episode is for you! Gary & Gerald walk through some of the final steps to help you make that seamless transition to retirement - even the non-financial ones. If you're closing in on your retirement date, talk to our team now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

The list is out on this year's most stressful jobs...is yours on it? Find out on this week's episode. Gary and Laurel discuss how to approach retirement if you've had enough. We'll also explain why more workers are sticking with their jobs, even into their 70's and 80's. No matter when you decide to retire, we're here to be that resource for you. Connect anytime at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Wall Street's been hyper-focused on the Fed headed into the New Year. This week, Gary & Laurel discuss what's ahead for interest rates and why it matters to you. There's also a new survey that shows the average Michigan worker retires at 62. If that's you, what do you need to think about before making the decision to retire that young? Check out more retirement resources at www.MattsonFinancial.com.  

It may be tempting to charge purchases for Christmas or other big occasions, but when it comes to debt, what's good and what's bad? Gary & Laurel discuss that this week - plus, the changes that are coming to student aid forms. Learn how your income as a parent or grandparent could impact what your kids or grandkids qualify for when it comes to college grants & loans. Have a question for your Money Mentors? Drop us an e-mail at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Ever wonder how you could get the maximum benefits out of Social Security in retirement? On this week's episode, Laurel dives into what it would take to get the biggest monthly check possible (and it's not easy). Need some help with your Social Security decisions? Get a full-blown retirement check-up by setting up a chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Wondering how your Christmas spending stacks up with others? We'll tell you what the average shopper is spending this holiday season, plus offer some tips on how to budget for holiday spending in your financial plan with Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services. Check out more of our retirement resources over the holidays at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

The clock's ticking on 2023, but there's still time to make a few year-end financial moves to set yourself up for a better 2024, especially tax-wise. Listen this week as Gary & Laurel walk you through a few steps, including some you can do on your own. And you have to hear this week's story about an unlikely millionaire who gave his town a special gift this holiday season. Find more year-end resources now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

A couple of stories in the headlines this week remind us to always read the fine print - whether it's a buyout offer, a "dream" vacation deal or any other investment. Gary & Laurel explain what to look for. Plus, a Vanguard report tells us the single biggest factor in a successful retirement. Whether it's understanding the fine print or building a plan that helps you sustain your retirement lifestyle, we're here to help at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

The Federal Reserve is hinting that interest rates may stay at these levels for awhile. And while it may be a negative for those with debt, it can be a positive for savers. This week, Gary explains how to take advantage of higher rates while they last. Plus, we'll discuss why wealthy investors are turning more toward financial advisors. Connect with your Money Mentors at Mattson Financial Services for more lessons at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

This week, Gary & Laurel share the very personal side of a family dilemma they're facing as Gary's mom gets older. We'll also discuss the tougher decisions that may come along for you in retirement, and how to address them. Whether it's a health crisis, protecting your assets or talking about these topics with your kids and grandkids, we're here to help. Connect to chat with us at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Medicare premiums are set to go up in 2024 for most retirees. Our resident Medicare expert, Matthew Saidla, fills us in on this week's episode. Plus, we'll discuss healthcare options if you're not 65 yet, such as the Marketplace or COBRA. Have questions? Set up a complimentary consultation in Grand Rapids with Matt at www.MattsonFinancial.com. Just click on Health Services. 

October through the end of the year can be a spooky time for the markets, but it doesn't have to be. This week, Gary & Laurel discuss the risks in the market in the home stretch of 2023. We'll also talk about the small moves that can add up to bigger wealth over time. Get your year-end retirement check-up now. Connect with us at www.MattsonFinancial.com.   

The war in Israel is adding to pressures on the market & economy, but how does it affect the way we invest for the short-term? Gary & Laurel dive into this topic this week. Plus, we'll discuss the "raise" Social Security recipients will get in 2024. Is a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment enough? Get a second opinion on your plan now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

So, you've retired. Now what? This week, Gary discusses 7 major challenges that can come along with the first decade of retirement. Yes, some are financial - but others have to do with how you'll fill your time. Listen as we address each one, and schedule a chat if you need help with the transition at www.MattsonFinancial.com.  

If you've ever had some setbacks with your health in retirement, you'll want to check out this week's episode. Gary shares how his wife is dealing with a setback after minor surgery that may help you redirect your energy too! Plus, why are so many retirees concerned about where we're headed? Address your retirement concerns head-on by setting up a chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

It seems every few months we go through more drama in Washington, D.C. about funding our government. But how does it affect you and your future? This week, Laurel discusses the potential impact on our finances as another government shutdown looms. We'll also examine how baby boomers are taking advantage of today's higher interest rates. Need a retirement check-up? Schedule a chat now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Usually, we talk about what to do before you retire...but this week, we consider 7 things you might want to put off until after retirement. If you're up against any one of these decisions, feel free to reach out to the team at Mattson Financial Services for a second opinion. Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.