What does it really take to stay financially secure in retirement? In this episode, Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services takes a closer look at the numbers behind today’s biggest retirement-planning challenges - from inflation and emergency savings to Social Security, 401(k) rollovers, RMDs and health care costs.We’ll discuss how retirees can plan for rising expenses when their income may not keep pace, how much cash they may want in an emergency fund, and what to consider before rolling a 401(k) into an IRA. Have questions about your reirement - or a topic you'd like us to cover? Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

Back-to-school season can bring a surprising milestone: for some parents, there’s no longer anyone heading back to school. When the last child leaves home, the emotional transition can be significant - but so can the financial opportunity.This week, your Money Mentors at Mattson Financial Services explore how empty nesters can put newly available cash flow to work for their own future, from boosting retirement savings and catch-up contributions to tax planning, estate strategies, and helping adult children in ways that support their own financial security.We’ll also tackle some of the biggest retirement-planning questions facing investors today: Are you taking too much risk as you approach retirement? Which sources of retirement income might you be overlooking? And should you really trust the retirement-income estimate printed on your 401(k) statement? Have more questions for us? Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Choosing a financial advisor can feel overwhelming - but does the size of the firm really make a difference? In this episode, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services explore the pros and cons of large firms versus smaller independent advisors, what really matters when choosing someone to guide your retirement, and the questions every investor should ask before making a decision.We also uncover the so-called "Widow Tax" -- a series of financial and tax challenges that can catch surviving spouses by surprise - and discuss strategies that can help families prepare before those difficult transitions occur.Plus, we break down Wall Street's "dumb money" label and why everyday investors buying market dips may be changing the investing landscape. Schedule a time to chat with your Money Mentors about your retirement questions at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

Retirement isn't just about saving enough - it's about making smart decisions along the way. In this episode, Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services answer questions many retirees and pre-retirees are asking:Is a Roth conversion right for me?Should couples retire together or separately?What's really happening with AI stocks and the "Magnificent 7"?How do I know when I'm truly ready to retire?We'll also cover the practical side of retirement - from Medicare and income planning to creating a strategy that gives you confidence through every stage of retirement. Have retirement questions? Connect now with our team in West Michigan at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

What do Lionel Messi and retirement planning have in common? More than you might think. Even the greatest soccer player of all time has struggled with one of the game's simplest moments - the penalty kick. It's a reminder that doing almost everything right doesn't guarantee success if you overlook the fundamentals.In this episode of Money Mentors, Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services explores the surprisingly common retirement "penalty kicks" that can trip up even diligent savers, from missed tax strategies and Social Security missteps to poor diversification and costly legacy planning mistakes.We'll also discuss whether now is the right time to lock in CD rates, what it really takes to retire comfortably as a middle-class American, and why the stock market's evolution over the past 50 years reinforces the importance of diversification.  Want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Connect with us and drop us a question at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

Alan Greenspan's famous warning about "irrational exuberance" is back in the spotlight - but what does it really mean for today's AI-driven market? Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services helps separate hype from history and discusses how investors can stay focused without getting caught up in market emotions.Plus, could your own bank statements reveal the retirement income you actually need? We explain a surprisingly simple budgeting exercise and why it's only the beginning of a solid retirement plan. We also discuss the debate over proposed taxes on billionaires and why tax policy matters even if you're nowhere near billionaire status. Have a question about your retirement? Connect for a chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

Halfway through the year is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your retirement plan. On this week's episode, Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services walk us through a practical mid-year financial checkup - from rebalancing investments and increasing retirement savings to updating your financial plan and preparing for changing expenses.They also discuss whether semi-retirement makes sense, how today's Social Security challenges could affect future retirees, and answer a question about Roth vs. traditional 401(k) contributions. Plus, learn a simple exercise that can help estimate how much you'll actually need to spend in retirement - and why many people get that number wrong.Block out some time for your summer financial checkup. Schedule it now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

How do you know when it's time to stop saving and start spending? On this week's episode of Money Mentors, Taylor Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson FInancial Services discuss one of the biggest challenges retirees face: giving themselves permission to enjoy the money they've worked so hard to accumulate. From expensive sporting events and dream vacations to major purchases and bucket-list experiences, they'll explain how to determine whether a splurge fits comfortably within your retirement plan.Plus, inflation continues to impact everyday expenses, so we'll discuss how retirees can protect their purchasing power and why a second opinion on your income strategy may be more valuable than ever. We'll also also tackle the unique financial conversations that come with dating, remarriage, and blended families later in life. Need help building a retirement plan that balances confidence, income, and enjoyment? Visit MattsonFinancial.com or request your complimentary Money Mentors Toolkit today.

Just like that paycheck that hit your bank account while you were working, you want the same type of consistency in retirement. On this week's episode, Gary Mattson and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services discuss how Social Security, pensions, and other guaranteed income sources can help cover essential expenses and provide additional peace of mind during volatile times.Plus, before you hand in your retirement papers, should you take your future lifestyle for a test drive? We'll explore why more pre-retirees are practicing retirement before they leave work, and how testing your budget, travel plans, living arrangements, and daily routines can help you avoid costly surprises.We'll also examine new investment accounts designed for children and grandchildren, discuss the power of starting early with long-term investing, and explain how families can help younger generations build wealth over time. Finally, how do you know if your financial advisor is truly serving your best interests? We'll review several warning signs that may indicate it's time for a second opinion and explain what you should expect from a fiduciary advisor relationship.If you'd like help creating a retirement income plan, evaluating your investments, or building a lasting legacy for your family, visit MattsonFinancial.com to schedule a chat today.

Hearing about layoffs can feel a lot like hearing the theme from Jaws: you know something big could be coming, but you're not sure when or how it will affect you. With companies announcing workforce reductions and buyouts across the country, many baby boomers may find themselves facing an unexpected early retirement. On this episode, Corey Davis and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services discuss the financial steps to take if you're suddenly forced into retirement. From creating a complete inventory of your assets and liabilities to building a realistic income strategy, they'll explain how to move from uncertainty to confidence.You'll also learn why rushing to claim Social Security could be a costly mistake, when retroactive benefits might come into play, and how a well-designed retirement spending plan can help protect your long-term financial security. If retirement arrives sooner than expected, this conversation can help you make smart decisions instead of emotional ones. Facing an unexpected transtiion to retirement? Reach out to our team for a second opinion at www.MattsonFinancial.com.