Money Mentors

Tough Questions to Ask Yourself About Retirement

No one ever said retirement would be easy, but in order to make it easier, it helps to address the tough questions ahead of time. On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services discuss the difficult questions they address with their clients in order to help give them more confidence about their plans for the next chapter. Have some questions you'd like to address? Schedule a chat now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Lessons from the Vanderbilts: How to Lose Your Wealth in 3 Generations

How did one of America's richest families manage to lose billions of dollars in just 3 generations? Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services dives into the story of Cornelius Vanderbilt on this week's episode, and discusses ways you can help educate your family so that they learn ways to preserve and protect the legacy you hope to leave. Find more planning resources for your family at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Facing a Layoff? Here's What to Do Next

We're entering a period where more pink slips are going out, even at major employers, as the economy begins to slow down. But if your job is impacted, what steps do you need to take to help secure your financial future? And how do you know if you can turn this into an opportunity to retire? Laurel and Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services walk through the questions to ask yourself on this week's episode. Need a second opinion on your buyout offer or severance package? Schedule a chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Sell in May and Go Away? No Way!

After a volatile few months on Wall Street, it might be tempting to follow the old saying and just sell in May - and go away for the summer. But on this week's episode, Laurel and Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services explain why it's never really a good idea to take time off from investing, and how they approach it instead. Summer is a great time, though, to get a second opinion on your portfolio. Schedule one now at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Why Earning the Maximum Possible Social Security Check Isn't So Easy

The maximum benefit from Social Security in 2025 tops $5,000 a month - but there are a number of factors that you have to meet in order to reach that top tier benefit. So this week, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss what's really important when it comes to finding the right time for you to claim your benefits. Plus, how long could you stretch your Social Security and a healthy nest egg of $1,000,000? We'll have the results of a new study. Stress test your numbers at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Lessons from Warren Buffett's Retirement

The Oracle of Omaha has finally decided to retire - at 94! This week, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss his financial legacy & what lessons we can take away from the world's most well-known investor. We'll also discuss the sudden rush to claim Social Security - and whether it's justified. Have questions for your Money Mentors? Connect with us at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Recession-Proof Investing: Which Asset Classes Tend to Perform Well During Downturns?

If stocks feel a little risky for you right now, where do you turn to invest your retirement dollars? There are a world of options, but on this week's episode, Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services discusses which investments tend to perform better than others during recessions. If you need help diversifying your portfolio, seek out a second opinion from a fiduciary advisor. Feel free to connect with one of your Money Mentors at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Navigating Market Volatility as a Retiree or Pre-Retiree

Navigating market volatility at any age is a challenge, but it's especially daunting when you're already retired or about to make the move to retirement, and your paycheck is largely dependent on your investment portfolio. On this week's episode, Laurel and Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services give us some perspective on the recent volatility on Wall Street and share strategies on how to cope if you're feeling nervous about how it might affect your retirement income. Need a second opinion about your plan? Schedule a 15-minute chat at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

The Underwear & Lipstick Connection to a Recession

While the 24/7 news channels are talking about a recession, how do we really know if we're in one? Believe it or not - lipstick and underwear could provide some early clues! On this week's episode, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss the signs they also look for, as well as how to protect yourself and do a little financial spring cleaning that may help this time of year. Schedule a 15-minute chat to get a second opinion on your plan at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Three Surprising Things It’s Ok To Spend Money on in Retirement

Go ahead, give yourself permission to spend in retirement. After all, you worked hard for it, right? But where are some of the best places to spend your money? This week, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services dive into an interesting list that includes (spoiler alert!) - taxes. We'll explain that and the fun stuff it's ok to splurge on in retirement too. If you're wondering how much you can spend in retirement, start your plan with your Money Mentors at www.MattsonFinancial.com.