Money Mentors

Just like your regular doctor's visits, it's always good to check up on your financial health - and the mid-way point of 2025 is a great chance to do that. On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Corey Davis of Mattson Financial Services walk through some steps you might want to consider as you stress test your investments and income, as well as prepare for the holidays and take care of your ph...

At a time when we should be focusing on summer vacations and family time, some of us may be more worried about where the economy and market are headed from here. But on this week's episode, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss how to unplug from the headlines and let your financial plan guide your investment decisions. Plus, they offer some tips on how to keep su...

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 add...

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. Matts...

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 w...

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 po...

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 Secur...

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. Matts...

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 conn...

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 c...

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...

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...

It's not unusual for one spouse or the other to handle most of the investment decisions in the relationship, but when markets get rocky, that can cause a lot of pressure. On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services discuss a hypothetical scenario on how to cope if you've been trying to handle your portfolio on your own - and now you're doubting your decisi...

Sure, it might seem like the sky is falling if you're listening to the 24/7 news channels, but if you're looking for perspective on the tariff talk and the market downturn, this week's episode is for you. Gary Mattson & Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services give some insight on how their investment philosophy works for retirement savers at times like this, and discuss how market dips may...

Yes, all the talk of tariffs and rising prices might make people a little nervous about retirement, but a new survey says people are also tired of being told to "cut back." On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services discuss how they help clients enjoy the same lifestyle in retirement that they enjoyed while they were working. We also tackle how to find th...

Taxes don't go away in retirement. In fact, they can cause a few surprises. On this week's episode, Gary & Laurel discuss what surprises people the most - and how to avoid the common mistakes that can cost you money. Plus, does it make sense to give your assets away while you're still here to enjoy it with your family - or leave a legacy when you're gone? We'll discuss the pros & cons. Che...

More and more individuals and couples are making six-figure incomes today, but that puts pressure on them to also create a six-figure income for retirement. On this week's episode, Gerald Green and Marcus Grost of Mattson Financial Services discuss how they approach building an income strategy for generating that kind of retirement paycheck from an investment portfolio - and some of the opportunit...

Warren Buffett's annual letter to shareholders is out - and it includes a few takeaways for retirement investors. On this week's episode, Gerald Green and Marcus Grost of Mattson Financial Services break down some of Warren's classic lessons on investing, and some of his latest revelations about handing over the reins when he's ready. Check out more retirement lessons at www. MattsonFinancial.com...

From big corporations to the federal government, we're hearing more and more about buyout offers in the headlines. But before you accept that severance package or early retirement offer, there are some steps to consider. On this week's episode, Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services walks through a hypothetical scenario and what you might want to think through before you sign on the dotted lin...

You've been saving for years in your retirement savings accounts, whether that's a 401(k), IRA, TSP or 403(b). But did you know you have a silent partner waiting for their share when it's time to start spending that money? This week, Laurel Steward and Corey Davis of Mattson Financial Services discuss the tax IOU that comes due in retirement and how you can help minimize that tax liability with pr...

If you're a federal employee or a public servant - whether that be a firefighter, teacher, or other government worker - there are some recent changes that may impact your retirement planning. On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Corey Davis of Mattson Financial Services explain what to do if you're on the receiving end of one of the recent federal buyout offers. And we'll update you on the S...

The first few weeks of the new Trump administration has included a flurry of economic activity - but what does the threat of new tariffs and the possibility of extended tax cuts mean for your bottom line? Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services helps you break through some of the noise on this week's episode. Let us help you put the focus on your personal economy with a customized retirement...

We think retirement planning should be important at all stages of life, but there are certain ages when key decisions could help determine just how successful you are when you're ready to stop working. This week, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services break down the key Retirement Milestones from 50 to 73, and how each step can help you along the journey. If you're hitting one o...

We kick off our special series on taxes this tax season on what your tax forms might help you address about your retirement tax strategy. Plus, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services tackle a question about Roth conversions and income, and help clear up some confusion about conversions versus contributions. Need a second opinion on your retirement tax strategy? Let's talk. Sched...

From continuing high inflation to rising taxes, there's a lot coming at us in 2025. On this week's episode, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services break down 5 issues that could impact middle-class retirees the most this year, and how to prepare yourself for them. Start the new year strong with a portfolio check-up. Schedule a chat now at www. MattsonFinancial.com .