Episodes

  • Sell in May - or Stay in the Market?

    Sell in May - or Stay in the Market?
    Jun 5 2026
    You've probably heard the old Wall Street saying: "Sell in May and go away." But does that advice still hold up in today's markets? On this week's episode of Money Mentors, Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services explore whether seasonal investing strategies are fact or fiction. With recent research showing investors who stepped out of the market may have missed meaningful summer gains, they'll discuss why trying to time the market can be risky and how a well-designed retirement plan can help you enjoy your summer without constantly worrying about your portfolio.

    Then, if retirement is five years away or less, what should you be doing right now? Gary and Laurel break down the key moves pre-retirees should consider, including income planning, maximizing retirement accounts, reducing debt, preparing for healthcare costs, and testing your future retirement lifestyle before making the leap.

    Need a review of your retirement plan? Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

























































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    48 mins
  • How Does Your Financial Advisor Get Paid?

    How Does Your Financial Advisor Get Paid?
    May 29 2026

    You’ve worked hard to build your retirement savings, but are hidden fees slowly eating away at the wealth you’ve accumulated? On this week’s episode, Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services breaks down the often-overlooked costs buried inside retirement accounts, mutual funds, and investment strategies that can quietly cost high net worth retirees thousands of dollars every year. We’ll discuss why even small percentage fees can have a massive long-term impact on your retirement income and legacy, how to evaluate whether you’re truly getting value for the fees you pay, and the questions every investor should be asking their advisor right now.

    Plus, we’ll explore how taxes, charitable giving strategies, and smart portfolio management all work together to help affluent retirees keep more of what they’ve earned - both for themselves and for the next generation. If protecting your nest egg is just as important as growing it, this episode will help you uncover the costs that may be hiding in plain sight.




    Check out more of our retirement resources at www.MattsonFinancial.com.




























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    44 mins
  • Rocky Markets & Retirement Risks

    Rocky Markets & Retirement Risks
    May 21 2026
    Despite some ups & downs in the markets, many Americans are still heavily invested in their 401(k)s - and that could create unexpected risks as retirement gets closer. On this week’s episode, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss why having a large balance doesn’t always mean you’re protected, and how retirees and pre-retirees can avoid some of the biggest mistakes tied to overconfidence in the market. We’ll break down the hidden dangers of relying too heavily on retirement accounts, including sequence-of-returns risk, Required Minimum Distributions, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and the growing tax burden many boomers may face later in retirement.

    Plus, we’ll explain why diversification matters more than ever and how to build a strategy designed to weather both market volatility and long retirements. If your nest egg is concentrated in a 401(k), this episode will help you think beyond account balances and focus on creating a retirement income plan that works for your individual dreams, goals and desires. Connect with our team for a retirement review at www.MattsonFinancial.com.


























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    45 mins
  • How to Keep Your Money Working For You

    How to Keep Your Money Working For You
    May 14 2026
    Many Americans are doing the hard part - saving for retirement - but a surprising number are making one critical mistake: leaving that money sitting in cash instead of properly invested for long-term growth. On this week’s episode, financial advisors Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss why this happens, the risks it can create for your retirement future, and the steps you can take to make your money work as hard as you did for it.

    Plus, once you’ve spent decades building your nest egg, how do you confidently shift from saving to spending in retirement? Gary and Laurel share strategies to help retirees create sustainable income while still protecting their wealth.

    Need help making smart retirement investing decisions? Visit MattsonFinancial.com for more retirement resources.
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    48 mins
  • The Danger of Sitting on the Sidelines with Your Retirement Savings

    The Danger of Sitting on the Sidelines with Your Retirement Savings
    May 8 2026
    If the economy is making you nervous, it might be tempting to sit on the sidelines with your investments. But on this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services discuss why this strategy to deal with volatility can hurt long-term retirement success and why sitting entirely in cash may not be the safe move many think it is. We also tackle a problem many retirees don’t realize they have: neglecting their IRA.

    Plus, if you’ve accumulated between $500,000 and $5 million for retirement, you may face a unique set of planning challenges. We’ll discuss why this “mass affluent” stage often requires more advanced tax planning, liquidity strategies, and protection against longevity risk.

    Text KIT to 616-288-2909 to receive your complimentary Money Mentors Toolkit and start building a more confident retirement plan today.
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    43 mins
  • Recession-Proof Your Retirement Income

    Recession-Proof Your Retirement Income
    Apr 30 2026
    The word “recession” is everywhere right now thanks to fuel prices, global tensions, tariffs, and market uncertainty. But how should you respond, especially if you’re already in or nearing retirement? This week, Gerald Green and Corey Davis of Mattson Financial Services break down practical, real-world strategies to help baby boomers protect their retirement income - no matter what the economy does next. From building a reliable cash buffer to diversifying income streams and adjusting withdrawal strategies, we’ll show you how to stay focused on your goals instead of the headlines.

    Then, inspired by the excitement around the latest moon mission, we explore a different kind of frontier: your investment options. Is your portfolio truly diversified beyond stocks and bonds? And how should your strategy evolve as you move through your 60s and beyond? We also tackle a growing reality for many retirees - helping children and grandchildren financially in an era where raising a child can cost nearly $300,000. How can you support family without sacrificing your own retirement security?

    Let us help you customize a retirement plan based on your specific goals. Connect anytime at www.MattsonFinancial.com.
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    45 mins
  • Winning the Tax Game in Retirement

    Winning the Tax Game in Retirement
    Apr 23 2026
    We just finished up two very important seasons: tax season & basketball season. And both might have you thinking about bracket strategies! On this week's episode, Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services helps break down how upcoming 2026 tax changes could impact your retirement income and share practical strategies to help you potentially stay in a lower bracket without sacrificing your lifestyle. You’ll hear how smart planning - like timing Roth conversions, managing RMDs, and preparing for income spikes - can make a meaningful difference in your long-term tax bill. We'll also cover:
    • What’s a fair fee for financial advice—and how are advisors really paid?
    • Should you gift assets now or leave a legacy later?
    • Is “staying the course” always the best strategy for your retirement savings?
    If you want to maximize income, minimize taxes, and make smarter decisions in an unpredictable market, this episode is for you. Check out more retirement resources at www.MattsonFinancial.com.
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    43 mins
  • Retirement Lessons from Your Tax Return

    Retirement Lessons from Your Tax Return
    Apr 17 2026
    Tax Day is almost here - but before you file and forget, your return could hold valuable clues about your financial future. In this episode, Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services breaks down how to use your tax return as a planning tool, not just paperwork, and explore strategies the wealthy use to legally reduce taxes and build long-term wealth. We also tackle today’s volatile market environment. Learn how different stages of life call for different strategies,

    If you want to keep more of what you worked so hard to earn and save, this episode is for you! Find out more about your Money Mentors at www.MattsonFinancial.com.









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    47 mins