Mondays With Matt Podcast

Have you ever been asked by a friend or family member to borrow money? You want to help, but you also don't want to worry about what could go wrong. It's a common dilemma, and in today's episode, Matt tackles the tough question: Should you lend money to a loved one?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy? Today, we'll explain a bit of the backstory of tariffs and discuss these new tariffs.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

April Fool's Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today, we're uncovering the beliefs that fool retirees and pre-retirees into making bad financial moves.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

When an aging parent needs care, the decision isn't just financial. It's emotional, logistical, and deeply personal. Mike's 93-year-old mom has fallen twice in the past month, and he's weighing two options: bring her to live with him or pay for in-home care out of his own pocket. Which choice makes the most sense, both financially and for his family's well-being?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

You've built a successful business, but now the big question is, how do you turn that into a retirement plan? If you're like many entrepreneurs, you've spent years reinvesting in your business, but what happens when it's time to step away? Can you sell it? Can you create passive income from it? Or should you start saving in other ways right now? In this episode, we're breaking down strategies for business owners who need to turn years of hard work into long-term financial security.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

If you've spent years successfully managing your own investments, do you really need a financial advisor? That's the question one of our listeners sent in. He's got an MBA, knows the markets well, and has always handled his portfolio solo. So, is working with an advisor just an extra expense, or could it actually add real value? In this episode, we break down when and why even experienced investors might benefit from professional guidance and when they're probably fine on their own.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Social Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Brrr, it's cold out there! Winter has a lot of people thinking about warmer weather. For some, that just means an annual vacation down south. But for certain retirees, they choose to live elsewhere through the brunt of winter, becoming “snowbirds.” Is snowbird life for you? Let's talk about what motivates people to take up temporary residence elsewhere, where they go, and if it's worthwhile.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Today, we're back to continue unveiling the 2025 Method to transform your money mindset in just 30 days. Whether you're overwhelmed by debt, stuck in a savings rut, or simply stressed about money, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you think differently and achieve financial comfort.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Today, we're unveiling the 2025 Method to transform your money mindset in just 30 days. Whether you're overwhelmed by debt, stuck in a savings rut, or simply stressed about money, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you think differently and achieve financial comfort. Be sure to tune back for part 2 of this conversation in a few weeks!   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Whether you're anticipating a year-end bonus this December, recently received an inheritance, or even won the lottery (hey, we're all allowed to dream), figuring out what to do with a large financial windfall can feel overwhelming. No matter how you've come into this newfound wealth, it's important to approach it thoughtfully.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Everyone loves a good game show. Whether it's spinning the big wheel or hitting the buzzer with all the right answers. But what happens when people turn their retirement planning into a game? Spoiler alert: it's not always a win! In this episode, we tackle the risky moves people make when they treat their finances like a game of chance.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Social Security is the backbone of retirement for millions of Americans, but big changes may be coming. In this episode, we dive into the recently released proposal to raise the full retirement age to 69 and what it means for your benefits, your future, and your financial security.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

The financial landscape is changing rapidly, and if you're focused on retirement, these shifts can't be ignored. In today's episode, we break down the trends that will define the rest of 2024 and what they mean for your retirement plan.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

A random, retired YouTuber did a simple video exploring the top 5 regrets from other retirees he interviewed (all in their 70s). It blew up to almost half a million views (and counting). Let's see what regrets made the list and, more importantly, explore what proactive steps you can take to avoid having the same regrets when you retire.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Remember the thrill of shaking a Magic 8 Ball to get answers to your childhood questions? Would we ace that math test? Would we be famous someday? Well, today, we're bringing a bit of that magic back. But instead of asking about pop quizzes and playground crushes, we're turning to the Magic 8 Ball for advice on something much more important: your retirement planning! What would the Magic 8 Ball have to say about these common retirement questions if it had the wisdom of a financial advisor?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity doesn't go away as we get older; it just turns into different questions, like the ones we face when planning for retirement. In this two-part episode, we're digging into the 'How Do You Knows' of retirement planning.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Remember when you were a kid, always asking 'How do you know?' about everything, like why the sky is blue or where the sun goes at night? That curiosity doesn't go away as we get older; it just turns into different questions, like the ones we face when planning for retirement. In this two-part episode, we're digging into the 'How Do You Knows' of retirement planning.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Matt gets a lot of questions about 401ks, and knows they can be tricky to navigate. That's why we're tackling your top questions in one comprehensive episode.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Are you telling yourself financial lies? Discover some top lies people often tell themselves about money and retirement. Some of these could be severely holding you back, so stay tuned!   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

We hear a lot of half-truths in the financial world, not necessarily because people try to make misleading statements, but because sometimes a simple statement just doesn't quite tell the whole story. On this episode, we're back to discuss a few more examples.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

We hear a lot of half-truths in the financial world, not necessarily because people try to make misleading statements, but because sometimes a simple statement just doesn't quite tell the whole story. On this episode, we'll discuss a few examples.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Retirement planning doesn't have to be overwhelmingly complicated. It certainly doesn't have to be as complicated as some people make it. In our next episode, we unravel the unnecessary complexities often woven into the fabric of retirement advice. We'll debunk some myths, simplify strategies, and uncover the beauty of simplicity and straightforward retirement planning.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Very often, we see people who know that the financial decisions that they're making aren't the best decisions, but they try to create excuses or explanations for why they're doing what they're doing. Let's talk about why these excuses usually don't hold water.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Psychologists have determined that retirement is one of the most stressful events that some people will experience in life. In this episode, we'll look at the ways to proactively deal with the stress surrounding the retirement process.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Just like an annual checkup is important for maintaining good health, performing regular financial checkups is an essential part of planning for a healthy and successful retirement. By regularly assessing your budget, goals, and progress, you can make informed decisions to keep your finances on track. Although financial wellness is going to look different for everyone, we'll share some areas you should be paying attention to in today's episode.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Unpack the toolbox of technology that's promising to redefine retirement planning, but does it deliver? This episode takes a critical look at the wave of innovations, from personal finance management software to online calculators, and questions whether they truly simplify the planning process or introduce new complexities.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

As much as any other threat, recognizing and avoiding scams has become a necessary skill for today's retirees to develop. Join us as we explore crucial steps you can take to safeguard your financial well-being against the growing tide of scams and identity theft. Learn from real-life stories and gain practical advice to keep your finances secure in this digital era, all from the perspective of a seasoned financial professional.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

March Madness is upon us, and as you fill out your bracket and watch the NCAA Tournament this year, there are a few retirement planning lessons that you can learn along the way. Join us as we talk about them in today's episode!   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

As International Women's Day approaches (March 8), it's the perfect time to reflect on the progress women have achieved in the financial realm over the past century. Despite this, the path to retirement is not without its unique challenges for women, and it's important to recognize the financial hurdles that they continue to face. In this episode, we'll share some eye-opening statistics and actionable advice to empower women in their financial journey. From the persistent gender pay gap to the impact of caregiving responsibilities and higher debt burdens, this is why retirement planning is different for women.   Episode Resources: Gender pay gap- Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/01/the-enduring-grip-of-the-gender-pay-gap/ Women's life expectancy- National Center of Biotechnology Information https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23331196/ Women's debt- T. Rowe Price Insights https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23331196/ Women's retirement confidence- BMO Finance Group https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23331196/   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Welcome back to part 2 of a conversation that might be a bit counterintuitive. We're going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor? We explore the pros and cons of practices like paying off debt early, global diversification, and more. Join us for a practical discussion, as we uncover the unexpected effects of everyday money decisions. Are your good money habits holding you back?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

This episode might be a bit counterintuitive. We're going to question the real impact of common financial habits. Are the strategies you consider beneficial actually working in your favor? We explore the pros and cons of practices like ignoring account statements and strict budgeting. Join us for a practical discussion, as we uncover the unexpected effects of everyday money decisions. Are your good money habits holding you back?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

We're going to answer some recent listener questions in today's episode. And, for a bit of holiday fun, Matt and Marc reflect on some of their favorite memories of Santa Claus! Ben, a business owner like Matt, seeks advice on balancing business reinvestment and personal retirement savings. Amy asks about her financial strategy, which involves using debt as a tool to save money for retirement. Stick around to see how Matt answers these questions and more!   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949          

Have you ever wondered what questions to ask your financial advisor, or why those questions are crucial? In today's episode, we're tackling exactly that. We're discussing the vital questions that bring transparency and depth to your financial advisory relationship.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949  

Ever thought that minor tweaks in your financial plan could lead to major wins? It's important to eventually get a comprehensive financial plan for yourself, but sometimes even just a few minor adjustments in your portfolio can make a big difference. Let's discuss a few easy places to start...   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Join us for a thoughtful episode where we unpack our 2023 edition of key year-end planning strategies for those nearing or embracing their retirement years. We'll explore the nuances of optimizing your investment portfolio, safeguarding your assets, and ensuring a stable, rewarding lifestyle in the years to come. Together, we'll navigate through essential topics like managing RMDs, exploring tax-saving opportunities, and even touching on the often-overlooked emotional aspects of this pivotal life transition.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Retirement is a unique journey for each of us. The thought that there's a one-size-fits-all solution is a myth, but what if we told you there are certain universal truths that can guide every retiree? Dive deep in this episode, where we juxtapose the individuality of retirement plans with the foundational principles that remain consistent across the board. Join us for part 2 of this episode series!   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949          

Retirement is a unique journey for each of us. The thought that there's a one-size-fits-all solution is a myth, but what if we told you there are certain universal truths that can guide every retiree? Dive deep in this episode, where we juxtapose the individuality of retirement plans with the foundational principles that remain consistent across the board.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949  

Are you over 55 and pondering retirement? Dive into the world of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with us. In this episode, we demystify the reasons behind mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings. Discover strategies to potentially avoid them and understand the risks of not preparing in advance. And for those fortunate to not rely on RMDs for income, we'll explore impactful ways to utilize those funds.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949    

Losing a spouse is an unimaginably tough life event, but the financial implications can add another layer of stress to the grieving process. In this episode, we delve deep into the most common financial issues faced by widows and widowers, from dealing with income gaps to navigating tax changes as a single filer. We explore actionable strategies to address these problems, such as the importance of life insurance and the ins and outs of spousal pension continuation. This is the episode for you if you're concerned with ensuring the financial well-being of your remaining family members and safeguarding your financial future and legacy in the face of loss.   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949    

Welcome back to part two of our discussion on resolving financial tension between couples. In this episode, we'll explore five more common areas of financial tensions: emergency fund size, charitable contributions, handling inheritances, insurance needs, and financial management style. Stay tuned to learn how advisors like Matt work to resolve conflicts in these areas as they arise.   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Money can't buy love, but it can certainly start some spicy debates between you and your better half. In this episode, we're digging into the financial face-offs that make Monopoly fights look like child's play and exploring some money minefields that can test even the most solid relationships. Listen in as we explore how to resolve some of the most common financial sources of tension between couples.   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

In this episode, we discuss seven essential financial planning strategies for women, with a particular focus on those who are single, divorced, or widowed. We're taking a look at a recent article that covers topics like saving for emergencies, paying off debt, planning for retirement, budgeting, diversifying investments, and creating an estate plan as a woman. If you're looking to build confidence and take control of your financial future, this episode is a must-listen!   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Celebrate the spirit of July 4th with our latest episode as we tackle the concept of Financial Independence. While the American colonists fought for freedom from British rule, we're here to discuss what you're striving to be independent from in your retirement. We'll unveil the common foes you'll face on the journey. And good news, no muskets required for these battles…   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Don't get us wrong. In many cases, your 401(k) can be your best investment vehicle, offering numerous benefits and tax advantages and many times a 100% return on some of your contributions (also known as an employer match). However, it's important to recognize that it might not always be the optimal choice for everyone. Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we dissect the reasons why someone should NOT invest in a 401(k).   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Picture this: You're at your retirement party, finally ready to enjoy your golden years, but worries caused by some bad money habits have robbed you of fully enjoying the sweetness of the day. It happens to more people than you think, which is unfortunate because with just a little bit of modification, you can rid some of the worst money habits from your life and set yourself up for retirement success.   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Beneficiaries are an important part of a well-thought-out retirement plan. While it may seem like naming beneficiaries is a simple task, there are some areas in this process that are easy to overlook, which could cause major complications down the road. In this episode, we'll address five common beneficiary mistakes. We'll bring these mistakes to your attention and explain why these could damage your retirement if you're not careful.   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Even if you're a seasoned investor, it can be easy to make rookie mistakes. In this episode, we'll delve into the top 5 mistakes that we see people make and offer practical tips to avoid them. Whether you're investing in something without a clear purpose, underestimating the level of risk involved, or following "hot tips," these common pitfalls can have detrimental effects on your portfolio. By tuning in, you'll gain valuable insights on investing that can help you make more informed financial decisions.   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Social Security is often misunderstood and ill-planned for, costing lost opportunities for many Americans. Myths, rumors, and misunderstandings are pervasive in the world of Social Security. In this episode, we will finish up our discussion on 5 common misunderstandings about Social Security.   Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Social Security is often misunderstood and ill-planned for, costing lost opportunities for many Americans. Myths, rumors, and misunderstandings are pervasive in the world of Social Security. In this show, we'll look to clear up 5 misunderstandings about Social Security. Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949