Mondays With Matt Podcast

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

Are you tired of one-size-fits-all financial advice that doesn't quite fit your unique needs and goals? In this episode, we'll tackle the question of whether an advisor should tailor a plan to fit your personality. We'll discuss the pros and cons of different approaches and explore how understanding your financial personality can help you make more informed decisions. Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Do you ever feel like your retirement planning goals are always moving? You're not alone. We’ve found that people often move the goalposts in their own retirement planning, often to their detriment. In this episode, we're diving deep into the psychology of retirement planning and the dangers of moving the goalposts. Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Retirement can come with a lot of tax questions and concerns. From understanding the tax implications of withdrawing from your retirement accounts to minimizing taxes on investment income, it can be overwhelming. On today’s episode, we’ll break down the top tax questions retirees are asking in 2023. Before you file your 2022 taxes and plan ahead for the rest of the year, make sure to listen to this episode as we’ll discuss some important tax questions that retirees should ask themselves to ensure they're making the most of their retirement savings and minimizing their tax burden. Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

After being discussed in Congress for nearly a year and a half, the SECURE Act 2.0 passed in January. Listen to today’s episode to see what you need to know and learn four ways the new changes might impact you. Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

With every new year, many of us spend some time setting new goals, benchmarks, and desired milestones to achieve in the months ahead. On today’s show, we’ll explore some of our personal and professional goals for 2023 and explore what might be some worthwhile goals for you to add to your list. Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

It's time to make sure your bases are covered and you're ready for the light at the end of the tunnel: Retirement. In this episode, we will discuss 10 points to help determine your retirement readiness. Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Makin’ a list and checkin’ it twice! We’ll describe a scenario, you tell us if the financial advisor is being naughty or nice… Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

The European Financial Review recently released a study on the ways that investor biases impact their financial behavior and decisions. How have you seen some of these biases manifest themselves in people? Links & Show Notes: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949