The Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching 50,000 is a historic market milestone, but what does it mean for retirement investors? And how do we keep reaching these milestones when there's still uncertainty in the economy? On this week's episode, Gary Mattson & Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services discuss the significance of this event, and the particular strategy that helps retirement investors take advantage of the market highs (and lows!). 

Need a second opinion on your investment strategy before the next market downturn? Schedule a chat with our team at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Major corporations are cutting jobs, and for many workers who are close to retirement, a layoff doesn’t just mean losing a paycheck - it can feel like losing the plan they’ve spent decades building. In this episode, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson FInancial Services unpack the economic forces driving today’s wave of corporate downsizing and what it means for those nearing retirement. More importantly, we explore what happens next. How do you replace lost income? Should you consider early retirement? What about Social Security timing, healthcare, severance packages, and protecting your investment portfolio during uncertainty? We’ll share real-world insight, walking through practical strategies, tough conversations, and the steps that can turn a sudden job loss into a manageable transition instead of a financial crisis.

Need help when that paycheck stops? Schedule a second opinion at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

Tax season isn’t just about gathering 1099 forms. It’s also a great time to take a closer look at how tax-efficient your investment portfolio really is. In this episode, Taylor Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services unpack insights on tax efficiency based on account types and tax documents, and explore what investors can do to better “shelter” their investments from unnecessary taxes. We’ll talk through common areas of confusion, why tax efficiency matters year after year, and how reviewing your portfolio annually can help keep more of your money working for you.

Whether you need help preparing your tax return or want to work with an advisor to help with tax efficiency, start a conversation that will help you think more strategically about taxes and investing. Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

While we wait for Congress to deal with the issue of health care subsidies, a lot of our listeners who planned to retire before 65 may wonder whether they can afford health care premiums before Medicare kicks in. On this week's episode, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss how they're helping clients navigate around this tricky issue, and still enjoy the early retirement they deserve. We'll also discuss frequent scenarios that couples run into during their retirement journey.

Whether it's health care, taxes, Social Security, estate planning, investments or income, let us help you find more clarity and confidence in your plan. Learn more at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

From Venezuela to tariffs to the escalating feud with the Fed, there's no shortage of headlines to fuel more volatility on Wall Street to start the year. But will the January indicator set the tone for 2026? And if so, how do you prepare your portfolio? On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services discuss strategies to help you avoid emotional decisions and stay on track with your goals. They'll also discuss a Canadian lottery winner's controversial jackpot decision - and how some retirees face the same type of choice with their money. 

Need a second opinion on your retirement portfolio? Connect with our team at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

We're about to enter a new tax season, but the new year also brings about some big tax changes for baby boomers. So this week, your Money Mentors at Mattson Financial break down the biggest tax changes baby boomers need to know that could impact their retirement in the years to come - and how to take advantage of lower tax rates while they last. Plus, find out which athlete thinks he can't make it on $100 million in retirement! 

Need a second opinion on your retirement plan? Connect now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

It's 2026...time to set some new retirement goals! This week, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services help you get ready to set some of those resolutions (we call them dreams, goals and desires). Plus, we'll discuss different retirement scenarios you might want to consider as you think ahead to the next chapter. Schedule your January visit with our team of fiduciary advisors now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

Happy New Year! The changing of the calendar can bring excitement, but also some nervousness about what's ahead. And a new survey sheds some light on what's most concerning to retirees as we head into the new year. This week, Laurel Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson FInancial Services discuss the biggest concerns and how to start setting some realistic goals for your retirement. Find a few minutes to schedule your new year retirement check-up at www.MattsonFinancial.com. 

A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 sounds helpful, but for many retirees, it may still fall short. On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services break down why the latest Social Security COLA may not keep pace with the expenses that matter most to baby boomers, including healthcare, Medicare premiums, and everyday essentials. We’ll also discuss practical steps you can take to protect your purchasing power, whether you’re already retired or planning to claim benefits soon.

Find out how to build a plan that keeps up with your real cost of living. Schedule a chat now at www.MattsonFinancial.com.

Did you hear about the 88-year-old Michigan man who's finally able to retire thanks to the kindness of strangers? After a social media influencer helped launch a GoFundMe campaign, Ed Bambas' story went viral, shining a light on what can happen when retirement planning falls short. 

On this week's episode of "Money Mentors," Taylor Steward and Riley Ruff of Mattson Financial Services break down Ed’s journey, why he ended up working well past traditional retirement age, and the planning mistakes many of us make. Most importantly, they share practical steps you can take now to avoid a similar situation. Need help building a retirement plan you can rely on? Connect with our team at MattsonFinancial.com.