Mondays With Matt Podcast: Recent Episodes
Matt Starke
Financial and retirement planning guidance from Matt Starke, of Great Lakes Retirement Solutions in Saginaw, Michigan.
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 serious lost opportunity 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
Major life events can sometimes be expected or unexpected. Either way, sometimes we make the wrong choices during these events. Let's jump into some smart decisions to make during major life events.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Getting through retirement can be a lot like running a marathon. Let’s talk about some of the similarities of getting to the finish line in racing and retirement.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
As we approach the end of the year, saving money on taxes becomes a bigger focus for many people. But let’s broaden the scope out for this particular episode and focus on some of the most common retirement planning questions about taxes. We’ll talk about mistakes to avoid and how a proper plan can make a significant difference in someone’s tax savings.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
At this time of year, you can find football on TV almost every night of the week. So, let’s take some concepts from the game of football and apply them to our retirement planning.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Want to know the secrets to experiencing satisfaction in retirement? We’ve discovered five key situations to which your financial plan needs to lead you. If you can key in on these five points, you’ll have a high chance to achieve retirement satisfaction.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
We always talk about the money side of financial and retirement planning. But what about the mental aspect of that big life change? Today we’ll break down an article written by a Licensed Professional Counselor (Kate Schroeder) for Psychology Today, titled The Psychological Investment In Retirement.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
This week let's dive into RMDs and clear up some common questions.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
There are many things that we know we’ll have to deal with in retirement, we just don’t know how to predict when or to what degree. How do you construct a plan that deals with the unpredictability of these different factors?
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Finding yourself between jobs can be frustrating—whether you were fired, laid off, or just had to step away of your own choosing. But it can also present some opportunities. Let’s discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that you need to consider if you’re between jobs.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Going through a divorce at any age is difficult, but doing it near or in retirement adds all sorts of additional complications. On this episode, we’ll talk about some of the financial mistakes we see people make in the midst of a divorce
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
On this episode, we’ll try to pick sides of some important financial debates. From bonds to life insurance, credit card debt to starting Social Security, we’ll propose several different topics to see which sides of the debates you and your advisor should probably fall on.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
On this episode, we’ll give you some red flags to be aware of, teach you how to spot them, and illustrate the difference between an advisor who does the bare minimum versus one who goes above and beyond to work in your best interests.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
We’ve assembled a list of priorities to keep in mind as you count down the days to retirement.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
We’ve gathered some updated retirement statistics from across the country. It’s time to find out if these are encouraging or disturbing findings, if they’re reflective of the average client, and what you can do to improve your own retirement preparedness based off this information.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Housing is a really important topic for a lot of retirees because, for many of us, it’s the biggest asset we’ll ever own or manage. We want to get that part of our financial equation correct, so it’s no surprise it takes up a nice slice of the retirement planning conversation. On this episode, we’ll cover some common housing questions from retirees and hopefully hit on an issue that might also be on your mind.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
There are certain age milestones where you should really pay attention to your retirement planning progress. On this episode, we’ll look at the most important birthdays as you approach retirement and cover the exact things you should be checking off your to-do list at each age.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
We address some listener questions that have come into the show. We will discuss how long 1.4 million dollars might last in retirement, the ability to diversify in just one IRA, and how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
This USA Today article points out 3 murky issues that increase retirement planning’s degree of difficulty, especially in today’s economic climate. On this episode, we’ll breakdown the article to see if it’s worthwhile advice, if the murky issues are actually that threatening, and what you can do about all of it if you’re concerned.
Links & Show Notes:
USA Today Article: https://bit.ly/3I02veK
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
There are certain things in life we just can’t predict. If we knew the answers to some of these questions, planning for retirement would sure be a lot easier. So let’s see how you go about constructing a plan that addresses the kinds of questions to which you can’t possibly know the answers.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Some people feel that they’ll save money by handling their investments themselves instead of working with an advisor. Others may like the challenge of doing it themselves. Still, others just don’t know who to trust so they end up not working with anyone. Let’s talk about some reasons that you might need an advisor.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
In football, teams are extra careful not to make a mistake when they get within about 20 yards of scoring points (known as the Red Zone). They’ve typically worked hard to get to that point and don’t want to cost themselves by throwing an interception or fumbling the ball and giving it to the other team. On this episode, we’ll explore the financial equivalent of the Red Zone and discuss how you can really mess things up if you’re not careful during this phase of your life. If you’re approaching retirement, this is a fundamental conversation you won’t want to miss.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Droves of workers are retiring early or taking a break from work as they change career paths. It’s become known as The Great Resignation. On this episode, we’ll highlight some of the key takeaways of a recent Forbes article and explore a lot of the impacts on retirement planning from across different age groups in the wake of this massive workplace shift that’s underway.
Links & Show Notes:
Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/great-resignation/
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If retirement is on your mind, then listen up to today’s show for a 5-part checklist that’ll help measure if you’re in good financial health and setting yourself up for retirement success.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
As we approach the end of 2021, it's time to look ahead to next year. Let's go over some of the top financial resolutions that you should be making for 2022.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Certainly, none of our podcast listeners would be guilty of making unreasonable requests, but let’s talk about some of the unreasonable requests we hear from others in the financial world. We’ll explore what makes them unreasonable and what proper expectations look like instead.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Before you can live the retirement dream, you have to figure out what the dream looks like in the first place. Let’s talk about some of the things you need to dream about.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Different types of accounts have different tax consequences. Let’s talk about those advantages and disadvantages in different types of accounts and how you can use them (or not) in retirement planning.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Let’s talk about some of the ways that pride might manifest itself in your financial planning in the form of overconfidence.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If you’ve ever ridden the subway in London, you’ve probably seen the “Mind the Gap” signs warning you to be aware of the gap between the train door and the station platform. Let’s talk today about minding the gaps in retirement planning.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Depending on your answers, the questions we cover on today’s show might raise red flags about your finances.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
This is our 62nd episode and since it's turning 62, should it file for social security early? We decided to chat about this topic since so many people are unclear about when it's advantageous for them to start taking it.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
It’s time to peel back the curtain a little bit to learn about your financial advisor.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
So much focus in the financial world revolves around accumulating money. There’s all sorts of advice, how- to guides and guardrails in place when it comes to saving and investing, but a lot less resources out there to help retirees navigate the period of time after retirement. This is known as decumulation, the spending down and managing of the assets you’ve accumulated through your life. And on this episode, we’ll point at (at least) 5 things you must know about decumulation to retire successfully.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Our 4th of July podcast here! Today's episode is all about getting to financial independence and some ways you may be able to get there.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If you’re of the age that your mom and dad retired 20 or 30 years ago, the world was a much different place when they walked away from their paychecks. Let’s talk about how things are different now.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
At first glance, each of these statements seem like basic common sense that everyone agrees with. But when we look at the way people actually behave with their money, it seems that common sense is actually a bit uncommon.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If we’ve learned any lesson over the past year, it’s that no matter how carefully we plan and prepare, we’ll likely encounter unexpected hurdles. While a global pandemic has certainly underscored the need to pay close attention to our physical wellness, it has also revealed the need to shore up our financial wellness.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If we take a look at the world of medicine, we can learn some valuable lessons that can be applied to your financial life.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
William Rogers was an American stage and film actor, vaudeville performer, cowboy, humorist, newspaper columnist, and social commentator from Oklahoma. Let's see what we can learn from some of his great quotes.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Let’s talk about some of the areas of your financial life where you might be flirtin’ with disaster and don’t even know it.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If you had to be elected in order to be a financial advisor, what would your platform be to show potential "voters" you would be a good candidate? This week we put Matt in the spotlight for "Financial Czar."
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Glass half empty, or half full? There are some scenarios that will happen on our way toward, or into retirement. Will you view it as a crisis, or potential opportunity? Let's discuss some of these situations on today's show.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
The “normal” investment world already seems crowded with endless possibilities of companies and ways to invest. Yet there’s a segment of the market classified as alternative investments that many people find intriguing. Could there ever be a place for alternative investments in your portfolio? What are some of the alternative investments you should know about? We’ll seek to answer those questions and more on this episode.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
A recent survey found that nearly half of the female respondents said they defer major financial and investment decisions to their spouses. Most of the explanations amounted to just wanting to stick their heads in the sand. They want to just know they’re taken care of, but not get mired in the minutia. But we’ve heard countless stories of why this is a bad idea because one day you might become the lead decision-maker. In this episode, let’s go over some tips for how women can get back in the game when it comes to involvement in the process of making financial decisions.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
On this episode, we answer some email questions that have come into the show over the past few weeks. We discuss taking early Social Security, re-investing cash, and much more.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If you don’t know the answer to the question, then this episode is for you. On this episode, we’ll explore the three qualities of money, discuss whether you can achieve them in a single investment, and how to put the right emphasis on the different qualities. It’s really quite basic, but understanding these fundamentals can make an enormous difference in your financial life.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
No industry is without its flaws, and the financial industry is no exception. Let’s explore some times where we’ve encountered annoying or frustrating elements of the financial world.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Let’s explore some of the things you should be thinking about and checking on as we wrap up 2020 and begin 2021.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Want to grade your preparedness for retirement? Here are five key questions you need to ask yourself. Your answers will help determine how ready you are for retirement.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
On this episode, we present you with five commandments that are worth of being written on stone tablets in your retirement plan.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
The election looms heavy this year, maybe more than any in recent memory. So today we look at some historical data on how the market performed under different presidents.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
We get a lot of questions about how the house (or houses) fit into retirement plans. From downsizing to rental properties to interest rates, let’s explore some of the top retirement questions as it relates to all things housing.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
The retirement world is full of retirement rules. Are these rules legit or full of it?
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Everyone has read blogs, watched shows, and listened to people talk about all the key ways to improve or succeed in retirement. But what about how you can mess it all up?
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
It is a life event that can be one of the most difficult things to go through both emotionally and financially. When one spouse dies, the remaining spouse is left to wrestle with a mountain of questions and choices. And although it’s difficult to discuss, proper planning can help make it easier to transition through this major life event. Let’s explore what someone should do in the event of a spouse’s passing, but also some of the pre-planning that can take place.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
We’ve found that—for a lot of people—what they say and what they do don’t necessarily match. Let’s look at some examples in the financial world where you might be saying one thing, but your behavior indicates something different, and you don’t even realize it...
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
We spend a few minutes on some things to consider when trying to keep the monthly spending under control as we near or enter in to retirement.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
A recent USA Today article outlined 4 financial milestones that should indicate you’re ready for retirement if you hit them. Matt gives us his take on this as well a few others to consider.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
It seems that most people don’t have a clear picture of whether they should contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth. Let’s discuss how to determine what’s best for you.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Our intentions this week were to discuss strategies that just don't work. But with Memorial Day upon us we talk about what is happening to our nation and try to remember what Memorial day stands for. We also answer an email questions about mutual funds.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If you really took inventory of your financial situation, you might find that you’ve been taking for granted some assets that make up a huge piece of your puzzle. Is it possible you should be putting a little more thought into some of these assets?
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If it works within your plan, could this be a good time to invest more money in the market? Would a Roth conversion make sense during this crisis? Matt and Marc will discuss this week on the show.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
We talked last time about the Coronavirus and the general impact it has had on every day life. Congress recently passed the CARES Act to try and help alleviate some of the financial impacts. Matt will discuss some of the main points of this new bill.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a dramatic impact on our daily lives and many people are taking a huge financial hit from lost wages, a volatile stock market, and general economic uncertainty. Matt will analyze it all on today's show as we break down the situation and give you some important things to think about when it comes to your financial plan.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Different people have different levels of desire when it comes to finding their retirement date. Let’s explore these different levels of desire, as indicated by the statements people might make, and discuss how we’d help someone at these different levels.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Most people like to think that they always make decisions based on logic and facts, but the truth is that emotions usually play a role for all of us in the decision-making process...
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
A lot of financial professionals say things that just aren’t true. And it’s not that they’re intentionally trying to mislead, it’s just that they’ve been trained to use certain talking points, which they might even believe to be true themselves. Let’s talk about the statements you should be cautious of if you hear them from a financial advisor...
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
After it simmered in Congress for a year, the SECURE Act is now law. If you have a retirement account of any kind, or will one day inherit a retirement account, this will affect you. Matt will hit the main points of this new bill and how it will change retirement planning.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Not everything goes smoothly in your financial life. We’ll look at some negative circumstances that many retirees and pre-retirees face and help you find the silver lining in the midst of tough situations.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
With all of the things in the financial world that you can’t control, why would you sabotage your own retirement by messing up the things you can control? Let’s discuss some ways that people sabotage their own financial health.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Simple mistakes can sometimes lead to larger regrets in retirement. On today’s show, we’ll explore some of the things you can do to avoid living with regret in retirement.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
If the variables were the same for everybody, retirement planning would be much simpler. But the fact that everybody is different is what makes it fun. On today’s show, we’ll explain why answers to some of retirement’s critical questions vary from person to person.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
There are some important lessons that flying can teach us about retirement planning. So check your luggage, strap in to your seat, and let's take a trip with Matt.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Even for people who have been very responsible with their money over the years, entering retirement can still be a challenge because it’s such a different stage of life. Let’s talk about some of the missteps that even responsible savers can make.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Today’s episode is simple. We’ll look at some of the most widely believed financial myths and try to bust them wide open. The scary thing is that a lot of people base their financial plans on some of these myths. Don’t be like that.
Links & Show Notes:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Have you ever had financial trouble? We’re not just talking about atrocious situations like going bankrupt. There are also situations that can arise as life goes on such as a divorce, a bad broker, and more. Today we will talk about how to get out of some of these tricky positions and how to regain traction on the right path.
Your 401k can be your most powerful retirement savings tool. But it’s not perfect. Let’s talk about some of the weaknesses that you should be aware of in your 401k (or 403b...or TSP...or 457 plan)...
With the technological strides that are being made in various industries, many jobs are being replaced in favor of automation. Similarly in the financial realm, you might have encountered robo-advisors as an alternative to working with a financial advisor. So this week, we'll take a broad look at how the financial industry may be altered by automation, as well as the benefits of human interaction.
There are plenty of proverbs and axioms that aren’t meant to be about money, but we can easily learn a financial lesson from them anyway. We’ll show you the hidden money meanings behind some of these popular sayings...
A big question for a lot of pre-retirees is: How do we take the money we have saved and turn that into income in retirement to replace our paychecks? We will discuss some basic concepts to help on this week's episode.
For some people, the biggest problem with their financial planning isn’t that they make the wrong decisions. It’s that they often fail to make decisions at all. But sometimes you just have to fish or cut bait.
If you’re heading out on a road trip this summer, there’s a long checklist of items that you want to be sure you haven’t forgotten. And in retirement planning, some of those exact same items need to be addressed. Let’s look at some of the items that should appear on both your road trip checklist and your retirement planning checklist...
It seems that people have different definitions of “safe money” as it relates to their savings. Let’s discuss some of those varying explanations of the term and why it’s an important conversation for any retiree or pre-retiree to have.
We get a lot of questions from listeners wanting to know how they can determine when it will be “safe” for them to retire. Let’s look at some of the key factors that help a person define what “safe” means and when they can indeed pull that retirement lever.
Most people have a junk drawer at home. It usually contains things like rubber bands, clothespins, highlighters, glue sticks, a tape measure, a label maker, and a pair of scissors. But most people have a financial junk drawer too. Let’s talk about some of the things that end up there and how they might be put to better use.
This week we discuss the new proposed gas tax hike in Michigan as well as political conversations around larger taxes for larger estates.
In many areas of our culture, the do-it-yourself mentality is really popular. There’s even a DIY Network where you can watch shows about home renovation, landscaping, or interior design, and how to do those things without professional help. Let’s talk about what the DIY mentality looks like in retirement planning…
You want to feel informed about your options when it comes to making financial decisions. So, you probably turn to a lot of different sources to gather that information. Let’s look at some of the most popular areas from which you’re getting your financial education and evaluate whether these are wise areas from which to grow your financial knowledge.
How do you know if your financial advisor is a bad fit for you? What about an advisor that you’re thinking about working with? How can you tell the good ones from the bad ones?
Any advisor worth his or her salt is going to have a conversation with you about risk. But what in the world is “risk tolerance”? It’s a buzzword that gets used a lot in meetings with financial advisors, but we’ve found that a lot of people don’t have a great understanding of how their risk tolerance truly impacts their financial and retirement plans. Let’s fix that and give you the 411 on risk tolerance.
Just because you can’t plainly see all the expenses you’ll incur during the retirement planning process doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Let’s cover 5 important areas where you’ll want to watch for hidden expenses.
There’s a lot more to retirement planning than just picking investments. Is your advisor helping you navigate all the other essential areas?