Mondays With Matt Podcast

It's summer — and nothing says summer quite like Tom Cruise as Maverick soaring across the sky in Top Gun. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the original film, and with Tom Cruise's birthday on July 3rd, we figured it was the perfect excuse to revisit some of the most iconic quotes from the franchise and see what they have to say about your financial life.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

SpaceX. OpenAI. These and other names have been dominating the headlines. The IPO market is heating up and clients are asking questions. Today we're keeping it simple. What do retirees and pre-retirees need to understand about IPOs before they get caught up in the excitement?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

If you want unfiltered financial advice, don’t just read a book — scroll the comments. Spend five minutes on Reddit or YouTube, and you’ll find people being brutally honest about what they wish they had done differently with money. Today, we’re pulling from some of those real conversations and breaking down the lessons behind them. Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

For most people, financial planning isn't really about spreadsheets or market returns. It's about the people you love. It's about making sure that if something happens (expected or not), the people who depend on you are taken care of. Today we're talking about what it looks like to provide financial protection for your family.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

We got a great question from a listener: "My investments didn't do as well in the last 12 months as the overall market has done. Should I be re-evaluating my advisor based on this lack of performance?" It’s a question a lot of people ask at some point in their investing lives. Let’s break it down on today’s episode. Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Most retirement conversations are about saving enough. Today we're talking about the other side of that. What happens when you've saved, you're there, and you still can't bring yourself to spend it. It's more common than people admit. And it can quietly rob you of the retirement you worked so hard to build.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

This week on Mondays with Matt, listener questions take center stage as Matt tackles what to do with extra cash flow after paying off a mortgage and how to put that money to work. He also breaks down the tax implications of inheriting an IRA, including the 10-year withdrawal rule and strategies to help minimize the tax hit. Tune in and see what you can learn today!   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Nobody likes tax season. But for new retirees, it can come with a few unwelcome surprises. The rules have changed, the income sources have shifted, and strategies that made sense during your working years may no longer apply. Today we're looking at some of the biggest tax mistakes retirees make as discussed in a recent Kiplinger article and whether these match what we see in the real world.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Financial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way. Most of the biggest decisions people face in retirement live in the gray.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Everyone’s got an opinion about money (especially the people with a book deal or a TV show). Some of that advice is useful. Some of it sounds better on a stage than it works in real life. Let’s break it down.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

One of the most important retirement decisions doesn’t show up on your paycheck. It shows up in how your contributions are taxed. That’s exactly what prompted a question we recently received… Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

After a year marked by volatility, uncertainty, and more than a few economic curveballs, it’s understandable if optimism doesn’t come easily. But at least one economist is arguing that the outlook for 2026 may be brighter than many people expect. Allison Schrager's Article: https://www.fa-mag.com/news/five-reasons-to-be-optimistic-about-the-2026-economy-85324.html?section=68   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Turning 62 might not feel like a milestone birthday… until you realize the Social Security clock just started ticking. Filing now could put money in your pocket sooner or cost you tens of thousands over a lifetime. How do you pick the right strategy? Let’s break down how to think through one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll ever make. Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

You’ve heard of Baby’s First Christmas, but what about Retiree’s First Christmas? Your first holiday season after leaving the workforce is a milestone all its own. The schedule, the spending, the traditions… everything feels a little different. On this episode, we’ll talk about what to expect and how to navigate the differences this year and beyond. Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning… some questions are definitely better than others. The way you frame your question often determines the quality of your answer and, in some cases, the quality of your retirement. Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Most people think financial planning is about calculators, spreadsheets, and strategies. But that’s only half the story. The truth is, your feelings about money can have just as much impact on your retirement as the numbers do. Today, we’re exploring the emotional side of planning.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Some people believe having two financial advisors means double the wisdom. But does it really equal double the problems? Today, we’ll tackle a person’s question about this very dilemma. Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

October is known for cooler weather, pumpkins, and Halloween. But did you know it’s also Financial Planning Month? While it might not come with costumes or candy, it’s a perfect reminder to pause, take stock, and be intentional with your money. Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Today’s listener question gets right to the heart of retirement planning: how much is enough? They’ve saved a lot, but not quite what they hoped. So can they still retire comfortably, or is that magic number just out of reach? Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Well, you’re retired. Now what? Some people subscribe to the “first year rule” which says that the majority of your best retirement months will all take place in the first year of retirement. So how can you be strategic during that first year and set the tone in the right way, both emotionally and financially? Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Inflation may not be in the headlines like it was in 2022, but for most Americans, it’s still public enemy number one when it comes to saving for retirement. A new Schwab survey reveals just how many people still feel unprepared and how that affects their confidence in their financial future. Schwab Survey: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2025/07/29/inflation-retirement-savings-survey/85413630007/ Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

The kids may be heading back to class, but it’s not a bad time for adults to hit the books too, especially when it comes to retirement. So, let’s test your knowledge with a quick financial pop quiz and see how ready you really are.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Just because something used to be true doesn’t mean it still is, especially in retirement planning. In 2025, rising interest rates, tax uncertainty, and longer retirements mean it’s time to rethink some of the old advice. These seven assumptions sound smart at first… but they could quietly hurt your plan if you’re not careful.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

A new tax bill has officially passed (you’ve probably heard it mentioned as the “Big Beautiful Bill”). And while most headlines are focused on politics, we’re focused on what it means for your retirement. The choices you make in the next year or two could have a significant impact on how much you keep and how much goes to Uncle Sam.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Markets crash. Taxes shift. Congress waffles on Social Security. You can’t control any of that. And stressing over it won’t help. What will? Focusing on the four things that actually move the needle in retirement.   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They’re now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice… or just the easiest one?   Contact: Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/ Call: 989-401-2949

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