PODCAST · business
Money Mentors
by Laurel Steward
Your Money Mentors – Gary Mattson, Laurel Steward, Taylor Steward and Gerald Green – are a financial team at Mattson Financial Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their goal is to teach and empower you with information about what’s going on in today’s world and how it can affect your retirement. Whether you have questions about investment strategies, taxes, income or estate planning, your Money Mentors are here to help!
Episodes
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You've Saved for Retirement - Now What?
You’ve spent decades saving for retirement - but how do you know when it’s time to start spending? On this episode, Gary Mattson & Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services explore why so many retirees struggle to tap into their hard-earned savings, and how a thoughtful retirement income…
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From Roth Strategies to Retirement Spending: Making Your Money Work for You
Should you prioritize Roth retirement accounts over traditional 401(k)s, and how can you make the most of today’s tax environment? On this week's episode, Gary Mattson and Riley Ruff of Mattson Financial Services explore tax-smart retirement strategies, what changing interest rates could mean for...
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Is Your Retirement Savings Losing Ground? Inflation, Cash & Costly Mistakes
From rising grocery bills to costly retirement planning mistakes, inflation and financial uncertainty can take a bigger bite out of your retirement savings than you might expect. Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss how to account for rising costs in your…
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The AI Threat & Your Portfolio
AI volatility, changing markets and economic uncertainty can make retirement investors wonder whether it’s time to rethink their portfolios. This week, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services look at how to cut through the noise surrounding AI and determine whether portfolio...
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What the Top 10% of Retirement Savers Do Differently
What separates the most successful retirement savers from everyone else? It may have less to do with investment genius and more to do with discipline, planning and the financial habits they build over time. This week, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services break down the...
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You've Saved Seven Figures. Now What?
Saving a seven-figure retirement portfolio is a major accomplishment (and one that should be celebrated!), but it doesn’t mean you can simply set it and forget it. On this episode, Laurel Steward of Mattson FInancial Services examines why today’s bond market matters to retirees, how to make sure...
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What College Freshmen Can Teach Us About Retirement
A new University of Michigan policy is giving freshmen something many of us could use more of at any age: time to adjust. The pass/no-credit approach recognizes that stepping into a new chapter can take time - and retirement is no different. On this episode of Money Mentors, Gerald Green of…
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Retirement Reality Check: Social Security, Inflation, Health Care & More
What does it really take to stay financially secure in retirement? In this episode, Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services takes a closer look at the numbers behind today’s biggest retirement-planning challenges - from inflation and emergency savings to Social Security, 401(k) rollovers, RMDs...
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Empty Nest, Full Opportunity: Turning Life’s Transitions Into a Stronger Retirement
Back-to-school season can bring a surprising milestone: for some parents, there’s no longer anyone heading back to school. When the last child leaves home, the emotional transition can be significant - but so can the financial opportunity. This week, your Money Mentors at Mattson Financial…
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Does Size Matter When It Comes to Choosing a Financial Advisor?
Choosing a financial advisor can feel overwhelming - but does the size of the firm really make a difference? In this episode, Gary Mattson & Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services explore the pros and cons of large firms versus smaller independent advisors, what really matters when choosing...
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Retirement Regrets & Roth Opportunities
Retirement isn't just about saving enough - it's about making smart decisions along the way. In this episode, Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services answer questions many retirees and pre-retirees are asking: Is a Roth conversion right for me? Should couples retire together...
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The Retirement Penalty Kick: Avoiding Simple Mistakes That Could Cost You Big Time
What do Lionel Messi and retirement planning have in common? More than you might think. Even the greatest soccer player of all time has struggled with one of the game's simplest moments - the penalty kick. It's a reminder that doing almost everything right doesn't guarantee success if you…
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Irrational Exuberance, Retirement Reality & Planning for the Unexpected
Alan Greenspan's famous warning about "irrational exuberance" is back in the spotlight - but what does it really mean for today's AI-driven market? Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services helps separate hype from history and discusses how investors can stay focused without getting caught up…
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Your Mid-Year Retirement Checkup
Halfway through the year is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your retirement plan. On this week's episode, Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services walk us through a practical mid-year financial checkup - from rebalancing investments and increasing retirement savings…
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Memories Over Money: When Is It OK to Splurge in Retirement?
How do you know when it's time to stop saving and start spending? On this week's episode of Money Mentors, Taylor Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson FInancial Services discuss one of the biggest challenges retirees face: giving themselves permission to enjoy the money they've worked so hard to...
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Taking Retirement for a Test Drive
Just like that paycheck that hit your bank account while you were working, you want the same type of consistency in retirement. On this week's episode, Gary Mattson and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services discuss how Social Security, pensions, and other guaranteed income sources can help...
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How to Build a Retirement Plan When Time Isn't on Your Side
Hearing about layoffs can feel a lot like hearing the theme from Jaws: you know something big could be coming, but you're not sure when or how it will affect you. With companies announcing workforce reductions and buyouts across the country, many baby boomers may find themselves facing an...
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Sell in May - or Stay in the Market?
You've probably heard the old Wall Street saying: "Sell in May and go away." But does that advice still hold up in today's markets? On this week's episode of Money Mentors, Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services explore whether seasonal investing strategies are fact or...
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How Does Your Financial Advisor Get Paid?
You’ve worked hard to build your retirement savings, but are hidden fees slowly eating away at the wealth you’ve accumulated? On this week’s episode, Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services breaks down the often-overlooked costs buried inside retirement accounts, mutual funds, and investment...
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Rocky Markets & Retirement Risks
Despite some ups & downs in the markets, many Americans are still heavily invested in their 401(k)s - and that could create unexpected risks as retirement gets closer. On this week’s episode, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss why having a large balance doesn’t always...
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How to Keep Your Money Working For You
Many Americans are doing the hard part - saving for retirement - but a surprising number are making one critical mistake: leaving that money sitting in cash instead of properly invested for long-term growth. On this week’s episode, financial advisors Gary Mattson and Laurel Steward of Mattson...
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The Danger of Sitting on the Sidelines with Your Retirement Savings
If the economy is making you nervous, it might be tempting to sit on the sidelines with your investments. But on this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services discuss why this strategy to deal with volatility can hurt long-term retirement success and why…
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Recession-Proof Your Retirement Income
The word “recession” is everywhere right now thanks to fuel prices, global tensions, tariffs, and market uncertainty. But how should you respond, especially if you’re already in or nearing retirement? This week, Gerald Green and Corey Davis of Mattson Financial Services break down practical,...
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Winning the Tax Game in Retirement
We just finished up two very important seasons: tax season & basketball season. And both might have you thinking about bracket strategies! On this week's episode, Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services helps break down how upcoming 2026 tax changes could impact your retirement income and...
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Retirement Lessons from Your Tax Return
Tax Day is almost here - but before you file and forget, your return could hold valuable clues about your financial future. In this episode, Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services breaks down how to use your tax return as a planning tool, not just paperwork, and explore strategies the wealthy...
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The Secrets of Retirement Planning: Smart Advice, Millionaire Habits & Roth Strategies
What if you could crack the code on a successful retirement with just a few easy steps? On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services reveal the powerful “secrets” behind smarter financial planning and how the right guidance can make a meaningful difference...
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Safe Havens or Mixed Signals? Navigating Market Confusion, Taxes, and Retirement Decisions
Are the traditional “safe havens” still safe? In this week's episode, Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services breaks down the surprising market reactions to the ongoing Iran conflict, including why gold is falling, oil is rising, and stocks aren’t behaving the way many expected. More...
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Avoiding Costly Mistakes in a Volatile Market
When markets get rocky and headlines turn alarming, it’s easy to feel like you need to do something - and fast. But according to experts, the biggest mistake investors make during volatile times is often the simplest: getting out of the market at the wrong moment. In this episode, Laurel Steward...
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Don’t Bust Your Bracket: Smart Tax Moves for Retirement
Everyone’s filling out basketball brackets this time of year, but are you paying enough attention to your tax bracket? In this episode, Laurel Steward of Mattson Financial Services breaks down why your tax bracket could have a bigger impact on your retirement than you think. We also discuss a...
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Global Headlines, Market Jitters, and the New 60/40: What Retirees Should Know
Global headlines can make investors uneasy, especially when conflict erupts overseas and markets react in real time. In this episode, Laurel Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services break down what rising tensions in the Middle East could mean for the markets in the short term, and...
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A Gold Medal Retirement: Why Defense Wins Championships
What do championship hockey teams and successful retirees have in common? They know that defense wins. This week, Gerald Green and Corey Davis of Mattson Financial Services in West Michigan break down the same principles that lead to gold medals in games - discipline, preparation, and protecting...
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From Pink Slips to Portfolios: Navigating a Changing Labor Market
Layoffs aren’t just headlines - they’re personal. For baby boomers nearing retirement, today’s shifting labor market can feel unsettling. On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services break down the latest corporate restructuring and what it means for your...
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Dow 50,000: Now What?
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...
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When the Paycheck Stops: Protecting Your Retirement After a Layoff
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...
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Tax Prep Time: How Tax-Efficient Is Your Investment Portfolio?
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...
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Could Rising Health Care Costs Complicate Your Early Retirement Strategy?
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…
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As Goes January, So Goes the Year?
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...
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2026 Tax Changes That Could Impact Your Retirement
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...
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New Year, New Retirement Goals
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...
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Resolution Rebound: What Concerns Retirees the Most About 2026
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…
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Why a 2.8% Social Security COLA Won't Cut It
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…
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The GoFundMe Retirement Crisis
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...
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A Reality Check on Crypto: What Market Volatility Is Telling Us
Crypto is sliding - and it’s a reminder that not every hot investment belongs in a retirement portfolio. This week, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services break down what the recent crypto drop means for long-term investors and how to stay steady in a volatile 2025 market. Need a...
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Built to Last: Evaluating Investments and Real Estate for Retirement
When you’re deciding where to save your retirement dollars, some investments might seem like a “can’t miss.” But even the most familiar names can fade. Think about Sears. At one point, stores were everywhere, now there are only a handful. And real estate? Some years it feels like a gold mine…
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The Season of Giving: Smart Moves to Maximize Your Tax Savings
As we enter a season of giving, there are also year-end strategies you can use to make the most out of your charitable contributions - or even health expenses. Laurel Steward and Gary Mattson of Mattson Financial Services discuss those steps on this week's episode. And instead of standing in line...
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Preparing for Prescription Drug Costs in Retirement
A new move by the White House could save retirees thousands of dollars on popular weight loss drugs, starting in 2026. But other drug costs are still very high - and unpredictable. On this week's episode, Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services discuss how they help clients prepare...
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The Impact of Mass Layoffs
From GM to Amazon to Meta, major companies are announcing thousands of job cuts in the 4th quarter, and whether you're one of those workers or an investor in one of these companies, it can have an impact on you. On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services...
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Are You Gambling With Your Retirement?
A gambling scandal that's rocked the sports world is providing some lessons for average investors: are we risking too much of what we've worked so hard to achieve - when there's no need for that kind of risk? Gary Mattson and Gerald Green dive into that question this week, as well as Medicare...
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Dealing With Financial Changes This Fall
Just like the weather, some big financial changes are in the air this fall. And if you're unprepared, things like market volatility, a government shutdown, tariffs and layoffs could impact you. On this week's episode, Laurel Steward and Gerald Green of Mattson Financial Services discuss how to...
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The Government Shutdown's Impact on You
Unless you work for the federal government or are doing some traveling right now, how much does the federal government shutdown really impact you? Laurel & Taylor Steward of Mattson Financial Services dig into that topic this week, discussing the potential impact of government gridlock - and how…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Your Money Mentors – Gary Mattson, Laurel Steward, Taylor Steward and Gerald Green – are a financial team at Mattson Financial Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their goal is to teach and empower you with information about what’s going on in today’s world and how it can affect your retirement. Whether you have questions about investment strategies, taxes, income or estate planning, your Money Mentors are here to help!
HOSTED BY
Laurel Steward
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Money Mentors have?
Money Mentors currently has 153 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Money Mentors about?
Your Money Mentors – Gary Mattson, Laurel Steward, Taylor Steward and Gerald Green – are a financial team at Mattson Financial Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their goal is to teach and empower you with information about what’s going on in today’s world and how it can affect your retirement....
How often does Money Mentors release new episodes?
Money Mentors publishes regularly with 153 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Money Mentors?
You can listen to Money Mentors on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Money Mentors?
Money Mentors is created and hosted by Laurel Steward.
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