Mondays With Matt Podcast
Business & Finance
About
Financial and retirement planning guidance from Matt Starke, of Great Lakes Retirement Solutions in Saginaw, Michigan.
Episodes
- Protecting What You Care Most About
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. Toda…
- Should My Financial Advisor Help Me Beat The Market Every Year?
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 a…
- You Saved All Your Life - Now You Can't Bring Yourself to Spend It
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…
- Mailbag: Smart Ways to Invest Extra Income and Inheriting an IRA
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 I…
- Tax Mistakes New Retirees Make
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 l…
- The Gray Areas That Actually Matter in Retirement
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: ht…
- Reacting To Controversial Financial Takes
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 Retiremen…
- Roth or Traditional at 55: Which 401(k) Makes Sense?
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:/…
- An Economist Is Optimistic About 2026 — Should You Be?
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…
- I’m 62: Should I File For Social Security Or Wait?
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 righ…
- Your First Christmas in Retirement
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 diffe…
- The 5 Retirement Questions Smart People Ask
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 case…
- Do Your Feelings Belong in Your Financial Plan?
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’r…
- Two Advisors, Twice the Confusion?
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.g…
- October is Financial Planning Month: Here’s Your Checklist
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 m…
- What If You Fall Short Of Your Retirement Savings Goal?
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: Gre…
- The 5 Must-Do’s In Year One of Retirement
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 y…
- Inflation Is Still Wrecking Retirement Confidence
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 th…
- Back To School Retirement Planning Quiz
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…
- 7 Retirement Assumptions to Reconsider in 2025
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 assum…
- What The One Big Beautiful Bill Means For Your Retirement
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 y…
- Retirement Breaking News: The 4% Rule Gets a Makeover
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…
- The 4 Things You Can Control in Retirement
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 Reti…
- The Lazy Way to Retire? Let’s Talk Target-Date Funds
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…
- Should You Lend Money to Friends or Family?
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…
- What Do Proposed Tariffs Mean For Your Portfolio?
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 ec…
- What Should You Actually Do When the Market Drops?
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.g…
- April Fool’s: Beliefs That Fool Retirement Savers The Most
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. Cont…
- Caring for an Aging Parent: Financially Smart or Emotionally Costly
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 pa…
- Built a Business, But Not a Retirement Plan? Here’s What to Do Now
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?…
- If You’re a Smart Investor, Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor
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.…
- Social Security Claiming Tips for Diverse Family Situations
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…
- The Snowbird Retirement: Is a Seasonal Move Right for You?
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 “sn…
- Transform Your Money Mindset in 30 Days- 2025 Method (Part 2)
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 str…
- Transform Your Money Mindset in 30 Days- 2025 Method (Part 1)
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 y…
- Don’t Blow Your Bonus! Smart Ways to Use a Lump Sum Payout
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 matt…
- Don’t Gamble With Your Nest Egg: Lessons From Your Favorite Game Shows
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 e…
- Social Security Shake-Up: How Raising the Retirement Age Could Impact You
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…
- Happening Now: Current Economic Issues and Other 4th Quarter Items
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. Co…
- Retirees In Their 70s Regret These 5 Things
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 impor…
- The Magic 8 Ball’s Guide to Retirement Planning
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 quizze…
- Never Stop Asking 'How Do You Know?' - Navigating Retirement Planning (Part 2)
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…
- Never Stop Asking 'How Do You Know?' - Navigating Retirement Planning (Part 1)
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…
- The Top 401(k) FAQs In 2024
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.greatlakesretirementsolution…
- Lies You Might Be Telling Yourself About Money
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.g…
- Beware of Retirement Half-Truths (Part 2)
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…
- Beware of Retirement Half-Truths (Part 1)
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 e…
- The Beauty of Simplicity When Planning For Retirement
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 retiremen…
- Combatting Popular Excuses For Poor Financial Decision-Making
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 usua…
- Steering Clear of Retirement Stress
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. Con…