Mondays With Matt Podcast
Financial and retirement planning guidance from Matt Starke, of Great Lakes Retirement Solutions in Saginaw, Michigan.
Don't Wait Until April: Tax Moves Worth Making This Fall
Most people don't think about taxes until they're sitting down to file, and by then, most of the best opportunities are gone. The moves that actually lower your tax bill usually have to happen before December 31. Here's what's worth tackling now.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
What Scares Investors More Than Halloween?
It's spooky season. And while most people are thinking about haunted houses and horror movies, a lot of pre-retirees have scarier things on their minds: running out of money, or a market crash at exactly the wrong time. Today we're shining a flashlight on five of the biggest financial frights and how to prepare for them.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
The Honor and the Headache of Being an Executor
Being named the executor of someone's will can feel like an honor. It can also feel like a lot of pressure. It's more than handing out inheritances. It's paperwork, accounts, taxes, property, creditors, and sometimes family dynamics, stretched out over months or even years. A lot of clients end up in this role without ever planning to, and we're often the first call they make. Let's talk through how we help.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Conversation Starters: Questions Worth Asking About Your Financial Future
Talking about money can be hard for some people, and sometimes it just takes the right question to get things rolling. Here are a few we think are worth asking.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Holding Serve: Tennis Lessons for Your Money
The 146th US Open tennis tournament gets underway at the end of August, so we figured it was a good excuse to see what tennis can teach us about financial planning. Turns out, more than you'd think.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Why People Keep Working In Their Retirement Years
More people in their 60s and 70s are staying on the job than ever before, and it's not always about the money. For many, work provides purpose, connection, and a sense of routine that retirement simply doesn’t replace. Let's dig into the real reasons retirees keep showing up to work.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
The 5 D's of Retirement Planning
Based on a recent article from Kiplinger, there are five keys to a retirement plan that actually holds up over time. They all happen to start with the same letter — which either means it's a great framework or someone really wanted it to work out that way. Either way, the five D's are worth knowing.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
The 4% Rule vs. the 8% Rule: What's the Right Withdrawal Rate for You?
Dave Ramsey has built one of the most recognized brands in personal finance. Millions of people have followed his advice out of debt and into savings. But when it comes to how much you should pull from your retirement accounts each year, Ramsey takes a position that some financial professionals find hard to get behind. Today we're breaking it down: what he says, what the research says, and what your advisor actually thinks.
Yahoo Finance Article
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
Maverick, Goose, and the Financial Danger Zone
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
OpenAI, SpaceX, and You — Should You Care About the IPO Boom?
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
“I Wish I Knew This at 25” — Young Adult Money Mistakes
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
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. 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 cases, the quality of your retirement.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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’re exploring the emotional side of planning.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 money.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 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 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 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
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:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 one?
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 lend money to a loved one?
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 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
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.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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.
Contact:
Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/
Call: 989-401-2949
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 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
