Take a look at our July newsletter!
FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
616-514-3831
www.MattsonFinancial.com
July 2024
PASSING THE TORCH The Critical Importance of Succession Planning
A significant part of our mission is helping clients organize their houses as they move toward their final years,
years. She has helped build all our systems to ensure our clients receive the best treatment and that advisors and staff have the best information. In college, Laurel earned a dual degree in business administration and Spanish, graduating Magna Cum Laude while participating as an athlete, team captain, and assistant coach of her university’s volleyball team. I might sound like a bragging father, which I am. But I offer that as context for where Laurel is today. “No” is not an answer she will accept. If we are trying to accomplish something and the answer is no, her first question is, “Why not?” When the answer is, “Well, it hasn’t been done that way,” her second question is, “How can we accomplish this for our clients?”
“That’s OK,” she said. “I’ll make up for it in the long run.” That told me she wanted to learn the business and understand more about what we do, why we do it, and how to protect our clients. She picked up that mantle and ran with it. As our clientele grows, we continue adding team members to fulfill our commitments to our clients. Our passion is providing a different financial advising service, one where we offer more than asset management advice. We focus on retirement planning and everything that may affect your plan: family members, health insurance, income, safety, growth, and so much more. We understand relationships and emotions; this is your hard-earned money, and you’ve trusted us to be a part of your plan. We don’t take that role lightly. It’s so rewarding to say we have two, three, and even four generational families investing with us. When I announced Laurel’s promotion, she asked me, “Are you going to be chairman of the board?”
including wills, trusts, and other important documents. But after all of that information
is gathered and the paperwork is done, the most important question is, “Who is going to execute your plan?” The same principle of succession planning holds at Mattson Financial Services. It has been our mission to ensure every client has a primary and secondary advisor. Too often, clients new to our firm tell us their previous advisor has passed or retired, and their new advisor does not know their history, family, or plan. “Now, we have to start over!” they say. We want you to have the comfort of knowing that if something happens to your current advisor, you already have another who knows everything you need them to. We feel no differently about our fiduciary duty to you. That is why we set up a succession plan for the firm. In a major new step, as of March 1, my daughter Laurel Steward has taken the helm of Mattson Financial Services and Lakeview Financial Group. This has always been the plan. But when I announced it to our team on Feb. 1, Laurel looked at me with surprise as she didn’t know this new position would take effect on March 1. But I know Laurel knows every aspect of our business. As many of you know, Laurel has been our head of operations for the past 10
When Laurel graduated from Saginaw Valley State University, she had other
opportunities. She decided to forego those six-figure offers and come to work for us for a much smaller entry-level salary. As a good father, I told her, “Go out and work a couple of years for somebody else and figure out what you want to do.” Laurel took that offer, thought about it, and then came back to her mother and me and said, “Dad, I want to come to work for you. Why would I work someplace else, learn the wrong way to do things, and have to break all those bad habits when I come back?” “But Honey, I love you, but I’m not paying you over $100,000 right out of college like those other employers are,” I replied.
And I said, “No, I’m not looking to add duties. I’m looking to remove duties.”
As I revert to serving as just an advisor, I am enjoying my new role in the succession of leadership. I hope you will take the opportunity to congratulate Laurel. I will enjoy watching the next generation see through our mission of helping people get to and through retirement! –Gary Mattson
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HOST A SUMMER BARB
Enjoying your own party can be more complicated than it sounds. Backyard barbecues are a high point of summer, but hosting one you enjoy with your guests requires planning. “If swimming is on the agenda, consider protecting new or light- colored indoor furniture with water-resistant covers so guests in wet swimsuits can sit wherever they want without stressing out their host,” says Calla Quinn, a TikTok influencer who recently posted tips on hosting up to 50 friends at your home. Another tip she shares is using of portable misting fans in dry climates. These devices create a fine mist to refresh passersby in seconds, and they are especially popular on patios and decks. If attendees offer to bring something, don’t hesitate to accept, and be specific about what you want — from lawn chairs to beach towels. Martha Stewart recommends having a stain remover on hand to manage stains and cloth towels that guests can use to wipe up spills.
Grill and Chill
Expert hosts also recommend a self-serve bar for casual summer gatherings. Consider filling several 3-gallon drink dispensers with
EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO AN ACCURATE CREDIT REPORT CREDIT CHECK-UP
Your credit score has become more important than ever to your budget and the financial opportunities you enjoy. It’s essential to ensure it’s based on fair and accurate information. Consumers have the right under federal law to review and correct any inaccuracies on credit reports compiled by the three credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Consumers need to exercise that right, TikTok entrepreneur Logan Shippy reports in a 2023 video. Credit reports include your history of on- time payments, past and current loans, credit cards, and the percentage of your authorized credit limit you use. They also may contain past bankruptcies or overdue child support payments.
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act requires creditors and lenders to tell you when information in one of these reports has caused some adverse action against you, such as being rejected for a loan or credit card. Even if a lender uses complex algorithms to deny you or charge you a higher interest rate, they still have to give you a reason. Consumers may dispute and have deleted or corrected any inaccurate information in their credit report within 30 days. Negative information can only remain on your credit report for seven years, and most past bankruptcies must be removed after 10 years. According to federal law, if your report contains inaccurate information, such as wrong dates or wrong amounts, those inaccuracies cannot be held against you. Consumers can take legal action if they are victims of an adverse
action because of inaccurate information. Enforcement of these rights falls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Both have helpful information on their websites. Each credit-reporting agency must provide consumers with one free credit report each year, available through AnnualCreditReport.com. If this seems like a hassle — it may be. The reports themselves can be confusing, and correcting them can be an arduous process. But people with excellent scores of 750 or higher pay thousands of dollars less in interest costs on mortgages and auto loans than those whose score falls between 630 and 689. Your score also can affect your ability to land a job, get a credit card, and rent a home or apartment. Reviewing your credit report annually and correcting inaccuracies is worth the time and trouble.
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BECUE FOR EVERYONE
August In-Person First Friday Event Aug. 2, 2024, 12–3 p.m. Lower Garden Level 3226 28th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512 Meet the radio team including our co‑host of 10 years, Jennifer Perry! A family harmony event featuring speakers from Alles Law and MKD Funeral Homes to discuss successor trustees and sunset planning. Stay for the LIVE market update at 2 p.m.! Event registration is encouraged but not required. September Market Commentary Release Sept. 6, 2024, 12 p.m. A recap on market performance and outlook will be sent via email. October In-Person First Friday Event Oct. 4, 2024, 12–3 p.m. Save the date! More details coming soon ...
popular options. Depending on your guest list, you might offer family fare such as lemonade, iced tea, ice water, or premixed cocktails like strawberry vodka lemonade or passion fruit margaritas. Martha Stewart suggests allowing amateur mixologists to concoct their own beverages by setting out bottled juices, artisanal sodas, and kombucha. A stylish yet simple way to serve hors d’oeuvres and side dishes to complement your grilled entree is to assemble or have catered a charcuterie board. These feature finger foods such as meats, cheeses, olives, spreads, fruits, nuts, chips, and crackers. A fully stocked charcuterie board adds a decorative touch while keeping guests well- fed for hours, adding what Quinn calls “a real wow factor.” And to make sure your day ends well, look for disposable, compostable bamboo or wooden dishes. Searching for “eco-friendly tableware and cutlery” should turn up some good options. This one last detail can go a long way toward supporting sustainable living while ensuring you don’t spend any valuable party time cleaning up broken glass or washing dishes.
Rachael’s
SUMMER PIZZA Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• • •
1 lb pizza dough 1/4 cup pesto 1/3 cup shredded quesadilla cheese
• • •
2 mini bell peppers, thinly sliced 1 thin slice of red onion, diced 1 strip cooked bacon, chopped
• •
10 thin slices of zucchini 10 thin slices of summer squash
Butter Glaze (optional) • 1 tbsp butter •
1 tsp steak seasoning
Directions
1. Preheat grill to high heat on one side. 2. Reduce the flame on half of the grill burners to low.
3. Roll out pizza dough into a circle. Place dough on the grill over high heat. 4. Close the cover and let dough grill for 1–3 minutes until bottom is slightly cooked and shows char marks. 5. Use tongs to flip crust over and move it to the low-heat side. 6. Brush dough with pesto, sprinkle with cheese, and evenly distribute veggies and bacon. 7. Grill for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted; then carefully remove. 8. Optional: Combine butter and seasoning. Brush crust edges with butter glaze and place pizza in broiler until golden.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
106.9 FM and 1300 AM Saturdays from 10–11 a.m. Sundays from 11 a.m.—12 p.m.
3226 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Welcome Our New President, Laurel Steward!
2
Tips for a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue
Safeguard Your Credit Score Against Credit Report Errors
3
Summer Pizza
Upcoming Events
4
A Must-Do Guide for Chiang Mai
**Reminder: If you have any changes to your financial situation, please notify us as soon as possible.
Investment advisory services offered through Mattson Financial Services, LLC, an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance and annuities offered through Lakeview Financial Group, LLC. Mattson Financial Services, LLC and Lakeview Financial Group, LLC are affiliated companies.
TEMPLES, WATERFALLS, AND NIGHT MARKETS AWAIT UNLOCK THE WONDERS OF CHIANG MAI
The beautiful Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. Known for its historic temples, lovely mountains, and cool weather, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country! Whether you seek cultural wonders, lush landscapes, or jungle experiences, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting city. Grab your passport and sense of adventure as we explore some of the best activities for your Chiang Mai vacation! EXPLORE THE TEMPLES. Impressive temples are all over Chiang Mai, and they are unbeatable outings. While larger temples, like Wat Phra Singh, have a small admission price, smaller temples are typically
free. Remember to dress appropriately for your visit, covering your shoulders and removing your hat. Intricate structures and statues adorn many temples and are truly peaceful places. WALK UP A WATERFALL. Have you ever walked on water? You can literally walk up the Bua Thong Waterfall, known as the Sticky Waterfall. This remarkable natural space is located just outside the city in the Namtok Bua Tong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park and draws many visitors annually. The porous limestone rocks of Bua Thong are sticky and allow people to climb up the waterfall without slipping. You can find different paths with varying degrees of difficulty for adventurous explorers.
EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT BAZAAR. If you’re looking for authentic food, great bargains on gifts, and an exciting scene, you have to visit the city’s famous Night Bazaar. This is one of the oldest night markets in the country, and the nearly 1-mile stretch is packed with vendors who sell art and delicious street food. Give yourself at least a few hours to take in the whole experience of this beloved destination. With its scenic views and lively culture, Chiang Mai blends traditional and unexpected adventures. Whether you’re feeding an elephant at one of the city’s sanctuaries, hiking in the mountains, or chowing down on local cuisine, this gem of Northern Thailand will surely enchant you!
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