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FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
616-514-3831
www.MattsonFinancial.com
March 2025
STEPPING UP TO LEAD TURNING CLIENTS’ VALUES AND DREAMS INTO REALITY
In honor of Women’s History Month, I’ve been reflecting on the experiences that have shaped me personally and professionally — and the lessons we can all take into our financial lives. As I celebrate my 11th year at Mattson Financial Services and complete my first full year as president this month, I’m reminded how important it is to have a plan supporting your dreams, family, and future. My journey in the financial industry began with my father when I was around 10 years old in our Lake Odessa office. While attending college, I started earning my licenses, graduated, dove into creating plans, and worked closely with families to help them achieve their goals. A few years ago, I faced a big decision: Should I continue on the path of being a financial advisor or step into the role of president? Ultimately, I chose leadership because it allowed me to make a broader impact. My goal is to ensure every financial plan we create considers not just the numbers but the heart of what matters most to each family: preserving harmony, caring for loved ones, and turning personal dreams into reality. When I think about Women’s History Month, I’m reminded of the incredible women in my family who’ve shaped my perspective on life and finances. My mom is a perfect example. As part of the sandwich generation, she balanced a career while raising my sister and me and also caring for three of my grandparents. Her experience as a caregiver taught me how crucial it is to have a financial plan that supports multiple generations. Whether caring for aging parents, planning for your future, or helping your children take their first steps toward financial independence, thoughtful planning ensures everyone’s needs are met. My 101-year-old grandma’s situation is a powerful reminder of why long-term planning is essential. After transitioning from independent living to nursing care, her costs have significantly increased, covering everything from medication management to more intensive services.
Having conversations in advance ensures everyone is aligned on a loved one’s care and how to manage the financial aspects, including covering these rising costs. These decisions now fall on my dad to help care for my grandma, and without prior planning, it can strain someone’s retirement plan. “My goal is to ensure every financial plan we create considers not just the numbers but the heart of what matters most to each family.” Being involved in your financial life is crucial, whether you’re the primary decision-maker or part of a team. Staying informed helps you make confident choices that align with your values. Equally important is seeking clarity — every investment decision should have a purpose. Understanding how each step supports your life today and contributes to your family’s future brings peace of mind. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of open communication. Talking about your goals and wishes ensures everyone is on the same page, helping to preserve family harmony and to prevent misunderstandings down the road. At Mattson Financial Services, we’re proud to help families and individuals create financial plans that align with their values and dreams. Whether you’re thinking about retirement, planning for the next generation, or wondering how to take the next step toward your goals, we’re here to help.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your financial journey. Here’s to a meaningful and exciting year ahead!
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For more than 14 years, the U.S. Department of Labor has been trying to determine a new definition of a ”fiduciary” under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). A fiduciary provides investment advice for a fee to employee benefit plans. Under ERISA, someone is a fiduciary if they have control over managing or using a plan’s assets, provide investment advice for a fee, and have responsibility for managing the plan. Since 1975, these discussions were only considered “investment advice” if they adhered to a five-part test. However, this past September, the Department of Labor released new regulations called the Final Rule that redefines what it means to be an investment advice fiduciary. With this recent change, the five-part test goes out the window. The Final Rule expands the definition of who can be considered a fiduciary. Someone is a fiduciary if they regularly provide investment recommendations and advice to retirement investors for a fee. That A New Era for ER
GET IT TOGETHER! DIY ORGANIZATION TIPS TO BRING ORDER TO YOUR LIVING SPACES
Is there really such a thing as “organized chaos”? It depends on whom you ask! If you thrive in clutter, this article isn’t for you. Creating an organized space is simply a matter of ensuring household items have a place to be stored — and not in the one drawer filled with everything from ketchup packets and paper clips to a random Cheeto! Whether you’re preparing for house guests or diving into a spring-cleaning marathon, these organizing tips will bless your cluttered mess! TENSION RODS FOR SHOE STORAGE Need more shoe space? Not a problem — just grab a few tension rods! If you have two sturdy objects — dressers, a wall and nightstand, etc. — you can place two tension rods between them and create a “shelf” to place your shoes on. Add multiple rows of tension rods for extra storage. CLOTHES PINS FOR CABINET DOOR STORAGE Kitchen cleaning supplies, especially lightweight items, don’t always have to be
placed on the floor inside the under-sink cabinet. Putting double-sided tape onto clothes pins and sticking them inside the cabinet doors creates an excellent place to hang rags/ sponges, kitchen gloves, and sink stoppers. NAPKIN HOLDERS FOR POT LIDS Using zip ties and upright wire napkin holders, you can create a lid organizer for your pots and pans. Rather than flipping the lid upside down on top of the pot, you can create a designated space for all the lids to reside. You can even organize your lids from smallest to largest! POOL NOODLES AS HANGER SPACERS BETWEEN CLOTHES Pool noodles work as spacers to keep your clothes hanging neatly. Just take a pool noodle and make one cut length-wise to open the noodle, and then cut it horizontally into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces on the bar in your closet and hang your clothes according to how many hangers you want between each spacer!
HONEYCOMB ORGANIZER FOR SOCKS AND UNDERGARMENTS Drawers that house undergarments and socks tend to get disorganized quickly. Honeycomb organizers are the perfect addition to ensure all items fit in the drawer, making it easier to grab what you need. These organizers are also adjustable, so they’ll fit any drawer size!
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RISA
The ‘Final Rule’ Transforms What It Means to Be a Fiduciary
March Market Commentary March 7, 2025 Released via email Each month, we feature insights from portfolio managers at Gradient Investments who dive into market trends and economic developments. We encourage you to take a few moments and stay informed when it comes to the ever-changing financial landscape! April Market Commentary April 4, 2025 Released via email Each month, we feature insights from portfolio managers at Gradient Investments who dive into market trends and economic developments. We encourage you to take a few moments and stay informed when it comes to the ever-changing financial landscape!
advice must be based on the investor’s needs and reflect expert judgment that serves the investor’s best interests. They must also state that they are acting as a fiduciary when giving advice; however, if you’ve previously received one-time advice, that could now be considered fiduciary advice. That’s a lot of information to swallow, and by now, you’re probably wondering how this will affect the average person. In most cases, these changes will only affect those acting as fiduciary advisors and retirement investors, including participants, beneficiaries, IR owners (Ingersoll Rand Inc.), and anyone else involved with an ERISA plan. Through the Final Rule, you should receive better advice that puts your interests first, providing more transparency about recommendations and any fees involved. It should also create greater accountability for advisers, brokers, insurance agents, and anyone else acting as a fiduciary. All in all, this is a great change for those who interact with fiduciaries. You can rest assured knowing the advice you receive will benefit you and your investments.
Holiday Office Closure April 18, 2025 Our office will be CLOSED in honor of Good Friday. Mark your calendars now! Educational Event May 14, 2025, 4:30–6:30 p.m. New Location Kent District Library Kentwood 4950 Breton Rd SE Kentwood, MI 49508
Corey’s
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients •
Directions 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium- high heat, combine corned beef, spice packet contents, water, onions, carrots, celery, and salt. Bring to a simmer (skimming off any foam on top). 2. Cover pot, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 3 hours until meat is fork tender. 3. Add potatoes to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until potatoes are al dente. 4. Add cabbage along the edges of the meat
1 (4 lb) corned beef brisket with spice packet
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3 qts water
More details coming soon!
• 1 onion,
quartered
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3 carrots, cut into large chunks 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
Our advising team will be hosting seminars all month long! Scan the QR code to view those dates and locations.
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and on top. Cover and let simmer until cabbage is tender, 20–30 minutes.
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1 tsp salt
2 lbs red potatoes, halved 1 small head of cabbage, cut into eighths
5. Place meat on a cutting board and let rest for 10–15 minutes. After meat has cooled, slice against the grain. 6. Add to a large serving bowl, ladle vegetables and broth over top, and serve.
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Inspired by AllRecipes.com
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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
The Power of Planning to Protect Clients’ Hearts and Home
2
How the DOL’s Final Rule Protects Retirement Investors
Decluttering Hacks Made Easy
3
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Upcoming Events
4
Pit Stops Along the Alaska Railroad You Can’t Miss
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. Reminder: If you have any changes to your financial situation, please notify us as soon as possible. For distribution requests, please provide at least one week’s notice to allow time for placing trades and raising cash.
The Alaska Railroad operates year-round with five seasonal routes, each brimming with wonder. The Coastal Classic is any traveler’s dream, winding from Anchorage to Seward along the Turnagain Arm waterway. Highlights include spotting bald eagles and hopping on a boat at Resurrection Bay to explore Kenai Fjords National Park, famous for its orca whale sightings. For those drawn to Denali’s majesty, the Denali Star is your ticket. This flagship route connects Anchorage to Denali National Park, offering stops like Talkeetna, a charming artsy town and basecamp for climbers scaling Denali. It’s a 12-hour journey of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history. The Glacier Discovery route takes you south from Anchorage to Girdwood, Whittier, and the Spencer Glacier. Whittier is a standout destination with its sleepy charm and world-class Alaskan fish. This train provides remote access to places you can’t reach by car, making the trip a unique experience. And if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure, the Hurricane Turn and Aurora Winter trains cater to locals and intrepid travelers alike, offering stops by request and transporting you into the heart of Alaska’s untamed backcountry. With the Alaska Railroad, the journey is as memorable as the destination. Whether you’re marveling at wildlife, enjoying a sit-down meal, or booking excursions to explore iconic landmarks, every mile of track is packed with adventure.
Why Traveling Alaska by Train Beats the Cruise Ship All Aboard the Alaska Railroad!
While Alaskan cruises get all the buzz, traveling the Last Frontier by train offers an equally breathtaking — and perhaps more intimate — experience. With panoramic views, unforgettable pit stops, and access to remote regions, the Alaska Railroad delivers a journey unlike any other. Imagine gliding through the rugged wilderness in a GoldStar Dome car, where glass ceilings offer a 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers. For the adventurous, the outdoor viewing platform lets you immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while breathing in the clean, crisp Alaskan air. Whether you choose the premium GoldStar class or the more budget-friendly Adventure Class, you’ll be awed by Alaska’s natural beauty.
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