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FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
616-514-3831
www.MattsonFinancial.com
JULY 2023
Instead of a Snowbird Holiday
I’ve mostly been blessed with good health. My lovely bride, Nancy, has often remarked on it as I accompanied her to her cardiologist. She’d always stated, “I don’t get it. You eat anything you want; when you want to lose weight, you drop it off like nothing; and you have no high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes.” I only took one prescribed prescription drug for my ulcerative colitis. But I do have a bad back. I don’t know if it’s from the wrestling I did from fourth grade through college or the work I did as a child with my family’s construction company. I had two herniated disc surgeries before and recently needed a third surgery to fuse four lower vertebrae and insert rods. While many people have told me to avoid back surgery, I’ve experienced it as a blessing each time. I expected the same results: pain relief and a happy post-rehab back. On Monday, March 13, we went to the hospital. The surgery was scheduled for six hours, and after recovery time, I didn’t see my family for eight. As I awoke from the anesthesia, I saw Nancy and one of my daughters, Laurel, and I instantly knew something was wrong. The pain I was experiencing was like none I had felt in the two other operations. “As I awoke from the anesthesia … I instantly knew something was wrong.” I STAYED IN A GRAND RAPIDS HOSPITAL
The nursing recovery staff insisted the pain was due to lying face down for hours during back surgery. But the agony persisted, and the staff and nurses had a deep discussion after repeatedly failing to get me comfortable. As I explained my pain, they stated, “It sounds like you are having a heart attack.” However, the EKG, blood pressure, and lipid tests all returned within the normal range. I didn’t care much about the readings — I was still in pain! The head nurse offered to call the heart team, and I asked her to do so. After a heart catheterization, they found I did indeed have a heart attack. The hospital transported me to the heart recovery unit, not the orthopedic surgery recovery area. Just over 30 days later, they scheduled heart surgery. Unfortunately, the delay was inevitable. After my back surgery, the drugs used during the heart procedure would have made me bleed out. My body needed time to rest. I ultimately had a quadruple bypass open heart surgery on April 17. What happened next? I won’t leave you with too much of a cliffhanger — after all, I’m here sharing this story with you. But I will continue the story in my newsletter next month. Until then, I wish you happiness and good health!
–Gary Mattson
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TO BUY OR NOT TO BU MARKET ASIDE, ARE YOU READY?
You’re probably hearing conflicting advice when it comes to home buying. While some say a recession is inevitable,
your funds are ready to take the hit of both a down payment and a mortgage. Consider your credit, savings, and debt when determining your monetary readiness.
others highlight the lowest selling prices in years. However, you should consider the current market conditions as context rather than deciding factors when buying a home. Whether or not the time is right to buy a home depends on your personal and financial circumstances. Real estate market aside, the more important question is this: Are you ready to buy a house right now?
These three financial aspects decide whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage. For example, those with credit scores lower than 600 will have slimmer chances and higher prices. Meanwhile, your debts can also hinder your ability to qualify for a mortgage if they’re disproportionate to your income.
As for your savings, you will need enough money for the down payment, moving costs, as well as possible expenses associated with owning a home. Everything your previous landlord took care of will now be your responsibility. Even new homes have surprise repairs that will come out of your pocket.
Assess your finances. Potential homebuyers should be aware of the roadblocks before making any significant decisions. You’ll need to be entirely sure that
WHAT YOUR SUMMER GARAGE SALE CAN TEACH YOUR KIDS
A summer garage sale is a tried and tested way to earn a little cash while eliminating things you no longer need. But it’s also the perfect
“keep,” “sell,” and “toss” piles. On the big day, your children can also play a significant role in organizing and displaying your merchandise. Kids can help determine which items should share a table and what should be front and center to catch buyers’ eyes. Math and money management also play a pivotal role in any successful garage sale. First, you must determine what the items you’re selling are worth. While letting your kids set prices is probably unwise, you can help them understand market value and what people will pay for used merchandise. Your children can take a more active role in the sale itself. Depending on their ages, they can gain valuable experience making change for customers or negotiating a deal on the items for sale. The best part of using your garage sale as a learning opportunity is that your children can personally experience the value of hard work. They’ll watch their old possessions disappear and the cash trickle in. More than anything, they’ll probably love adding up the day’s takings. Whether or not you give your kids a cut of the earnings is up to you. But even if they don’t end up with fatter pockets, your children will walk away from the family garage sale with lessons that will last longer than any extra cash could.
opportunity for parents to teach their children a few life lessons. Making your garage sale a family project can teach kids about organization, money management, and the pride of a hard day’s work.
The lessons start immediately as your family determines what they no longer need. Younger children, in particular, often struggle to part with their possessions. A garage sale is an opportunity to discuss what they
use, what they don’t, and why we can’t keep every object we own forever. This process will teach kids organization as they create their
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If you feel financially comfortable to undergo the hurdles ahead (with a stellar credit score to match), you should be ready to start looking for a home! Consider some reasons to hold off on buying. While there are plenty of reasons why you should buy a home, there are also countless reasons why now might not be the right time for you. Look at your personal and financial situation and ask yourself: • Is your job secure? Have there been recent layoffs in your company? • Are you feeling pressured by family or friends? • Do your finances need some TLC? • Are you ready to put down your roots? These are just a few issues that can cause a disaster in the home- buying process. You will need to assess your situation and be honest about why you need to buy a home and if you’re financially prepared. UY A HOUSE
MARK YOUR CALENDARS No In-Person August First Friday Event Although there will be no in-person August event, you may sign up to receive a recorded market update featuring our advisors and a portfolio manager from Gradient Investments to be released at 12 p.m.!
August Legacy Event at John Ball Zoo Aug. 11, 2023, 12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
TAKE A SUDOKU BREAK! Join us for a family event at the zoo to learn about the importance of an Enhanced Plan for your legacy. This is an educational yet fun event! Tickets to the zoo will be included. So that we may accommodate the maximum number of households, we respectfully limit this event to five (5) per household. Clients, please call us to register at 616-514-3831.
Corey’s
SAZON GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
Ingredients
•
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• • •
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
• • • •
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
• •
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1. In a large bowl, add chicken, olive oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper. Toss together to coat chicken; let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Preheat grill to 400 F. Grill chicken thighs for 6–8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and an internal thermometer reads 165 F. 3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm, then chop into bite-size pieces to use in salads, tacos, bowls, and more!
Solution on Pg. 4
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
3226 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
Where Has Gary Been?
Should You Buy a House Right Now? Help Kids Learn While They Earn
3
Sazon Grilled Chicken Thighs Upcoming Events
4
Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss
**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.
Find the Perfect Beach Rental DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL SEASIDE RETREAT
overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single- family beach house instead.
Location, Location, Location You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive
One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip.
much once you settle in, choose a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants.
Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation.
The Extras You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring
your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog-friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
Size Matters How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small, a condo or apartment
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