Check out our latest edition!
FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
616-514-3831
www.MattsonFinancial.com
JUNE 2023
I’M LUCKY TO CALL HIM DAD You Know Him as GARY MATTSON
Summer has arrived, and I couldn’t be more thankful for sunshine, green grass, birds chirping — and my dad. With Father’s Day coming up, I want to take this opportunity to give you a peek into our relationship and how proud I am to be his daughter. You know my dad as Gary Mattson. He is compassionate, driven, a dreamer, a mentor, and a problem-solver. Without his guidance and support, I wouldn’t be here today. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work alongside him for the last nine years, but my involvement goes back even further to the days our office was in our hometown. I used to bike from home to his office, where I would answer phones, send letters, and help clean the office. It was a fun little dream job to have at 12 years old typing and pretending I worked in an office setting. As I spoke with various clients over the years during summer break, I quickly learned how close my dad was with them. He helped them with everyday questions and complex future planning needs. More than 20 years later, I understand why he wanted to have a hand in every part of our clients’ financial planning. So many decisions impact a retirement plan, and having a sounding board and someone you trust to guide you through those decisions is so helpful.
with all things retirement. We’ve added a full- time Licensed Agent who focuses on Medicare and a 401(k) Management Program so clients have an advisor actively managing their employer plan right where it is. My dad carved out these dreams a long time ago, and it has been amazing to work alongside him to provide these solutions to you and your loved ones.
confident in his purpose. He loves to teach others and share his passion with everyone here at Mattson Financial. I’m so grateful for his leadership. As I played sports growing up, he was one of my coaches. And when he wasn’t coaching, he was cheering me on. He may have driven away from your meeting to my game, but he never missed a game. One of the coolest moments when I played volleyball at Saginaw Valley State University was that my dad was our assistant coach for one game. From coaching and being a part of this firm while I was little, and into my young adult years, it’s funny how things come full circle. It doesn’t get better than that to call him my dad, my mentor, my business partner, and the best grandpa ever! I am beyond thankful for all the love and support my dad has shown me over the years, so I want to say a very special “Happy Father’s Day” to you, GHM! Love, Laurel Steward, aka “Lola”
In every area of life, my dad has a huge heart and is always willing to help. Not long ago, when we were in the car together, he stopped and gave money to someone holding a sign by the side of the road. I asked him why; the cash might harm more than it helps. He quickly replied, “That isn’t for me to decide. I am here to help them and hope that they do good with it.” It’s the perfect illustration of his nature. Another thing I love about my dad is that he is so incredibly himself! Some people go their entire lives unsure of who they are, but he’s
We have worked together over the past decade to ensure our clients have a place to go for help
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
www.MattsonFinancial.com | 1
RING THE BELL — SCH HOW TO KEEP CHILDREN ENGAGED OVER SUMMER BREAK
Your kids are probably looking forward to sleeping in, staying up past their bedtime, and having no homework or tests now that school’s out for summer. This seasonal break is an excellent time for your children to decompress and rest until the next school year, but it’s also imperative that they don’t forget everything they learned during the school year! According to the U.S. Department of Education, during the summer, many students lose some of their academic skills because they aren’t using them. After all, what kid wants to study when they can play outside? But when kids don’t engage in the skills they learned at school, they are more likely to struggle once they go back. So, how can you make learning over the summer fun and educational? Travel to the zoo. Many children love seeing various animals in their habitats, interacting with zookeepers, and running around the playground. You can make
your family’s trip to the zoo educational by asking your children questions about what kind of animal you’re looking at (carnivore, omnivore, or herbivore), the climates they live in, and where in the world they come from.
You can also attend educational activities at the zoo or go online and print out various worksheets for your children to complete.
Take a nature walk. You can incorporate Mother Nature into your activities by taking nature walks. Not only can your children release their energy by running, walking, or hiking a trail, but they can also learn more about their environment. You and your child can identify trees and flowers during your walk and figure out why insects, birds, or bees gravitate toward particular plants. Dozens of rocks and gems are also lying on the Earth’s surface, and your children can also attempt to identify these pieces and learn how rocks break down to create sand or dirt.
LEARN THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF FINANCE
The world is changing rapidly — and that includes how people spend, save, and invest money. If you’re not a professional in the financial industry, the pace of these changes can seem daunting. One day, cryptocurrency is all the rage and the “smartest” investment around. The next, crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried is buried in lawsuits, and banks are collapsing! It’s a crazy world out there, but you can start demystifying it by learning core business and financial terms. Brushing up on these buzzwords will help you develop your financial skills, make it easier to understand the news, and give you more confidence when making money decisions and talking to financial advisors. Here are several finance jargon terms everyone should know beyond the basics. 1. Adjusted Gross Income: Your annual income minus your tax deductions 2. Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The amount banks charge you for your loan (or you earn from an investment) each year 3. Bear Market: A “bad” market, when the prices of stocks and other securities fall 20% or more Starting With These Must-Know Terms
4. Blockchain: A shared, decentralized ledger of transactions that makes it possible to track assets like cryptocurrency 5. Bull Market: A “good” market, when the prices of stocks and other securities rise 20% or more 6. Cryptocurrency: Digital currency that is not backed by a government or bank 7. Dividend: A portion of company profits regularly paid out to shareholders 8. ESG Investing: Environmental, Social, and Governance Investing, a framework investors use to evaluate how eco-friendly, socially responsible, and well-run potential investments are 9. Fannie and Freddie: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the U.S. government- created home mortgage investment companies 10. Fixed Income: Investments that pay a guaranteed return, like government and corporate bonds 11. Liquidity : How easy it is to convert an asset like a home, car, or bank account into cash 12. Venture Capital : Money or expertise loaned to a start-up company or entrepreneur to fund their business Still have questions or want to learn about a term not on this list? Check out Investopedia’s Financial Term Dictionary by visiting Investopedia. com and clicking “Dictionary” at the bottom of the page.
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
2 | 616-514-3831
Do DIY experiments. Head to your local crafts store or supermarket or go online to find premade science project kits that are fun for the whole family! These kits come with everything you need to conduct all kinds of experiments, like making crystals or observing cells and germs under a microscope. For children who love hands-on activities, these kits are a great option! OOL’S OUT!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
No In-Person July First Friday Event July 7, 2023, 12 p.m.
Although there will be no in-person July 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 First Friday Event Aug. 4, 2023, 12–3 p.m. 3226 28th St SE, Kentwood MI 49512 Join us for this in-person event! Market Update at 2 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 More details coming soon!
No In-Person September First Friday Event Sept. 1, 2023, 12 p.m. Although there will be no in-person September 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.!
Karren’s
SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD
Inspired by TheSpruceEats.com
WORD SEARCH
Ingredients
• • • • • •
4 cups fusilli noodles
• • • • •
1/2 cup chopped red peppers
2 cups crab meat or shrimp 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups ranch dressing 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
1. In a large pot, bring the fusilli noodles to a boil and cook until al dente, then drain. 2. In a large bowl, combine noodles, crab or shrimp, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, peas, green and red peppers, onions, and carrots, then mix together gently. 3. Refrigerate the pasta salad for 3–4 hours. If salad is dry upon removing from refrigerator, add more ranch dressing. 4. Once you’re ready to eat, top salad with tomatoes and Parmesan cheese if desired.
BEACH BURGERS CYCLING FATHER
JUNETEENTH MUSIC PEARL PRIDE
REFUGEE SAILING SOLSTICE WATERSKI
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
www.MattsonFinancial.com | 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
106.9 FM and 1300 AM Saturdays from 10–11 a.m. Sundays from 11 a.m.—12 p.m.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
3226 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Laurel Pays Tribute to Her Father, Gary
2
Don’t Let Your Child Experience Learning Loss! How to Sound More Financially Savvy
3
Seafood Pasta Salad Upcoming Events
4
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
**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.
MONKEY AROUND THIS SUMMER
Check Out Some of America’s Best Zoos
Summer is one of the best times of the year to travel. Kids are out of school and want to do something fun every weekend, which can be difficult to accommodate if you’ve already exhausted your local options. If you’re looking to travel, you can visit a beach, take in the
an 84,000-square-foot indoor desert that maintains an authentic desert ecosystem. This is a must-visit for any animal lover in your family.
The Bronx Zoo You don’t usually think about seeing exotic animals when you visit New York City, but the Bronx Zoo is one of the best places to view animals in America. Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo is responsible for many of the advancements relating to animal captivity. This was one of the first zoos to ditch cages for natural environments and create an animal hospital. With over 6,000 species, there’s an animal for everyone at the Bronx Zoo. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens While the San Diego Zoo is often boasted as California’s largest and best zoo, another zoo is worth checking out. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens outside Palm Springs has entertained visitors for decades. There are events at this zoo every day, one of the most popular being the keeper connections and animal encounters, where you get up close and personal with the animals while learning more about their habitats and lifestyles.
sights and sounds of an amusement park, or spend some time with animals
while visiting a zoo. Nearly every state in our country has a handful of zoos or aquariums, but some stand above the rest.
Here are three of the best zoos you can visit in the U.S.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, is consistently ranked as one of the top five zoos in the world. It prides itself on hosting rare, endangered animals you can’t see elsewhere. It has the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, and one of the major highlights is the Desert Dome,
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
4 | 616-514-3831
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator