Take a look at our February newsletter!
FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
616-514-3831
www.MattsonFinancial.com
February 2024
DIGITAL ASSETS: The Electronic Gold Rush
Digital assets are the new frontier in investment. They offer many opportunities for bold investors. As time goes on, I predict that mutual funds and other investment platforms will hold their own digital assets. These digital assets have made the news in recent years. The market is as explosive as it is profitable, and it is very profitable. I know someone who bought a digital artwork for $1,800 and sold it for $18,000. That’s pocket change compared to the profits some people have made. The most expensive asset was a digital artwork — officially called NFTs (non-fungible tokens) — sold for almost $70 million. While it’s too late to get in early, there are still plenty of opportunities out there. From digital artwork (NFTs) to cryptocurrencies, there are innumerable ways to invest. Startups leverage digital assets to do the unimaginable. They integrate them into video games, manufacturing, and beyond. The industry is new, and many of these companies will fail. Those that remain, however, will be in prime position to succeed. This opportunity hasn’t gone unnoticed. The thrill of digital assets has led to a highly volatile market. People started snatching them up as word has gotten around, even at wildly unreasonable prices. Bitcoin, the standard cryptocurrency many crypto assets rely upon, was worth over $6,000 per unit in 2020. The following year, it climbed to a whopping $68,000. By December 2022, Bitcoin had dropped to $18,000. Recently, it was trading at about $42,000. The value of NFTs and other assets has likewise ebbed and flowed. The market has since stabilized somewhat, but the value of everything never stops changing and new investment opportunities are constantly emerging. Amazon offers free NFTs already and is continuing to invest in new tech. Google funds a variety of startups, and the gambling industry has embraced digital assets to a startling degree. If you want to grab a stake, you should know what the technology is. Unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of hopeful investors’ ignorance. Many digital assets are out there, but they all rely on the same principle: the blockchain. Here’s how blockchains are made:
1. “Miners” use their computers to solve complex math problems together to create a block. 2.
Every miner gets to write
their name on the block and is awarded partial ownership. 3. Miners know who created each block. 4. If other miners want to add their names, they solve more math problems. People buy and sell blocks based on their value, which is determined by simple supply and demand. NFTs — the aforementioned digital artwork — use blockchain technology to verify the owner of an image. All digital assets are contained in a “wallet” stored on a computer or hosted on a website for a fee. All of this technology and innovation is exciting. There’s no telling what new directions digital assets will take. Innovative companies use them for anything from “ordinary” financial transactions to cybersecurity platforms. If you are interested in technology, it’s hard not to have your interest wholly piqued. All of this aside, not everyone will “get” digital assets. My mom and stepdad don’t understand it and don’t want to understand it. That’s perfectly okay, and they can make plenty of other investments. But if you want to diversify your portfolio beyond the traditional route, investing even a little in digital assets may be exhilarating. If you’re considering buying a digital asset, call us today to ensure you make the best choice for your portfolio, future, and family.
–Gary Mattson
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FAMILY GAME NIGHT M
Welcome to the enchanting world of board games, where fun competition and family bonding intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Here are four new board games that offer unique experiences to spice up
disease (with a cure, for example) or trigger a deadly outbreak with epidemic cards. Pandemic is challenging for young or inexperienced gamers but has introductory, standard, and heroic difficulty levels so all players can enjoy fighting back against fake COVID-19! TICKET TO RIDE — A JOURNEY OF STRATEGY AND COLLABORATION Ticket to Ride transports players across continents via an enthralling railway adventure. In this strategic board game, collect train cards to build routes connecting iconic cities worldwide. Every player's decisions can impact others, making it a great lesson in strategy and cooperation. As players traverse this make-believe world, they pick up geographic knowledge, making it educational and fun for the whole family. AZUL — A COLORFUL CHALLENGE FOR ALL AGES Dive into the artistic world with Azul. Players compete to embellish the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora with ornate tiles. The game
family game nights.
PANDEMIC — WORK TOGETHER TO STOP THE SPREAD Pandemic is an intense cooperative board game for 2–4 players in which players work together to stop the spread of four diseases. Players fight the viruses by drawing cards to stop the spread of the
APPLE PAY LATER USHERS IN A NEW ERA NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF DIGITAL WALLETS:
In the dynamic world of digital finance, Apple Pay Later could be a game-changer, offering an innovative solution for consumers seeking convenience and financial control. Apple Pay Later joins a crowded marketplace of “buy now, pay later” apps like Klarna, Sezzle, Affirm, and PayPal’s Pay in 4 program, all of which have varying payment schedules; some require a minimum and maximum purchase amount and other restrictions.
need additional apps or passwords at checkout, it’s straightforward to use. Even better? Engaging the app initiates only a “soft check” on your credit, so it doesn’t impact your credit score. SMART BUDGET MANAGEMENT Beyond its convenience, Apple Pay Later is designed to promote responsible spending. Before committing to a purchase, users can view their upcoming payments, providing a transparent snapshot of their financial commitments. This feature, coupled with options for manual or autopay payments, enhances a user’s ability to decide how the purchase could affect their budget. Also, timely alerts and reminders for payments due ensure users stay on track and avoid financial surprises. At this time, Apple Pay Later has no plan to charge fees for late payments. PRIVACY, SECURITY, AND A TOP BANKING PARTNER In today's digital age, privacy and security are paramount. Apple Pay Later is crafted with
these concerns in mind, ensuring user data remains protected. Goldman Sachs is the official loan issuer. Apple Pay Later could be a beacon of financial flexibility and user empowerment. It's more than just a payment method; it's a smart spending tool that aligns with the contemporary consumer's lifestyle. Apple Pay Later is paving the way for a more informed, secure, and flexible approach to personal finance, making it an indispensable tool in the consumer tech arsenal.
THE CONVENIENCE OF DEFERRED PAYMENTS
At its core, Apple Pay Later provides a simple yet powerful feature: the ability to split purchases into four equal payments over six weeks with zero fees or interest. This approach aligns with the needs of modern consumers who need budget-friendly solutions to maximize their resources. Whether shopping online or in-app, Apple Pay Later integrates seamlessly and works for purchases between $50–$1,000 (using a debit card connected to Apple Wallet, not a credit card) on iPhones and iPads. Because you don’t
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MAGIC
DISCOVER 4 CAPTIVATING BOARD GAMES
combines aesthetics with strategy, as players select tiles to complete patterns on their boards. Azul is a feast for the eyes and a test of tactical thinking, appealing to the young and the young at heart. 7 WONDERS DUEL — A DYNAMIC GAME FOR 2 7 Wonders Duel offers a compact but profoundly strategic experience, perfect for two players. You'll navigate your civilization through various stages of development, engaging in scientific, military, and cultural pursuits. It's an excellent way for siblings, friends, or a parent and child to engage in an intellectually stimulating and entertaining head-to-head challenge. These board games bring a new flavor to your family's gaming collection. From mythical adventures to artistic endeavors and strategic conquests, they promise entertainment and opportunities for learning, collaboration, and creating cherished family moments. Get ready to roll the dice and let the family fun begin!
STAY IN THE KNOW
Visit our website at MattsonFinancial.com to view and register for our upcoming events!
Heidi's
PUFF PASTRY BERRY HEARTS
TAKE A BREAK!
Inspired by Weelicious.com
Valentine’s Day means heart-shaped everything, even desserts! Bake these puff pastry berry hearts for Valentine’s Day or any other day.
Ingredients
•
1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted
• •
1 tsp powdered sugar
1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)
•
1 cup heavy cream
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
Solution on Pg. 4
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FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
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3226 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Explore and Invest in Digital Assets
2
Family Game Night Magic How Apple Pay Later Enhances Financial Flexibility
3
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts Upcoming Events
4
Exploring Europe’s Hidden Gems
**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.
DISCOVERING EUROPE'S OVERLOOKED BEAUTIES
EUROPE'S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES
Europe, with its rich tapestry of cultures, history, and landscapes, offers many different experiences for travelers. From the cobblestone streets of quaint villages to the bustling avenues of cities, the continent beckons with a blend of the old and new. Places like London, Paris, and Berlin are all hugely popular, but these four hidden gems deserve recognition despite being often overshadowed by their more famous counterparts.
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA This small but vibrant city is a blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau styles with a touch of modernity. The Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hilltop, offers panoramic views of the city, and Tivoli Park is a green oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
RHODES, GREECE
GHENT, BELGIUM This medieval city is a treasure trove of history, with its well-preserved architecture and charming canals. The Gravensteen Castle, a stone sentinel standing since the Middle Ages, offers a glimpse into Ghent's storied past. Art lovers can appreciate the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, an iconic piece of religious art housed in St. Bavo's Cathedral. PORTO, PORTUGAL Known for its port wine and stunning Douro River views, Porto captivates with its colorful buildings and intricate azulejos (ceramic tiles). The Livraria Lello bookstore, with its spiraling staircase and ornate woodwork, seems straight out of a fairy tale and is a must-visit for bibliophiles.
One of the most southern islands of Greece, Rhodes, is home to fascinating history and picturesque beaches. The Old Town is a one-of-a-kind blend of Hellenic Greece and the knights and castles of the Middle
Ages. To make sure you don’t miss any of the stunning beach views, you can hire a skipper from Mandraki Port to take you around the entire island.
Europe's lesser-known sites offer a unique blend of charm, history, and culture. Each place, with its own distinct personality, tells a story that enriches the tapestry of European heritage. So, the next time you plan a European adventure, consider veering off the beaten path to explore one of these hidden wonders.
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