Mondays With Matt Podcast

Mondays With Matt Podcast

Financial and retirement planning guidance from Matt Starke, of Great Lakes Retirement Solutions in Saginaw, Michigan.

Episodes

December 23, 2025 15 mins

Turning 62 might not feel like a milestone birthday… until you realize the Social Security clock just started ticking. Filing now could put money in your pocket sooner or cost you tens of thousands over a lifetime. How do you pick the right strategy? Let’s break down how to think through one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll ever make.

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

C...

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You’ve heard of Baby’s First Christmas, but what about Retiree’s First Christmas? Your first holiday season after leaving the workforce is a milestone all its own. The schedule, the spending, the traditions… everything feels a little different. On this episode, we’ll talk about what to expect and how to navigate the differences this year and beyond.

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.c...

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November 26, 2025 22 mins

You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning… some questions are definitely better than others. The way you frame your question often determines the quality of your answer and, in some cases, the quality of your retirement.

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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Most people think financial planning is about calculators, spreadsheets, and strategies. But that’s only half the story. The truth is, your feelings about money can have just as much impact on your retirement as the numbers do. Today, we’re exploring the emotional side of planning.

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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October 30, 2025 19 mins

Some people believe having two financial advisors means double the wisdom. But does it really equal double the problems? Today, we’ll tackle a person’s question about this very dilemma.

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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October is known for cooler weather, pumpkins, and Halloween. But did you know it’s also Financial Planning Month? While it might not come with costumes or candy, it’s a perfect reminder to pause, take stock, and be intentional with your money.

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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Today’s listener question gets right to the heart of retirement planning: how much is enough? They’ve saved a lot, but not quite what they hoped. So can they still retire comfortably, or is that magic number just out of reach?

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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September 11, 2025 18 mins

Well, you’re retired. Now what? Some people subscribe to the “first year rule” which says that the majority of your best retirement months will all take place in the first year of retirement. So how can you be strategic during that first year and set the tone in the right way, both emotionally and financially?

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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Inflation may not be in the headlines like it was in 2022, but for most Americans, it’s still public enemy number one when it comes to saving for retirement. A new Schwab survey reveals just how many people still feel unprepared and how that affects their confidence in their financial future.

Schwab Survey:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2025/07/29/inflation-retirement-savings-survey/85413630007/

Contact:

Grea...

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August 14, 2025 15 mins

The kids may be heading back to class, but it’s not a bad time for adults to hit the books too, especially when it comes to retirement. So, let’s test your knowledge with a quick financial pop quiz and see how ready you really are.

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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Just because something used to be true doesn’t mean it still is, especially in retirement planning. In 2025, rising interest rates, tax uncertainty, and longer retirements mean it’s time to rethink some of the old advice. These seven assumptions sound smart at first… but they could quietly hurt your plan if you’re not careful.

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-294...

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A new tax bill has officially passed (you’ve probably heard it mentioned as the “Big Beautiful Bill”). And while most headlines are focused on politics, we’re focused on what it means for your retirement. The choices you make in the next year or two could have a significant impact on how much you keep and how much goes to Uncle Sam.

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-4...

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The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision?

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2...

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Markets crash. Taxes shift. Congress waffles on Social Security. You can’t control any of that. And stressing over it won’t help. What will? Focusing on the four things that actually move the needle in retirement.

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They’re now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice… or just the easiest one?

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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Have you ever been asked by a friend or family member to borrow money? You want to help, but you also don't want to worry about what could go wrong. It’s a common dilemma, and in today’s episode, Matt tackles the tough question: Should you lend money to a loved one?

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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The day President Trump took office, he announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Additional tariff conversations have exploded since that day. How might this impact your personal finances and the economy? Today, we’ll explain a bit of the backstory of tariffs and discuss these new tariffs.

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-...

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The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit?

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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April Fool’s Day is all about jokes and pranks, but when it comes to retirement planning, getting fooled can cost you real money. Today, we’re uncovering the beliefs that fool retirees and pre-retirees into making bad financial moves.

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretirementsolutions.com/

Call: 989-401-2949

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When an aging parent needs care, the decision isn’t just financial. It’s emotional, logistical, and deeply personal. Mike’s 93-year-old mom has fallen twice in the past month, and he’s weighing two options: bring her to live with him or pay for in-home care out of his own pocket. Which choice makes the most sense, both financially and for his family’s well-being?

 

Contact:

Great Lakes Retirement Website: http://www.greatlakesretir...

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