Mattson Financial Services - March 2019

Mattson Financial Services - March 2019

F I N A N C I A L S E R V I C E S , L L C

616-514-3831

www.MattsonFinancial.com

March 2019

Should You Invest in the Next Apple or Amazon?

W ell, we’ve finally come full circle! We are getting into the social club business. I say this with a bit of a laugh, but it’s true. Starting on Monday, July 1, 2019, we will be holding a meeting comprised of individuals who wish to hold social events for our clients. There is still a lot to iron out, but many of these events will bring together people with similar interests, inclinations, or goals. For instance, some events will be for widows, others for singles, others for married couples, and so on. We see these social events as another opportunity to enjoy the company of others who have common interests without having to deal with online social networks. It’s getting back to basics, and it’s something a lot of our clients have asked for. If you’re interested in spearheading a project like this (maybe you want to organize a group), or you’d simply like to participate, please get in touch. Email us through our website at MattsonFinancial.com/contact, or give us a call, and we’ll get your name down!

The reality is, we can’t go back in time to buy these stocks. It’s not practical to even think about. But it’s this fear of missing out that has people looking for the next Apple or Amazon. People are now asking if they should invest in things like Bitcoin or marijuana. So, should you invest in the next big thing —whatever it might be? The answer is no. None of us know what the next Apple or Amazon will be. And while investing in IPOs sounds like a good plan, the losers far outweigh the winners. In fact, the losers outweigh the winners an average of 15:1. For every 15 IPOs that hit the market, only one will make money for investors. The rest will fall flat or lose money for those who invested. You have to be cautious. While the success stories are great and there are highlights that get us excited, we don’t hear about the failure. We don’t hear about the millions of dollars that are lost or the people whose lives are left in financial ruin. The key to a stable financial future is consistently investing over time. It’s having a diversified portfolio and rebalancing as the market changes. Taking these steps will keep you out of trouble and help you avoid big losses. It’s how you put yourself and your assets in a better position year after year. While it’s incredible to see a volcano erupt, it’s something you want to do at a distance. An erupting volcano can turn from majestic to monstrous before you know it. As amazing as it is, it is a destructive force not to be reckoned with. You can say the same about IPOs. Watch from a distance — and invest smartly. –Gary Mattson

Now, I want to address a question I brought up in the February edition of the newsletter: Should you have bought Apple or Amazon stock?

It’s a question a lot of people think about. In hindsight, countless people would have loved to get in on the ground floor of the initial public offerings of either of these companies. Over the years, we watched as stock prices climbed ... and climbed ... and climbed.

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TURNING TO VIDEO GAMES AFTER RETIREMENT GAME-FULLY EMPLOYED

that gaming is for people of all ages. Each member picked up the game for different reasons; some played as a way to connect to their grandkids, while others did it to pass the time. One thing’s for certain: This alliance has turned into a hellscape for their opponents. With every team member being over the age of 60, the combination of BirDie, Windy, Knitting Knight, Teen Slayer, and Berra Bang — all gaming aliases — has proved to be a first-of-its- kind powerhouse in the growing circle of older gamers. As one member explained, the game is not just for having fun. Gaming has given the team a chance to connect and be a part of a massive worldwide community. The gameplay also allows for mental exercise. It offers teamwork challenges and improves cognitive function, multitasking skills, and reflexes.

The rise in popularity of game-streaming platforms like Twitch — a service seemingly only used by snarky teens playing under quirky aliases — has paved the way for a whole new generation of video game enthusiasts. They just might not be the type you had in mind. Clips and articles are popping up online showcasing how older generations of tech aficionados have taken to gaming en masse. Long gone are the days of grandparents calling grandsons in frustration to ask how to send an email. The current generation of seniors bucks the stereotypical ignorance of technology, embracing hand-held controllers and battle cries as they take on their decades-younger counterparts in the digital arena. One team in particular has stolen the spotlight of late: The Silver Snipers, bringers of destruction in “Counter-Strike” leagues around the world. The team from Stockholm, Sweden, took their talents to the stage of Dreamhack 2017, an esports tournament, where they battled it out against some of the world’s most skilled esports players. Their mission was simple: to show the world

If The Silver Snipers are passing along one message, it’s that you’re never too young for an old-fashioned digital beat down.

UNDERSTANDING MY PASSION FOR FINANCE

With Help From Martina McBride

You can hear it in people’s voices. You can see it in their mannerisms. When someone is passionate about something, that enthusiasm is clear as day. Take Martina McBride, for instance. Some time back, we had the chance to talk to her. At one point, we asked her about singing “Suspicious Minds”which appeared on the 2014 album, “Everlasting.” “It’s somewhat like Elvis’s version.”Martina told us, “It’s a little bit different. The trick when you do a record like this is you don’t just want to make a karaoke record just like the original. But you also want to pay respect to the original.” Martina continued, “And the original guitar player that played on Elvis’s record, Reggie Young, he came in [to our studio] and played in on ‘Suspicious Minds,’ so that was really special. Kind of a full-circle moment to have him in the studio.” As Martina was describing this experience to us (my daughter and myself), her husband, John McBride, put the record on. It wasn’t a CD, but an actual vinyl record, which was really cool, going back to the old days. They played it, and one of the things I watched between her and him— he’s the engineer on a lot of her music — is the fact I could see and hear her passion for covering the song. She made it her own, but you can get a distinct vibe of its Elvis heritage.

Feeling and seeing that excitement was just amazing. I realized as I listened to Martina, and as she shared her love for her music — and when she handed us the guitar — I was struck by a “wow”moment, and I recognized the passion I have for our clients and what we do. That kind of feeling can be hard to put into words. It’s part of an experience. As you know, when we sit down with our clients, I get excited about what we’re doing and how we change things for the better — all so they can achieve their own dreams goals and desires in retirement. I saw that passion in Martina and understood it much better than ever before.

–Gary Mattson

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To Live Your Best Retirement CREATING A HOME CARE PLAN

When retirement approaches, you may be thinking about the freedom you’ll enjoy after putting in your last nine-to-five. It’s a culmination of years of hard work and a cause for celebration! Before you get to celebrate, though, it’s important to consider what kind of support you might need down the road. With our generation living longer than our parents, there’s a possibility that we may require additional support services. You and your spouse may not know if either of you will need in-home care, but considering this possibility and the financial factors that come with it can help you better enjoy this exciting phase of your life. In most cases, neither Medicare or Medicaid covers in-home care. There are some exceptions, like home- and community-based services that are state and locally funded and cover those who qualify through Medicaid. If you or your spouse are veterans and meet the requirements, you may be eligible for aid and attendance benefits. These benefits are paid for by the VA in addition to a veteran’s monthly pension. It may cover the costs of in-home care for veterans who require the aid of another person or are housebound. Visit Benefits.va.gov to learn more. Still, you may not want to rely on qualifying for one of these services. Consider adapting your estate plan to include designated in-home care. Meet with your attorney to review your living trust and see if it addresses a caregiver. Talk to your family members and loved ones about the possibility that you or your spouse may need this service. While a family member may offer to step into that role, consider how easily they will be able to carry it out. Even a part-time caregiver could provide you with support and make your family members feel like they are not doing it alone. Planning for the possibility that you may need in-home care services can help make your retirement even more enjoyable. Knowing you’ll have a close helping hand can ease your family’s worries and even strengthen your bond.

EVERYTHING POPCORN NIKKI’S FAVORITE

Inspired by Food &Winemagazine

Ingredients

• • •

3/4 cup popcorn kernels 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt

• • • •

2 teaspoons granulated garlic 2 teaspoons granulated onion

1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds

1/3 cup canola oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

•

Directions

1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. 2. In a large saucepan, combine popcorn kernels and oil. Cook over medium-high heat, covered, until popcorn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve.

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F I N A N C I A L S E R V I C E S , L L C

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3226 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SAVE THE DATE! MARCH 1 — FIRST FRIDAY EVENT FROM 3–6 P.M. AT OUR KENTWOOD OFFICE APRIL 5 — FIRST FRIDAY EVENT FROM 3–6 P.M. AT OUR KENTWOOD OFFICE APRIL 15 — SHRED DAY, DETAILS TO FOLLOW!

Investing in the Next Big Thing

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Age Is Only a Level Number Understanding the Passion in What We Do

Everything Popcorn Considering the Costs of Home Care

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How to Make Your Sailing Dreams Come True

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**Reminder: If you have any changes to your financial situation, please notify us as soon as possible.

Investment advisory services are offered through Mattson Financial Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Michigan. Insurance products and services are offered through Lakeview Financial Group, LLC. Mattson Financial Services, LLC and Lakeview Financial Group, LLC are affiliated companies.

Set Sail for Vacation

TAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP OFFSHORE

have instructors on hand who can show you the ropes. The great thing about sailing is that whether you’re in a 12-foot dinghy or a 60-foot sloop, the same basic principles, rules, and skills apply.

If you’re lucky enough to have been aboard a ship under full sail, chances are you know the thrill and serenity sailing can give you. If you’ve never been but have always wanted to know what it’s like to get out on the wind and waves, there are many great options available for beginners. Here are some ideas to inspire your next waterside vacation. For those who dream of becoming a skipper one day, a great way to start is by sailing dinghies. These one-sail, beach- launch boats fit 1–2 people and can be rented at most water sports shops. If you want to make it a family experience, shops usually have 16-foot catamarans for rent as well. Catamarans have two hulls rather than one, making for a smoother, more spacious ride. Start Small

Take a Day Sail

Many day-sail charters exist for those who want to go out a little farther than a dinghy would permit. If you’ve captained a boat and are familiar with the waters, you can apply for a bareboat charter. However, if you are inexperienced or simply don’t want a local guide at the helm, signing up for a day trip with a skipper and crew is a great option. Short of owning your own vessel, chartering a boat for multiple nights is the closest you can get to living out your nautical dreams. Some of the most beautiful destinations on earth — from the Caribbean Sea to the Mediterranean — are best experienced from the deck of a sailboat. Letting the sea guide you to amazing snorkeling destinations, remote cays, and bustling harbors is the stuff of real adventure. Do a Full Charter

If you’ve never sailed before, inquire about lessons. Most rental operations

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