Mattson Financial Services - March 2022

Mattson Financial Services - March 2022

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 2022

DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH IN TRAVEL

Let’s talk travel. COVID-19 is getting under control, and scientists are developing new treatments. Soon, I think it will be much more like

As financial planners, we dive into our clients’ dreams, goals, and desires and position their assets to fulfill them. When it comes to planning travel, it’s worth taking the same approach. There are some great travel agents out there. And there are others who, I like to say, have one year of experience repeated 30 times. In other words, they don’t work to advance their knowledge. We have a couple of preferred travel agents, and we use them because they go and experience the trip themselves before recommending it. They know what to expect from beginning to end, including how our luggage will be handled, what kind of food is available, and even what hospitality we can expect and when. When investing your dollars, you investigate the accuracy of the plan, the fees, and how you should have your portfolio adjusted in both positive and negative markets. You should take the same care in planning your next travel experience. If your travel agent hasn’t visited your destination, I suggest seeking out somebody who has — especially as we move through different COVID-19 rules and regulations. Even in the state of Hawaii, each island has its own rules, which can cost you in additional fees or expenses if you did not prepare for them in advance. What one island permits might not be acceptable on the next, resulting in quarantine and extra expenses for missed flights. Our goal is to add benefits to our clients and help them enjoy the retirement of their dreams. As you start taking a new look at travel, make sure you have clarity on what you expect and know the experience you want to have. Though it might take a little more work, experienced agents can assist you in finding the best trips that match your expectations so you can get your money’s worth. As always, if we can help you in any way, feel free to call us at the office or visit us at MattsonFinancial.com. And remember, when you’re traveling, take the time to enjoy what’s in front of you.

influenza, and we’ll all get a shot every year to protect ourselves. As we begin shifting our mindsets regarding the pandemic, travel becomes a refocus for many retirees, including myself. But if I go on a 10-day cruise, I might end up quarantined for another two weeks, so the main question becomes this: Can I afford the extra time away from home, and what are the costs? When planning travel, it’s necessary to think about the experience you want to have. Some people prefer to go out on their own. We have clients taking their RV and traversing down south, through New Orleans and the Southern states, before landing in Key West. It’s a 14-day trip, and they have no plans along the way. Each day will present them with a new opportunity and adventure.

But others (like myself) want more of a scripted trip so they’ll know what to expect. Nancy and I often travel as a group or go with a planned excursion offered by the cruise line. Unfortunately, the experience doesn’t always live up to the brochure. In the past, our family has taken expeditions during cruises outside of what the cruise line offers. Many of them will not currently allow this during COVID-19, so we’ve suspended these trips, for now, to ensure we get what we want. Hopefully, we’ll be able to resume them soon. Last year, during COVID-19, I had the privilege of taking my family — yes, all nine of us — to the Kentucky Derby. It was nice to experience the event with 150,000 fewer people there. But several things we’d planned on ended up not happening. Though we were supposed to meet one of the premier jockeys, the organizers canceled the event. There was also supposed to be a dinner the night before, but that didn’t happen either. Yet, our price for the trip remained the same. So, especially in these uncertain times, you need to make sure you’ll get the value and experience you paid for and ask what any recourse you have.

–Gary Mattson

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CREDIT OR DEBIT?

When it comes to purchasing items, you have a choice about whether you should use your debit or credit card. Although these rectangular pieces of plastic look the same, they are very different. With credit cards, you’re borrowing money, whereas a debit card takes money directly from your account. That being said, is there a better time to use credit than debit? Here are a few instances to help you determine when to use which card. If you need to access cash quickly , it’s best to use your debit card. If you use an in-network ATM, you can withdraw cash without a transaction fee. But if you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank and the ATM provider will charge a fee. Although you can use your credit card to withdraw money, the fees are usually even higher. Debit Card •

surcharge when you use your credit card, but debit cards are excluded from these fees.

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If you make an international purchase, you may want to use your debit card if your credit card company charges foreign transaction fees.

Credit Card •

Your credit card is preferred for safer online shopping to prevent your debit card information from being on the internet. However, check your browser and shopping apps to make sure your credit card is the preferred payment method.

• Debit cards can help you avoid merchant fees from businesses. Some online retailers, restaurants, and small businesses have a

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If you have any subscription services or bills, your credit card works

ICE OR HEAT? HOW TO TREAT INJURIES AT HOME

Whenever we suffer an injury that doesn’t require a doctor visit, we are usually told to do one of two things: ice the area or apply heat to it.

before applying it to your skin. You should continue to ice your injury for the next two days.

Different injuries require different treatments. For example, applying heat to an ankle sprain will not help as much as applying ice. Let’s look at which injuries require heat or ice and how it relieves pain or reduces swelling.

Injuries You Should Apply Heat To

If you have chronic pain, it’s best to apply heat to that area. This pain can tell you that your body hasn’t fully healed from the injury. You can use heat for muscle pain or soreness, stiff joints, arthritis, and recurring injuries. Applying heat allows your blood vessels to expand and help your muscles relax. Only use heat in 20-minute increments and don’t sleep with any heating treatment. This can cause blisters, irritation, and maybe burns. You can use heat for 2–3 days after the injury occurs. Use a heating pad or a hot, wet towel, or take a hot shower or bath to relieve pain. An easy way to determine if you need to ice or heat an area is this: If it’s swollen, apply ice. If it’s stiff, use heat. But if you’re unsure if you should use ice or heat, or if the pain is still occurring after treatment, contact your PT for assistance. They will provide you with further treatment options to help you with your discomforts.

Injuries You Should Apply Ice To

You want to apply ice to acute or short-term injuries. Acute injuries consist of ankle or knee sprains, muscle or joint sprains, red or swollen body parts, and pain after an exercise. Icing an area will lower the amount of swelling you have and make the healing process quicker. Be sure to limit icing sessions to 20 minutes. Over-icing can irritate your skin or cause tissue damage. If you have an ice pack or frozen packages in your freezer, you can use those to treat the painful areas. If not, you can put ice in a bag. Wrap it or any other item you’re using in a paper towel or washcloth

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When to Use Each Card

Upcoming Events March 4 12 p.m.–3 p.m. First Friday Event With a Market Update TAKE A BREAK!

great for recurring payments. Your fees will be paid automatically, and these regular on-time payments will help raise your credit score.

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If an emergency occurs , put it on your credit card. This will give you some time to pay off the expense if you need it.

Which card you use is a personal preference. Use whichever method you’re comfortable with and makes sense for you. Always check your balances and fees to ensure everything is in order and cost-effective. If you see suspicious activity on your account, contact your bank for assistance.

RACHAEL’S

EASY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

Inspired by SouthernLiving.com

Ingredients

• • • • • •

6 tbsp butter

• • •

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup peanut butter 2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 and 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts, divided 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

1 cup flour

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1/2 tsp baking powder

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. 2. Add the brown sugar and peanut butter to the butter bowl. Stir to combine. Then mix in the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of peanuts. 3. Pour the batter into a greased, 8-inch, microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes. Then, adjust to high and microwave 3–6 more minutes or until the top of the mixture appears almost dry. 4. Top off the mixture with chopped chocolate. When it melts, spread it evenly over the bars and top with the remaining peanuts. 5. Cool for 15 minutes, cut into squares, and serve!

Solution

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

106.9 FM and 1300 AM Saturdays from 7–8 a.m. Sundays from 11 a.m.—12 p.m.

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

3226 28th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1

As Travel Resumes, What Should You Consider?

2

Should I Use Credit or Debit? Is Your Injury Swollen or Stiff?

3

Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Mark Your Calendar!

4

Packing Tips to Save Your Back, Wallet, and Sanity

**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.

Leaving on a Jet Plane?

3 ESSENTIAL PACKING TIPS

Many people are considering traveling this spring for the first time since the pandemic started. A lot has changed since 2020, but packing for vacation remains a hassle, and baggage fees haven’t gone anywhere. Here are some essential tips to keep your load as light as possible — physically and mentally. Make a list. It’s just as easy to forget things as it is to overpack. Solve both problems at once by creating a packing list in advance. Consider in detail what you’ll need, and put it in writing. As each item gets added to the suitcase, check it off. Writing everything down creates a system to prevent leaving anything behind. And when it’s all on paper, you’re more likely to notice that you probably don’t need that many pairs of sandals. Use your personal item for extra storage . Airlines generally allow travelers one carry-on bag and one personal item. The dimensions allowed vary by airline, but the general rule of thumb is that the

personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Don’t bring a small purse or a laptop bag when you can take a large tote or backpack. With the extra room, you can avoid checking another bag. Never check essential items. Lost luggage is the worst way to start a vacation, but it happens. If your luggage is misplaced, you probably won’t get it back that same day. So, you need to pack all essential items, like prescription medications or glasses, in your carry-on bag. Some experts even recommend tossing an extra shirt or pair of underwear in your carry-on in case your bag gets lost. You’ll be glad to have them if something goes awry. Packing smart will make for a less stressful journey. You can kick back, relax, and enjoy the trip knowing that everything you need is right there in your suitcase, and everything you don’t need is safe at home.

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