Too Much Noise: How Media Overload Can Stress Your Financial Mindset. On this week’s Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, host Ben Taatjes has on Matt Hoekstra to unpack a study on how prolonged media exposure can increase stress, especially when it comes to money. They explore why obsessing over one thing (like the market) can actually make you feel worse, and why the best move is often the simplest: make a solid financial plan and stick to it.

Your Personal Economy. In this show of Time, Talent, Treasure radio, host Ben Taatjes is joined by Tim Mattern as they dive into market volatility and continue the conversation on your personal economy. Learn why the #1 thing you can control is your own household, especially in uncertain times.

Financial Literacy & Income Control. On this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, Ben welcomes Tim Mattern to kick off Financial Literacy Month. They dive into the importance of income control and how to take charge of your personal economy.

Behind the Credentials: CFP®, CPA & CKA®. On this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, Ben Taatjes and Claire Molden welcome special guest Brenin Molden, CPA, for a conversation about their professional journeys. Claire shares her path to becoming a CFP®, Brenin explains what it takes to earn a CPA designation, and Ben dives into his role as a Certified Kingdom Advisor®. Learn what these credentials mean, the expertise they bring, and how they help clients make informed financial decisions with confidence and purpose.

Avoiding Tax Mistakes & Maximizing Income. On this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure, Brenin Molden breaks down common tax mistakes that could be costing you money and how to avoid them. Later, Brenin and Claire Molden dive into the concept of creating more income to strategically fill up your tax bracket.

Navigating Tax Season. On this episode of Time, Talent, Treasure Radio, Ben Taatjes welcomes Claire Molden and special guest Brenin Molden, CPA and partner at Bonnema, Molden, Wrede PLLP. As tax season ramps up, Brenin provides valuable insights on key tax strategies, including Roth conversions and the impact of tax sunsetting.

Navigating Business Challenges and Financial Fears. On this radio show of Time, Talent, Treasure, Matt Hoekstra sits down with Ben to discuss challenges facing a young business owner who focuses on living conservative and not taking full advantage of opportunities. They also discuss common fears people face, including running out of money or passing away with too much. They explore how overcoming these fears can lead to a life of impact and fulfillment.

Matt's Journey From Therapy to Financial Advising. In this radio show of Time, Talent, Treasure, Ben and Matt dive into Matt's unique career journey, where his background in psychology & therapy has seamlessly transitioned into his current role as a financial advisor. Matt shares insights on how his understanding of human behavior and emotional well-being helps him navigate complex financial decisions with clients.

Powell's Pivot: Dovish Fed Sees Rate Cuts in ‘24. For much of 2023, the financial markets had anticipated the Fed would drop rates in 2024. The table below was from October 2023, when market watchers anticipated two rate cuts in 2024. But two weeks later, at its November meeting, Powell said the Fed had no interest in cutting rates anytime soon. Ben Taatjes breaks-down how this affects investors and ways we consider market news.

Stewardship With Your Investments. The 2nd Annual Lakes Area Pickleball Paddle Battle Tournament is coming up on December 9th. Also, It is "Giving Tuesday", this is following Thanksgiving and Black Friday. How you can use tactical and tax smart ways to utilize your investments to donate to charities. 

Celebrate Thanksgiving by 'Thanks-Living' with Gratitude. The 2nd annual Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament is coming up on Saturday, December 9th. Ben Taatjes also discusses measuring your gains, not only financially, but in life, compared to where you may have been a year prior.

IRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits. The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start thinking ahead. Overall, more than 60 provisions have changed. Here are a few of the most critical tax bracket and retirement contribution limit changes.

Looking at the Current Interest Rates in a Positive Manner.  How can you use these rates to make your money work for you? In this episode, Ben Taatjes speaks about the higher interest rates, how you can build your wealth to use as income in retirement and making sure that your goals, as a person, are aligned with your money. 
 

Social Security is the Easiest Retirement Money You Will Spend.  Having reoccurring income in retirement is a crucial part of your overall plan. Social Security creates a regular paycheck that, in our experience, clients have had the easiest time spending. In this episode, Ben Taatjes explains the importance of spending versus saving in retirement. 
 

Bond Yields Rise; Government Shutdown Looms.  The bond market drove stock prices for much of last week as investors fretted about rising bond yields. After beginning the week with small gains, stocks resumed their September decline amid weak housing data and a decline in consumer confidence.
 

Adopting an Abundant Mindset with Money.  In this episode, Ben Taatjes CKA® shares how an abundant mindset paves the way to create, add value to others and not let money have a grip on a person's life.
 

 Is Your Financial Advisor More than an Account Manager?  Last week Taatjes Financial Group hosted our annual Fall Kick-off Open House. Not only was the open house a wonderful time of great wood-fired pizza and cupcakes, it was a reminder of the deep and meaningful relationships we have with our clients. In this episode, Ben Taatjes CKA® explains the role we desire to play during wonderful and difficult seasons of our clients' lives.
 

Investing Checklist: Things to Do by Now Autumn is Here.  Ben Taatjes CKA® share three to-do’s to check off your list as an investor now that fall is upon us.
 

September Stocks Open in Positive Territory.  Investor sentiment turned positive last week as signs of economic softness were interpreted as reason for the Fed to hold off on further rate hikes. A downward revision of Q2 economic growth and fresh signs of a cooling labor market reversed the recent rise in bond yield. They helped trigger a stock bounce back following Fed Chair Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole the previous Friday.
 

Stocks Weather Summer Storm of News and Indicators.  Rising bond yields, driven primarily by strong economic data and the release of the minutes from July’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting that pointed toward Fed officials’ potential need to raise rates further, weighed on stocks throughout the week. Ben Taatjes CKA® explains the side-effects of rising interest rates on an investors’ lives and their portfolios.
 

Risk Profiles and the Cruelty of Math on Portfolios.  In our experience, many investors tend to forgot how cruel math is on a portfolio when markets go down – meaning the more portfolio values go down, the greater the returns needed to regain those losses. Ben Taatjes CKA® explains the importance of having the proper risk tolerance and ways to self-manage emotions during turbulent market seasons.
 

Every Investor Needs to Know These Three Things About Their Portfolio.  The stock market is a complex world. While knowing of all the intricacies of investing and the global economic structure are unnecessary, Ben Taatjes, CKA® breaks-down the three key pieces of information you need to know about your own portfolio.
 

The Fed Raises Rates. Recession Dodged. Are We in the Clear? Even though The Fed raised interest rates by 0.25% last week, the market responded positively Friday with strong earnings data. So, we have dodged a recession yet again. Or, have we? Ben Taatjes, CKA® talks about the possible “lag-effect” when The Fed increases rates and what you need for your portfolio.
 

Is Inflation (Still) Stealing the Joy in Your Life and Retirement? Even though year-to-year inflation rate increases dropped to the lowest reading in over two years, price hikes are still affecting retirees. However, does paying more at grocery stores, restaurants and the gas pump have to derail the joy you experience in your life? Financial Advisor, Matt Hoekstra, not only says no, he also gives the key to battling inflation and a scarcity mindset.
 

What if Negative Market Predictions Actually Come True? After all the hubbub regarding an on-coming recession and out-of-control inflation at the beginning of 2023, a much more positive reality has transpired. This highlights the importance of a sound mind for investors not letting fear dominate your decision-making. Financial Advisor, Tim Mattern NSSA®, discusses the mindset you must have NOW even if bad market predictions come true.
 

Wasn't There Supposed to be a Recession? In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession. But it’s July now, and so far, no recession. It appears that the economy is slipping into an expansion rather than moving toward a recession.