EPISODE
04
Retirement Planning with Matthew Dickson
EPISODE LINKS.
SHOW NOTES.
In this episode, Matthew Dickson with Littlejohn Financial, provides advice on retirement planning and financial investments for businesses and individuals. The episode covers the various types of retirement plans available, the importance of starting early with investments for long-term benefits, and the frequently asked financial questions. Matthew shares insights into managing risk levels, planning for taxes, and building a healthy emergency fund. The conversation also highlights common financial mistakes and offers advice to business owners on how to attract and retain top talent through robust financial planning. The episode concludes with a casual and personal discussion on the hosts’ soft launch strategies for Monday.
00:00 Welcome to McFarland Minutes
00:33 Introducing Matthew Dixon: Financial Advisor
01:46 The Importance of Financial Advising
04:57 Retirement Plans for Companies
13:10 When to Start Your Retirement Plan
18:01 Understanding Risk Levels in Investments
21:50 Financial Planning Basics
22:11 Tax Day Insights
23:16 Emergency Funds and Investments
26:41 High Yield Savings Accounts
29:27 Common Investment Mistakes
33:24 Soft Launch to Monday
37:12 Pumpkin Pie Obsession
38:58 Conclusion and Contact Information
ABOUT THIS EPISODE.
In the latest episode of McFarland Minutes, we pulled in trusted advisor and long-time friend, Matthew Dixon from Littlejohn Financial to talk all things retirement planning. Matt has been the financial advisor at McFarland Productions for over four years and a cherished friend of the McFarland’s for decades.
Matt helps us understand the variety of retirement plans available and what fits different business needs, from the traditional 401(k) to individual-focused options like IRAs and SEP IRAs. These plans can benefit both employees and employers contributing to employee retention and the tax advantages that come with sound retirement planning.
A significant aspect discussed is the tax savings associated with retirement accounts. Matt explains the concept of pre-tax and after-tax contributions and the long-term benefits of these strategies. Did you know that proper retirement planning can lower taxable income now and secure more financial freedom in the future?
When should you start contributing to a retirement plan?
Before you begin, we encourage you to utilize investment calculators to understand the impact of compounding interest over time, Matt recommended the Dave Ramsey Investment Calculator. For those hesitant to start investing, just start somewhere. Begin with a manageable amount and gradually increase contributions as finances allow.
How do I know how much money to invest?
Natalie discusses her initial fears about investing and how Littlejohn Financial’s risk assessment tools helped her navigate those concerns. This might be a great tool for you to use! You’ll want to understand your risk level and align your contributions with your timeline. It’s crucial not to make impulsive decisions based on market fluctuations.
If we get a large tax return, what should I do with it?
With tax season approaching, how can one best utilize tax returns? Matt recommends building or reinforcing an emergency fund, exploring investment opportunities, or consulting with financial professionals for personalized strategies.
What are the common mistakes in retirement planning?
Chasing performance, not planning for early retirement, and not having a comprehensive, diversified plan supported by professional advice. You can cut out the mistakes by connecting with Littlejohn Financial for free consultations and further guidance on retirement planning and investments. www.littlejohnfs.com
We’re so excited to release this weekly podcast as your soft launch to Monday and hope you enjoyed learning a little more about retirement planning. We’ll see you back here next week with Episode #5 covering our internal book club with book recommnendations that make all the difference.
IN THIS EPISODE.
Matthew Dickson
Associate Advisor at Littlejohn Financial
www.littlejohnfs.com
Matt is a guy with a wide variety of talents. After completing college, Matt went on to teach mathematics and construction for 8 years before finding his love for the stock market and wealth management.
Matt also serves as an Associate Wealth Advisor and plays a crucial role in our Investment Committee. Each week, he brings a ton of new data and numbers for the group to synthesize. Always social and very personable, Matt loves to meet with clients.
A former basketball player and high-jumper, he stands tall at 6’6” and isn’t afraid to leap over any obstacle in his way.
You can often find Matt spending his free time doing one of two things: he is either on his boat catching salmon and steelhead, or camping in the tiny house he built for weekend getaways.
Matt and his wife Cheyenne are often seen jogging through town with their golden retriever/lab, “Chester.” If you happen to see them, make sure to honk!
Specialties include: investment advice, client communications and sneaking out of the office early to launch his boat.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS.
NATALIE MCFARLAND
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
After freelancing her way through college, Natalie established McFarland Productions in 2014, which has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years. Her passion and focus have always remained the same; capturing, understanding, preserving and promoting Ranching, Farming, Western Lifestyle and AgriBusiness. She has always had a love for the western culture and even at a young age it was unmistakably clear she would someday find a career serving the industry.
Natalie grew up on a small ranch, rodeoed, showed horses in a variety of disciplines, showed livestock, and participated in 4H and Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. She has trained herding dogs and started colts, worked with sheep and cattle and has had the experience of racing to finish up a hayfield before a rainstorm hit. She understands the joys, sorrows, wins, losses and hard work of ranchers and farmers. That’s why McFarland Productions can produce authentic marketing campaigns for the businesses, organizations, events, and brands of the western and agriculture industry – it’s who she is.
With a passion for building community surrounding brands, Natalie focuses on building real connections between companies/brands and the people that make up their community. Telling the stories of your customers and making them apart of the brand’s story is her main focus. Creating real, human, meaningful connections and strengthening community within the western and agriculture industry through strategic marketing services.
SCOUT FOSTER
OUTREACH MARKETING MANAGER
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
Scout’s faithfulness to the agriculture and western sports industry is rooted in tradition. Growing up in Central Florida, she stood by her family as they supported different sectors of the industry, including raising beef cattle, bucking bulls for local rodeos, and spending weekends with her grandparents who lived on Disney’s Wilderness Preserve.
Moving away from The Mouse, Scout graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Nation’s top agricultural communications college at Texas Tech University in 2022.
Now residing in Crockett, she and her husband, Lane, keep busy raising beef cattle and bucking bulls with her family. Scout also loves gardening, raising chickens, reading, and her two dogs: Rue and Dill.
