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Insights

I've got valuable information and resources to share. Explore away! And check back often.

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Investing basics: The complete guide for beginners

Investing may seem complex, but learning the basics can help prepare you to take the next step. From terminology 101 to learning how to assess your risk tolerance, this guide will help give you a foundational understanding of investing.​ If you’d like to align your investments with your financial goals, let’s set up a meeting.

Investments can seem complex, but with a foundational understanding, anyone can start building a brighter financial future. Here are the essentials to get you...

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How to handle market volatility

Whatever happens with the market, there are steps you can take that may help to mitigate the effects of volatility.

Plan for how you will handle market volatility with your investments.

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"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

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"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

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March 2025 Market Update: Volatility returns

The early economic data for 2025 has shown volatility. Thrivent Asset Management discusses how this changes our outlook in the March Market Update.

Economic data released in early 2025 shows the economy is slowing at a greater-than-expected rate.

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403b vs IRA (1/4) If you’re currently a professor, or a retired one, it’s important to know how your 403(b) account may differ from an IRA managed by a local advisor. The differences mainly boil down to 1) investment options, 2) fees, 3) employer control, and 4) tax efficiency. 1) Investment Options: A 403(b) is usually limited to investing only in mutual funds. In an IRA, you have access to a greater array of investment options, including individual securities such as ETFs, stocks, or bonds. Having a sound investment strategy is important to avoid reverse dollar cost averaging, which can negatively impact your portfolio. This is when you take withdrawals from your account systematically, even when the market is down, which can lead to selling more shares than necessary and reducing the return on your account. Have questions? Let’s chat. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

403b vs IRA (1/4) If you’re currently a professor, or a retired one, it’s important to know how your 403(b) account may differ from an IRA managed by a local advisor. The differences mainly boil down to 1) investment options, 2) fees, 3) employer control, and 4) tax efficiency. 1) Investment Options: A 403(b) is usually limited to investing only in mutual funds. In an IRA, you have access to a greater array of investment options, including individual securities such as ETFs, stocks, or bonds. Having a sound investment strategy is important to avoid reverse dollar cost averaging, which can negatively impact your portfolio. This is when you take withdrawals from your account systematically, even when the market is down, which can lead to selling more shares than necessary and reducing the return on your account. Have questions? Let’s chat. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Job loss can come with a lot of stress—especially with your finances. Not sure what money moves you should make after getting laid off? This article covers immediate, short- and long-term steps you can take: https://bit.ly/3Vi3z7S If you’re considering an adjustment to your financial plan due to a change in employment, let’s talk.

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Job loss can come with a lot of stress—especially with your finances. Not sure what money moves you should make after getting laid off? This article covers immediate, short- and long-term steps you can take: https://bit.ly/3Vi3z7S If you’re considering an adjustment to your financial plan due to a change in employment, let’s talk.

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"...And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:67

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"...And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:67

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Making sense of Social Security (opinion)

I’m excited to share that an article I wrote for professors about timing Social Security was published today on Inside Higher Ed. I guess the old adage is true: You can take the professor out of the academe, but you can’t take the academe out of the professor. (Or something like that 🤪.) Check it out, and let me know what you think! https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/career-advice/2025/03/07/making-sense-social-security-opinion See Thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

Timing is critical in deciding when to draw Social Security benefits, Alexander Aldrich writes.

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Hoping for an early retirement? You may be able to access funds from your retirement account without any penalty from the IRS. There’s a catch, of course. Usually, you must wait until at least age 59 ½ to access the funds in your retirement account in order to avoid a 10% penalty from the IRS. However, if you separate from your employer the year you turn age 55 or older, you can access your retirement dollars and bypass the 10% penalty before you turn 59 ½. You’ll still have to pay income taxes on the pre-tax dollars, of course. In other words, this is an example of when keeping your funds in your old employer 401(k) may be in your best interest. Have questions? I’m happy to help. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Hoping for an early retirement? You may be able to access funds from your retirement account without any penalty from the IRS. There’s a catch, of course. Usually, you must wait until at least age 59 ½ to access the funds in your retirement account in order to avoid a 10% penalty from the IRS. However, if you separate from your employer the year you turn age 55 or older, you can access your retirement dollars and bypass the 10% penalty before you turn 59 ½. You’ll still have to pay income taxes on the pre-tax dollars, of course. In other words, this is an example of when keeping your funds in your old employer 401(k) may be in your best interest. Have questions? I’m happy to help. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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A proactive approach

If you want to avoid tax surprises in retirement, it helps to implement tax efficient strategies into your financial plan. George and Judy became Thrivent clients in 1968 to prepare for their financial futures. Learn more about their proactive approach and the different ways you can be more tax efficient.

Implementing tax efficiency into your financial plan will help you avoid tax surprises in the future.

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management, Inc. thrivent.com/privacy-and-security/disclosures.

Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s Broker Check for more information about our financial advisors.

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For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations

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