With college football playoffs and March Madness around the corner, sports betting is everywhere right now.
I’ll be honest, I’ve never really understood the appeal of constantly placing bets and parlays. I know it can be fun to a degree, and for some people it truly is just “play money.” And to each their own, especially if it’s not getting out of hand.
But I also don’t know many people who are fully honest with themselves and haven’t, over months and years, thrown away far more money than they’ve ever won. Even the big hits and payouts eventually fade, and the winnings usually find their way right back out.
Part of my perspective probably comes from starting to think about money fairly young. Growing up, my dad would help set up small jobs for me with family, friends, and even shut-ins who needed help. Then by 13 or 14, I was scorekeeping and umpiring to earn my own money. From early on, I learned that money represented time, effort, and serving others — not just something to spend for a quick thrill.
Because of that, my mindset around money has always been a little different. I tend to look at spending through the lens of opportunity cost — what am I giving up by choosing this? Is this $50, $100, or $200 something I’d rather put toward a date night with my wife, a family experience, a weekend trip, or simply more moments making memories together?
In the bigger picture, it’s worth asking: is the thrill of “play money” worth working longer, taking fewer trips, or delaying goals that really matter to you?
I’m singling out gambling because of the season we’re in, but this really applies to any spending habit. It’s not about judgment — it’s about being intentional and understanding the trade-offs we’re making with our money.
That’s actually why Thrivent offers free Money Canvas coaching. It’s not just about budgets and spreadsheets — it looks at the psychology behind how you view and use money, and helps you get clarity on what you want your dollars to support in your life.
If you’re curious, I’m always happy to share more or point you in the right direction. My hope is simply that people feel empowered to align their spending with what they truly value most.
If you’re relatively new to investing, understanding the basics of how realized gains and losses are taxed can help you make smarter decisions. These 4 rules are a great place to start.
📌 For more, check out this guide: https://bit.ly/4p4h9Hn
As your career grows and life becomes more complex, your financial plan should focus on more than just saving and investing. Understanding how taxes affect your long-term goals is an important step that can help keep more of your hard-earned money working for you.
Learn more here: https://bit.ly/45coYDA
If you’d like help finding opportunities to build more tax efficiency into your overall financial plan, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you’re looking for simple ways to help reduce your taxable income, you may have more options than you realize. These 7 strategies can help you become more tax efficient over time. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3KB47mJ
Happy New Year to everyone!
We kicked off the year with a fun family movie outing (minus mom this time) with Pipi to see DAVID. Highly recommend it—unless you have a 4-year-old who gets a little antsy 😄.
Overall, it was a great experience, and it didn’t matter that Asher moved around since we had the entire theater to ourselves. Perks of choosing the 9:00am showing on New Year’s Day!
Wishing everyone a blessed and joy-filled 2026.
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Lansing-area friends and family: I’m excited to spend more time in the area and collaborate with our local team to better serve you.
If you or someone you know has questions about financial planning—whether it’s understanding where to start, balancing protection, education, and retirement strategies, or exploring topics like Social Security, generosity planning, or Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)—we’d be honored to help.
Our goal is to be a trusted resource and bring clarity to your unique situation. Feel free to reach out anytime!
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December 2025 Market Update: Stock volatility returnsFrom slowing manufacturing to resilient corporate earnings, December brings mixed signals for the economy. Explore what these trends mean for your portfolio and the year ahead in Thrivent's December Market Update.
Top 7 charitable giving strategies: Maximizing tax benefits and impactThere are ways you can help maximize tax benefits when giving. Learn more about different charitable giving strategies and their tax advantages.
It’s hard to believe the year is already winding down! While shopping, baking and holiday gatherings may be at the top of your to-do list, don’t forget to carve out time for a year-end financial checkup.
Taking these 6 steps now can help you minimize your taxes, strengthen your savings and start the new year on solid footing.
👉 If you’d like personalized guidance, let’s connect.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
6 year-end financial tasksThe hustle and bustle of the holiday season can distract us from other action items on our checklist. End the year on a strong note by refocusing on your finances. Take a look at these tasks to complete before Dec. 31.
This Thanksgiving felt different — in the best way.
For the first time in years, I wasn’t caught up in the Black Friday hustle. (And I’m genuinely thankful and empathetic toward everyone who had to work — I remember those seasons well.)
Instead, God gave me the gift of slowing down and being fully present at home.
I helped with the Thanksgiving prep (especially since Amy wasn’t feeling well), played in the snow with the kids — who are definitely reinvigorating the fun in it… for now 😜 — and we ended the night with family games and The Muppet Christmas Carol, a tradition that brought me right back to my own childhood.
One of my favorite moments was helping Aiden with his “My Book About Me.” I did the same project at his age — and I still have my book today. There was something powerful and full-circle about sitting beside him, watching him write about who he is, what he loves, and the ambitions forming in his young heart. Just one of those small-but-big reminders of how God weaves generations together.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the calling God has placed on my work — serving people, walking alongside families in their financial decisions, and helping them build plans that support what truly matters to them. It’s a blessing to do work that aligns with my faith and allows me to prioritize people over pressure or consumerism.
This season, I’m thankful for God’s provision, His peace, and the quiet moments He uses to center our hearts.
May we all slow down, be present, and recognize the goodness He places right in front of us.
#Grateful #FaithFirst #Blessed #ThankfulHeart #FamilyTime #FaithAndFinance #Thrivent #PurposeDrivenWork #ServingOthers #GodIsGood #HolidaySeason #MakingMemories
Are you just starting to save for retirement or are nearing retirement age? This guide will help you understand how to manage your retirement income in a tax-efficient manner, so you can make the most out of your hard-earned savings. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4i6KNd7
7 ways to help reduce your taxable incomeSeeing your hard-earned money go towards taxes can be frustrating. However, there are ways you can help reduce your tax burdens and become more tax efficient. ⬇️
AM Best has affirmed Thrivent's A++ (Superior) rating with stable outlook for 2025! 🌟 This demonstrates our continued financial strength and stability and commitment to serving our clients for generations to come.
Rating is based on Thrivent's financial strength and claims-paying ability and does not apply to investment product performance.
Ribbon cutting event tonight! So excited to share our new space and how we serve our members and community. Actual ribbon cutting at 4pm but come and go and enjoy food and drinks till 6pm. 1550 E Beltline SE
No products will be sold.
What a night. ❄️💙
I had the privilege of taking part in the Covenant House Sleep Out, and I’m still reflecting on just how powerful the experience was. Spending one night outside is only a glimpse of what so many young people face every day — but it truly opens your eyes.
What stood out most wasn’t just the cold, but the courage and hope of the young adults who shared their stories. Many faced homelessness at incredibly young ages, yet through Covenant House’s care, compassion, and programs, they’ve found safety, opportunity, and a path forward.
Over the past seven years, Covenant House has been able to serve and support more than 600 youth — giving them stability, love, and the tools to rebuild their lives. Sadly, youth homelessness continues to rise, which makes this mission more important than ever.
I’m also grateful to have been able to sponsor the event and use one of my Thrivent Action Teams to help fulfill Covenant House’s Christmas Wish List — purchasing new winter boots, socks, hats, gloves, and jackets for youth in need this season.
The Covenant House team is doing incredible, faith-driven work — meeting people right where they are and helping them rediscover their worth and purpose. I’m so thankful to have witnessed firsthand the hope they bring to our community.
If you’d like to join in supporting this life-changing mission, I’ve shared a donation link in the comments. The campaign is already 60% of the way to their goal, and donations will remain open through the end of the year — every bit helps bring warmth, hope, and a future to young adults who need it most. 🙏✨
#CovenantHouse #SleepOut #FaithInAction #ThriventActionTeam #EndYouthHomelessness #HopeLivesHere
What an amazing evening and night, hearing the stories of those who lived through it and seeing community really together. Goodnight y’all. May God bless those who struggle with shelter and basic necessities. May he bless the work of Covenant house. There’s still time to donate if you feel inclined. https://www.sleepout.org/participants/Andrew-Cousino?referrer=mf%3A62681%3Ayou-page&language=en #CovenantHouseGR #unconditionallove #hope #safety
Sequence of returns risk: What it means for your retirementThe market can shift at any time, and big drops early in retirement could affect your savings. The right approach can help keep your savings resilient. Check out this article, then reach out to talk through ways to help protect your savings.👇
While spontaneous giving can be meaningful, a strategic approach can help you amplify your generosity, minimize your tax burden and give with greater purpose.
Consider these charitable giving strategies: https://bit.ly/3IZ1x9f
If giving is on your heart this holiday season, a meaningful strategy can help you make the most of your generosity. From tax-efficient donations to legacy gifts, the right approach can align your giving with both your values and your financial goals.
Get in touch to discuss which strategy may be right for you.
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