'But the other advisor said...' 🚩
Recently met with a young couple. Previous advice? Put thousands monthly into permanent life insurance because 'Roth IRAs are locked up until 59.5'
Let that sink in.
This is why our profession needs more education-first advisors. The basics matter:
→ Roth IRA contributions ARE accessible before 59.5
→ Spousal IRAs exist for a reason
→ Term life insurance often better serves young families
The hard truth: Every client who gets misguided advice makes our entire profession look bad.
But here's the opportunity: When we lead with education and transparency, we don't just help one family. We elevate the entire industry.
What's the most common misconception you're helping clients unlearn? Share below and let's raise the bar together 📈
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
'I have a good job and I'm making great money... but I feel stuck. Am I crazy to consider a change?'
A recent client conversation revealed something powerful about retirement planning:
→ Financial freedom isn't just about numbers
→ It's about creating options before retirement
→ Sometimes "playing it safe" is the riskiest move
We helped map out:
1. Current vs. desired lifestyle costs
2. Transition timeline that protects savings
3. Investment strategy to support the change
4. 'What if' scenarios for peace of mind
The result? She's now pursuing her dream business with confidence, knowing her finances can handle the shift.
Remember: True wealth is having the freedom to choose. Sometimes that choice comes before retirement.
Planning a career transition? Let's map out your strategy.
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
"I'll just sell my business one day."
If that's your retirement plan, you're not alone. But here's what many entrepreneurs discover too late:
→ Many businesses never sell
→ Those that do often sell for far less than expected
→ The sales process often takes years
Your business is your baby. But it shouldn't be your only retirement plan.
Think of it like diversification:
Your business is already one investment. Your time is already invested there. Your energy is already focused there
Putting all your future financial security there too? That's a lot of eggs in one basket.
True business wisdom means building wealth both in AND outside your business.
What's your Plan B if your business exit doesn't go as planned?
These points are meant to provoke thought, not provide specific advice.
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
'I just inherited an IRA and I'm worried about the tax hit from required distributions.'
A tax challenge that became an opportunity:
→ Created a multi-year distribution strategy
→Coordinated timing with other retirement income
→ Considered current and future tax situations
The result? What started as a tax concern became an opportunity for long-term planning.
Remember: Every inherited IRA situation is unique. Your strategy should align with your specific circumstances and goals.
Managing inherited retirement accounts? Let's explore your options.
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Wildfires across California have caused widespread devastation to homes, businesses and communities. Let’s send a message that help is on the way by volunteering or donating. For every $2 you donate through Thrivent's online giving platform Thrivent will add $1. Thrivent will also pay all the processing fees so 100% will go directly to the cause.
Learn how you can amplify your impact: https://bit.ly/3Wg8iGV
"How do I make sure my spouse is taken care of financially?"
3 documents everyone needs 👇
1. Will
• Names guardians for kids
• Directs asset distribution
• Avoids probate headaches
2. Power of Attorney
• Medical decisions
• Financial control
• Prevents legal limbo
3. Beneficiary Forms
• Override your will
• Check ALL accounts
• Update after life changes
Pro tip: Review these annually. Marriage, divorce, births change everything.
✅ Keep digital copies accessible
❌ Don't assume verbal agreements count
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
'I don't want to pay taxes now on a Roth conversion...'
Interesting. When WOULD you rather pay them? 🤔
Market dips = conversion opportunity
Lower income year = conversion opportunity
Pre-RMD years = conversion opportunity
Current tax rates < future rates = conversion opportunity
See the pattern?
The biggest mistake I'm seeing right now? Waiting for the 'perfect' time to convert.
Think of Roth conversions like dollar cost averaging: Strategic, systematic, and spread across time. Not a one-and-done decision.
The real question isn't "Should I convert?" It's "What's my systematic conversion STRATEGY?"
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
“Is my emergency fund too conservative?”
Let's optimize your cash in 2025 👇
1. Living Expenses (Checking)
• 1 month of bills.
• Quick access for immediate needs.
2. Emergency Fund (High-yield savings)
• 3-6 months of expenses.
• Keep it growing safely
3. Long-term Growth
• Put excess cash to work
• Align with your goals
Pro tip: Review your savings strategy quarterly. Your emergency fund should protect AND grow.
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
'But my 401(k) is maxed out...'
If that's where your retirement tax strategy ends, we need to talk. 🤔
The retirement landscape in 2025 isn't just about contribution limits. It's about tax diversification – creating future flexibility in an uncertain tax environment.
Think of your retirement tax strategy like a chess board, not a checkers game:
→ Roth conversions in lower-income years
→ Strategic HSA optimization (the most overlooked triple-tax advantage)
→ Asset location across accounts
→ Strategic timing of Social Security benefits
The magic? It's not about paying zero taxes. It's about paying taxes on YOUR terms, not Uncle Sam's.
Most sophisticated investors aren't worried about today's tax bill. They're focused on controlling their tax burden over the next 30 years.
What's your take on Roth conversion strategies in the current environment? Let's discuss below 📊
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
With the inauguration approaching, I'm hearing a common question in client meetings:
'What does the new administration mean for my portfolio?'
A timely reminder:
→ Markets have historically grown over the long term, regardless of which party holds the presidency
→ Political shifts are already priced into markets
→ Reacting to headlines often hurts long-term returns
Instead of predicting policy changes, focus on what you can control:
• Review your risk tolerance
• Ensure your portfolio aligns with your goals
• Build cash reserves for near-term needs
• Stay diversified across sectors
Remember: Your financial plan was built for times like these. Let's keep our eyes on your long-term goals, not short-term headlines.
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
'Should I use my bonus to max out my 401(k)?'
Quick framework to decide:
1. High-interest debt? Clear that first
2. Emergency fund solid? (6 months)
3. HSA maxed? Better tax benefits
4. Then 401(k)
Remember: Bonuses are withheld at 22% but taxed at your marginal rate. Strategic 401(k) contributions can help manage your tax bracket.
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional
Open your phone's map app. Type in "Navigate."
What happens? Nothing.
Why? Because even the best navigation system needs to know two things: where you are and where you want to go.
Financial planning works the same way. All those "top 10 money tips" articles? They're like having a GPS that assumes everyone is starting in New York and heading to Los Angeles.
Your financial journey is unique. Your starting point matters. Your destination matters. And most importantly, the purpose God has for your wealth matters.
That's why cookie-cutter financial advice often leads to dead ends. Your path to financial faithfulness deserves a custom roadmap.
My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
That limbo between Christmas and New Year's - when time feels suspended and every day could be Tuesday.
Most will fill this pause with rushed resolutions and aggressive goal-setting. But I'm noticing more people using this week differently: not for planning next year's sprint, but for questioning if they're running in the right direction.
Sometimes the best clarity comes when the world gets quiet enough to hear our own thoughts.
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#IntentionalLiving
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
When it comes to insurance, what's not mentioned can be just as important as what is. 💭
Think about the difference between a shopping list and your pantry. A list names specific items, while your pantry holds everything except what you've run out of.
Insurance works similarly:
• Some policies only cover what's specifically listed
• Others cover everything except what's explicitly excluded
Understanding these differences helps ensure your most important assets are protected in the ways that matter most.
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Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Yes, you might be able to use your Roth IRA as an emergency fund. But should you? 💭
Think of your retirement accounts like seeds you've planted: The longer they grow undisturbed, the better your harvest.
Sometimes what's technically possible isn't what's strategically wise for your long-term financial well-being.
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#RetirementPlanning #FinancialStrategy
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
What do international tariffs mean for your investment strategy? 📊
Think of tariffs as toll roads between countries - when goods cross borders, these 'tolls' can affect everything from consumer prices to company profits to international market performance.
This is why we emphasize portfolio rebalancing - it helps adjust your investment strategy to changing economic conditions, keeping your financial goals on track regardless of global shifts.
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#InvestmentStrategy #FinancialPlanning
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Year-end reminder: Don't let your RMD deadline sneak up on you.
If you're 73 or older, you need to take your Required Minimum Distribution by December 31st. But here's what excites me - this requirement can become an opportunity for impact.
You can:
☑️ Take it as income for your needs
☑️ Give it to family as a legacy gift
☑️ Support your church or charity through a QCD
☑️ Use a combination of these options
December 31st is fast approaching—let's make sure your RMD works as hard for your purposes as you did to save it.
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#RetirementPlanning #YearEndPlanning #Stewardship
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Looking to keep more of what you earn? Smart tax strategies can make a significant difference.
Consider these opportunities:
🔹 Strategic asset location in tax-advantaged accounts
🔹 Tax-loss harvesting in down markets
🔹 Roth conversion planning for long-term tax efficiency
🔹 Municipal bonds for tax-free income potential
The right approach depends on your unique situation. Let's discuss strategies that align with your goals.
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#TaxPlanning #InvestmentStrategy #WealthManagement
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Let's talk about Roth conversions - but not the usual conversation. 🔄
Everyone knows the potential benefits. But timing is everything, and sometimes the best move is no move at all.
It's not just about 'can you do it?' It's about 'should you do it?'
Fellow advisors: What's your biggest consideration when evaluating Roth conversions?
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#WealthManagement #TaxStrategy #FinancialPlanning #Thrivent
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Year-end already? Let's make sure you're heading into 2025 with confidence.
If you're retired (or getting close), here are some key items to check off your list:
☑️ RMDs: At 73+, don't miss this deadline - penalties can be steep
☑️ Estate Documents: Life changes mean it's time to review beneficiaries
☑️ Charitable Giving: Consider QCDs if you're 70½ or older
Don't let these important year-end tasks slip by. A little planning today means more financial confidence tomorrow.
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#RetirementPlanning #YearEndPlanning #FinancialPlanning
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social