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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. - #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. . . . #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. . . . #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. . . . #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? . . . #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. . . . #RetirementPlanning #YearEndPlanning #FinancialPlanning Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

Markets track daily. Progress tracks different. Sure, markets matter. But real impact happens when a family finally has that tough conversation about succession. When a widow feels confident about her next chapter. When a business owner sees their legacy take shape. Markets will market. But transformation happens in the planning room. Fellow advisors: What client moment reminded you why you do this? . . . #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #AscendHigher #Thrivent Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

"But I like keeping my money in cash where it's safe." I hear this sentiment frequently. The hard truth? While your savings account feels secure, inflation is quietly reducing your purchasing power year after year. Think of your money like water - it needs to flow, not stagnate. Yes, we need reserves, but every dollar should have a purpose: ☑️ Your emergency fund (your foundation) ☑️ Near-term needs (taxes, upcoming expenses) ☑️ Future dreams (home, college, travel) ☑️ Long-term growth (investments) Cash provides financial confidence, but too much can actually prevent you from reaching your full potential. Let's make sure your money is working as hard as you do. . . . #FinancialPlanning #WealthBuilding #MoneyManagement Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

The holiday season reminds us that giving is about more than just money—but smart giving strategies can help you do more good. Year-end charitable giving tips to consider: 🔹 Bunch your gifts: combining multiple years of donations could exceed the standard deduction. 🔹 Give appreciated assets: Donating stocks directly to charity can save on capital gains. 🔹 Consider QCDs: If you're 70½+, give directly from your IRA to satisfy RMDs. Want to optimize your giving strategy? Message me to connect with a Charitable Gift Planner for a complimentary consultation. - #CharitableGiving #FinancialPlanning #TaxStrategy Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

Year-end planning tip: Looking to make a charitable impact while reducing your tax burden? If you're 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA might be your most powerful giving tool. Not only does it satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution, but it can help reduce your taxable income. Think of it as strategic stewardship - maximizing your ability to support the causes close to your heart. "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) Time is running out for 2024 QCDs. Let's talk about making your giving count both spiritually and financially. . . . #CharitableGiving #TaxPlanning #YearEndPlanning Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

Have you noticed how retirement advice often sounds the same? Save more, start early, diversify... 🤔 Through my work with clients, I've learned something deeper: successful retirement planning isn't just about following formulas—it's about understanding your unique relationship with both time and money. Think about: • How your values shape your vision of retirement • What 'financial security' truly means to you • Where purpose meets planning in your journey True financial confidence comes from aligning your strategy with your story, not just checking boxes on a standard checklist. What does your ideal retirement look like beyond the numbers? . . . #RetirementRedefined #PurposefulPlanning Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

"How much do I need to retire?" isn't the only question you should be asking. The real key is knowing how to make your money last. Creating a retirement budget sounds restrictive, but it's actually freeing. Here's why: 1. Know your numbers: Understanding your income streams and expenses brings clarity and confidence. 2. Plan for change Healthcare: costs typically rise while other expenses may drop. Plan accordingly. 3. Test drive retirement: Try living on your projected retirement budget now. It reveals gaps before they become problems. The goal isn't just to retire—it's to stay retired. Having a clear spending plan helps make that possible. What's your biggest concern about budgeting for retirement? Let's discuss strategies that work. - #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

Ever notice how some people seem to naturally win with money while others struggle? Here's the truth: It's not about how much you make. It's about what you believe about money. If you're constantly thinking "I'll never get ahead" or "Money is always tight," those thoughts become your reality. But flip the script, and everything changes. "As someone thinks within himself, so he is." (Proverbs 23:7) Your relationship with money reflects your beliefs. Let's build a mindset that aligns with your goals, not your fears. . . . #MoneyMindset #FinancialSuccess #PersonalGrowth Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

"The family fortune will last forever." Here's a sobering reality: • 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation • 90% lose it by the third generation (Source: Williams Group wealth consultancy study*) It's a pattern I see often - wealth built through discipline and hard work, lost through lack of preparation and education. True legacy planning isn't just about passing down money - it's about passing down values, wisdom, and purpose. Let's make sure your family's wealth serves its intended purpose for generations to come. . . . #WealthManagement #LegacyPlanning #FamilyWealth Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

Remember asking your parents what a mortgage was, or why they seemed stressed about bills? 💭 Now here we are, making those same complex financial decisions. But with one difference - we're also teaching the next generation how to think about money. It's fascinating how we shape tomorrow's financial wisdom through: • The money conversations we have (or avoid) • The habits we model daily • The values we demonstrate in our choices Our relationship with money tells a story. What story are we passing on? . . . #FinancialLegacy #MoneyValues #GenerationalWisdom Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

"Just max out your 401k!" "Pay off all debt immediately!" "Buy term and invest the difference!" Sound familiar? The internet is full of cookie-cutter financial advice. While these aren't bad starting points, they miss something crucial: YOUR unique situation. Your financial journey isn't generic. That's why cookie-cutter advice often falls short of getting you where God is calling you to go. True financial guidance means understanding your whole story, not just your numbers. . . . #FinancialPlanning #PersonalizedAdvice #WealthManagement Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

'I just want to make sure I don't outlive my savings.' I hear this concern often from clients nearing retirement. The good news? With thoughtful planning, we can build confidence around: • Creating reliable income streams • Protecting what matters most • Planning for healthcare costs • Leaving a meaningful legacy Remember, retirement planning isn't just about the numbers—it's about creating a future filled with purpose and clarity. Ready to transform retirement concerns into confidence? Let's talk. . . . #RetirementPlanning #FinancialConfidence #PurposefulPlanning Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

"Should I pay off debt or save for retirement?" It's rarely an either/or choice. Here's how to think it through: 1. High-interest: debt Tackle this first—it's eating away at your future savings. 2. Employer match: Don't leave free 401(k) money on the table. 3. Emergency fund: Some cash reserves should come before aggressive debt payoff. 4. Time matters: The earlier you start investing, the more compound growth works in your favor. The right balance looks different for everyone. What matters is having a strategy that fits your situation. . . . #FinancialPlanning #DebtManagement #WealthBuilding Disclosures: thrivent.com/social

Had a powerful conversation with a client last week about market volatility. Instead of jumping straight to portfolio adjustments, we talked about something deeper: What's actually driving their financial decisions? Three insights from our discussion: 1. When your decisions align with your values, market swings feel less threatening 2. True wealth isn't just about accumulation - it's about allocation to what matters most 3. The best financial plans have room for both wisdom AND purpose I've seen this personally: The clients who weather market storms best aren't necessarily the ones with the largest portfolios - they're the ones who are clearest about their 'why.' What drives your biggest financial decisions? . . . #PurposefulPlanning #WealthManagement #CharlestonBusiness Disclosures: thrivent.com/social