“Why don’t I feel richer, even though I make more than I used to?”
In many cases, the data tells the story: Income has gone up. Net worth is higher. Retirement accounts are growing
But so have: Fixed expenses. Lifestyle creep. Cash sitting idle “just in case”
On paper, things look better. In real life, it still feels tight.
That gap usually isn’t about returns. It’s about how money is allocated and what it’s expected to do.
Progress doesn’t always feel like progress when your plan grows more complex but not more intentional.
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My Team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
The most expensive retirement mistakes usually are not made in retirement; they are usually made in the last working decade.
For 2026, if you are 50 or older, you can put up to $32,500 into many 401(k) or 403(b) plans when you include catch up contributions.
That extra $8,000 of catch up room each year is one of the last levers that can still move the numbers in a meaningful way.
You do not have to jump to the max overnight. But if “I’ll get to it later” has been the plan so far, this is the stretch where even a small increase in contributions can matter more than another year of waiting.
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My team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Roth IRA reminder: you still have time!
You can still make 2025 Roth IRA contributions up until April 15, 2026, as long as you qualify on income and have earned income.
Why it is worth a look: Tax-free withdrawals in retirement can give you a lot more flexibility with future tax brackets. And you can usually add a Roth IRA on top of what you are already doing in a 401(k) or 403(b), up to the annual limit.
If dropping in the full amount at once feels like too much, you can just pick a number and automate a few contributions between now and April. Even 3–4 months of consistent investing is better than another year of “I’ll start later.” 💸
Your future self will thank you for it!
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My team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
The week between years is one of my favorite times to quietly reset before life speeds up again.
Here are a few simple questions I am asking myself heading into 2026:
“I know what my goals are, but what are God’s goals for me this next year?”
“What are God’s goals for my wife and kids this year, and how can I help them achieve them?”
"Where did I feel the most present with my family, and what was different about those moments?"
"If my calendar was a reflection of my values, what would need more space and what would need less?"
"What is one decision I have been avoiding (money or otherwise) that would bring relief if I finally faced it?"
"What is one bill, subscription, or habit I kept paying for that didn’t actually make life better?"
No pressure for a big reinvention. Just a chance to nudge life a little closer to what actually matters.
This season is a reminder of the greatest gift we have ever been given:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace, gratitude, and time with the people you love most.
If your feed is all doom, the economy will look like doom.
If your feed is all hype, the economy will look like a rocket ship.
Your brain does a great job reflecting whatever you keep putting in front of it.
That is why the most important “input” is not the latest headline; it is the process you commit to follow.
Markets will go through optimism, pessimism, and everything in between.
A sound plan is built to live through all three.
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My team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Being face-to-face still matters.
But being in the same zip code doesn’t.
Virtual meetings have completely changed how we serve. We can sit down with entire families, even when they are spread across states, time zones, and busy schedules.
That’s especially important around the holidays or during big life transitions, like a move, when life is full, but decisions still need to be made.
It also means we are not limited to whoever happens to live nearby. We can work with people who share our values and want a long-term relationship, not just a quick transaction.
With my team, that’s the goal: to make it simple to stay connected, keep everyone on the same page, and give families confidence in their plan wherever life takes them next.
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My team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Four pie drives, four cities, and now a little drumroll for the impact you helped create. 🥁🥁🥁
Across all drives, our clients, partners, community members, family and friends helped us:
🥫 Collect over 400 lbs of nonperishable food
🧥 Donate more than 300 jackets and cold‑weather clothing items
💵 Raise over $3,000 in donations
These efforts supported Friday Feast, Olympia Union Gospel Mission, Tacoma Rescue Mission, and The Well Outreach, and were made possible through the partnership of Illume, Gig Harbor Group, and Grace Community Covenant Church.
Thank you to everyone who gave or helped to spread the word. We host these pie drives every year and look forward to growing this tradition, inviting more families, friends, and community partners to help us amplify our impact even further next time.
Financial planning is changing. People are less interested in chasing the latest trends, and more focused on finding a plan that actually works for their lives.
Instead of worrying about squeezing out every last bit of growth, most are looking for stability and confidence. That shift means fewer second guesses and less stress with each financial decision.
Having a solid plan in place, plus a team you trust, makes sticking to your goals easier.
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My team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Here are a few photos from this year's Thrivent NPG Symposium in Tennessee.
A big highlight - Ascend was named #1 for Charitable impact growth in 2024. That recognition goes straight to our clients, whose generosity continues to make a real difference in their local communities.
We were grateful for the chance to speak about our collaborative team and took away new ideas from great presentations and conversations with other advisors.
We left feeling inspired to keep raising the bar for our clients and community.
My team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Small changes to tax rules can have a real impact, especially for high earners making catch-up contributions to retirement plans.
If your income is over $145,000, the extra amount you add to your 401(k) now goes into a Roth account instead of the pre-tax option. You pay taxes on those dollars now, but your future withdrawals are tax-free.
A few tips for this season:
➜ If you are maxing out, review your account setup to make sure everything’s set up right
➜ This change might help you avoid higher tax bills down the road
As the year wraps up, taking small steps today keeps your retirement strategy working for the years ahead.
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My team is here to help: thrivent.com/ascend
See disclosures: thrivent.com/social
It’s pie season — and giving season! 🥧🎁
We’re hosting three community pie drives across Western Washington to support local nonprofits doing incredible work this holiday season.
When you register, a pie will be reserved just for you — and your participation helps collect much-needed donations for neighbors in need.
Join us at one of these upcoming Pie Pantry Drives:
Seattle Pie Pantry & Coat Drive – Wednesday, November 19: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pie-pantry-coat-drive-seattle-tickets-1826169906349?aff=oddtdtcreator
Olympia Pie Pantry & Food Drive – Thursday, November 20: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pie-pantry-olympia-food-drive-tickets-1783156391769?aff=oddtdtcreator
Gig Harbor Pie & Pantry Donation Drive– Monday, November 24:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pie-pantry-donation-drive-gig-harbor-tickets-1783163984479?aff=oddtdtcreator
You do not need to be a Thrivent member to participate — all are welcome to join in the generosity!
Click through to find event details and the local nonprofit each drive supports. Together, we can make this season a little sweeter.
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Our team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
No products will be sold.
Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes: Jared and I get to work together every day—not just as partners, but as financial advisors supporting the same clients, side by side.
Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
We’ve found that two perspectives are better than one, whether it’s brainstorming creative strategies or being there when life throws curveballs. It means our clients get more ideas, more support, and more continuity.
But it’s not just us. We’re part of the larger team at Ascend National Wealth Advisors—an entire group of financial professionals who share insights, double-check strategies, and make sure our clients always have someone in their corner.
Collaboration really does make a difference. When your advisory team works together, you get well-rounded advice that’s tailored for real life—not just a single point of view.
Proud to do this work alongside Jared and our whole team at Ascend.
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Learn more: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Ascend National Wealth Advisors, Financial Advisors in Bellevue, WA | Thrivent
Ever notice how life’s biggest decisions often come with more questions than answers? Retirement, career shifts, even relocating—all tend to spark way more uncertainty than we expect. And this is how God works too, isn’t it? He didn’t tell Abraham the whole plan, he just said in Genesis 12, “Go from your land… to the land that I will show you.” What I’ve learned from working with clients (and from my own family) is that momentum builds from small actions, not waiting for total clarity. The best moves aren’t always perfect. Sometimes, picking a next step—booking a meeting, researching a community, or having a candid conversation—creates a ripple effect that opens up new options and confidence. It’s easy to feel stuck looking for “the right answer,” but progress usually means getting started, learning along the way, and adjusting as you go. If you’re in the middle of big changes, trust that imperfect action can be more powerful than perfect planning, and that God will be guiding the way. Reach out anytime if you want to talk through the next step—sometimes a sounding board is all it takes to move forward. . . . My team: thrivent.com/ascend Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Thinking about leaving a meaningful legacy? It’s about more than just money or a will—it’s the values and impact you want to pass on.
One principle we discuss with our clients is the wisdom principle: Never pass wealth without passing wisdom. Wisdom may create wealth but does not guarantee wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 7: 11-12, “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.”
Here’s how to get intentional:
→ Share your “why.” Talk with loved ones about what matters most to you (charity, faith, education, or traditions).
→ Put plans in writing. A simple update to your will or beneficiary forms keeps things clear and prevents confusion later.
→ Involve your family. Invite them into decisions—maybe a family volunteer day or choosing a cause together.
Meaningful legacies don’t happen by accident—they’re built on small, intentional steps today.
What’s one value you hope to pass on?
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My team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Ever wonder why retirement planning feels tough, even when you’re almost there?
It’s more than numbers—our brains tend to freeze up when things feel uncertain, and we don’t know our next steps.
In my experience watching clients retire, it is far more important to be “running to something” instead of “running away from something.”
What is God calling you to next?
Here’s what gets in the way:
→ Ambiguity: Not knowing exact costs or where to start makes us delay.
→ Status quo bias: Sticking with what’s familiar (and not updating old plans).
→ Future discounting: It’s easy to put off retirement prep for “later.”
Quick ways to make progress:
→ Tackle one task—like updating beneficiaries or reviewing Social Security.
→ Test-drive your retirement budget for a month.
→ Picture your ideal retirement—it makes planning real.
Small steps pay off. What’s one action you’re taking for your next chapter?
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My team: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Tanner and his wife Kenya spent their vacation last month ASCENDing Mount Kilimanjaro. Take a look at some moments from their incredible journey!
If you run a business, you know firsthand how unpredictable things can feel lately—tariffs shifting, consumer habits evolving, even supply chains get weird.
I’m connecting with a lot of owners who wonder if now’s the time to invest, hire, or just hold steady.
What I keep coming back to is this: Clarity on your long-term vision matters most.
The headlines will keep changing, but your business’s purpose, values, and next milestones are the compass.
Staying nimble is key—but don’t let uncertainty freeze you up. Sometimes a good plan means adjusting course, not abandoning it.
If you need help thinking through your next steps, I’m here to talk strategy (not just spreadsheets).
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Learn more: thrivent.com/ascend
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
"What Your Business is Worth" - a Business Valuation Workshop
We have a few spots left for What Your Business is Worth | A Business Valuation Workshop, happening Sep 9th at 6:00PM in Charleston. This hands-on session with Tim Lukasik breaks down the basics and benefits of business valuation—giving you essential insights to help you plan and succeed. Enjoy food, meet other entrepreneurs, and walk away with actionable steps for your business journey. Attendance is FREE and open to all business owners—register while spots last! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-your-business-is-worth-a-business-valuation-workshop-tickets-1537282847379?aff=LinkedIn - No products will be sold. Learn more: thrivent.com/ascend Disclosures: thrivent.com/social #Charleston #EntrepreneurGoals #LowcountryBusiness #BusinessGrowth #ValuationWorkshop #Networking
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Pitch for a Purpose event at the Rainiers game! ⚾
Last week was extra meaningful for our team — for the first time, team members from across the nation gathered together here in Washington for our retreat. Ending the week by cheering on the Rainiers together with clients, friends, and colleagues was the perfect way to cap off the trip.
A special thank you to Tracey from Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity for joining us and sharing about the incredible work their organization is doing to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. 🏡 We are proud to share that, through the generosity of our community, Thrivent’s 2-to-1 match, and donor advised funds, we raised $4,077 in support of Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity!
Here’s to more good times, good people, and good causes.💙