A few weeks ago, Thrivent announced a partnership with the Green Bay Packers as their official financial services partner. Pretty cool considering both organizations have deep Wisconsin roots and a strong commitment to their communities.
As a Wisconsin native (Diehard packers fan) living in Southern California, not much gets me more excited than seeing the Packers and the company I am thankful to be a part of in the same headline!
Football season can't come soon enough.
💚💛
GO PACK GO
#TeamThrivent #GoPackGo #GreenBayPackers
Big life changes like having a baby, buying a home and getting a pay raise can all impact your income protection needs. As your life evolves, it may be worth revisiting your disability income insurance coverage to make sure it’s keeping up with your priorities. More here: https://bit.ly/449rrOd
Throwback…
Long before I ever dreamed of moving from Wisconsin to Southern California or becoming a financial advisor, I had a very different vision for my life.
I wanted to be a famous actor or Broadway performer.
(This is especially funny considering I couldn’t sing then… and still can’t now, despite a brief attempt at voice lessons as a kid.)
In my head, I was moving to New York, seeing my name in big, bright lights, and making it happen!!
That memory came back to me recently after my family resurfaced a now well over a decade old story in our group chat.
When I was 11, I auditioned for our local PBS Wisconsin annual auction. I grew up watching it every year, and as soon as I was old enough, I went for it. I ended up on live TV reading off auction items from the Q board.
There’s also a video clip my family saved. Right after my first round, before the camera pans away, you can clearly see me take a huge exhale of relief.
To be fair, I was by far the youngest one up there. But looking back, what stands out isn’t the initial nerves. It’s that I went after something I wanted without overthinking it.
That’s a part of myself I try to tap into often.
This brought a smile to my face as I was reminded of a forgotten memory….
It’s funny how much our dreams evolve over time. But moments like this remind me that the core of who we are, our inner child willing to dream big and go for it, is something we should all hold onto.
Investing in volatile markets: Smart strategies for confident investingMarket fluctuation is normal. Understanding your risk tolerance and sticking to a long-term plan can help you navigate uncertainty. Discover smart strategies to stay on course no matter what the market does next.
Last week, we hosted a watch party at Orange Hill for Thrivent’s national webinar, Thriving in Your Golden Years and it was one of those conversations that sticks with you.
Between the incredible views and a room full of thoughtful conversations, one theme kept coming up: Retirement planning is more than just “having enough.”
Some of the biggest questions we explored were simple, but incredibly important:
How will I create reliable income?
How do I make sure my assets are working efficiently?
What should I be thinking about when it comes to estate planning?
How can I be more tax-conscious in the way I save, invest, and give?
What role can charitable giving play in the legacy I want to leave?
Retirement planning can feel overwhelming because there are so many moving pieces income, taxes, health care, family, legacy, generosity, and market uncertainty.
But when you start breaking those pieces down, the conversation becomes much more approachable.
It often includes areas that are easy to overlook until they matter most, from evolving legislation and Social Security optimization to ensuring your strategy is tax-efficient not only during accumulation, but through distribution as well.
Because the real value comes from how all of those moving parts work together.
Done well, a plan should support the life you picture for your future not just financially, but practically and intentionally.
If this sparked anything for you, a question, a “what am I missing,” or even just curiosity, I’m always happy to be a resource.
Sometimes the best place to start is simply taking a closer look at the pieces you haven’t revisited in a while.
This is the type of planning my team and I do every day. If you or someone you care about could benefit from creating or reviewing your financial plan, DM me or reach out by text or email and let’s find a time to connect.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
Still thinking about how much I loved this event.
Thrivent hosted a High Tea at the Tea House at Los Rios and it was one of those experiences that just felt so intentional and refreshing.
Getting to slow down, connect with such an amazing group of people, and have real conversations was easily the highlight. We even got to build our own flower bouquets, which made it even more fun and personal.
And the Tea House itself is such a hidden gem… peaceful, beautiful, and full of character.
Definitely one of my favorite spots I’ve been to lately.
Really grateful for moments like this and the people I get to share them with!
May 2026 Market Update: Optimism inflates equitiesThrivent's May Market Update breaks down what’s driving recent volatility, how stocks and bonds are responding, and why staying diversified and focused on fundamentals remains important.
Working tax efficiency into your financial strategyWhen it comes to retirement, a tax-efficient strategy can help preserve more of what you’ve built. Sometimes even small adjustments, like reviewing your withholdings or retirement contributions, can create opportunities. Take a look at 2026 tax brackets and the diversification strategies that may be right for you. ⬇️
What is a multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) & how does it work?Which one of the following tools have you used to help add predictability to your portfolio during periods of market uncertainty?
1. Certificate of deposit (CD)
2. High-yield savings account
3. Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA)
If you’ve never heard of a MYGA before, you’re not alone. Let’s explore what it is and how it might work for you.
36386k
Why having accounts ≠ having a strategy
Financial clarity is often the missing piece. A thoughtful planning process starts by helping people understand what truly matters to them and why certain recommendations make sense. That clarity creates confidence and ensures each step taken is intentionally aligned with personal goals.
Having financial accounts is a starting point, not a strategy. A strategy comes from looking at the full picture and aligning decisions with priorities, timelines, and tradeoffs.
For some people, that may mean laying a simple foundation like building a solid budget and starting retirement contributions, even if it’s $50 a month. For others, it may involve more complex planning such as estate considerations or making intentional, tax‑efficient decisions around how they accumulate and distribute assets in retirement, so their money supports the way they want to live over time.
There is no one‑size‑fits‑all plan. Every person and every family is different. A true strategy connects the right tools to a clear purpose, helping financial decisions feel intentional, coordinated, and aligned with real life goals.
If you’re curious what this kind of planning could look like for you, I’m always happy to have a conversation and be a resource.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
Budgeting 101: Definition, purpose & typesYour budget should work for you, not against you. Align your spending, saving and giving with your values—without guilt or stress. Start building a budget that supports your goals today.
The importance of estate planning: Protecting your people, property & privacyEstate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for everyone. It’s about making sure your assets, no matter their value, go to the people, causes and organizations you care about. Take control of your legacy.
Before heading off to Atlanta for my first BDC, I made a stop in Alabama to visit my dad at his new place. It was really special to spend that time together before a big week, even if the weather caught me off guard. Definitely colder than I expected. A good reminder that no matter where work takes us, slowing down to be with family is always worth it.
Preparing for financial surprises doesn't have to be complicated. Proactive planning can help you stay ahead of market swings and other risks that can impact your financial plan. Learn more about strategies to set you up for long-term success: https://bit.ly/4m32xHO
March 2026 Market Update: Wobbling stocks, stronger bondsMarkets shifted in February, and that matters for how portfolios are positioned today. Thrivent's March Market Update explains what drove stock volatility, why bonds strengthened, and how we’re thinking about risk and diversification moving forward.
A few weeks ago, Thrivent hosted Legacy Living at Il Fornaio. The food and company were wonderful, but what really stayed with me was the reminder of what leaving a legacy truly means.
As financial advisors, we often lean into the tactical side of legacy and estate planning. This includes beneficiary coordination, trust and estate strategies, tax efficiency, distribution planning, and helping ensure transitions are handled thoughtfully for the next generation. That work matters, especially for families navigating grief, change, or the complexities many face today as part of the sandwich generation, caring for aging parents while still supporting children of their own.
But this workshop focused on what exists beyond the paperwork.
A legacy is also about shared memories. Traditions you hope get passed on. Firsts, favorites, inside jokes, and the small details that made someone who they were. I shared about my first car, a 2012 blue Nissan Rogue named Cher (yes, from Clueless), who I still miss to this day. It sounds simple, but those stories are often what people remember most.
Financial planning exists to help ensure the people and causes you care about are supported in the way you intend, efficiently and thoughtfully. It is not always an easy or comfortable conversation, but when handled with care, it allows families the space to truly honor someone’s full story, not just their balance sheet.
If you have been thinking about how you want things to flow one day, or you are currently navigating decisions for parents, children, or both, I am always happy to connect and be a resource.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
8 ways to get serious about paying off student loan debtIs paying off your student loans high up on your priority list? Here are ways to pay off your loans faster, while managing your other financial priorities. ⬇️
Is college getting closer, but your savings aren’t where you’d hoped?
With a clear plan, you can still make meaningful progress. Here are some strategies to help you close the gap and move forward with confidence: https://bit.ly/4lmnVpW
Exciting news! Thrivent has been named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for the first time. Honored to be part of an organization recognized for its innovation, quality of management, financial soundness and commitment to long-term value.
Learn more about this recognition here: https://bit.ly/466lt23
