Insights
🍂 An Evening of Fall Fun and Great Company 🍂
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to spend an evening with many of the wonderful clients and families who make our work so meaningful at our annual Fall Fun at Eckert's Orchard event.
The evening was filled with all the best parts of fall: barbecue, apple cider, donuts, kettle corn, bonfires, hot dogs, s'mores, and plenty of great conversation. While the younger members of the group enjoyed the bouncing pillow, human hamster wheels, and other activities that reminded the rest of us we're not quite as young as we used to be, my favorite part was simply spending time together and reconnecting with so many familiar faces.
One of the things I value most about this profession is the opportunity to build relationships that extend beyond meetings and financial plans. Events like these provide space to slow down, connect, and enjoy time together as a community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable. I always leave these events feeling grateful for the people I have the privilege of serving.
I hope to see many of you again at our upcoming Holiday Open House as we celebrate another wonderful year together. ❤️
👋 Please Join Me in Welcoming Bryan Baker
I'm excited to share that Bryan Baker has joined the Inspired Wealth Advisors team as an Associate Financial Advisor.
What immediately stood out to me about Bryan is his heart for teaching and helping others grow. Before entering the financial services industry, Bryan earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashland University, and he believes that background translates naturally into helping people navigate one of the most important and least formally taught areas of life: money.
Bryan joins us after spending time as a virtual advisor with Thrivent and seven years with Schwab. Outside of work, he enjoys running, playing guitar, hosting game nights, hiking, traveling with his wife and children, and cheering on the Cleveland Browns. He's also a licensed pastor who enjoys preaching, officiating weddings, and serving his community.
One of the things Bryan shared with me is that he loves helping people prepare for and achieve their goals. That servant mindset, combined with a genuine passion for relationships and education, makes him a wonderful addition to our team.
Bryan, welcome to Inspired Wealth Advisors. I'm excited to see the impact you'll have on our clients, our team, and the communities we serve. 👏🎉
Grateful for the Opportunity to Contribute
This week, a thoughtful thank-you basket arrived at the office following my participation in Thrivent's Senior Leadership Summit (SLS).
The snacks didn't last long. My team quickly turned them into a charcuterie-board lunch, which was a fun reminder that good things are always better when shared.
What meant the most, however, wasn't the basket itself. It was what it represented.
At SLS, I had the opportunity to spend time with many of the leaders, strategists, technologists, and product teams helping shape the future of our organization. I was honored to be invited as a practicing advisor to share how our team is leveraging AI and digital tools, where we're finding success, where challenges still exist, and how technology can help create better experiences for both advisors and clients.
In many of those conversations, I was helping connect two worlds: the teams building innovative solutions and the advisors using those solutions every day to serve families.
One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was seeing how committed these teams are to creating thoughtful tools that help advisors spend less time on administrative work and more time where they create the greatest value: in relationships, conversations, and helping people make important decisions with confidence.
I'm grateful to everyone who invested their time, expertise, and perspectives throughout the week. The conversations challenged me, inspired me, and left me excited about what's ahead.
The future of our profession won't be built by technology alone. It will be built by talented people working together to combine innovation with genuine human connection.
I'm grateful to have had a seat at that table. ❤️
🍎🎃 Tickets Are Now Available for Fall Fun at Eckert's Orchard! 🎃🍎
One of our favorite events of the year is back!
Fall Fun at Eckert's Orchard isn't about presentations or planning conversations. It's about gathering with family and friends, making memories, and enjoying everything that makes this season so special before the holiday rush begins.
Join us Eckert's Orchard in Versailles for an evening filled with playground activities, hayrides, entertainment, food, bonfires, s'mores, fellowship, and even an opportunity to give back through a community service project. For those looking for a little extra excitement, haunted hayrides begin later in the evening. 😱👻
📅 October 17, 2026
🕓 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Eckert's Orchard | Versailles, KY
We'll gather under the Thrivent tent for dinner beginning at 5:00 PM, enjoy bonfires starting at 6:30 PM, and spend the evening together celebrating all things fall.
🎟️ Reserve your spot today:
https://connect.thrivent.com/inspired-wealth-advisors/events/107326
This event is always one of the highlights of our year, and we'd love to spend a fun fall evening with you and your family. ❤️
Excited to Share Something New
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is the relationships I have the privilege of building with clients and their families. Over the years, I've often found that there are stories, community projects, lessons learned, and office updates that never quite make it into a meeting conversation.
That's what inspired our first Inspired Wealth Advisors Newsletter. Inside, you'll find team updates, community impact stories, planning insights, upcoming events, and a few fun surprises along the way. It’s designed to be another touchpoint that helps keep us connected between meetings and gatherings.
This is the first of what I hope will become a new tradition, with both a Spring and Fall newsletter each year.
Read the newsletter here:
https://www.thrivent.com/inspired-wealth-team-newsletter
I'd sincerely appreciate it if you'd take a look and let me know what you think. As with anything new, feedback is one of the best ways to make future editions even better.
Thank you for being part of the IWA family. ❤️
Learning, Growing, and Bringing New Ideas Home
A couple of days away from the office last week left me with a full notebook, a tired brain, and a grateful heart.
I recently attended the Growth Minded Advisors Conference, where I had the opportunity to learn from advisors who are passionate about serving families well and building businesses that make a meaningful difference. One idea kept surfacing throughout the conversations:
People rarely need more information. They need more clarity, confidence, and accountability.
One theme especially stood out: the goal isn't to make planning more complex. The goal is to make complex decisions more understandable. The best advisors aren't necessarily the ones who know the most, but the ones who can help people turn knowledge into action.
I came home with new ideas, fresh perspectives, a few challenged assumptions, and an even stronger commitment to continually improving the experience we create for our clients.
I'm grateful for the conversations, new friendships, and the opportunity to keep learning. Now it's time to put those ideas to work. ❤️
SLS and the Power of Radical Connection
I came home from SLS with pages of notes, a few challenged assumptions, and a renewed appreciation for the power of bringing good people together.
One of my favorite takeaways came from Kim Scott's message on Radical Candor: caring personally while challenging directly. Simple in theory. Much harder in practice. But some of the best conversations I had throughout the week centered on exactly that: how we can communicate with greater honesty, empathy, and courage.
Of course, the learning didn't just happen during the sessions.
It happened over coffee. During networking conversations. While sharing ideas with advisors and leaders from across the country. And yes, even while playing WhirlyBall.
The keynotes were excellent, and the ideas were thought-provoking, but the moments I'll remember most happened between the sessions. The laughter. The meals. The hallway conversations. The chance to be part of a community of people who genuinely care about growing, serving others, and helping those around them succeed.
One theme kept surfacing throughout the week:
People rarely need more information. They need more clarity, confidence, and accountability.
As advisors, it's tempting to think our value comes from having all the answers. But the real magic happens when we help people turn knowledge into action and simplify the complex so they can confidently move forward.
I'm grateful to everyone who shared their experiences, perspectives, successes, lessons learned, and even a few challenges. Some of my biggest insights came from those conversations.
I left energized, encouraged, and reminded that growth happens when we step outside our daily routines and spend time learning with and from one another.
Here's to more candor, more curiosity, more connection, and never stopping the pursuit of getting better. ❤️
618 Reasons to Be Proud of This Community ❤️
When we ask this community to do something good, you never just show up... you overwhelm us with your generosity.
Over the past several weeks, together we collected 618 food items through our Better Together: Food Drive for Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). Every can, box, and bag of food represented someone choosing to help a neighbor they may never meet.
Yesterday, we had the privilege of seeing that generosity in action during our CAP Volunteer Day. Together, we spent three hours sorting and organizing food collected through CAP's Hunger Walk efforts and learning more about the incredible work CAP has been doing in Appalachia for generations.
One quote from a CAP team member especially resonated with us:
"When you think of the children receiving school backpacks, seniors enjoying nutritious food, and families gathering around full tables, know that your service is making a meaningful difference in their lives."
For everyone who donated food, volunteered their time, or helped spread the word, thank you. We are proud to be part of a community that looks for opportunities to share its blessings with others.
A special thank you to Christian Appalachian Project for welcoming us, sharing your story, and providing this volunteer opportunity.
If you'd like to learn more about CAP's mission or discover additional ways to volunteer and support their work, we encourage you to visit their website: www.christianapp.org
Thank you for helping make our community a little stronger, a little kinder, and a little more generous. ❤️
An Evening of Stories, Legacy, and Meaning
Last night, we gathered for Purposeful Legacy, and what an incredible evening it was.
The food was wonderful, but the speaker was even better. We were fortunate to be joined by John Busacker, whose stories, illustrations, and thought-provoking questions helped us explore what it means to leave behind more than a financial legacy. A legacy of character, values, wisdom, faith, and life lessons that continues through the people we love.
One theme that resonated throughout the evening was the importance of finishing strong and intentionally sharing our stories so future generations can learn from them, build on them, and carry them forward.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared a piece of their story. For those who couldn't attend, we hope these photos offer a glimpse into a meaningful evening filled with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and great conversation.
We hope to see you all at our next event. ❤️
Debate: How to Retire Like a Christian - Christianity TodayHonored to Be Part of This Conversation
One of the things I'm most passionate about is helping people see retirement as more than reaching a number. Retirement is a new season of purpose, impact, service, and becoming more fully who God created us to be.
That's why I was grateful for the opportunity to join Christianity Today alongside Arnie Cole and Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr. for a thoughtful discussion on what it means to "retire like a Christian." We explored everything from identity and purpose to stewardship, legacy, health, and the opportunities that come with this next chapter of life.
One thought I shared during the conversation continues to resonate with me:
"I often describe retirement as becoming paycheck optional. But it's not purpose optional."
The conversation left me encouraged and reminded that some of the most important retirement planning questions aren't financial at all. They're questions about purpose, relationships, faith, service, and the kind of legacy we hope to leave behind.
Thank you to Kristy Etheridge and Christianity Today for including me in this meaningful discussion.
📖 Read the full conversation here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/09/debate-retire-like-a-christian/
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Legacy Isn't Just About What You Leave Behind❤️
Most of us hope to pass something meaningful on to the people we love. Not just our possessions, but our values, wisdom, and the things that have shaped our lives.
If that idea resonates with you, don't forget about our upcoming Purposeful Legacy event on September 22. We'll be exploring how to intentionally pass along the lessons, stories, and values that matter most to future generations.
And if you'd like to continue the conversation, we also invite you to join us for Leaving a Thriving Legacy with Eric Bilger on October 7. While Purposeful Legacy focuses on the personal side of legacy, this virtual event will dive deeper into the planning considerations that help support those intentions, including estate planning, beneficiary designations, long-term care, charitable giving, and more.
The October event is also a great option for our friends and family members who live farther away and may not be able to join us in person on September 22.
📅 Leaving a Thriving Legacy with Eric Bilger
💻 Virtual Event
🕛 October 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
Learn more and RSVP here: https://connect.thrivent.com/inspired-wealth-advisors/events/106933
We'd love to have you join us for one—or both—of these meaningful conversations about caring for the people and values that matter most.
❤️ 544 Reasons to Be Grateful... and One Week Left to Help!?!
One of the things we've learned over the years is that whenever we invite this community to do something good, you're quick to respond... and this time you've completely overwhelmed us with your generosity.
Since our last update, donations have been pouring in, and we're excited to share that we've now collected 544 food items through our Better Together: Food Drive benefiting Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). What started as a few cans on an empty table has quickly become a challenge of finding enough room for everything—and figuring out how to fit it all into a photo for our social media friends. 😄📸
We're collecting shelf-stable, unexpired food items through September 22 for Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), and for every item donated, Thrivent and IWA together will donate $1 to CAP.
There's now just one week left to participate before collections close.
✅ Bring a few items to your next meeting
✅ Stop by the office to say hello, enjoy a drink, chocolate, and good company
✅ Bring a few items to an upcoming IWA event
Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Your kindness, generosity, and willingness to care for others are what make this community so special.
Let's fill the shelves and help care for our Appalachian neighbors ❤️
Another Certification in the Team! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Adam on passing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam! 👏
The SIE is one of the first major milestones for those pursuing a career in the financial services industry, and it's an exciting step forward on Adam's professional journey.
Between classes, client service, and helping keep things running smoothly around the office, Adam has been putting in the work behind the scenes. We're proud of his dedication and commitment to learning, and we're excited to see what comes next.
It certainly looks like he's well on his way toward a promising career in the industry.
Congratulations, Adam! We can't wait to see where your hard work takes you next.
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Growth Minded Advisors Conference along with a regional advisory board retreat.
One of the greatest gifts of events like these is the chance to step away from the day-to-day and spend time with leaders who are building exceptional businesses, serving clients well, and sharing ideas generously.
I came home encouraged and energized. Many of the conversations reinforced what we've been building at Inspired Wealth Advisors: investing in people, creating meaningful career paths, strengthening support teams, and continuously improving the client experience. It was also encouraging to collaborate with advisors from across the country and help shape conversations around advisor engagement, community impact, and future initiatives throughout our region.
The best conferences don't simply provide new ideas. They reaffirm what's working, challenge what isn't, and inspire us to think bigger about what is possible.
Grateful for the relationships, the conversations, and the opportunity to help influence what's next.
What will your family remember when you're gone?
When people think about legacy, it's easy to focus on the things we'll leave behind. But for many families, the most meaningful gifts aren't possessions at all. They're the values, stories, lessons, and traditions that continue shaping future generations long after we're gone.
In just two weeks, we'll gather for Purposeful Legacy: How to Share Values and Valuables With the Next Generations. We'll enjoy good food, good company, and a thoughtful conversation about how to intentionally pass along the things that matter most.
📅 September 22
📍 The Manchester, Lexington
If you received an invitation, don't forget to RSVP! Please check your email for event details, and if you have any questions or can't find your invitation, we're happy to help.
We'd love to spend the evening with you exploring what it means to leave a truly purposeful legacy. ❤️
Blast from the Past! 🤸
Before Brittany was helping clients pursue their goals and building the next chapter of IWA, she was spending much of her free time upside down.
Brittany started gymnastics at age 8 and competed in power tumbling and trampoline from ages 9–11. While the bars, beam, and artistic side of gymnastics never became her favorites, she always preferred events where she could put a little more power behind her skills. It seems Brittany has been a bit of a powerhouse from an early age. 💪
Pictured here is Brittany (sitting on the floor directly beneath the word "National") with her gymnastics team during her competitive years. As a member of the Alberta Provincial Team, she traveled to competitions in Winnipeg and Vancouver, competing alongside athletes from across Canada.
Along the way, she learned a few lessons that still serve her well today: work hard, train harder, keep improving, and when life knocks you flat on your face... get back up and keep flipping! 😄
The good news is that Brittany can still do a flip today. The bad news is that these days she prefers a soft landing, which explains why trampoline parks with the kids are much more appealing than gymnastics competitions.
And that's a wrap on our Blast from the Past series! Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with the IWA team.
114 Items and Counting! 🥫
One of the things that never stops amazing me is how quickly a community can come together when given an opportunity to help.
A few weeks ago, our shelves were empty. Today, thanks to the generosity of so many wonderful people, we've collected 114 food items through our Better Together: Food Drive for Christian Appalachian Project (CAP).
That's 114 reminders that small acts of kindness add up. A can here. A box of pasta there. A few items picked up during a grocery trip. On their own they may seem small, but together they're becoming something much bigger.
We're still collecting shelf-stable, unexpired food items through September 22 for Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), and we're incredibly grateful for everyone who has participated so far.
Want to join in?
✅ Bring a few items to your next meeting
✅ Stop by the office to say hello, enjoy a drink, chocolate, and good company
✅ Bring a few items to an upcoming IWA event
Every item makes a difference, and I'm thankful to be part of a community that cares for its neighbors so well.
Let's fill the shelves and help care for our Appalachian neighbors ❤️
Legacy planning doesn't have to be stressful. With the right tools and timely strategies, you can stay true to your vision and help your loved ones feel prepared.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
• The amount you can pass on without federal estate or gift tax is $15 million per person—or $30 million for married couples in 2026. These higher limits give families more flexibility and room to plan for the future.
• Preparing your wealth transfer priorities today can make a meaningful difference. Name beneficiaries, establish a will and consider trusts.
• Gifting can also play a role. Many people give annually to take advantage of the gift tax exclusion—up to $19,000 per person in 2026 without triggering gift tax.
A thoughtful approach can help more of what you’ve built reach the people and causes you care about. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4hpRIzN
Retirement isn't just about making your money last. It's about having the confidence to enjoy the life you've worked so hard to build.
One of the things we enjoy most is helping clients think through questions like, "Am I going to be okay?" and building plans designed to support the retirement they've worked so hard for. Even with a plan in place, though, we believe there's value in hearing new perspectives and ideas.
That's why we're sharing an upcoming virtual workshop: From Savings to Security: Making Your Money Last in Retirement. This workshop is a great opportunity to learn from two respected voices in the retirement planning space and perhaps discover a few new questions or strategies to bring to your next conversation with us.
During this session, David Blanchett and Michael Finke will discuss strategies for turning savings into reliable retirement income, protecting your lifestyle through changing markets, and approaching retirement with greater confidence.
Can't attend live? Register anyway to receive the recording.
👉 RSVP here: https://connect.thrivent.com/inspired-wealth-advisors/events/105879
We hope you'll join us as we explore new ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and continue building confidence for the years ahead.
What a Difference a Few Weeks Can Make! 🥫
When we launched our Better Together: Food Drive, we knew this community had a generous heart. Seeing that generosity in action has been incredibly encouraging. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by with donations so far. 😊)
We're now halfway through our Better Together: Food Drive! Before we had 11 food items. Today, we're up to 82 items collected for Christian Appalachian Project (CAP)! That's 71 additional items added since our last update.
And the impact doesn't stop there. For each donated item, $1 will be provided to CAP, meaning $82 have already be raised.
There's still time to join in before our collection ends on September 22. We're collecting shelf-stable, unexpired food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and other pantry staples.
📦 Bring a few items to your next meeting
☕ Stop by the office, even if you don't have an appointment. We'd love to say hello and share a drink, chocolate, and good company
🎉 Bring donations to an upcoming event, including our September 22 event 👀🤔
Good people doing good. That's what this drive is all about. Together we can make an impact as we help our Appalachian neighbors. Let's fill the shelves! ❤️