From education-specific accounts to general savings, different vehicles offer different rules, flexibility and potential tax advantages. The right mix depends on your timeline and goals. If you’re starting to save for college, take a look at this helpful overview of college savings plan options: https://bit.ly/3ZDyXPn
Resist relying on guesswork when understanding a school’s price. Instead, consider the full scope of a selection’s cost, including tuition, housing, meals, books, transportation and personal expenses. Then compare this number against your projected aid and savings to see the real gaps. If the process feels daunting, remember I am here to help. Together, we can review your options and identify the schools that fit best with your unique situation.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
A balanced financial plan keeps long-term security in view while you prepare for near-term education costs. It doesn’t have to be “either/or”—it’s about prioritizing and sequencing. Contact me today if you'd like help mapping your goals and timeline.
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Even modest contributions for college funding can add up over time. Automate what you can and review annually as your goals evolve. To get started, estimate how much you’ll need, then use Thrivent’s college savings calculator to map out your larger journey (see resources below).
➡️ How to estimate college costs: https://bit.ly/4aSQvwf
➡️ College savings calculator: https://bit.ly/3OgMYA3
When comparing colleges, look at net price (after scholarships and grants), not just the published cost. A realistic view helps you right-size savings, aid and any loans. Want help understanding your budget and options? Let's connect.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
2026 IRA contribution deadline: There's still time to maximize your savingsApril 15 is coming up, but you still have time to take action. See all the details on 2025 IRA contributions. ⬇️
Are your retirement savings on track?Schedule a check-in before April 1 to explore options to strengthen your savings and make the most of your retirement years.
Retirement savings by age: What's average & what's recommendedCurious if your retirement savings are on track? Averages can be helpful, but they’re not the whole story. See where you stand and explore tips for retirement savings by age. 👇
You’ll want to understand the difference between grants, work-study and loans. Same goes for how funds are disbursed and what must be accepted or declined. As a rule of thumb, accept only what you need. Let me know if you'd like a quick explanation before responding.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
If you have family members asking for gift ideas or ways to support your kids, consider inviting them to contribute to an education savings account. You could even gamify the experience by setting a goal, sharing the link or instructions, and celebrating progress together.
Wondering which type of plan or account might be best? Check out Thrivent’s guide to college savings plan options: https://bit.ly/4cpXajB
It’s important to remember that FAFSA must be submitted every year you want aid (grants, loans or work study). Mark your calendar well in advance and complete your application as soon as possible—some financial aid is first come, first served. Typically, the applications open on Oct. 1 for the next school year. Check here for dates and application info: https://bit.ly/4kxTLkO
“Aid layering” is a spending strategy that can help you understand which funding sources to prioritize as you pay for college. This strategy suggests spending awards first and reaching for loans last—because a dollar borrowed is a dollar (+interest) that needs to be repaid. Here’s a snapshot of the spending order:
1️⃣ Need-based aid
2️⃣ Merit and other scholarships
3️⃣ 529 plans and savings
4️⃣ Household cash flow
5️⃣ Student loans
You can discover more tips for prioritizing and planning for college costs here: https://bit.ly/4rS1sVv
Are your retirement savings on track?Want to help boost your 2025 tax savings? Let's connect to explore how you can balance your retirement goals with your day-to-day.
Many families are surprised to discover that FAFSA can unlock more than federal aid: some schools and states require it for their programs, like work study or internal scholarships. Applying keeps your options open.
Not sure if you should apply? I'm here to review your financial situation with you before deadlines hit.
For more information on FAFSA: studentaid.gov
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Interest rates are shifting. Understanding the purpose and timeline of your cash can help you decide whether and how to invest it for optimal returns. Ask yourself two questions. ⬇️
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Chad A Reisner, in Chaska MN | Thrivent🌷 Spring Is Almost Here — And It’s a Season for Fresh Starts
Longer days. Warmer air. A little more motivation to get outside and enjoy life.
Spring is one of my favorite reminders that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic—sometimes it’s just about resetting routines and enjoying what matters most.
So I’m curious 👇
What’s your favorite spring activity?
• Getting back outside for walks or runs
• Yard work or gardening
• Opening windows and decluttering
• Spring sports or activities with the kids
• Weekend trips or time at the lake
• Something else?
Drop your favorite below ⬇️
(And feel free to borrow ideas from the comments!)
https://connect.thrivent.com/chad-reisner
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Thrivent Social Media Privacy Policy, Guidelines, Disclosures & Disclaimers💡 A Simple Truth About Money Most People Learn Too Late
Good financial decisions are rarely about timing
They’re about consistency, clarity, and behavior.
Markets will move.
Interest rates will change.
Headlines will always sound urgent.
But long‑term progress usually comes from doing a few things well:
• Living within a plan, not a headline
• Saving and investing consistently over time
• Reviewing goals when life changes—not when emotions spike
• Understanding risk instead of reacting to it
The biggest financial mistakes I see aren’t caused by lack of intelligence—they’re caused by stress, uncertainty, and rushed decisions.
Having a clear plan doesn’t eliminate uncertainty.
It helps you make decisions in spite of it.
If you haven’t reviewed your financial strategy recently, that conversation can be more valuable than the latest market update.
Educational purposes only. Not investment advice.
https://connect.thrivent.com/chad-reisner
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
Looking to build a new career and new relationships? When you join Thrivent’s Virtual Advice Team as a virtual financial advisor, you can do both while helping clients across the country pursue their financial goals. See how this role can be a starting point for a successful financial professional career: thriventcareers.com/4qbKQH6
Thrivent Social Media Privacy Policy, Guidelines, Disclosures & Disclaimers📉📈 Feeling the Market Whiplash? Here’s What Volatility Really Means
Market headlines in early 2026 have been full of talk about inflation, interest rates, and volatility. When markets move quickly, it’s easy to feel like something is “wrong.”
Here’s the important part many people miss:
Volatility is normal—and expected.
Periods of uncertainty often come from:
• Changing interest‑rate expectations
• Ongoing inflation pressures
• Shifts in economic policy and global events
What matters most isn’t predicting the next move—it’s how your financial plan is built to handle different environments.
A few education reminders:
✔️ Short‑term market swings don’t always reflect long‑term outcomes
✔️ Diversification is designed to help manage risk, not eliminate it
✔️ A plan should be reviewed regularly—but not rewritten every time the market reacts
Market uncertainty can feel uncomfortable, but it can also be a good moment to step back, review goals, and make sure decisions are driven by strategy—not emotion.
If you’ve been wondering how today’s headlines connect to your own financial picture, that’s a worthwhile conversation to have.
Educational purposes only. Not investment advice.
https://connect.thrivent.com/chad-reisner
Disclosures: thrivent.com/social
