Financial Advisor
.Women's Markets
Tax Efficient Planning
Young Families
Healthcare Professionals
Retirement Planning
Dependable Financial Guidance for Heroes and Their Families
- My name is Charlene Zielin, and I’m honored to serve as a Thrivent financial professional dedicated to helping people at every stage of life create meaningful and practical financial plans. At Thrivent, we see money not as the destination, but as a powerful tool that can help you live a life filled with purpose, gratitude, and fulfillment. I’m here to help you make the most of all you’ve been given so you can focus on what truly matters most.
- With 29 years of experience as a nurse and healthcare leader, I’ve witnessed firsthand the unique challenges and stresses that come with serving in healthcare, law enforcement, and the military. As the wife of an Army veteran and police sergeant, and a proud mom to two police officer sons, I understand deeply the sacrifices and resilience required by families who dedicate their lives to serving others. That’s why I’m truly passionate about providing peace of mind and trusted financial guidance to healthcare professionals, first responders, and military families.
- My goal is to make financial decisions easier for you by offering clear guidance, educational resources, and practical solutions that fit your individual circumstances. I am deeply committed to supporting the spouses and loved ones—the true supporters behind our community heroes—so they can feel secure and empowered as they navigate their financial paths. It brings me joy to help women, families, and those who serve our nation connect their financial choices to their values and long-term aspirations, instilling both confidence and peace of mind for the road ahead.
- Above all, I am driven to give back in a way that honors the dedication and selflessness of those who serve our communities. I am here to be a trusted partner, standing by your side, guiding you toward financial freedom and a life rich in meaning—so you and your loved ones can thrive.
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative
- Series 66 - Investment Adviser Representative
- Securities Industry Essentials
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
Insights
It’s not too late to strengthen your income strategyIncome, taxes, Social Security and withdrawal decisions all play a role in retirement. Understanding how these factors connect can help you feel more confident about what you can spend—and how long your money may last.
Before required minimum distributions begin, discover how your savings can turn into income to help you make the most of what you've worked hard to build. ⬇️
This past month, I traveled to Arizona to help my mom do something we'd been putting off for a year: inventory my dad's estate.
A year after losing him, it was finally time to go through his belongings, make decisions, and create a plan for what comes next.
My dad was a man of many hobbies. His garage was filled with tools, equipment, collections, and projects. To him, each item had a purpose, a story, and a memory attached to it.
To my mom, it was overwhelming.
She knew these things had value, but she didn't know what they were worth, who would want them, or what to do with them. Together, we spent days sorting, documenting, valuing, and making difficult decisions.
What struck me most was that this process wasn't really about stuff.
It was about grief.
It was about letting go.
It was about helping my mom gain clarity and confidence in her financial future.
As a financial advisor, I have conversations every day about retirement, investments, insurance, and legacy planning. But sitting on the other side of the table reminded me why these conversations matter so much.
None of us likes to think about death. We assume there's more time. We put off the hard conversations and avoid making decisions that feel uncomfortable.
But when a loved one passes away, the lack of a plan doesn't make the grief easier. It often adds stress, confusion, and unnecessary burdens to those already carrying a heavy emotional load.
One of the greatest gifts you can leave your family isn't just financial assets.
It's organization.
It's documentation.
It's making your wishes known.
It's creating a roadmap so your loved ones know where things are, what matters most, and what steps to take when you're no longer here.
My time in Arizona was hard, emotional, and surprisingly therapeutic. It was a reminder that financial planning isn't just about money.
It's about the people we love.
If you've been putting off conversations about your estate, beneficiary designations, wills, powers of attorney, or simply helping your family understand what you own and where it is, consider this your sign to start.
Your future self, and your family, will thank you.
❤️ Have you had to help settle a loved one's estate? What was one lesson you learned from the experience?
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Financial planning for millennials: A comprehensive guideDoes it feel like every financial goal is competing for the same dollars? This guide offers 7 ways to prioritize your money and make progress toward what matters most. ⬇️
Let’s talk about what’s competing for your attention and how we can build a financial plan to address it.
Office location
Otsego Location
9010 Quantrelle Avenue Suite 102
Otsego, MN 55330
Phone763-343-6905HoursOtsego, MN 55330
M – F: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.
Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.
Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.
Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.
Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations