News and Insights
Heading somewhere this summer?
Travel in 2026 comes with a few more moving parts than it used to. From longer TSA lines to shifting international advisories, U.S. travelers are navigating a more complex landscape this year.
Broadridge put together a helpful overview covering what to watch for — from airport disruptions and rising airfare to geopolitical considerations and how to prepare before you leave the country.
A few quick tips from the article:
- Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights, three for international
- Check the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories before any international trip
- Sign up for fare alerts and consider midweek travel to manage costs
- Download the MyTSA app for real-time security wait times
Check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/4eA3ZQG
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
What’s the new expectation for Federal interest rate cuts? Hear Thrivent’s Chief Investment Strategist Steve Lowe share his predictions: https://bit.ly/4cw8MQF
Tax refund season is here, and this year's average refund is running higher than it was last year.
If a refund is coming your way, it's worth pausing before it disappears into everyday spending. A few smart moves at the right time may stretch that money further than you'd expect.
This article covers three options worth thinking about: building savings, reducing debt, and giving in a way that may go twice as far. There's also a good reminder about withholding that often gets overlooked.
Check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/4sKUEJk
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Ongoing conflict with Iran has pushed oil and gas prices higher, which can affect everyday costs like fuel and travel. Markets have been volatile, but history shows that reactions to global events are often temporary. The U.S. economy remains resilient, and energy disruptions tend to ease over time. For long‑term investors, staying focused on a well‑diversified plan is often the steadier path forward.
Check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/3NDMUuj
While diversification can help reduce market risk, it does not eliminate it. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
For the 15th consecutive year, Thrivent has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. It’s an honor to work for an organization that’s committed to serving its clients, its workforce and its community with integrity.
Learn more about this recognition: https://bit.ly/4cVuu2j
International equities outperformed U.S. markets, the dollar weakened, and key economic indicators held firm. Catch all the insights in this month’s market update. ⬇️
http://bit.ly/4tJEmCe
If you’re looking for simple ways to help reduce your taxable income, you may have more options than you realize. These 7 strategies can help you become more tax efficient over time. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3KB47mJ
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
Want to know which two key economic indicators Thrivent’s Chief Financial & Investment Officer, David Royal, will be watching in 2026? Hear his thoughts: https://bit.ly/4qryL1x
Hear Thrivent investment leaders predict how the remainder of 2025 will play out as markets continue to navigate uncertainty. They discuss important economic factors, including the employment picture, Fed rate cuts, the influence of AI, signs of life in the housing market, a “grumpy” yet resilient consumer and more.
Watch the conversation: https://bit.ly/3Jemn4t
Thrivent raised more than $1 million for three nonprofits helping with disaster relief efforts in Texas after the July 4 flooding. Thank you clients and friends for continuing to make the most of all you’ve been given!
Great news! Thrivent is maintaining its strong financial ratings from Moody’s Ratings, reflecting our ongoing financial strength and stability. These ratings reflect our excellent financial profile, business fundamentals and performance. Proud to be part of an organization that is financially strong and committed to serving clients for the long-term!
Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.
The power of a legacy box
Oftentimes, people think that once they get a living trust, their estate plan is complete. However, there’s another step that people can take to help ensure everything is in one place if something happens to them.
We recommend creating a legacy box to organize and store critical information for your loved ones. By including key documents, instructions and especially a heartfelt message, a legacy box makes it easier for your family to handle important matters during a difficult time and ensures your wishes are followed.
What to include in your legacy box
• Financial information: A list of accounts (bank, retirement, investments, etc.) and recent statements.
• Insurance policies: Life, health, home, auto and any other relevant insurance details, including policy numbers and provider contacts.
• Legal documents: A copy of your will or trust, power of attorney, advance directive and property deeds or titles.
• Funeral instructions: Written preferences for your funeral or memorial service, burial or cremation wishes and any prepaid arrangements.
• Digital information: Passwords for online accounts or access to a password manager. Include instructions for managing or closing social media and email accounts.
• Professional contacts: Contact information for Clarity Financial Planning Group, your attorney, your accountant and any other professionals involved in your estate or financial matters.
• Family and medical information: Contact details for family members, birth and marriage certificates, and relevant medical history.
• Sentimental items: Letters to loved ones, family photos and other written traditions or memories you want to share.
Helpful tips
• Keep it secure: Store your legacy box in a fireproof safe or secure digital vault and ensure someone trusted knows how to access it.
• Review and update: Revisit the contents of your legacy box annually to ensure everything remains current.
• Communicate: Let your family know the legacy box exists and its purpose to avoid confusion.
By completing this step, you’re giving your loved ones a gift of clarity and guidance while leaving a meaningful legacy.
Why write love letters?
It’s an opportunity to express your love, share your hopes for their future, and convey your values and
memories in a way your loved ones can cherish forever. Unlike legal documents or instructions, love letters are
deeply personal and timeless—something they can return to for comfort, encouragement and a reminder of your bond. You might share lessons you’ve learned, favorite memories you’ve created together or simply tell them how much they mean to you. Our clients have shared that they find these letters to be among the most treasured items left behind by a loved one.
One of the greatest gifts we can leave our loved ones is clarity about our wishes, values and the legacy we want to pass on. Part of this preparation includes introducing our team to your beneficiaries and loved ones ahead of time. By building relationships now, we can help ensure a smoother, more thoughtful transition when the time comes. If there’s someone in your life who would benefit from a conversation with us, we’d love to be introduced while there’s time to plan with purpose and intention.
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Happy to share Thrivent has been named to the Fortune 500 list in 2025 for the 31st consecutive year! Honored to be part of an organization with a legacy of financial strength and stability, guided by purpose and good stewardship.
How do trusted contacts work?
💡Financial tip: Adding a trusted contact to your accounts is a smart safeguard—especially as life gets more complex. Our team at Clarity Financial Planning Group recommends this simple step to help protect against fraud and ensure your financial well-being. Learn how trusted contacts work and why it’s worth considering: https://www.thrivent.com/insights/financial-planning/how-do-trusted-contacts-work See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.