News and Insights
Should you expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates this year? Hear projections from Thrivent’s Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Strategist Steve Lowe: https://bit.ly/4qBuKr2
I Can Only Imagine 2 Movie Event
We are so excited to host a FREE family-friendly movie day at AMC Classic Desert Star 15. We’ll be enjoying a private screening of I Can Only Imagine 2. Each guest will receive a free movie ticket, complimentary popcorn and a free soda. Seats are limited and you must register in advance. Registration closes on February 23rd or when sold out. Please see Eventbrite link for more details and to register You may also call our office to register at 608-768-8825. No products will be sold. We hope to see you there! https://bit.ly/CovenantImagine2
Building an investment portfolio for the first time? Before jumping in, take time to nail down your goals, your timeline and how comfortable you are with risk.
👉 Getting clarity on these basics helps you make more intentional choices—and can lead to stronger long-term outcomes.
If you’d like help understanding your risk tolerance or building a strategy around it, let’s discuss.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Please join us in celebrating Tricia, Customer Service Coordinator here at Covenant Financial Group, who is celebrating her 1-year work Anniversary today. We are so thankful for her dedication and service. Congrats, Tricia!
We are so excited to present to you our first newsletter. This will be a great place to learn what's new and exciting here at the Covenant Financial Group office and events that you can look forward to will also be listed here. We hope you enjoy!
https://www.thrivent.com/library/covenant-financial-group-newsletter
covenant-financial-group-newsletter
We are so excited to present to you our first newsletter. This will be a great place to learn what's new and exciting here at the Covenant Financial Group office and events that you can look forward to will also be listed here. We hope you enjoy! https://www.thrivent.com/library/covenant-financial-group-newsletter
We are very pleased to introduce you to our newest Financial Advisor and team member, Dave Kraus. Dave has been a wonderful addition to our team, and he can't wait to meet all of you, our wonderful clients.
Dave Kraus is originally from Madison and earned his bachelor’s degree from UW–Madison in 2004. His career began in Supply Chain and Logistics in 2006, where he worked for Fortune 100 companies including Kraft, Mondelēz, and Target. Over the next decade, Dave and his wife Brooke relocated five times, raising two children along the way. In 2021, the family settled in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin as Dave joined a privately funded startup, building a cloud-native transportation SaaS product.
In 2025, Dave began his journey with Thrivent, driven by a passion for helping others live with clarity, confidence, and generosity. Drawing on his corporate experience and personal values, Dave specializes in guiding young families and pre-retirees through their financial journey. Providing protection solutions, gaining understanding on retirement strategies, navigating corporate plans, and incorporating tax-efficient approaches as part of holistic planning. For Dave, fulfillment means empowering people to make the most of what they’ve been given, so they can live lives of service and faith and strengthen their communities.
Outside of work, Dave and his family attend Heartland Church of Sun Prairie. He is active in youth sports, coaching and cheering on baseball, softball, volleyball, football, and basketball. He also serves as President of the local Little League Board of Directors. In his free time, Dave enjoys traveling with Brooke, weight training, hiking, cooking, and grilling.
This past week our Covenant Financial Group team got together to celebrate and reflect on 2025 at our Christmas party at Hillsboro Brewing Company. This has been such a wonderful year of growth at our practice, but also growth in our service to our community. We are so blessed to have the team that we do, who truly care about our clients and everyone who walks into our office. May your Christmas season be one of joy, health, peace and love. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you in 2026.
✨ Holiday Hours Reminder ✨
Covenant Financial Group will be closed December 23, 2025 – January 2, 2026, reopening at 8:00 a.m. on January 5, 2026.
Thrivent Home Office closures include 12/25 and 1/1, with early closures on 12/24 (1:00 p.m. CT) and 12/31 (12:00 p.m. CT).
Wishing you a joyful season and a bright, healthy New Year!
A huge thank you to all of our clients who showed up so generously with donations for the Reedsburg Food Pantry. And a big thank you to Busy Bee Bakehouse for providing the adorable pumpkin shaped sourdough loaves and butter candles that we gave out to those who brought in donations. This community is so wonderful! Thank you!
*No products were sold at event
Our Covenant Financial Group team members and family got crafty and festive last night. We decided to check out the Van Ert Christmas Tree Farm's DIY Porch Pot Workshop. This project was SO much fun. We'd highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great group project or some great team bonding. Check out some of the results from the evening, we think they turned out great!
The future may be full of unknowns—but one thing you can prepare for is how you’ll handle long-term care if or when the need arises.
Planning for extended care today gives you more choices tomorrow. It helps protect your finances and independence—while allowing your loved ones to remain care managers, not full-time caregivers.
➡️ If you have any questions or would like to explore your options, let’s schedule time to discuss.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
It’s hard to believe the year is already winding down! While shopping, baking and holiday gatherings may be at the top of your to-do list, don’t forget to carve out time for a year-end financial checkup.
Taking these 6 steps now can help you minimize your taxes, strengthen your savings and start the new year on solid footing.
👉 If you’d like personalized guidance, let’s connect.
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.
November 2025 Market Update: Less data, lower rates, strong stocks
October closed strong, and November is shaping up to be pivotal. AI-driven sectors continue to lead, while Fed rate cuts signal cautious optimism. Want to know what this means for portfolios? Dive into Thrivent's November Market Update for actionable insights.
We are very pleased to introduce you to our newest Financial Advisor and team member, Mike Lopp. Mike has been a wonderful addition to our team, and he can't wait to meet all of you, our wonderful clients.
When asked what led him to pursue this as a career Mike said- “Several years ago, while working together with Joel G. on my financial journey, he planted the seed of becoming a Financial Advisor in my mind. This idea has grown and flourished over the years. Over time, I've come to realize that helping people as a Financial Advisor would be an incredible way to make a positive impact on their lives. My vision is to assist others in building a future where they can live generously, not only for themselves but also for their children, grandchildren, and for the greater good. I believe that CFG is the perfect practice to join in order to bring this hope and vision to life.”
Mike joined the team in 2025 and finds great joy in assisting families, helping them get from where they are to where they desire to be. After a long ministry career in the Reedsburg Area, he is now turning his attention to helping others with the financial services that will serve them, their families and the kingdom of God.
Mike and his wife, Angela, have 4 grown children, and 6 grandchildren and counting. He loves serving in his church, playing basketball, and motorcycling.