Skip to main content
  • Thrivent.com
  • MyThrivent
  • Broker Check
Thrivent logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Solutions
  • Insights
Contact Me
  • Home
  • About
  • Solutions
  • Insights
  • Contact Me
  • Thrivent.com
  • MyThrivent
  • Broker Check

Insights

I've got valuable information and resources to share. Explore away! And check back often.

Image Read Post

If you're a small business owner, you have more retirement savings options than almost anyone else. Strategically lowering your tax bill through the right plan can have a big impact on your overall financial picture. From simple, low-cost options like SEP and SIMPLE IRAs to Solo 401(k)s with contribution limits up to $70,000, there’s a strategy that can fit your business and goals. Every business is unique- figuring out the right plan is the first step. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

If you're a small business owner, you have more retirement savings options than almost anyone else. Strategically lowering your tax bill through the right plan can have a big impact on your overall financial picture. From simple, low-cost options like SEP and SIMPLE IRAs to Solo 401(k)s with contribution limits up to $70,000, there’s a strategy that can fit your business and goals. Every business is unique- figuring out the right plan is the first step. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

Image Read Post

Just because you’re approved for a mortgage doesn’t mean you can afford it. If your monthly housing costs are keeping you from saving for the future, you might have too much house. A good rule of thumb: Keep your principal, interest, taxes, and insurance under 25% of your gross income. That way, your home fits into your life- not the other way around. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

Just because you’re approved for a mortgage doesn’t mean you can afford it. If your monthly housing costs are keeping you from saving for the future, you might have too much house. A good rule of thumb: Keep your principal, interest, taxes, and insurance under 25% of your gross income. That way, your home fits into your life- not the other way around. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

Image Read Post

If you have an IRA, you need to check how it’s invested. A Vanguard study found that 28% of people who rolled over retirement accounts had them sitting in cash—even a year later. Most assume the money is automatically invested, but that’s not always the case. Here’s how costly that can be: A 30-year-old with a $50,000 IRA If invested properly at 8% annually: $739,000 at age 65 If left in cash earning 3%: $141,000 at age 65 That’s nearly a $600,000 difference just from one oversight. Hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes. May not be representative of actual results. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. See https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/articles/sticky-ira-cash-trap.html and thrivent.com/social for more information.

If you have an IRA, you need to check how it’s invested. A Vanguard study found that 28% of people who rolled over retirement accounts had them sitting in cash—even a year later. Most assume the money is automatically invested, but that’s not always the case. Here’s how costly that can be: A 30-year-old with a $50,000 IRA If invested properly at 8% annually: $739,000 at age 65 If left in cash earning 3%: $141,000 at age 65 That’s nearly a $600,000 difference just from one oversight. Hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes. May not be representative of actual results. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. See https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/articles/sticky-ira-cash-trap.html and thrivent.com/social for more information.

Image Read Post

Studies show that market losses feel about 2.5x more painful than gains feel good. It's easy to focus on those losses, especially when markets get choppy like they have been recently. But short-term volatility is a feature of investing, not a flaw. Rather than reacting based on fear or gut instinct, it’s almost always better to zoom out and stick to your long-term plan. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

Studies show that market losses feel about 2.5x more painful than gains feel good. It's easy to focus on those losses, especially when markets get choppy like they have been recently. But short-term volatility is a feature of investing, not a flaw. Rather than reacting based on fear or gut instinct, it’s almost always better to zoom out and stick to your long-term plan. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

Image Read Post

Here’s how much just one year of maxing out a Roth IRA could grow based on your age: Age 20: ~$223,000 Age 25: ~$152,000 Age 35: ~$70,000 Age 45: ~$32,000 Age 55: ~$15,000 A single year of investing can have a huge long-term impact. Consistent contributions and starting early are great indicators of success! Assumptions: $7,000 contribution (2024 max for those under 50) 8% average annual return Grows until age 65 See thrivent.com/social for more information. Hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes. May not be representative of actual results.

Here’s how much just one year of maxing out a Roth IRA could grow based on your age: Age 20: ~$223,000 Age 25: ~$152,000 Age 35: ~$70,000 Age 45: ~$32,000 Age 55: ~$15,000 A single year of investing can have a huge long-term impact. Consistent contributions and starting early are great indicators of success! Assumptions: $7,000 contribution (2024 max for those under 50) 8% average annual return Grows until age 65 See thrivent.com/social for more information. Hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes. May not be representative of actual results.

Image Read Post

With markets down 8%+ over the last month, I’ve heard, 'I need to move to cash/gold' and 'this time is different.' Market corrections aren’t an "if"—they're a "when." They are a normal part of investing, but time and time again, those who stay the course come out ahead. Selling during downturns often locks in losses and makes it harder to recover. Instead of fearing volatility, view it as an opportunity. Market declines allow you to buy quality investments at a discount, setting yourself up for long-term growth. The key is having a plan and sticking to it. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

With markets down 8%+ over the last month, I’ve heard, 'I need to move to cash/gold' and 'this time is different.' Market corrections aren’t an "if"—they're a "when." They are a normal part of investing, but time and time again, those who stay the course come out ahead. Selling during downturns often locks in losses and makes it harder to recover. Instead of fearing volatility, view it as an opportunity. Market declines allow you to buy quality investments at a discount, setting yourself up for long-term growth. The key is having a plan and sticking to it. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

Image Read Post
Image

No matter your tax bracket, there are steps you can take now to help minimize the taxes you'll owe in retirement. If taxes are a topic you avoid, this event is for you. This is my favorite (free!) workshop of the year, Keeping the Tax Man Away with expert Debbie Taylor on March 11 & 13. Learn more and sign up: https://tinyurl.com/DebbieTaylorVirtual2025 No products will be sold. Speaker is not affiliated with Thrivent. Views are their own. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

Image

No matter your tax bracket, there are steps you can take now to help minimize the taxes you'll owe in retirement. If taxes are a topic you avoid, this event is for you. This is my favorite (free!) workshop of the year, Keeping the Tax Man Away with expert Debbie Taylor on March 11 & 13. Learn more and sign up: https://tinyurl.com/DebbieTaylorVirtual2025 No products will be sold. Speaker is not affiliated with Thrivent. Views are their own. See thrivent.com/social for more information.

Image Read Post

Everyone who goes to graduate school and takes on significant debt needs a clear payoff plan. Far too often, we see people making little progress even after 10+ years of payments—costing them tens of thousands in unnecessary interest. Having a plan from the start helps you: ✔️ Keep lifestyle inflation in check as your income grows ✔️ Gain financial clarity knowing exactly when your debt will be gone ✔️ Free up future cash flow to invest and build wealth If you’re not sure where to start, now is the time to put a strategy in place! See thrivent .com/social for more information.

Everyone who goes to graduate school and takes on significant debt needs a clear payoff plan. Far too often, we see people making little progress even after 10+ years of payments—costing them tens of thousands in unnecessary interest. Having a plan from the start helps you: ✔️ Keep lifestyle inflation in check as your income grows ✔️ Gain financial clarity knowing exactly when your debt will be gone ✔️ Free up future cash flow to invest and build wealth If you’re not sure where to start, now is the time to put a strategy in place! See thrivent .com/social for more information.

Image Read Post

As businesses grow, owners often start thinking about retirement savings—not just for themselves, but for their employees too. While a 401(k) is the most common option, it’s easy to assume it’s always the best fit. However, for many small businesses, other retirement plans might be more cost-effective, easier to manage, or better aligned with your goals. Options like SEP IRAs or SIMPLE IRAs can offer great benefits without the administrative complexity of a traditional 401(k). Choosing the right plan depends on a few key factors: - The size of your team and the mix of full-time vs. part-time employees - Your company’s available cash flow - Your long-term business and retirement goals If you’re unsure which option is right for your business, I’d be happy to help you sort through the details. See thrivent .com/social for more information.

As businesses grow, owners often start thinking about retirement savings—not just for themselves, but for their employees too. While a 401(k) is the most common option, it’s easy to assume it’s always the best fit. However, for many small businesses, other retirement plans might be more cost-effective, easier to manage, or better aligned with your goals. Options like SEP IRAs or SIMPLE IRAs can offer great benefits without the administrative complexity of a traditional 401(k). Choosing the right plan depends on a few key factors: - The size of your team and the mix of full-time vs. part-time employees - Your company’s available cash flow - Your long-term business and retirement goals If you’re unsure which option is right for your business, I’d be happy to help you sort through the details. See thrivent .com/social for more information.

Image Read Post

Is one of your goals this year to start saving for your child’s college education? If you’re in Illinois, opening a 529 plan is a great way to get started—and the state even offers $50 in seed money just for opening an account! Starting early not only allows for the most potential growth, but the 529 plan also offers flexibility. If the funds aren’t used for education, they can now be rolled into a Roth IRA for your child’s future. It’s a simple and effective way to invest in your child’s future. https://brightstart.com/firststeps/ See thrivent .com/social for more information

Is one of your goals this year to start saving for your child’s college education? If you’re in Illinois, opening a 529 plan is a great way to get started—and the state even offers $50 in seed money just for opening an account! Starting early not only allows for the most potential growth, but the 529 plan also offers flexibility. If the funds aren’t used for education, they can now be rolled into a Roth IRA for your child’s future. It’s a simple and effective way to invest in your child’s future. https://brightstart.com/firststeps/ See thrivent .com/social for more information

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.

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management, Inc. thrivent.com/privacy-and-security/disclosures.

Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s Broker Check for more information about our financial advisors.

Designations

For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Thrivent logo

Copyright: © 2025 Thrivent. All rights reserved.