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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Sometimes, people attempt good financial strategies but execute them incorrectly, which can lead to costly mistakes. Recently, I saw a case where someone unintentionally paid an extra $20,000 in taxes while trying to be more tax-efficient. They didn’t realize that converting their entire IRA to a Roth IRA in one year would trigger a large tax bill and push them into a higher tax bracket. Tax planning is complex, and it’s easy to overlook details that can have a big impact. If you're considering strategies like this, it’s always worth getting guidance beforehand to avoid surprises. A little planning can go a long way in protecting your finances. See thrivent .com/social for more information.

Sometimes, people attempt good financial strategies but execute them incorrectly, which can lead to costly mistakes. Recently, I saw a case where someone unintentionally paid an extra $20,000 in taxes while trying to be more tax-efficient. They didn’t realize that converting their entire IRA to a Roth IRA in one year would trigger a large tax bill and push them into a higher tax bracket. Tax planning is complex, and it’s easy to overlook details that can have a big impact. If you're considering strategies like this, it’s always worth getting guidance beforehand to avoid surprises. A little planning can go a long way in protecting your finances. See thrivent .com/social for more information.

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I often hear from people who try to save money by cutting small expenses each month—making coffee at home, eating out less, skipping the extra guac at Chipotle. While these little changes can add up, the real impact often comes from being intentional with the big financial decisions. Making sure your mortgage, rent, or car payment fits comfortably within your budget has a much bigger effect—and requires less daily effort—than constantly pinching pennies. Focus on aligning those major expenses, and you’ll find your financial foundation is a lot stronger.

I often hear from people who try to save money by cutting small expenses each month—making coffee at home, eating out less, skipping the extra guac at Chipotle. While these little changes can add up, the real impact often comes from being intentional with the big financial decisions. Making sure your mortgage, rent, or car payment fits comfortably within your budget has a much bigger effect—and requires less daily effort—than constantly pinching pennies. Focus on aligning those major expenses, and you’ll find your financial foundation is a lot stronger.

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If you have money sitting in a money market mutual fund or high-yield savings account, this one's for you. With interest rates expected to drop, those returns will likely decrease too. Ask yourself—Is this money for a short-term goal, or something further down the road? If it’s for a mid or long-term goal, now is the perfect time to reassess where it’s invested. See thrivent .com/social for more information.

If you have money sitting in a money market mutual fund or high-yield savings account, this one's for you. With interest rates expected to drop, those returns will likely decrease too. Ask yourself—Is this money for a short-term goal, or something further down the road? If it’s for a mid or long-term goal, now is the perfect time to reassess where it’s invested. See thrivent .com/social for more information.

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Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

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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.

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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.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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