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Eric J Werlinger

Advisor Image
Eric J Werlinger
Financial Advisor
.
ChFC®
Part of the Rice Creek Group practice
About Me

Life’s most important financial moments rarely come with a step-by-step manual. Eric guides families and near‑retirees through some of life’s most important financial decisions, especially when timelines are tight and clarity matters most. He specializes in retirement income planning and late‑stage college planning, helping clients move forward with confidence and a sense of reassurance.


With a master’s degree from Bethel University, a bachelor’s from Concordia College, the ChFC® designation, and FINRA Series 7 & 66 licenses, Eric blends advanced training with practical, real‑world insight. His approach focuses on simplifying complex choices and creating strategies that support long‑term financial wellbeing.


Eric's goal is to ensure every client feels informed, prepared, and confident when navigating life’s most important financial choices.


Education & Accomplishments

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

Life & Health Insurance License

FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representative

FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combine State Law

M.A. in Communication – Bethel University

B.A. in Communication – Concordia College

Eagle Scout

 

Community Involvement

Former Congregational Council Member – St Andrew Lutheran Church (Eden Prairie)

Habitat for Humanity – Volunteer

Who I Serve

Families and individuals building their future and seeking a clear plan for savings, retirement income, tax‑efficient strategies, and legacy decisions

Families navigating high‑school‑to‑college transitions, balancing financial aid strategy, 529 usage, and cash‑flow considerations without compromising retirement goals

How I Support Your Goals

Retirement Planning

  • An income map that coordinates with Social Security, required distributions, Roth strategies, and tax aware withdrawals with holistic planning. Portfolio alignment and risk management tailored to spending needs
  • “What‑if” planning for healthcare, long‑term care, and survivorship needs


Late‑stage College Planning

  • FAFSA/CSS timing, merit‑aid positioning, and scholarship gap strategies
  • Develop strategies on how to pay for college based on a comprehensive review of college options and financial aid offers (merit and need based)
My qualifications
  • Masters of Communications Studies/Speech Communicat, Bethel University
  • Bachelors of Communications Studies/Speech Communicat, Concordia College - Moorhead
  • Chartered Financial Consultant®
  • Series 7 - General Securities Representative
My state licenses
  • Arizona
  • California(Insurance Lic. #0K72450)
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington DC
  • Wisconsin

Insights

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Marriage. Divorce. Having a baby. Sending your kid to college. Starting a job. Getting laid off. Major life changes may shift your priorities. That’s why financial planning is so important—it can offer confidence and stability in an unpredictable world. Here’s how to prepare for life’s what-ifs ➡️ https://bit.ly/4prEGmm
2026 Social Security COLA increase: What future retirees should know
2026 Social Security COLA increase: What future retirees should knowYou may have heard that the Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Here’s a little more on what that means.
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Financial planning isn’t just for high earners—it’s for everyday people with goals both big and small. Whether you’re paying down debt, saving for your first home or starting to invest for retirement, a financial plan can help you turn today’s paycheck into tomorrow’s possibilities. 👉 Let’s connect and discuss how we can help no matter where you’re starting from. Together, we can create a financial plan for all that you’d like to accomplish. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Office locations
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