About Erica Cantrell

I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and have been with Thrivent for over a decade. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and do work that positively impacts the lives of others. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love helping guide people through the complexities of preparing for retirement. Accumulating wealth and developing a retirement income plan are two very different areas of planning. I specialize in distributing wealth in a tax-efficient manner. I want my clients to have a sense of assurance that they will not outlive their money by developing a plan to help ensure a successful retirement. I am driven by my passion to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around me, and I take great pride in my work. I am also committed to continually developing my skills and expanding my expertise to serve my clients better.

Outside of work, I love staying active and challenging myself—whether that’s through travel or personal growth. My journey has taken me from California to Idaho, where I’m grateful to be closer to my family. I have a deep appreciation for lifelong learning, enjoying personal development books, MasterClasses, and ongoing education.

My passion for staying active started with rowing, a sport that shaped my drive and discipline. I competed in the Women’s 8 for four years in college, typically in seat 7 as a starboard rower. Rowing is the ultimate team sport; no single person can win the race alone—it takes a dedicated team, each playing their part with precision and unity. That same philosophy guides how I lead Clarity Financial Planning Group. Success in financial planning, like rowing, isn’t about speed alone—it’s about alignment, strategy, and moving forward together. Just as a crew must row in perfect harmony to maximize efficiency, our team works together to provide coordinated, strategic guidance to help clients navigate their financial journeys with confidence.

I also love adventure! I'm passionate about exploring the world, both in the U.S. and beyond. I love traveling internationally, experiencing new cultures, and seeing the beauty and diversity of our world firsthand. One of my favorite bucket list adventures was a two-week safari in Kenya, a trip I took after earning my CFP®—it was an unforgettable experience that reminded me of the importance of celebrating big milestones!

I have a deep love for National Parks, and I’ve been lucky to share this adventure with my sister and brother-in-law. Together, we’ve visited several parks, and my goal is to see every National Park in the U.S.!

I believe that growth fuels impact, and the more I challenge myself, the more value I can provide to my clients and my team. That’s why I actively participate in a Leadership book study and a Thrivent women's study group, constantly seeking new insights to enhance my expertise.

Some fun facts about me:

✔ I’m a former competitive rower. I competed in the Women's 8 in college.

✔ My favorite adventure was a two-week safari in Africa after earning my CFP®.

✔ I played competitive badminton in high school and am now starting to play Pickleball.

✔ My favorite hiking spot? The Narrows in Zion National Park.

✔ I love musical theatre and my favorite show is Hamilton.

✔ I value family, relationships, helping others, and meaningful work.

Education and Accomplishments

CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™), a designation granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant®), a designation granted by The American College
CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter®), a designation granted by The American College
CLTC® (Certification in Long-Term Care ®), a designation granted by the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification
BFA™ (Behavioral Financial Advisor ™), a designation granted by Kaplan Financial Education
FIC (Fraternal Insurance Counselor), a designation granted by the Fraternal Field Managers’ Association
FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representative
FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law
Life & Health Insurance License in CA, ID
Bachelor’s Degree: Double Major, Economics & Psychology from Chico State, 2013
I was an original co-founder of the crew team at Chico State and enjoy cheering them on at local regattas
I was featured in Thrivent's national magazine, the Spring 2021 issue, in an article titled "Women & Money"

Clarity Financial Planning Group

We believe that having a great relationship with your team of financial professionals is a key component to a successful financial journey. Through the dedicated financial planning process, we strive to simplify complex concepts and strategies. Educating our clients is important to us because we want to help bring clarity and confidence to your financial picture. We want to help you make financial moves that lead to less stress and a more meaningful and full life.

Our practice includes:

A team approach with financial guidance based on your values and goals.
Multiple financial professionals who specialize in different areas of dedicated financial planning.
A focus on income protection, retirement accumulation and income strategies, wealth management, estate strategies, college planning, tax efficient strategies, and charitable giving strategies.

Meet My Team

Clarity Financial Planning Group

Title: Team Practice
Website: https://connect.thrivent.com/clarity-financial-planning-group