Skip to main content
Advisor Image

Gwenn E Branstad

Advisor Image
Gwenn E Branstad
Associate Financial Advisor
.
CFP®, FIC, CLTC®
Tax Efficient Planning
Young Families
Retirement Planning
CONFIDENT . . . EMPOWERED . . . JOYFUL
CONFIDENT . . . EMPOWERED . . . JOYFUL

These are the words most people would love to have come to mind when thinking about (or talking about) their finances and money. This is why I work as a financial professional for Thrivent. Working for a faith-based company like Thrivent gives me the opportunity to align financial conversations with my faith and God’s mission.   The result . . . JOY!

About Gwenn Branstad
About Gwenn Branstad
I began my career as a computer programmer right after graduating from St. Olaf College.  In an 18-year consulting career with IBM Global Services, I honed my project management and strategic planning skills.  In 2004, I realized that these were skills and experiences I could use to help individuals and small businesses as they achieve their financial goals. 
I specialize in helping people be more secure in the areas of:
Establishing strong financial habits – Working with young people in early savings/investment strategies utilizing education, recommendations and simple implementation strategiesRetirement Planning – Mapping retirement needs to provide solid recommendations regarding tax strategies, investment options and withdrawal strategies, and legacy planningHealth Insurance – Specializing in individual health insurance including Medicare, disability income, and long-term care planning.
Financial guidance the way you want it.
Financial guidance the way you want it.

Everyone has a unique story, unique goals, and a personal preference as to what they are looking for when it comes to financial guidance. Although I have a passion and expertise in Financial Planning, I understand that not everyone is looking for that level of financial guidance. That is why I begin with conversation and education to establish a foundation for our working relationship. My practice is structured to offer three different “flavors” of guidance and service allowing you to pick the one or the combination that is right for you.

Understanding Where You Are and Where You Want to Go
Understanding Where You Are and Where You Want to Go

Our initial work together is an investment of time for me and for you. I offer my time in the way of a no-cost consultation because I know it will help you discover where my service and expertise fits in your plans. We will evaluate your current situation and build and navigate a plan that reflects your personal goals. From there, we can identify strategies that best positioned to move forward toward your future with confidence.

You may find that building this picture once is all you need to move forward, or you may want to review and update this picture on a periodic basis. Either approach is good as it meets your needs.

Solutions to help get you there
Solutions to help get you there

Managed Account Program

My managed accounts program can help you get on track and stay on track to your investment goals, leaving more freedom to focus on the other important things in life. By offering investment advice with personalized services, I can help you make investment decisions guided by your priorities.

I offer both discretionary and non-discretionary managed accounts so you can choose how involved you want to be with investment decisions.

Solution Based Strategies

I offer a wide array of solutions-based strategies. You can expect that I will listen to what it is you’re looking for, what is important to you and what you are hoping to achieve. These investment and insurance products are a great option if you already have a financial plan but want to meet a one-off need, or to help form a diversified portfolio of solutions to help you meet larger goals like protecting your future, saving for milestones, taking care of loved ones, and living a life full of meaning.

The First Step is the Most Important
The First Step is the Most Important

If you are concerned that you must have certain things “in place” before you can work with a financial professional, I must encourage you to let go of that perspective. Working together, we can more efficiently and effectively address anything that is keeping you from getting started. Now is that time!

MEETING OPTIONS:
MEETING OPTIONS:

In Person | Virtual – Zoom | Phone

701 Xenia Ave - Suite 550, Golden Valley, MN 55416


To schedule a complimentary consultation, select preferred option below:

In-Person | Zoom | Phone or call 763-746-3132

My qualifications
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
  • Fraternal Insurance Counselor
  • Certification in Long-Term Care®
  • Series 7 - General Securities Representative
My state licenses
  • California(Insurance Lic. #4118485)
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

Insights

Insight image
Now that you know what a financial plan is, the next step is creating one that's tailored to you. Together, we can organize all the pieces of your finances into a financial plan that supports your goals now and in the future. Let's get started. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
September 2026 Market Update: Healthy growth sends stocks to new highs
September 2026 Market Update: Healthy growth sends stocks to new highsMarkets continue to navigate a mix of opportunities and challenges. Strong earnings, AI-driven investment and a resilient labor market supported equities, while higher interest rates remain a key consideration for investors. Learn more in Thrivent's September Market Update. ⬇️
Insight image
We all have plenty of time left…until we don’t. Whether it’s months, years, or decades from now, life can change in an instant — for you, a loved one, or a client. And we all want to avoid a frustrating end-of-life scavenger hunt. There are three options to attend this webinar: Legacy Living: Conversations Worth Having Now Sept. 29 at 11:30 am or 6:30pm CT Sept. 30 at 8:30pm CT Register: tinyurl.com/5xf5wacp No products will be sold. Speakers are not affiliated with Thrivent. Views are their own. See thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures.
Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Building a Life, Not Just a Net Worth image
Building a Life, Not Just a Net WorthMay 14, 2026, 1:00 AM UTC - May 2, 2027, 4:00 AM UTC
Livestream Recording
Unlock a Better Life by Asking the Right QuestionsSahil shares the insights and frameworks that have guided millions toward a healthy, wealthy, and meaningful life. In this recorded presentation, you’ll discover battle-tested principles, tools, and frameworks to help you live your best life—physically, mentally, and financially. Don’t miss this chance to learn from someone on a mission to positively impact one billion lives.No products will be sold 
View all events→
Office location
Office Location
Golden Valley Location
701 Xenia Ave - Suite 550
Golden Valley, MN 55416
Phone763-746-3132Fax866-349-3281Hours
M – F: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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

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.