Insights
If you’re interested in understanding what today’s economy could mean for your financial life, watch Thrivent’s recent Q4 Market & Economic Update: https://bit.ly/4eh5DWv
Key takeaways:
☑️ The economy remains solid, but inflation and higher rates still affect consumers.
☑️ AI is reshaping the economy and helping drive recent market growth.
☑️ As change accelerates, stay grounded in your long-term goals.
As a financial advisor, my role is to help you understand what these trends could mean for you, adjust your strategy when needed, and keep your goals in sight. Reach out if you have questions or want to take a fresh look at your approach.
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) can be a smart way to turn a required withdrawal into a meaningful gift.
A QCD allows you to give directly from your IRA to a nonprofit you care about. It can count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD), potentially lower your taxable income and even help manage your future Medicare costs.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/4hmPFKV
Big news: $605 million is going back to Thrivent clients with membership in 2027 in the form of dividends and nonguaranteed policy enhancements. 🎉
Our consistent ability to provide this total payout reflects our company's long-term financial strength and stability.
Delivering value to clients is one of the most tangible ways we fulfill our purpose and member-owned advantage.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4z4ieF3
Dividends are not guaranteed and are exclusively available on eligible Thrivent products. Policy enhancements refer to improvements in nonguaranteed policy features such as future credited rates or fees. These enhancements are not guaranteed in the future.
Scammers have evolved their tactics, and their schemes have become more convincing and a lot harder to recognize. That’s why awareness matters.
Protect yourself by staying up to date on the latest scams: https://bit.ly/492hx4g
A balanced financial plan keeps long-term security in view while you prepare for near-term education costs. It doesn’t have to be “either/or”—it’s about prioritizing and sequencing. Contact me today if you'd like help mapping your goals and timeline.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Thrivent’s recent Market & Economic Update highlighted how major influences like AI, oil and inflation are playing out across the economy. In short: Markets are up, but so is uncertainty—and gains tend to be concentrated. Having a solid long-term financial strategy is usually your best defense.
Watch the full update here: https://bit.ly/3T9oifd
And feel free to reach out to me if you’d like to discuss ways to hone your current mix.
This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the components that can make up your portfolio like stocks, bonds, ETFs and more: https://bit.ly/4xlH3vs
And if you want to talk one-on-one about creating an investment portfolio that fits with your goals and risk tolerance, let’s chat.
Steady growth, stubborn inflation: Q3 2026 market outlookEconomic growth remains solid, but investors continue to face questions around inflation, interest rates and AI-driven market expectations. Explore Thrivent's 2026 Mid-Year Market Outlook for perspective on what may lie ahead. ⬇️
2nd Quarter 2026 Market Outlook: Caution is warranted, but stay the courseMarket volatility may remain elevated—but long term discipline still matters. Thrivent's 2nd Quarter 2026 Market Outlook explores why staying invested, with a more defensive posture, can help investors navigate ongoing uncertainty. ⬇️
“Aid layering” is a spending strategy that can help you understand which funding sources to prioritize as you pay for college. This strategy suggests spending awards first and reaching for loans last—because a dollar borrowed is a dollar (+interest) that needs to be repaid. Here’s a snapshot of the spending order:
1️⃣ Need-based aid
2️⃣ Merit and other scholarships
3️⃣ 529 plans and savings
4️⃣ Household cash flow
5️⃣ Student loans
You can discover more tips for prioritizing and planning for college costs here: https://bit.ly/4rS1sVv
Maximizing your Social Security benefits is a crucial part of securing your retirement. By planning ahead and using key strategies, you can optimize your benefits and enhance your financial future. Start making informed decisions now for a more comfortable retirement tomorrow: https://bit.ly/44bxQcX
From education-specific accounts to general savings, different vehicles offer different rules, flexibility and potential tax advantages. The right mix depends on your timeline and goals. If you’re starting to save for college, take a look at this helpful overview of college savings plan options: https://bit.ly/3ZDyXPn
1st Quarter 2026 Market Review: Geopolitics takes center stageQ1 reminded investors that markets don’t move in straight lines. Thrivent's Q1 2026 Market Review highlights increased volatility in stocks, growth in small-cap and value stocks and that bonds faced pressure as yields moved higher.
What are common mistakes people make when investing?
1️⃣ Lacking diversification
2️⃣ Trying to time the market
3️⃣ Investing with your emotions
4️⃣ Ignoring fees and taxes
For more mistakes to watch out for and smart strategies to consider: https://bit.ly/4cpFT8s
How to start investing with little moneyYou don’t need a fortune to start investing—just a plan. Even small, consistent investments can grow into something big over time. The key? Getting started. ⬇️
If you have family members asking for gift ideas or ways to support your kids, consider inviting them to contribute to an education savings account. You could even gamify the experience by setting a goal, sharing the link or instructions, and celebrating progress together.
Wondering which type of plan or account might be best? Check out Thrivent’s guide to college savings plan options: https://bit.ly/4cpXajB
2026 IRA contribution deadline: There's still time to maximize your savingsApril 15 is coming up, but you still have time to take action. See all the details on 2025 IRA contributions. ⬇️
As retirement gets closer, your financial focus may shift, and reassessing your risk tolerance becomes even more important. Here’s why. 👇
Your goals, time horizon and comfort level with market swings likely look different than they did 5 or 10 years ago. Your portfolio should reflect that.
This guide can help you understand how risk tolerance works, why it matters and what influences it: https://bit.ly/49cq5pt
Let’s review your strategy together and make sure your investments support your next chapter.
Ever feel like investing is its own language? You’re not alone.
If you’ve ever nodded along at words like “ETF” or “dollar-cost averaging” without really knowing what they meant, this guide is for you.
Get the basics of investing explained simply—no jargon required. ➡️ https://bit.ly/49t3WCi
Helping your kids learn about money is a gift that grows with them. Start early, build gradually and focus on simple concepts at each stage.
These age-appropriate skills can help them develop discipline and healthier money habits as they grow. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4axUyhk