Our Story
About Lake Effect Financial Consultants

We are a Christian financial services team committed to helping individuals, families, and organizations steward their resources with purpose and confidence. Our approach centers on holistic financial planning, addressing retirement, estate planning, and tax‑efficient strategies to support both today’s needs and long‑term goals. We bring a deep and diverse set of tools to the table, allowing us to tailor solutions that align with each member’s values and financial priorities. Building meaningful, long‑term relationships is at the heart of what we do, and we are passionate about serving and strengthening our local community. We actively partner with nonprofits and community organizations to make a positive impact beyond financial outcomes. Through charitable planning programs and giving strategies, we help our members give back in ways that reflect their faith and generosity. Our goal is to provide guidance that is thoughtful, values‑driven, and focused on helping our members live well and give wisely.

Michael Farrance
Michael FarranceWealth AdvisorAEP®, ChFC®, CLU®, FIC, BFA™, CMFA™

Wealth Advisor

Meet with Michael Farrance at the Kalamazoo office or Microsoft Teams

Meet with Michael Farrance at the Lansing office or Microsoft Teams

Michael holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation and has been with Thrivent since 2016. He specializes in holistic financial planning, tax-efficiency retirement planning, wealth transfer, Dedicated Planning Services and educated advice and life insurance needs. He also mentors new advisors, helping them learn and grow to provide excellent service to our members. Michael is supported by two staff members to provide personalized service in financial matters that are important to you.

He is a Marine Veteran and served our country from 2001-2005. With a mission of guiding Christians to be wise with money, Thrivent aligns with his core values and gives him the opportunity to continue serving and protecting the members of his community. Michael enjoys hanging out with friends and family, fishing trips to Minnesota, golfing, and volunteering. Michael attends Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw where he worships with his family.

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William Annis
William AnnisAssociateFIC, RICP®

Financial Associate

Book a meeting with William Annis, Financial Associate with Thrivent

Bill holds a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Xavier University and brings nearly 25 years of experience working alongside physicians and hospitals. Seeking a new direction, he transitioned his career to help individuals retire with confidence, ensuring they have a solid plan to navigate life’s changes. Bill completed the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from The American College of Financial Services. This equips him to design personalized retirement strategies tailored to your unique goals. Since moving to Marshall in 2007, Bill and his wife, Kelli, have truly enjoyed becoming part of this community. In their free time, Kelli finds joy in gardening while Bill focuses on home improvement projects. They are grateful for their two sons and their families, which included four wonderful grandsons. They cherish the memories they create together. Their family adventures often include their two dogs and traveling with loved ones.

 

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Terry Gautz
Terry GautzLicensed Office Professional

Licensed Office Professional

Terry has been with Thrivent since 2009. He has a passion for guiding Christians to be wise with money, Thrivent aligns with his core values and gives him the opportunity to continue serving the members of his community.

He is passionate about providing dependable service. Terry enjoys camping, friends and family, fishing, golfing, and volunteering. Terry is a member at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Monroe where he and his wife Kathryn worships. Terry and Kathryn have 3 grown sons, 3 wonderful daughter in-laws, 5 adoring grandchildren.

Stephanie Farrance
Stephanie FarrancePractice Supt AssociateFIC

Practice Support Associate

Stephanie has been with Thrivent since June 2019. Stephanie works on back office tasks, marketing, scheduling workshops and events and building relationships with local churches and non-profits. Before working for Thrivent, Stephanie was a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She chose to work for Thrivent because she saw the impact they had on member’s in her community through their charitable programs.

She loves to run, read, volunteer and spend time at the lake with Michael and their daughters. She attends Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw.

Join us at an upcoming event

We’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
5 Keys to Retiring Fearlessly image

5 Keys to Retiring Fearlessly

Nov 5, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC
6101 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | Latitude 42-Oshtemo
Wondering if you'll have enough saved for your retirement?Join this dynamic workshop packed with strategies to help secure your financial future. Learn how you can retire with confidence by addressing your biggest financial concerns and sharing practical strategies for a secure future. • Build guaranteed income and protect your savings from market volatility. • Optimize your retirement plan for tax efficiency and long-term growth. • Safeguard your finances and loved ones from life’s “what ifs.”In this workshop we’ll also explore how understanding the tax status of retirement investments can help you make decisions that help keep income taxes in check.Reserve your spots today.Dinner and drinks will be served during the presentation.RSVP using the "register button" below or call our office at 269-655-1818.No products will be sold.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 and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Savvy Tax Strategies image

Savvy Tax Strategies

Nov 9, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC - Nov 10, 2026, 1:30 AM UTC
7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 | StoneWater Country Club
Learn how to avoid common mistakes when it comes to your investment portfolio, health care and estate strategies.The Savvy Tax Strategies workshop provides answers to critical tax questions you must answer before retirement. Explore how to help dodge the Social Security “tax trap” and more.On Monday, November 9, join the Thrivent Member Network - Michigan Region at StoneWater Country Club where speaker Chris Price will help clients and potential clients cut through the jargon and complexity to help them understand how to create an efficient retirement tax strategy. Dinner will be provided.We are proud to support our generosity partner for this event. More information to come.No products will be sold. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. 27764-11 R1-24For additional important disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
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Ready to connect?

We'd love to answer any questions you may have and start learning about your goals. We can meet however you're most comfortable—phone, virtual or in person.

Or call us directly: 269-655-1818

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Not all team members may provide all products, programs and services in all states.

Not all team members may office at the locations listed.

* as of December 31, 2024

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

Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.

Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations