Our Story
About Mainstay Financial GroupWe're proud to be Thrivent financial professionals. We provide personalized financial guidance to people at all stages of life. At Thrivent, we view money not as a goal, but as a tool — one that can afford you a life rich in meaning and gratitude. We believe humanity thrives when individuals make the most of all they've been given. We're here to help you do just that.
Mark Beckman
Mark BeckmanFinancial AdvisorCFP®, FIC

It has been a great gift to work for Thrivent since 1999 where I have been able to provide our clients financial clarity and confidence. Our mission is to understand our client's needs and wants and help them achieve them, while emphasizing that money is a tool not the goal.

After graduating from Wartburg college, I spent 9 years working in the banking industry in various capacities helping people with their financial needs. Since joining Thrivent I have focused on helping families find financial solutions for their financial goals and concerns. I have received specialized training as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® so I can provide guidance for a sound financial strategy.

I have been a lifelong Iowan, growing up in Carroll, IA and currently living in Manchester, IA. My wife Karla and I have raised 4 wonderful children and have 1 grandchild. I am an active member of Our Savior Lutheran church and enjoy volunteering for various Christian nonprofit organizations in the area. We enjoy spending time with family, boating, and when time allows, riding my motorcycle.

Specializations

I specialize in the following areas:

  • Retirement planning
  • Life insurance
  • Investments
  • Long-term care insurance

Giving Back

I support these charities and causes:

  • Our Savior Lutheran Church
  • Youth for Christ
  • His Hands Free Clinic

Professional Highlights

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, a certification granted by CFP® Board,
  • FIC (Fraternal Insurance Counselor), a designation granted by the Fraternal Field Managers’ Association

Education and Experience

  • FINRA Series 07 General Securities Representative
  • FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law
  • Life & Health Insurance Licenses
  • Thrivent Financial Professional since 1999
  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance, Wartburg College, 1990

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Michele Traver
Michele TraverFinancial AdvisorLUTCF®, RICP®, CLTC®, CDFA®

I am a Thrivent financial advisor with expertise in retirement income planning, insurance, and divorce financial guidance. With appreciation for the unique journey and needs of each client, I enjoy helping them discover how to successfully implement steps to meet their goals. Having worked in the financial industry since 2013, I have discovered that meeting with my clients is what I love best.

My vocation is about more than money; it is about building relationships. I understand that what people value most is family, friends, faith, and the moments invested in those relationships. Expanding my knowledge base and education is very important to me. My specialized training has included certification in extended care planning and retirement income planning, and I hold the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst designation.

Whatever your financial goals are, I understand that they are unique and personal to you. I commit to helping you build a financial strategy that incorporates your values and priorities, and I appreciate the opportunity to partner with you on your financial journey.

I have been married to Marty since 1990. We have three children and two grandsons.

Specializations

I specialize in the following areas:

  • Divorce financial analysis
  • Retirement income planning
  • Life insurance
  • Investments
  • Extended Care Planning
  • Estate strategies
  • Education funding strategies

Giving Back

I support these charities and causes:

  • Project of Hope – Wells for Ghana
  • Take Away Hunger
  • Truth Singers of Kaczinski Ministries
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Referral Center of DeWitt
  • Right to Life
  • Humane Society
  • SILT.org
  • His Hands Free Clinic

I also participate in and lead Thrivent Action Team projects to support my community.

Professional Highlights

  • CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®), a designation granted by the Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts
  • RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional®), a designation granted by the American College, Bryn Mawr, PA
  • CLTC® (Certification in Long-Term Care), a designation granted by the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification
  • FIC (Fraternal Insurance Counselor), a designation granted by the Fraternal Field Managers’ Association
  • LUTCF® (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow SM®), a designation jointly granted by The College for Financial Planning® a Kaplan Company and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA
  • National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)—National Quality Award*
  • NAIFA Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) certification

*The NAIFA Quality Award provides financial professionals the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to excellence through performance, professional education, and industry service. For more information, see: https://tdc.naifa.org/nqa

Education and Experience

  • FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representative
  • FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law
  • Life & Health Insurance License in FL, IA, IL, MT, and NY
  • Alumnus, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA
  • Thrivent Financial professional since 2013
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Mallory Rosales
Mallory RosalesOffice Professional

Mallory joined our team in May 2026 as an Office Professional. She supports client service, office operations, and marketing initiatives for the practice. With a background in customer service and digital communications, she is passionate about helping others, fostering strong relationships, and creating exceptional experiences. Mallory earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and a Digital Marketing certificate from the University of Northern Colorado in 2022.

Wanda Olinyk
Wanda OlinykParaprofessional

Wanda joined our team in Summer of 2026 as a Paraprofessional, supporting our Divorced Planning Services clients. She brings a diverse professional background in healthcare, financial services, quality assurance, and administrative support. She values organization, accuracy, collaboration, and thoughtful problem-solving. Outside of work, Wanda enjoys spending time with family, nature, decorating, thrifting, travel, and cycling. She also has a strong curiosity and enjoys exploring and discovering new ideas and experiences. 

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.
Leaving a Thriving Legacy: Dinner & Watch Party image
Leaving a Thriving Legacy: Dinner & Watch PartyOct 15, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC
Kingston's Steakhouse | 568 Boyson Rd NE STE. 100 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Join us for a special educational event featuring guest speaker Eric W. Bilger, FIC, Financial Advisor at Thrivent. Eric will share valuable strategies to help you better prepare for life’s “what-ifs.” This event is designed specifically for our clients and their adult beneficiaries, offering guidance and support for those navigating concerns about aging parents. We encourage you to invite any—or all—of your beneficiaries to attend.We will by watching the webinar, together, in-person at Kingston's Steakhouse. If you are unable to attend the event in-person. We encourage you or your adult children to attend the virtual webinar- register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sltDFgc4SuKfI7nks-qYJw#/registrationTo RSVP: Call 319-204-5616 or Email: mallory.rosales@thrivent.com by October 8th
Market Grinds (Economic Update Watch Party) image
Market Grinds (Economic Update Watch Party)Oct 21, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC
Mr. Beans | 1080 E Post Rd#1 Marion, IA 52302
Join us for an exclusive Economic Update presentation designed to help you understand the latest market trends and make informed decisions about your financial strategy. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing investments, or simply want to stay ahead of economic changes, this session is for you!Coffee & Pastries are on us. RSVP to Mallory at 319-204-5616 or mallory.rosales@thrivent.com.No products will be sold.
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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: 319-204-5616

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

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.