Nation of Homeowners and Thrivent have joined with The Gouché Foundation to introduce the Future Homeowner LA Fund. The effort is built to help Los Angeles families start saving now for their children’s future down payments.
The fund invites families to open dedicated savings accounts through Thrivent. The aim is simple: help parents build early capital so their kids can enter adulthood with real access to homeownership.
Why It Matters
• Homeownership continues to be the strongest driver of wealth in the United States.
• The wealth gap between owners and renters shows the impact of early planning.
• Many families struggle to save for upfront costs, creating barriers that last for generations.
Nick J. Gouché, founder of Nation of Homeowners, shared that “too many families fall short not because they lack desire, but because they lack early capital.” He noted that “this campaign gives families a chance to build resources over time and change what the future looks like for their children.”
Thrivent’s perspective centers on empowerment and access. Marc Henderson, Market Director, noted that “this work speaks directly to the needs of Los Angeles families”. He highlighted Thrivent’s long history of putting people first and said “this initiative reflects the company’s commitment to helping families create meaningful change.”
Brian Hill, president of The Gouché Foundation, stated that “the partnership is focused on helping families replace financial barriers with long-term opportunity.”He emphasized that “early saving gives families a path toward stronger futures and healthier communities.”
Ryan Sims, Engagement Leader and Partnership Specialist at Thrivent, added that “many families face gaps in financial clarity and access”. He shared that “this partnership is designed to provide tools, education, and support so families can build wealth with confidence and pass it on to the next generation.”
Next Event
Future Homeowners Day Celebration
December 13 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Los Angeles
• A family-friendly event focused on education and empowerment
• Financial workshops for parents
• Activities and games for kids
• Giveaways, food, and entertainment
• Licensed Thrivent advisors available to support families
Nation of Homeowners, Gouché Foundation and the Future Homeowner LA Fund are not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent.
Maxwell Balbin earns Behavioral Financial Advisor™️ Designation
Walnut Creek, CA (December 8, 2025) – Maxwell Balbin, BFA™️, Financial Advisor with Thrivent, a diversified financial services organization, recently earned the Behavioral Financial Advisor™️ (BFA™️) designation granted by think2perform®️.
The BFA™️ program provides training to demonstrate how traditional finance practices are influenced by psychology and neuroscience to help financial professionals mentor and coach clients in their financial decisions, transition to advice-based fees, and offer a holistic approach to strengthen the advisor-client relationship. To receive the BFA™️ certification, candidates must successfully complete the BFA™️ education program and pass the final exam. Continuing education requirements to maintain the BFATM designation must be satisfied every two years.
“At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal,” said Marc Henderson, Market Director. “Our objective is to help each of our clients develop a purpose-based approach to their finances that takes into consideration how their values and beliefs drive their financial behaviors. This designation has equipped Maxwell with the skills and tools he’ll need to have these important conversations with clients.”
As a holistic financial services organization, Thrivent helps clients achieve financial clarity, enabling lives full of meaning and gratitude. Through offering advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs and solutions, our financial professionals strive to help people make the most of all they’ve been given.
Thrivent has opportunities for talented individuals to join the organization. Those interested in a career with Thrivent can visit www.thrivent.com/careers.
1think2perform – Deepen Your Client Relationships: Deepen your client relationships. | Think2Perform
About Thrivent
Thrivent is a Fortune 500 financial services company that helps build, grow and protect financial well-being through purpose-driven advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs. Thrivent serves more than 2.4 million clients through thousands of financial advisors across the country and has more than $193 billion in assets under management/advisement (as of 12/31/24). Thrivent carries strong financial ratings from independent rating agencies - including AM Best, Moody's and S&P Global Ratings - which demonstrate the company’s financial strength, stability and ability to pay claims. Ratings don't apply to investment product performance and more information can be found on each rating agency's website. For more information about Thrivent, visit Thrivent.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Celebrating Generosity: Thrivent & Reading Partners Unite for Giving Tuesday in Los Angeles
On December 2, Thrivent’s Los Angeles team joined forces with Reading Partners for a Giving Tuesday activation that truly embodied the spirit of generosity. This collaboration wasn’t just about raising funds—it was about rallying a community to empower young readers and strengthen local schools.
Reading Partners, a national nonprofit, partners with under-resourced schools to provide one-on-one tutoring that builds literacy skills and confidence. For Giving Tuesday, Thrivent amplified this mission by matching donations: for every $2 given, Thrivent added $1, up to $20,000 per Thrivent Member Network. This match helped multiply impact and ensure students have the tools they need to thrive.
The Los Angeles activation was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration. Our team gathered with Reading Partners staff, volunteers, and board members for a day of connection and purpose. As Virginia Lee, Executive Director of Reading Partners Los Angeles, shared in her thank-you note:
“We’re grateful for your generosity and for believing in Reading Partners and our scholars. It’s truly a joy to partner with you. I’m excited for what we’ll create together to make sure our students have what they need to thrive.”
The event included a campus visit to the reading center, a big check presentation, and a celebration lunch that left everyone feeling appreciated and inspired. “Kayla and I felt seen and appreciated,” Virginia added—a reminder that these moments of partnership matter as much as the dollars raised.
This Giving Tuesday wasn’t just a local success—it was part of a nationwide movement. Across the country, Thrivent members and partners raised $1.4 million, with 3,627 participants joining in to support causes that matter. Together, we proved that generosity is contagious and that small acts can create big change.
Thanks to the dedication of Thrivent team members and the generosity of our community, this Giving Tuesday was a success. Together, we’re helping students in Los Angeles unlock the power of reading—a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Stay tuned for photos from the event, and join us in continuing to support Reading Partners’ incredible work. Because when we give together, we grow together.
The LA Latino Chamber of Commerce hosted its holiday gathering with a clear sense of purpose. The chamber has long served as a key resource for Latino entrepreneurs across Los Angeles, offering support, advocacy, and access for business owners working to grow.
Thrivent leaders joined the celebration as they begin building a deeper partnership with the chamber. The photo features members of the Thrivent team: Laura Arrona, Luz Collazo, Sonia Navarro, Argam Aghazarian and Marc Henderson. Each plays a role in expanding Thrivent’s reach and support within the community.
The evening included a focused conversation between Anna Sauceda of the chamber and Thrivent’s leadership about the vision for 2026. Their discussion centered on creating meaningful support for Latino business owners through education, community outreach, and resources that help families and businesses move forward.
Sonia Navarro, Thrivent’s Engagement Leader and Partnership Specialist, has been guiding the relationship-building behind this effort. Her work, along with the steady contributions of Laura and others on the team, laid the groundwork for what both organizations hope will be a strong and lasting partnership.
This moment marks the start of a shared commitment to growth, access, and community impact. Both teams are preparing for a year of collaboration built on trust and a clear mission to serve.
If you own a home, investments, life insurance or other valuable assets, it might be time to consider a revocable or irrevocable trust.
Depending on the structure you choose, a trust can offer a variety of benefits—including privacy, tax advantages and greater control over how your assets are distributed. In some cases, it may even protect your assets from creditors or Medicaid inclusion.
Learn more about your options: https://bit.ly/3VZ6FNl
The transition from being your parents’ child to being their protector isn’t easy—but having open conversations is essential. Understanding their wishes and knowing where key estate planning documents are kept can make all the difference when it matters most.
Here’s how to approach these conversations with empathy and clarity. ⬇️
see thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare and Medicaid don’t provide the extended care coverage they expect. That’s why having a long-term care strategy can be an essential part of your financial plan. Not only does it help protect your savings—it can also preserve your choices.
Thrivent is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
November 2025 Market Update: Less data, lower rates, strong stocksOctober closed strong, and November is shaping up to be pivotal. AI-driven sectors continue to lead, while Fed rate cuts signal cautious optimism. Want to know what this means for portfolios? Dive into Thrivent's November Market Update for actionable insights.
It’s hard to believe the year is already winding down! While shopping, baking and holiday gatherings may be at the top of your to-do list, don’t forget to carve out time for a year-end financial checkup.
Taking these 6 steps now can help you minimize your taxes, strengthen your savings and start the new year on solid footing.
👉 If you’d like personalized guidance, let’s connect.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Sequence of returns risk: What it means for your retirementThe market can shift at any time, and big drops early in retirement could affect your savings. The right approach can help keep your savings resilient. Check out this article, then reach out to talk through ways to help protect your savings.👇
Help your money last in retirementA long life is a gift—let’s help make sure your finances can keep up. Start by building financial resilience against inflation, market swings, and rising health and care costs.
4th Quarter 2025 Market Outlook: Strong markets, weakening fundamentalsThrivent leadership shares expectations for final markets through year-end in the 4th Quarter 2025 Market Outlook.
Estate planning begins with thoughtful decisions about your loved ones, your assets and your wishes for who and what matters most. Here are some tools to help you take the first step: https://bit.ly/4nl6Myk
Updating your life insurance: 7 life events that may affect your coverageIf you’re in one of these 7 life stages, it may be time to update your life insurance coverage. ⬇️
What you need to know about legacy planning & how to get startedWhy is legacy planning important? Because it gives you the chance to make a lasting impact—supporting the people and causes you care about, while staying in control over who receives what, when and how. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin. ↓
Both traditional and Roth IRAs can be a powerful, tax-advantaged way to grow your retirement savings outside of a workplace plan. However, some key differences may impact your taxes, the timing of your withdrawals—and potentially your available savings.
Wondering which option is right for you? Here’s what you need to know: https://bit.ly/3KcjPnB
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m proud to recognize Luz Collazo, a financial advisor on our team, whose faith-fueled mission is transforming lives in Latino communities all over Southern California. Luz brings heart, hustle, and deep purpose to her work by serving over 60 churches, hosting financial literacy workshops, and offering culturally relevant guidance in Spanish. In less than a year at Thrivent, she’s making major impact, thanks to her collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to helping families thrive.
Her story, from growing up in Mexico helping run her mother’s bakery to building a fast-growing practice in the U.S., is a powerful example of what it means to lead with integrity and impact. Luz, thank you for being a force for good. Your work embodies Thrivent’s mission and our commitment to serving diverse communities with purpose-based advice. Let’s continue to celebrate and elevate voices like Luz’s. When we lead with love and service, we build a future where everyone can flourish.
#HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinoLeadership #Thrivent #InclusiveCulture #FinancialEmpowerment #AdvisorSpotlight
September 2025 Market Update: Expectations for lower rates returnEconomic data from August showed that growth is slowing. Read Thrivent's September market update to learn more.
Does your retirement plan need a boost? Reach out to discuss catch-up contributions after age 50 and how we can help you reach your retirement goals.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Market fluctuation is normal. Understanding your risk tolerance and sticking to a long-term plan can help you navigate uncertainty. Discover smart strategies to stay on course no matter what the market does next: https://bit.ly/4iYD3JW
