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Quick question for my Bradenton and Sarasota friends: When's the last time your financial advisor actually knew your neighborhood? Knew that the cost of living here has shifted dramatically over the last few years. Knew that a lot of people relocating to Manatee and Sarasota County are coming in with equity from home sales up north — and need a plan for what to do with it. Knew that small business owners here face a completely different set of challenges than someone in a corporate job. Local knowledge isn't just a nice-to-have. It changes the advice. I live and work in this community. My clients aren't account numbers — they're neighbors. If you're newer to the area, a longtime local, or somewhere in between — and you want a financial advisor who actually understands the market you're living in, let's talk. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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Everyone's talking about AI replacing financial advisors. Here's my honest take: AI can analyze data faster than any human. It can run projections, model scenarios, and scan thousands of investment options in seconds. What it can't do is sit across from you when life doesn't go according to plan. It can't understand that you just went through a divorce, lost a parent, or sold your business and have no idea what to do next. It can't ask the right questions. It can't build trust. Here's how I actually think about AI: • I use it to work smarter — better research, faster analysis, more time focused on you • I don't let it replace the human judgment and relationship that financial planning actually requires The advisors who get replaced by AI won't be the ones who embraced it. They'll be the ones who ignored it while the world changed around them. I'm committed to staying ahead — so that you always have an advisor who brings both the best tools and a real human perspective to your financial life. Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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There are thousands of financial professionals in Sarasota and Manatee County alone. So why does it matter who you work with? Most people don't struggle because they lack access to financial products. They struggle because nobody ever sat down and helped them connect the dots. The difference isn't the portfolio. It's the relationship. I'm not a call center. I'm not an algorithm. I'm not going to hand you a generic plan built for someone else's life. I'm a local advisor who actually picks up the phone, knows your name, and understands that your financial goals are tied to real things — your family, your business, your retirement, your aspirations. If you're in the Bradenton or Sarasota area and you've been working with someone who feels more like a transaction than a trusted advisor — let's grab coffee. No pitch. Just a conversation. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse Proudly serving the Bradenton & Sarasota areas and clients all across the U.S. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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If you're in your 50s, there's a financial window open right now that most people don't even know exists. It's called the Roth conversion window — and for the right person, it can be one of the most powerful moves in a retirement plan. Here's the basic idea: Most people in their 50s are in their peak earning years. But there's often a gap between when you retire and when you're required to take money out of your traditional IRA or 401(k). That gap is the window. During that time, you may be able to convert some of those pre-tax dollars to a Roth at a lower tax rate than you'd pay later — before Social Security kicks in, before required minimum distributions start, and before your tax bracket potentially rises. Why does it matter? • Roth accounts grow tax-free and have no required minimum distributions • Tax-free income in retirement gives you more flexibility and control • It can reduce the tax burden on your heirs as well This isn't right for everyone — it depends on your income, your timeline, and your overall plan. But for people who qualify, ignoring this window is leaving real money on the table. If you're in your 50s and want to know whether a Roth conversion strategy makes sense for you, let's talk. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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Retiring in Florida sounds like the dream. And it can be. But I've had a lot of conversations with people who moved here expecting one thing and found another. A few things that catch retirees off guard in the Sarasota and Bradenton area: • No state income tax is real — but it doesn't mean tax-free. Federal taxes still apply, and how you pull income matters more than people realize • Homeowner's insurance costs have climbed significantly in Florida. If your retirement budget was built elsewhere, it may need a serious update • Hurricane season is a real lifestyle and financial factor — flood insurance, storm prep, and the occasional evacuation aren't free • Healthcare costs tend to rise in retirement. Florida has great options, but proximity to specialists and the cost of Medicare supplements vary • The cost of living in this area has shifted. What felt comfortable a few years ago may not stretch the same way today None of this means Florida isn't the right move. For a lot of people, it absolutely is. It just means your plan needs to be built for the life you're actually living here — not the one you imagined from a thousand miles away. If your retirement plan hasn't been reviewed with Florida in mind, let's change that. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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If you own a business in Manatee or Sarasota County, there's something I need to say: You are probably your own biggest financial risk. Not the market. Not the economy. You. Here's what I mean: • Your income, your retirement, and your net worth are likely all tied to one thing — the business • If something happens to you tomorrow, does the business survive? Does your family? • Most business owners I meet have no succession plan, no buy-sell agreement, and no personal retirement savings outside of the business itself • The business feels like the plan — but a business isn't a retirement account The good news: there are strategies built specifically for business owners that most employees never have access to. • Tax-advantaged retirement plans that can shelter far more than a standard 401(k) • Key person protection and business continuity planning • Exit strategy planning — so when the time comes, you're ready You've put everything into building something. Let's make sure it's actually working for your future too. Don't wait, act now to ensure you have the pieces in place for when that time comes. Proudly serving business owners the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. — if you're a business owner and never had a conversation with someone about a long-term plan for the business, let's talk. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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If you've recently moved to the Bradenton or Sarasota area — welcome. You made a great choice. But here's something I see a lot with people relocating from up north: They arrive with home sale equity, a retirement account they haven't touched in years, and a financial plan that was built for a completely different life. Florida changes the equation in ways people don't always anticipate: • No state income tax sounds great — but it affects how you should structure withdrawals and Roth conversions • Property insurance and hurricane coverage can run significantly higher than what you budgeted for • The cost of living in this area has shifted considerably — your old plan may have been based on outdated numbers • If you sold a home up north, you may have a lump sum that needs a strategy, not just a savings account • Estate documents often need to be updated — Florida has its own laws Moving is a natural reset moment. It's also one of the best times to take a fresh look at your full financial picture. I work with a lot of people who are new to the area and just want to make sure everything is set up right for this next chapter. If that sounds like you, I'd love to connect. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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Nobody sat down and taught us this stuff. Most of us learned about money the way we learned everything else — by watching our parents. And they learned from theirs. Some of those lessons were great. Some of them quietly held us back. Things like: • "Debt is just part of life" — it doesn't have to be • "Investing is for rich people" — it's actually how people become financially stable • "Just put it in savings" — a savings account earning 0.01% is losing ground to inflation every single day • "Don't talk about money" — the silence is usually more expensive than the conversation I'm not here to criticize anyone's parents. Mine weren't perfect with money either. But at some point, most people have a moment where they realize: I want to do this differently. I want to actually have a plan. That's the moment I exist for. If you're ready to break the cycle and build something intentional, let's have that conversation. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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One of the most expensive decisions you can make in retirement has nothing to do with the stock market. It's when you claim Social Security. Here's what most people don't realize: • Claiming at 62 instead of 70 can permanently reduce your monthly benefit by up to 30% • Every year you delay past full retirement age adds roughly 8% to your benefit • For a married couple, the higher earner delaying can dramatically increase the survivor benefit — protecting the spouse who lives longer • Taxes on Social Security benefits depend on your total income — timing your other withdrawals matters too There's no single right answer. It depends on your health, your other income sources, your spouse's benefit, and your overall plan. But making this decision without a strategy? That's one of the most common — and costly — retirement mistakes I see. If Social Security is on your radar and you want to make sure you're thinking through it the right way, let's talk. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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DINKs — it's time to make your financial situation work harder for you. For those unfamiliar, DINK = Dual Income, No Kids. If that's you, you're in a uniquely powerful position: - Two incomes growing simultaneously - No daycare, childcare, or college savings pulling at your budget - The freedom to maximize experiences and build wealth at the same time If you've already got the basics covered, here's where to focus next: - Build tax-advantaged accounts beyond your employer's contribution match — there's likely more room to optimize than you think - Save with purpose — use a brokerage account to fund specific goals like a dream home, new vehicles, or travel, so those big purchases don't derail your long-term plan - Be strategic with equity compensation — RSUs, stock options, and employee stock purchase plans can be powerful wealth-building tools when managed intentionally DINKs often have one of the highest capacities to save and invest of anyone we work with. The window you're in right now — whether it's short-term or long-term — is worth making the most of. Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. — if you're earning well and want to make sure, you're actually doing enough with it, let's talk. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment or tax advice. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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"Am I Actually Organized?" Lately I've been having more conversations with people who are doing well on paper — but still feel a little uneasy. With market swings, layoffs at major companies, and rising costs of living, a lot of people are stepping back and asking: "Am I actually organized the way I should be?" What I've found is that most people aren't looking for more products or investments. They just want clarity. They want to know that if something changes — whether it's the economy or something personal — they're going to be okay. That's where I come in. I work with people to connect all the moving pieces — income, taxes, savings, retirement — so everything works together and supports the life they're building. I'm not here to sell anything. But if you've had that thought recently — "I should probably get a second set of eyes on this" — I'm always happy to grab a coffee and talk through where you're at. Based in the Bradenton, FL area and working with clients all across the U.S. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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529 Plan + Scholarship Most parents assume a scholarship makes their 529 plan less useful. It actually creates options. Here's what often gets overlooked: If your child receives a scholarship, you may be able to withdraw an equivalent amount from the 529 without the 10% early withdrawal penalty. You'd still owe income tax on the earnings — but the penalty is waived. And thanks to SECURE 2.0, unused 529 funds may now be rolled into a Roth IRA, potentially turning education savings into retirement savings. A few rules apply: - The account must be at least 15 years old - Annual rollover limits apply - The Roth IRA must be in the beneficiary's name - Earned income is required A well-structured plan doesn't get derailed by your child's success — it adapts to it. Serving families in the Bradenton, FL area and all across the U.S. — if you're not sure how your 529 fits into your broader financial strategy, let's talk. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse This is for educational purposes only and is not intended as tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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10 Things a High Earner Should Never Do A high income is a powerful tool — but only if it's being used strategically. Here are 10 things worth avoiding as your income grows: 1. Confusing a big salary with wealth. One is a paycheck. The other is a system. 2. Locking up all your capital in a 401(k) before building assets outside of it. 3. Over-concentrating in company stock as a retirement strategy. 4. Waiting for the "right time" — compounding doesn't pause for your calendar. 5. Investing in deals you can't clearly explain or understand. 6. Partnering with managers who don't have skin in the game. 7. Buying luxury items before assets are generating the cash flow to support them. 8. Funding your lifestyle with debt instead of cash flow. 9. Skipping the attorney, CPA, or umbrella policy — and being surprised when one event sets you back years. 10. Saving without deploying. A high savings rate without a strategy is slow erosion. Your income is the fuel. What you do with it determines your future. Proudly serving the Bradenton, FL area and clients all across the U.S. - if you've been wondering whether your financial picture is actually working for you, I'd love to have that conversation. 📱 651-661-4930 📧 Michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
👉 End of week check: Did you move your financial life forward at all this week? Even one small step counts. Progress > perfection. Let’s keep moving. 📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930 📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse 📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
👉 I’m not geographically bound — and that matters more than ever. Whether you’re here or across the country, I can help you and your family build a plan. If someone comes to mind, feel free to connect us. 📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930 📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse 📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
👉 If your income stopped today, what continues? Bills do. That’s why protection planning matters just as much as investing. Let’s make sure you’re covered. 📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930 📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse 📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
👉 Are your financial decisions intentional… or just convenient? Convenience costs more than people realize. Intentional planning creates long-term success. Let’s make your decisions work for you. 📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930 📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse 📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
👉 How often do you actually review your financial plan? Once a year? Never? Life changes. Your plan should too. Regular reviews = better outcomes. Let’s check in. 📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930 📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse 📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
👉 Money tip: Complexity doesn’t equal sophistication. Simple, consistent strategies often outperform complicated ones. If your financial life feels confusing, that’s a sign to simplify. Clarity wins. 📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930 📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse 📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
👉 Tax Day is here — but real tax planning happens year-round. Filing is reactive. Planning is proactive. If you want to reduce what you pay over time, it starts with strategy — not just software. Let’s plan ahead for next year. 📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930 📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse 📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.