👉 What would happen to your family financially if you weren’t here tomorrow?
Not fun to think about… but incredibly important.
The strongest plans aren’t about returns — they’re about protection and peace of mind.
Scripture reminds us:
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 20:18
If you haven’t reviewed beneficiaries, insurance, or your safety net lately, I’m happy to help you take a look.
Also — if you know someone who recently got married, had a baby, or started a new job, keep me in mind. Those life moments matter.
📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930
📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com
🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
👉 Quick question: Do you know exactly where your money went last month… or are you guessing?
Most people don’t have a money problem — they have a clarity problem.
When you can see the plan, everything feels lighter:
• less stress
• better decisions
• more confidence
You don’t need to be “rich” to work with an advisor. You just need to want direction.
If you’ve ever thought, “I should probably talk to someone,” this is your sign.
I’m not geographically bound — I work virtually with families all over the country.
Let’s bring financial clarity to the next generation, one person at a time.
📞 Call/Text: 651-661-4930
📧 michael.kruse@thrivent.com
🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-kruse
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
The cost of cash: Where to invest when interest rates shiftWhether you’re saving for something big, looking to generate a steady income, or seeking flexible access to your cash, there are smart ways to keep your money productive and there for you when you need it—regardless of shifting interest rates.
Explore your options below and let’s connect to keep your goals on track as interest rates change.
New Year Goal-Setting & Intentions
🎉 Happy New Year’s Eve!
As we welcome 2026, think about setting financial intentions, not just resolutions. Consider budgeting, savings, investing, and protecting what matters most.
💬 What’s one financial goal or intention you’re committing to for 2026?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Year-End Reflection & Lessons Learned
📆 As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your financial journey this year.
💡 Questions to consider: What worked well? What would you do differently? How can you build on your wins in 2026?
👉 Share one financial lesson you learned this year—it might help someone else!
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Look Ahead to 2026: Goal‑Setting & Strategy
📅 The new year is almost here! Let’s begin thinking ahead: emergency fund status, retirement plan, tax strategy, and purpose for next year’s finances.
👉 What’s one financial goal you’re setting for 2026?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Holiday Pause & Financial Reflection
🎄 With the holidays around the corner, take a moment to reflect: What financial wins did you have this year? What will you improve next year?
💬 Share one win (big or small)
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Last‑Minute Year‑End Financial Moves
📋 With only days left in 2025, now’s the time to finalize benefit contributions, make charitable gifts, update estate documents, and lock in setting for next year.
👉 What’s your #1 task this week?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
🔍 End‑of‑year tip: Review life, disability, home, and auto insurance. Coverage gaps often show up during major life events.
👉 When was your last insurance check‑up?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Business Owners & Succession Planning
🏢 For business owners: The end of the year is a smart time to review ownership structure, buy‑sell agreements, and exit strategies.
👉 Business owners: what’s your biggest strategic goal going into next year?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Charitable Giving & Legacy
🎗️ ‘Tis the season to give—not just gifts, but time and money. Strategic giving before 12/31 can have both impact and tax benefit.
👉 Which charitable act (big or small) made the biggest difference for you?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Holiday Travel & Financial Planning
✈️ Travel, gifts, meals—it all adds up. A tip: build a mini “holiday” budget category and fund it with automatic transfers.
👉 What’s your #1 travel expense you try to budget in advance?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Investing & Market Check‑In
📈 The year-end is a good time to review your investment portfolio: re‑balance, check expense ratios, and align with your risk tolerance.
👉 What’s one investing question you have for me (or another advisor)?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Emergency Fund Reminder Before Year‑End
💡 Before the holiday rush, verify your emergency fund is still intact. 40% of Americans couldn’t cover a $400 emergency. (Source: various)
👉 What’s one expense you’d feel comfortable handling without tapping a credit card?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Year‑End Tax Moves & Benefit Maximizing”
🧾 December is one of the last months to max out flexible spending accounts (FSAs), review 401(k) contributions, and plan charitable giving for maximum tax benefit.
(Source: Sherman Wealth Management)
👉 Which benefit do you need to check on this month?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Holiday Gifting vs. Financial Goals”
🎁 Fun fact: The average holiday spend per person is rising each year. (Source: Holiday spending studies)
👉 One financial rule I follow: I use 80% of my gifting budget for presents, 20% for experiences or surprises. What’s yours?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Start of Holiday Financial Check‑In
🎄 December means both celebrations and expenses. Now’s a good time to check your budget, review year‑to‑date savings, and set a spending envelope for the holidays.
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Year‑End Bonus & Savings Habit
💼 Many receive year‑end bonuses (or anticipate them). Rule of thumb: Allocate at least 50% toward goals (debt, savings, investing), allow 10‑20% for fun.
👉 If you got (or expect) a bonus, what’s your priority for it?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Black Friday / Holiday Shopping Strategy”
🛍️ Sales are everywhere. But impulse buys often lead to regret. Tip: Set a spending limit before you shop.
👉 What’s your best holiday shopping tip?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Thanksgiving Prep & Financial Gratitude”
🍂 As we approach Thanksgiving (Nov 27), remember budget for the celebration too. Costs add up fast.
💬 What does financial gratitude mean to you?
📎 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.