Insights
We put a lot of thought into our vote because we want to help shape a better future. And that's a great thing.
Here's another question worth considering:
How much thought are we putting into the financial decisions that directly impact our lives and families every day?
Your retirement accounts.
Your investments.
Your insurance.
Your taxes.
Your estate plan.
Your family's financial future.
Voting is one way we advocate for the future we want.
Having a financial professional in your corner can be another.
A financial professional can help you understand what you have, identify potential gaps, and build a strategy around the goals that matter most to you.
You don't have to navigate every financial decision alone. Sign up for a complimentary meeting today: https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #FinancialWellness #Investing #YourFinancialFuture
See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Whether you’re supporting your place of worship, a local nonprofit or a cause that’s close to your heart, a donor-advised fund (DAF) is worth considering. A DAF offers flexibility and potential tax advantages, making it easier to align your giving with your goals and turn your generosity into a lasting impact.
Get in touch to explore whether a DAF fits into your financial strategy.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Michael Rogers, in Bellevue WA | ThriventConsidering a buyout or voluntary separation package?
A buyout can open new opportunities, but it can also bring several financial decisions together at once that you will want to be prepared to make.
Before making your decision, consider these three things.
1. What are your near-term and long-term goals?
How can you use this current decision to reach those goals? Now is a good time to establish concrete goals and utilize support in how to achieve them with or without taking the buyout package.
2. What impact will this have on your current financial situation?
Cash flow, vesting stock awards, tax implications of lump sum payments, etc. All of these calculations can be made to support your decision.
3. What if it takes longer than I thought to obtain another position?
We all hope that life follows our schedule and it is also necessary to prepare for the worst-case scenario especially when family is dependent on us.
As a financial advisor, I can help you organize these moving pieces, evaluate your options and develop a financial strategy around what comes next.
If you're facing this decision, I'd be happy to do a free consultation: https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#TechProfessionals #CareerTransition #FinancialPlanning #StockCompensation #FinancialWellness #SeattleTech
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures
Don't Wait Until Tax Season
Tax preparation looks backward.
Tax planning looks forward.
That's an important distinction as we approach the end of 2026.
By the time you're gathering tax documents next spring, some of the financial planning opportunities you had during the year may already be behind you.
For 2026, employees can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k) through elective deferrals, with additional catch-up limits available for eligible participants age 50+.
But retirement contributions are only one piece of the conversation.
For families with significant income and investments, I like to look at the bigger picture:
Income → investments → retirement → taxes → charitable giving → estate planning
Good planning isn't about letting the tax tail wag the financial dog. It's about understanding how one decision affects everything else.
Want to do a year-end financial checkup? Send me a message or sign up to talk: https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#TaxPlanning #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #HighNetWorth #WealthPlanning
Financial advisors do not provide specific tax/legal advice. Consult your tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Growth and stocks remain resilient, but rates rise: Q4 2026 market outlookHigher rates. Resilient growth. New opportunities. Thrivent's Q4 2026 Market Outlook highlights why staying invested and maintaining a diversified portfolio remains important in today’s market environment. ⬇️
A Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity™ allows you to lock in a guaranteed interest rate for a set period, making it a popular option for those looking to help add stability, predictable earnings, and reduced market uncertainty.
Reach out if you'd like to discuss whether this type of solution could help support your retirement goals.
For additional interest rates and other important information: https://bit.ly/4fIaSQk
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
The October Tax Checkup
October is here, which means there are only a few months left to make some of your 2026 financial decisions.
For high-income households, year-end planning can be about much more than asking, “How much will I owe in taxes?”
It can be an opportunity to review:
✅ Retirement contributions
✅ Investment gains and losses
✅ Charitable giving
✅ Concentrated stock positions
✅ Roth conversion opportunities
✅ Upcoming RSU vesting
✅ Changes in income, bonuses, or employment
Some planning opportunities have deadlines that arrive before you file your tax return.
If your income or investments changed significantly this year, now can be a great time to step back and look at how all the pieces fit together.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on your year-end financial picture, let's connect.
Financial advisors do not provide specific tax/legal advice. Consult your tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent disclosures.
#FinancialPlanning #TaxPlanning #YearEndPlanning #WealthManagement #BellevueWA
Top Questions to Ask as a Tech Professional at the End of the Year!
Your salary may not be the most complicated part of your tax picture.
For many tech professionals, compensation can include salary, bonuses, RSUs and other equity-based compensation. The IRS recognizes restricted stock units as a form of equity-based compensation.
That can make the year-end a good time to ask:
How much of my net worth is tied to one company?
And:
What vested this year?
What is scheduled to vest next year?
Have I accumulated a concentrated stock position?
How does selling stock affect my broader tax picture?
Are charitable-giving opportunities worth considering?
Am I making full use of my workplace retirement benefits?
The goal isn't necessarily to make every move before December 31. It's to understand what you own, what you owe, and what options you have before the calendar makes some decisions for you.
I work with professionals navigating these types of decisions. Book some time with me today. https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
If your compensation feels more complicated than a paycheck, let's talk.
#Microsoft #MicrosoftLife #RSU #TechProfessionals #FinancialPlanning #BellevueWA #SeattleTech
See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Family members as executors of an estate have a difficult job. When someone passes away, the person named as executor often becomes the one everyone turns to.
They're coordinating attorneys, gathering documents, communicating with beneficiaries, paying bills, handling a home, and making countless decisions. All while navigating the loss of someone they cared about.
What many people don't see is that executors are often so busy managing responsibilities that they have little time or energy to process their own grief.
You don't have to carry that burden alone.
If you know someone serving as an executor, check in on them. They may be carrying more than most people realize. You can also let them know I am here to be a support: https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#EstatePlanning #Executor #LegacyPlanning #FinancialGuidance #FamilySupport #Stewardship #Thrivent
Serving as an executor can involve significant administrative and financial responsibilities. Working with qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals may help simplify the process and provide support during a challenging time. While Thrivent does not provide legal or tax advice, our financial advisors and professionals can work with you and your attorney or tax professional.
See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Your legacy is more than assets.
Many people spend years building financial resources. Just as important is deciding what those resources can accomplish.
Including charitable goals in your financial plan can help create a legacy that reflects your values and supports future generations. Let's talk today about how you can maximize your charitable legacy.
https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#LegacyPlanning #FinancialWellness #Generosity #PurposeDrivenPlanning
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures
Giving With Purpose!!
Charitable giving is about more than writing a check. It can be a meaningful way to support the people, causes, and communities that matter most to you.
When giving is part of a broader financial strategy, it can help align your resources with your values and create a lasting impact.
One of my favorite parts of my job is supporting charitable giving. If you are giving to charity directly from your checking's account, it is time to sit down with me and see if there is a better way to maximize your giving.
https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#FinancialPlanning #CharitableGiving #LegacyPlanning #Thrivent
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures
Your Financial Life Is Bigger Than Investing!
When people hear "financial planning," they often think only about investments.
But true planning can include:
1. Cash flow strategies
2. Debt management
3. Emergency savings
4. Insurance protection
5. Tax considerations
6. Retirement preparation
7. Future family goals
8. And more!
The earlier you understand how these pieces connect, the more confident you can become in your financial decisions. Your future deserves intentional planning.
Start being intentional today by booking a complimentary meeting: https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#FinancialConfidence #FinancialLiteracy #PersonalFinance #YoungProfessionals #MoneyGoals
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Time Is Your Greatest Financial Asset
Many young professionals think they need to accumulate significant wealth before working with a financial professional.
The reality? Your greatest financial asset today isn't your account balance. It's time.
The earlier you begin building healthy financial habits, investing consistently, managing debt strategically, and creating a plan, the more options you may have in the future.
Don't wait until life gets complicated to start planning.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today. Set up a meeting with me today and let's start your journey! https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#FinancialPlanning #YoungProfessionals #FinancialConfidence #FutureFocused #FinancialWellBeing
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures
Your super catch-up window is hereBetween ages 60 and 63, you may have an exclusive opportunity to contribute more to your retirement through the super catch-up provision. This means you can:
• See if you qualify and how much extra you may be eligible to contribute.
• Understand the factors that may influence this decision.
• Evaluate if contributing more—or another strategy—makes the most sense for your goals.
Learn more about how this limited-time option could help you make the most of your retirement savings if this option is available to you. ⬇️
Waiting Can Be Expensive
One of the most common statements I hear is:
"I wish I would have started sooner."
Many people delay financial planning because they believe they'll have more time, more money, or fewer questions later. Unfortunately, some opportunities become harder to capture when postponed.
Starting early doesn't mean being perfect. It means giving yourself more flexibility, more choices, and more time for your plan to work.
Let's start now. Book a complimentary meeting today: https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#FinancialPlanning #YoungAdults #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding #FutureYou
My family continues to grow and one question I ask myself is: "If something unexpected happened to me, would my family have the financial resources they need?"
For many families, term life insurance can be a way to help provide financial protection during important earning years. The right strategy depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and needs.
If you have not had a conversation with a financial professional to walk through the options of protecting your family, please sign up to sit down with me today.
https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#LifeInsuranceAwarenessMonth #FamilyProtection #FinancialPlanning #ProtectWhatMattersMost
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Small Decisions Today Can Have a Big Impact
Five financial decisions you make in your 20s and 30s can influence the opportunities available to you decades from now.
1. Saving consistently
2. Building an emergency fund
3. Paying down debt
4. Investing for retirement
5. Protecting your family
You don't have to have everything figured out. You simply need to take the next right step. Progress beats perfection every time. Sign up for a complimentary consultation today. https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#FinancialWellness #MoneyHabits #InvestingBasics #YoungProfessionals #FinancialFuture
It’s not too late to strengthen your income strategyIncome, taxes, Social Security and withdrawal decisions all play a role in retirement. Understanding how these factors connect can help you feel more confident about what you can spend—and how long your money may last.
Before required minimum distributions begin, discover how your savings can turn into income to help you make the most of what you've worked hard to build. ⬇️
Success Doesn't Automatically Create a Financial Plan
A growing income is exciting, but higher earnings don't automatically lead to financial success.
Many young professionals face questions such as:
• How much should I save?
• Am I investing wisely?
• What benefits should I be taking advantage of and risks should I be mitigating?
• How do I balance enjoying today while preparing for tomorrow?
Getting support early can help you make intentional decisions rather than reacting later.
Your career deserves a plan. Your finances do too.
Set up a time to meet today! https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-rogers
#FinancialEducation #MoneyManagement #CareerGrowth #FinancialPlanning #YoungProfessionals
Put your savings to work for what’s nextYou've worked hard to build your retirement savings—now help them work smarter for you. Retirement may last longer than you think, so the choices you make today can help you prepare for what’s next.
Explore strategies that can help turn your savings into reliable income and help you feel more confident in the years ahead. ⬇️