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.
Marriage. Divorce. Having a baby. Sending your kid to college. Starting a job. Getting laid off.
Major life changes may shift your priorities. That’s why financial planning is so important—it can offer confidence and stability in an unpredictable world.
Here’s how to prepare for life’s what-ifs ➡️ https://bit.ly/4prEGmm
As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect moment to check in on your finances. These 3 simple steps can help set you up for success in the year ahead:
✅ Review your budget and spending. Make sure your money is working toward your goals.
✅ Assess your debt. Track your progress and explore ways to pay it down faster.
✅ Evaluate your savings. Strengthen your emergency fund, boost retirement contributions and refresh your funding strategies for the coming year.
Not sure where to start? Together, let’s plan how you can start the year on solid footing.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
When should you get life insurance?Not sure when you should get life insurance? Here are different factors to consider that will help you decide when to take the next step. ⬇️
Before the ball drops on Dec. 31, make sure your retirement income is protected. Take these 3 essential steps:
1️⃣ Take your required minimum distributions (RMDs). Missing the Dec. 31 deadline can trigger a 25% penalty.
2️⃣ Watch your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Even small increases could raise future Medicare premiums.
3️⃣ Consider a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). It can satisfy your RMD, lower your MAGI and help you support the causes you care about.
A few simple moves today can help you avoid penalties, manage future healthcare costs and protect your retirement income.
Get in touch if you’d like help reviewing your year-end strategy.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures. Thrivent is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Cyber Monday is here! 🛍️ While online deals can be tempting, it’s also a great time to practice smart spending — especially for those in or near retirement.
A few quick tips to protect your financial health today:
✔️ Set a spending limit before you shop
✔️ Use secure payment methods
✔️ Avoid dipping into retirement savings for one-day deals
✔️ Watch for scams targeting older adults
If you’d like help creating a holiday budget that supports your long-term goals, I’m here to help.
📅 Message me to schedule a conversation. https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-sell
#CyberMondaySmartSpending #RetirementPlanning #DallasFinancialAdvisor #OnlineSafetyTips #RetirementConfidence
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7 ways to help reduce your taxable incomeSeeing your hard-earned money go towards taxes can be frustrating. However, there are ways you can help reduce your tax burdens and become more tax efficient. ⬇️
Many retirees are choosing to downsize — not just for simplicity, but for financial freedom.
Downsizing can:
🏠 Reduce expenses
💰 Free up home equity
🌴 Simplify your lifestyle
But it’s important to look at the full financial picture before you decide.
Let’s explore what downsizing could mean for your retirement income plan.
📞 Schedule your consultation today.
#DallasRetirement #FinancialFreedom #RetirementLiving #ThriventAdvisor
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Retirement isn’t the end of your financial journey — it’s the beginning of a new chapter. 📖✨
As a CFP®️, I help clients in the Dallas area build confidence in their retirement income plan — so you can focus on what really matters: living the life you’ve worked so hard for.
Let’s talk about how to make your money work for you in retirement.
👉 Schedule a conversation today.
#DallasFinancialPlanner #RetirementReady #CFP #ThriventAdvisor
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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.
Retirement planning has three key phases:
1️⃣ Preparation — Building savings and strategies before retirement
2️⃣ Transition — Turning assets into income
3️⃣ Preservation — Protecting what you’ve built for the years ahead
No matter where you are in the journey, I can help you plan each step with clarity and confidence.
Let’s create a plan that fits your goals.
📅 Book your appointment today.
#RetirementPlanning #DallasTX #FinancialConfidence #CFP
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Many of my retired clients say the best part of financial freedom is the ability to give back. ❤️
Whether that’s helping family, supporting your church, or contributing to a cause — I can help you integrate generosity into your financial plan without sacrificing your security.
Let’s build a retirement plan that reflects your heart.
#GenerosityMatters #ThriventFinancial #DallasCommunity #RetirementPlanning
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👋 Meet Michael Sell, Certified Financial Planner™️ and Financial Associate serving individuals and families throughout the Dallas area and beyond.
Michael’s passion is helping pre-retirees and retirees feel confident about the road ahead — from managing investments to building reliable income streams and planning for life’s next chapter.
When he’s not meeting with clients, you’ll find him enjoying college football or mentoring new financial advisors.
💬 Ready to take the next step toward financial confidence? Let’s connect!
#AdvisorSpotlight #DallasFinancialPlanner #CFP #ThriventAdvisor #RetirementReady
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Did you know that nearly 70% of adults over 65 will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime? (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Planning ahead can make all the difference — protecting both your assets and your loved ones from unexpected financial burdens.
As a CFP®️ and FIC licensed financial associate, I can help you explore your long-term care options and design a plan that fits your needs and values.
📞 Let’s start the conversation this month.
#LongTermCareAwarenessMonth #RetirementPlanning #DallasFinancialAdvisor #CFP
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The cost of cash: Where to invest when interest rates dropWhether you’re saving for something big, hoping to generate a steady income or seeking flexible access to your cash, there are smart ways to keep your money productive and aligned with your needs—regardless of shifting interest rates.
Explore your options below and let’s connect to keep your goals on track in a changing interest rate environment.
With rates starting to decline, now is a great time to think about what's next for your cash.
Whether you want to keep funds liquid, generate income or save for a future goal, now’s a great time to put your savings to work.
Together, let’s review your goals and liquidity needs to maximize your money’s potential.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
2026 Social Security COLA increase: What future retirees should knowYou may have heard that the Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Here’s a little more on what that means.
There are both positives and negatives to the current economic data, leading Thrivent Chief Financial & Investment Officer David Royal to give the current U.S. economy a mixed review: https://bit.ly/4nPQ8Yk
Hear Thrivent investment leaders predict how the remainder of 2025 will play out as markets continue to navigate uncertainty. They discuss important economic factors, including the employment picture, Fed rate cuts, the influence of AI, signs of life in the housing market, a “grumpy” yet resilient consumer and more.
Watch the conversation: https://bit.ly/3Jemn4t
Top 7 charitable giving strategies: Maximizing tax benefits and impactThere are ways you can help maximize tax benefits when giving. Learn more about different charitable giving strategies and their tax advantages.
