I work with individuals, families, retirees, and business owners who are looking for more than transactional advice. They want a trusted advisor who takes the time to understand their unique situation and provide personalized, holistic guidance.Many of my clients include:Young families building a strong financial foundation and protecting what matters mostIndividuals and families seeking coordinated protection, investment, and retirement planning strategiesPre-retirees and retirees preparing for the next stage of life with greater confidenceBusiness owners looking to align their business success with their personal financial goalsWhile every client's circumstances are different, they share a common desire: to make informed decisions and create a plan that supports the life they want to live.

I've always enjoyed helping people work through important decisions and move toward goals that matter to them. Before becoming a financial advisor, I worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant at a local hospital. What I loved most about that role wasn't just helping people recover physically. It was helping them understand their situation, create a plan, and take the next step forward with confidence.

While earning my bachelor's degree with a concentration in Personal Finance, I started to recognize many of those same needs when it came to people's finances. I saw that a lot of individuals and families were trying to make important financial decisions without having someone they could turn to for personalized guidance and support.

That realization led me to make a career change. Today, instead of helping people work toward their rehabilitation goals, I help them work toward their financial goals. Whether someone is planning for retirement, protecting their family, navigating a major life change, or simply trying to make informed financial decisions, my goal is to help them understand their options and feel confident about the path they're taking.

One of the reasons I chose Thrivent is its Christian foundation and the belief that money is a tool, not an end goal. I believe finances should support the things that matter most: your family, your values, your goals, and the impact you want to make in the lives of others. That philosophy aligns closely with how I approach serving clients every day.

My wife and I have been married for eight years and are blessed with two young children. Much of our time outside of work is spent enjoying life together as a family; whether that's visiting local parks, having movie nights, or working in the yard.

Being a husband and father has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of stewardship, intentionality, and investing in what matters most. These experiences continue to shape both my personal life and the way I connect with the individuals and families I serve.

I am grateful to call the Conover, Newton, and Hickory area home and value the opportunity to build lasting relationships within the community.

Your financial life is about more than numbers. It's about the people, goals, and values that matter most.

Whether you're planning for retirement, protecting your family, building wealth, or navigating a major life transition, I'm here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions. Let's connect and talk about where you are today and where you'd like to go.

It's easy to connect

Email: michael.woods@thrivent.com

Call/Text: (828)624-2871

Book an Appointment: https://calendly.com/michael-woods-thrivent/initial-connection