Insights
🎉 Please join us in officially welcoming Stan Stralkowski to the team!After completing all of his studying and licensing, Stan began his training with us this week, and we’re so excited to have him taking this next step.Stan will be working alongside our team as he continues learning the business. We’re looking forward to everything he’ll bring to the team and to having him grow with us.Welcome, Stan! We’re glad you’re here! ⭐
📣 Social Security’s 2027 cost-of-living adjustment has officially been announced!Social Security benefits will increase by 3.6% in 2027, with the increase beginning for beneficiaries in January. According to the Social Security Administration, that will mean an average increase of about $75 per month for retired workers.While the annual COLA is automatic, deciding when to begin taking Social Security is not, and that decision can have a significant impact on your income throughout retirement.Should you claim at 62? Wait until your full retirement age? Delay until 70? The right answer depends on much more than just your age. Your other income, retirement assets, life expectancy, spousal benefits, taxes, and overall retirement plan can all play a role.If Social Security decisions are on your horizon, we’re here to help you look at the bigger picture and evaluate the timing strategy that makes the most sense for you.📌 Source: Social Security Administration — 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/cola/factsheets/2027.htmlThrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration. 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. ⬇️
Navigating open enrollment: 5 ways to make the best choices for your familyOpen enrollment is your opportunity to make choices that will protect and support your family throughout the year. Take a look at this helpful guide before you get started. Let’s connect if you want to discuss which options are the right fit for your family’s needs.
Did you work somewhere years ago and lose track of an old 401(k) or pension? You're not alone! The good news is, it may be easier to find than you'd think.A few free places to check:🔍 Retirement Savings Lost and Found (lostandfound.dol.gov) — a new DOL database that searches for old retirement plans tied to your Social Security number🔍 PBGC (pbgc.gov) — holds unclaimed pension benefits for plans that have ended🔍 MissingMoney.com — searches state unclaimed property databases🔍 National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits — another free lookup toolPS: if you've lost a spouse, it's worth checking under their name too. Many people don't realize their loved one may have left behind retirement savings from a past job.Not sure where to start? We're happy to help you track it down.
Why timing the market doesn’t workEver wonder if you should pull money out when the market dips, then jump back in once things get better? Turns out, that strategy rarely works out the way we hope. Missing just a handful of the market's best days can seriously hurt your long-term returns. 📉➡️📈 This article breaks down why market timing is nearly impossible, even for the pros.https://www.thriventfunds.com/insights/investing-essentials/why-timing-the-market-doesnt-work.html
Positioning for rising interest ratesRates have been in the spotlight all year, and it's worth asking: is your portfolio built for where rates may be headed, not just where they've been? This article breaks down how rising rates can impact stocks, bonds, and cash investments. Take a look, and reach out if you'd like to talk through your own strategy.https://www.thriventfunds.com/insights/market-update/positioning-for-interest-rates.html
We were proud to sponsor St. Luke’s Grand View Auxiliary’s first-ever Brick Bingo last night! Vicki and her daughters may not have gone home with a win, but they had a great time supporting a wonderful local organization. Thanks for a fun evening!
What does a fulfilling life look like to you?Who and what matters most to you?What experiences do you want?Which people and /or organizations deserve your support?Who can you trust for future decision-making?These are just a few of the questions we address with our clients. If you aren't sure if your retirement plan is set up properly to address these things, give us a call. #retirementplanning #financialplanning
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. ⬇️
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. ⬇️
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. ⬇️
We're Growing to Better Serve Our Clients!As our client base continues to grow, largely through the referrals and trust of our clients, we're excited to share a couple of updates about the continued growth of our team.First, please join us in congratulating Stan Stralkowski on recently passing his Series 7 exam, a major milestone on his path to becoming a licensed Financial Advisor. With three out of four required licensing exams now behind him, Stan is officially in the home stretch as he prepares for his final exam. His dedication and hard work throughout the process have been impressive, and we're excited to have him continue moving toward serving clients with our team.We're also very pleased to welcome Rick Graber to the team!Rick brings years of experience helping individuals and families navigate important financial decisions and life transitions. His commitment to serving others and building trusted relationships aligns perfectly with our mission and values. As Rick says:"Family and values matter. That's one of the reasons I love serving as a Financial Advisor with Thrivent. I feel called to help people navigate important financial decisions and life transitions. Walking alongside individuals and families through different seasons of life, and helping them feel confident and secure about their future, is incredibly rewarding."We're so excited about what these additions mean for the future of our team and, most importantly, for the clients and families we serve. Thank you for the trust you place in us. We look forward to continuing to grow while providing the personal guidance and service you've come to expect.
Help prepare for retirement with confidence by getting a locked-in interest rate for the guarantee period you choose—either 3, 5, 7 or 9 years—with a Thrivent Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity™️.This single premium fixed deferred annuity offers:• Dependable interest• Tax-deferred earnings• Protection from market riskContact us today if you want to discuss if this is right for you.For additional interest rates and other important information: https://bit.ly/4fFumVISee thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
September 2026 Market Update: Healthy growth sends stocks to new highsMarkets continue to navigate a mix of opportunities and challenges. Strong earnings, AI-driven investment and a resilient labor market supported equities, while higher interest rates remain a key consideration for investors. Learn more in Thrivent's September Market Update. ⬇️
Lots of chances this week to register for this informative webinar! Mark your calendars and sign up today. Sep 15, 2026 1:00 PM or 8:30 PMSep 16, 2026 2:00 PMhttps://thrivent.zoom.us/webinar/register/4617646177485/WN_NXiQNrl3St63FeGTgS_RrA#/registration
Watch Party: Making Your Money Last RetirementDinner is on us, and retirement is on the agenda!Join us for a FREE retirement watch party and explore practical ideas for making your savings last while enjoying the retirement you worked for.After the seminar, stick around for a conversation with our advisors to unpack the key takeaways, ask questions and consider how they might apply to you.Limited seating available, so save your spot today and visit our website to register.No products will be sold. David Blanchett and Michael Finke are not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. The views expressed in this presentation by David Blanchett and Michael Finke are their own and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates. See thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures. 8672647.1
August 2026 Market Update: Strong economy, higher yieldsThe market continues to navigate a changing landscape. While technology and AI remain important drivers, leadership is expanding into areas like financials and energy. Combined with a resilient economy and attractive bond yields, diversification remains as important as ever. Read Thrivent's August Market Update for more. ⬇️
Steady growth, stubborn inflation: Q3 2026 market outlookEconomic growth remains solid, but investors continue to face questions around inflation, interest rates and AI-driven market expectations. Explore Thrivent's 2026 Mid-Year Market Outlook for perspective on what may lie ahead. ⬇️
Uncertain markets can make decisions feel harder—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Watch Thrivent’s virtual Market & Economic Update live on July 14 for key insights from investment leaders and a clearer outlook on what’s ahead. Register here: https://thrivent.zoom.us/webinar/register/4117605630702/WN_bLDyQmN1RvmlcPHVlkFhYw#/registration No products will be sold. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.