Fishing is like my first few years in business. Lots of casts to net a fish.I had never thought of the comparisons between fishing and prospecting for business, but it was clear when I got to Canada how similar the two truly are!? I took a lot of time to learn how to tie a proper knot, learn my equipment, setup the rods and reels with the correct bait and then need the weather conditions to ensure we are fishing in the correct spots. And then you wait, you cast, you slowly reel the line while feeling if you have a bite and once you do, you do all you can to keep the fish on the line until it is safely in the boat! Same thing in business and if you are not fishing in the right places or with the right bait, good luck, you could be in for a long day!It is incredible to realize that I have been fishing in this business for over 15 years and the skills remain the same. Know your fishing holes, know your equipment, know the conditions around you and be humble that every cast may not yield a fish nor a big fish.But...when you feel that big fish it makes it worth it. Ironically the Muskie I caught was 41" and was not what we were targeting. I caught the fish without the right lure but yet I was in the right spot, and the fish was I guess hungry enough for a worm, rubber one at that!What an incredible trip to experience with some family and friends and looking to go back again to keep fishing!What are your favorite fishing holes? Do you have a favorite lure or bait? When is the last time you got out on the water to fish? Before I met my father-in-law, I had not fished since I was 12 with my grandfather. It has been enjoyable to experience again!
The differences between real estate, stocks, bonds & mutual fundsWondering what types of investments you should make? Learn more about the different options available and then let’s connect and discuss which ones may be right for you.
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 me today if you want to discuss if this is right for you.For additional interest rates and other important information: https://bit.ly/3RA8u4ZSee thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
One of my favorite events of the whole year, The Cincinnati Open!I grew up playing tennis and have gotten into pickleball! I will save that for another day, another post and another rant, but for today we are talking tennis!The sport is challenging and rewarding with skill and precision required to play well along with endurance to get your body into position to hit the required shot with excellence. Watching some of the best of the best in the world, come to Cincinnati is amazing! The venue, the competition and the excitement is one that even if you are a casual fan, you will get engrossed with. We are fortunate to host this event and I love supporting it. The biggest rule you learn in tennis (and pickleball) is to always expect the ball to come back! No matter how good of a shot you hit, no matter how tough or unlikely it will be to return, expect it and don't give up! This is what I find has propelled me in life, the never give up, stay focused and be prepared attitude/mantra!Much like these athletes we spend a considerable amount of time behind the scenes preparing, practicing and going over the gameplan before we meet with our clients. We want to be ready for any shot that may come our way. We want to put you in the best position to win the marathon, 3-set, championship match, called LIFE!Next year, you should come join us! We would love to have a crowd there with us cheering on the competitors, enjoying the venue and hopefully good weather, while watching world-class tennis here right in our backyard!
The Thrivent Virtual Advisor career is reshaping what the financial advisor role can look like.In this role, you'll receive:• structured support• predictable income while you train and grow• flexibility in a hybrid or remote settingExplore the role today: thriventcareers.com/4yy9TcR
Why disability insurance matters & who should get itWondering if disability income insurance is something you need? This resource contains commonly asked questions so you can decide what is right for you. ⬇️
Portfolio diversification: Importance, benefits & how to startIs your portfolio diversified? Having a mix of investments can help you manage risk, reduce volatility and build a reliable foundation for your long-term financial goals. Here are 4 primary components to help you diversify. ⬇️
It is Finished! Famous words and also a declaration of completion!When we began the challenging project to renovate our powder room, I was not completely convinced we could do it all on our own. Truth be told, we did not do it all on our own. We had input on ideas for design from family, we had a friend stop over to help shut off the water when the shutoffs failed after demo, we needed a plumber to install new shut offs, and I watched LOTS of YouTube videos on techniques to install everything correctly. Like most things in life, I was surrounded by many in accomplishing this project. The second picture shows the before, fyi.I also learned the importance of time vs money. It really is a binary choice for most of us!I heard it shared years ago that we can choose to spend more time on a project or more money. This project was exactly that! It took over 2 months to complete it (would've completed sooner had original cabinet not had issues), but if we needed it done quicker, we probably would've had to pay professionals to come and complete it on our behalf. And if we didn't have the funds to pay for help, we would've needed to use our time to complete the project.I see many online postings about why to hire a financial advisor or why you shouldn't. There is no one-size-fits-all that applies to everyone and every situation. I will say it comes down to do you have the time and will the time to learn cost you more than a professional? Time versus Money is the tradeoff we have always had and will always be in the back of our minds no matter where technology takes us!How do you decide on whether better to spend the time or the money on a project? Please share any insights below.
If you’re interested in understanding how today’s economy might play out in your financial life, be sure to watch Thrivent’s recent Market & Economic Update: https://bit.ly/3T9oifdKey takeaways:☑️ Markets are high, but gains are concentrated and valuations are elevated.☑️ Today’s headlines can be loud—resist the urge to overreact.☑️ The key to steady progress is diversification* and a long-term plan.As Rooted Financial Advisors, our role is to help you evaluate your investments, evolve your strategy and confirm your mix meets your goals. So reach out if you have questions or want help fine-tuning your current financial plan.*While diversification can help reduce market risk, it does not eliminate it. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.
For months now, one of the big questions has been: Is AI actually improving productivity and profitability? According to Thrivent’s Head of Private Equity Investment Jen Wilson, the answer is yes—but the benefits aren’t always easy to measure. Watch the clip: https://bit.ly/4hjp9UB
Recession fears may have faded, but it’s still a good idea to keep certain economic indicators on your radar. Learn what Thrivent’s Chief Investment Strategist Steve Lowe watches most closely: https://bit.ly/4fG49pR
We just got back from an amazing vacation, and I was awestruck by this tree and root system!I was fortunate to spend time with family exploring Glacier National Park. Growing up my family did not make an effort to seek out the national parks to explore but having married into a family that enjoys hikes, exploring, time together and the parks has been eye opening along with a great annual tradition! While there were many pictures and videos taken, the camera cannot fully encapsulate the beauty of the place, how vast it is and how amazing our God is in creating something like this!This picture captured on one of our hikes has stuck with me for a variety of reasons but the first is that it appears from one angle like it has everything going strong. It is producing green leaves, it is straight and tall and no damage to the bark, but from another angle you can see the soil is being eroded from underneath and a storm could potentially knock down this tree. I find this a lot in life from one angle everything looks great, but from another perspective there are signs of danger ahead! I know I have been there and appreciate when another person can see what I am unable to see.The other fascinating part of the image is part of the name of our team, Rooted Financial Advisors. This was inspired by verses in Psalm 1 and a metaphor for the type of advice we give, which is thoughtful, deep, resilient and long-lasting. Seeing the root structure and how intricate the roots spread out to give strength and stability is amazing and rarely a view we get to see so clearly!What are some of your favorite national parks? Are you a hiker? What are some places we need to add to our bucket list to explore? Please share below!
Interest rates are shifting. Understanding the purpose and timeline of your cash can help you decide whether and how to invest it for optimal returns. Ask yourself two questions. ⬇️See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
This is how you’re set up to succeed as a Thrivent Virtual Financial Advisor:• Get stable income while you enjoy a flexible work arrangement.• Follow a structured development plan with intentional support.• Lay the foundation for your long-term success helping clients we bring to you.Discover a career where your success is our priority: thriventcareers.com/4oON00g
Working tax efficiency into your financial strategyWhen it comes to retirement, a tax-efficient strategy can help preserve more of what you’ve built. Sometimes even small adjustments, like reviewing your withholdings or retirement contributions, can create opportunities. Take a look at 2026 tax brackets and the diversification strategies that may be right for you. ⬇️
Wealth transfer strategies: How to leave assets to your loved onesPassing on assets is more than drafting a will—it’s an opportunity to share the beliefs and goals that shape your legacy. By planning now, your legacy is shaped by intention, not left to chance. Let’s schedule time to connect and help ensure your values carry forward in a lasting way.
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. ⬇️
You insure things like your car, your home and your health. But what about your ability to earn an income? Disability income insurance helps protect a portion of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. Discover more about it here: https://bit.ly/43uhU4c
Get it all when you become a Thrivent Virtual Financial Advisor:• Stable income to help support your growth and licensure.• Structured development in a hybrid or remote work environment.• A purpose-driven culture and rewarding bonus opportunities.Take the first step on your new career journey: thriventcareers.com/4xKtYMJ