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September 2025 Market Update: Expectations for lower rates return

Economic data from August showed that growth is slowing. Read Thrivent's September market update to learn more.

August economic data helped increase market expectations for lower rates to come.

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Meet my four-legged, furry nurse! Spoiler alert...I am getting old! This past weekend I participated in a my first pickleball tournament at Pickle Lodge in West Chester! Shout out to the staff there for running a great tournament all weekend long along with an amazingly talented partner in Andrea! We started out strong and won all of our games in our pool play...BUT...I hurt my heel/Achilles going for a drop shot when I pushed off and felt some pain. It severely limited my play the rest of the day and honestly caused me/us to lose in the medal round. I feel awful as I believe had I not had this injury we could've competed with any team there and came out victorious! What it taught me was this...we can only control so much of the outcomes. I stretched prior to playing and played many games, had the right shoe/support but for some reason (probably age with some wear and tear, as I like to play quite a bit) my body decided I pushed it too far and my body decided to slow me down. In life I have found that happens often for me, that if I do not rest, rest will be forced! Boundaries are important and dare I say vital to life! Might be a topic for another post at another time, but I learned how far I can go and now have to rest up. Thankful for a caring "nurse" pictured here and a loving wife (not pictured here) who have allowed me to rest and recover well. A Partnership in life is so valuable to lift and care for another when they are weakened. That is what we aspire to do for our clients, be a Partner is all aspects of life. We are there to celebrate and commiserate, in good times and the worst times! How do you rest and recover? Any tips and tricks you can share?

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Meet my four-legged, furry nurse! Spoiler alert...I am getting old! This past weekend I participated in a my first pickleball tournament at Pickle Lodge in West Chester! Shout out to the staff there for running a great tournament all weekend long along with an amazingly talented partner in Andrea! We started out strong and won all of our games in our pool play...BUT...I hurt my heel/Achilles going for a drop shot when I pushed off and felt some pain. It severely limited my play the rest of the day and honestly caused me/us to lose in the medal round. I feel awful as I believe had I not had this injury we could've competed with any team there and came out victorious! What it taught me was this...we can only control so much of the outcomes. I stretched prior to playing and played many games, had the right shoe/support but for some reason (probably age with some wear and tear, as I like to play quite a bit) my body decided I pushed it too far and my body decided to slow me down. In life I have found that happens often for me, that if I do not rest, rest will be forced! Boundaries are important and dare I say vital to life! Might be a topic for another post at another time, but I learned how far I can go and now have to rest up. Thankful for a caring "nurse" pictured here and a loving wife (not pictured here) who have allowed me to rest and recover well. A Partnership in life is so valuable to lift and care for another when they are weakened. That is what we aspire to do for our clients, be a Partner is all aspects of life. We are there to celebrate and commiserate, in good times and the worst times! How do you rest and recover? Any tips and tricks you can share?

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It's here…It is finally here! Football season that is! It is my favorite time of year. There is so much optimism from every team’s fanbase, and I am of no exception! This could be OUR year! For those that do not know, spoiler alert, “our” team is the Green Bay Packers! Growing up in Green Bay was so unique. We would see these players with their families in our community after watching them compete on TV over the weekend. To see your childhood heroes in real life was incredible! Growing up in the smallest professional sports city also was so unique. We would have classes cancelled after we won a Super Bowl, teachers wouldn’t assign homework if Packers were playing a Monday Night Football game, our pastor would preach a shorter message on home games that started at Noon (he had season tickets and needed to get to the stadium with all the traffic too). It has been incredible being able to go back to Green Bay where I went to school for most of my childhood now with my wife, who ironically (or as God would have it) also was a Packers fan as her first professional sports team before she even met me! We have been fortunate to go to the stadium and watch a few games with great weather, great friends and amazing outcomes. This year I am excited to see how the football season unfolds and just like football it takes the whole team committed to the same goal, in the same direction and the same energy to succeed! Such is Life! We need all different people coming around one goal, one vision, with tenacity and nearly anything can happen. You can count on our Team at Rooted Financial Advisors to do that for you, your family and your business! Go Rooted Go, doesn’t quite have the same ring as Go Pack Go! But doesn’t mean we do not have less energy for wanting to move and move with you. Enjoy football season no matter what team you cheer for, unless you cheer for da bears! ;)

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It's here…It is finally here! Football season that is! It is my favorite time of year. There is so much optimism from every team’s fanbase, and I am of no exception! This could be OUR year! For those that do not know, spoiler alert, “our” team is the Green Bay Packers! Growing up in Green Bay was so unique. We would see these players with their families in our community after watching them compete on TV over the weekend. To see your childhood heroes in real life was incredible! Growing up in the smallest professional sports city also was so unique. We would have classes cancelled after we won a Super Bowl, teachers wouldn’t assign homework if Packers were playing a Monday Night Football game, our pastor would preach a shorter message on home games that started at Noon (he had season tickets and needed to get to the stadium with all the traffic too). It has been incredible being able to go back to Green Bay where I went to school for most of my childhood now with my wife, who ironically (or as God would have it) also was a Packers fan as her first professional sports team before she even met me! We have been fortunate to go to the stadium and watch a few games with great weather, great friends and amazing outcomes. This year I am excited to see how the football season unfolds and just like football it takes the whole team committed to the same goal, in the same direction and the same energy to succeed! Such is Life! We need all different people coming around one goal, one vision, with tenacity and nearly anything can happen. You can count on our Team at Rooted Financial Advisors to do that for you, your family and your business! Go Rooted Go, doesn’t quite have the same ring as Go Pack Go! But doesn’t mean we do not have less energy for wanting to move and move with you. Enjoy football season no matter what team you cheer for, unless you cheer for da bears! ;)

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As a Business Owner do you ever feel weary with ALL the hats you sometimes wear?? What if you could take one or more off and allow others to do the work you expect!? That is WHY I love working with small business owners and their teams! The lift and jubilation when we meet and find ways to take a hat or two off, is worth the hard work and time spent cultivating a place of confidence and contentment. See most business owners I know, me included, are quite protective of their business and brand. To be invited in, says a lot about the character of the visitor and that person should treat the invitation as such! When we work together, we find ways to understand where you are, dream of a future state, then reverse engineer the necessary steps to achieve the desired outcome! All the while, we do it collaboratively, making sure we truly understand the values that drive you and your business forward. If you are weary, tired of wearing too many hats, reach out and see if putting on one of our hats allows you to feel a bit of relief, knowing you have a powerhouse team behind you every step of the way! Our clients understand we are the company Where Money Means More, and I cannot wait to share that same sentiment with so many others in the coming days, weeks, months and years ahead!! Reach out today and let's have a conversation bringing contentment and clarity to your goals! PS be on the lookout for these hats and snag yourself one at an upcoming event!

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As a Business Owner do you ever feel weary with ALL the hats you sometimes wear?? What if you could take one or more off and allow others to do the work you expect!? That is WHY I love working with small business owners and their teams! The lift and jubilation when we meet and find ways to take a hat or two off, is worth the hard work and time spent cultivating a place of confidence and contentment. See most business owners I know, me included, are quite protective of their business and brand. To be invited in, says a lot about the character of the visitor and that person should treat the invitation as such! When we work together, we find ways to understand where you are, dream of a future state, then reverse engineer the necessary steps to achieve the desired outcome! All the while, we do it collaboratively, making sure we truly understand the values that drive you and your business forward. If you are weary, tired of wearing too many hats, reach out and see if putting on one of our hats allows you to feel a bit of relief, knowing you have a powerhouse team behind you every step of the way! Our clients understand we are the company Where Money Means More, and I cannot wait to share that same sentiment with so many others in the coming days, weeks, months and years ahead!! Reach out today and let's have a conversation bringing contentment and clarity to your goals! PS be on the lookout for these hats and snag yourself one at an upcoming event!

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What a great week and weekend of sports here in Cincinnati to enjoy! Growing up in a professional football city, I got accustomed to having professional level sports, athletes and activities on a regular basis. I got spoiled and realized that is not always the case. In fact, more years of my life has been spent/lived in cities without a professional team. Then I moved to Cincinnati and have loved the many activities that happen here year-round! To be able to see some of the best Tennis players in the world play here is incredible and last Thursday evening was excellent weather wise and tennis wise. I never get tired of watching an unranked player play and beat someone they are not supposed to! Might be why David & Goliath is such a common story taught in kids church/sunday school! I would be remised if I did not also enjoy watching my first place Brewers come to town and win in some dramatic ways! Having grown up in Wisconsin and going to Miller Park (it will always be that name to me!), makes me appreciate being able to see them as a visiting team here. Then adding in the team this year and how they are playing; Magical! Everyone steps up at different times on this team, which is exactly what I see in life! This post unlike some of my others is not deep in thought other than gratitude! I am grateful to be in Cincinnati! I am grateful for opportunities to watch professional sports regularly here without having to travel far! I am grateful for a spouse who also enjoys sports (not the same level that I do) and attending games in the area! Gratitude is key to me in life! I pray to always keep a grateful spirit and expect very little. That allows God to show up in BIG ways! Lastly, I am grateful God does show up, not always when I want Him to, but when He wants to! PS His timing is always better in hindsight. What are you grateful for? How often do you express it?

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What a great week and weekend of sports here in Cincinnati to enjoy! Growing up in a professional football city, I got accustomed to having professional level sports, athletes and activities on a regular basis. I got spoiled and realized that is not always the case. In fact, more years of my life has been spent/lived in cities without a professional team. Then I moved to Cincinnati and have loved the many activities that happen here year-round! To be able to see some of the best Tennis players in the world play here is incredible and last Thursday evening was excellent weather wise and tennis wise. I never get tired of watching an unranked player play and beat someone they are not supposed to! Might be why David & Goliath is such a common story taught in kids church/sunday school! I would be remised if I did not also enjoy watching my first place Brewers come to town and win in some dramatic ways! Having grown up in Wisconsin and going to Miller Park (it will always be that name to me!), makes me appreciate being able to see them as a visiting team here. Then adding in the team this year and how they are playing; Magical! Everyone steps up at different times on this team, which is exactly what I see in life! This post unlike some of my others is not deep in thought other than gratitude! I am grateful to be in Cincinnati! I am grateful for opportunities to watch professional sports regularly here without having to travel far! I am grateful for a spouse who also enjoys sports (not the same level that I do) and attending games in the area! Gratitude is key to me in life! I pray to always keep a grateful spirit and expect very little. That allows God to show up in BIG ways! Lastly, I am grateful God does show up, not always when I want Him to, but when He wants to! PS His timing is always better in hindsight. What are you grateful for? How often do you express it?

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Business Owners: How often are you working ON your business compared to IN your business?? As someone who does not (yet) have a large team with specific roles and responsibilities, I often find it difficult to take a step back from doing the actual work to vision cast, business plan, strategize and overall evaluate the efficiencies of our processes. If I am being honest, I enjoy working IN the business so much more, that I neglect many items needed to improve or refine, until there is a large enough problem to address. Fast forward to an invitation I received to go to St. Louis for a training around delivering financial advice and embracing this model within our client engagement. I could make lots of excuses on why NOT to go, but also felt it was necessary to go and learn from the expert and colleagues to refine our service offerings and make necessary changes now, rather than later when there is a pain point we cannot overcome. I am glad I went! Taking time to understand where we are in current state, what future state looks like, along with how the public prefers to be engaged was eye-opening and helpful as I continue to be someone that can help others have a better tomorrow than what they are having today! (side note: that is my personal mission statement) What type of advisor do you seek after? How often do you look at business plans or take time to dream of the future state of your business? Is it easy or difficult to step away from the day-to-day operations? share below and hopefully we can learn from each other!

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Business Owners: How often are you working ON your business compared to IN your business?? As someone who does not (yet) have a large team with specific roles and responsibilities, I often find it difficult to take a step back from doing the actual work to vision cast, business plan, strategize and overall evaluate the efficiencies of our processes. If I am being honest, I enjoy working IN the business so much more, that I neglect many items needed to improve or refine, until there is a large enough problem to address. Fast forward to an invitation I received to go to St. Louis for a training around delivering financial advice and embracing this model within our client engagement. I could make lots of excuses on why NOT to go, but also felt it was necessary to go and learn from the expert and colleagues to refine our service offerings and make necessary changes now, rather than later when there is a pain point we cannot overcome. I am glad I went! Taking time to understand where we are in current state, what future state looks like, along with how the public prefers to be engaged was eye-opening and helpful as I continue to be someone that can help others have a better tomorrow than what they are having today! (side note: that is my personal mission statement) What type of advisor do you seek after? How often do you look at business plans or take time to dream of the future state of your business? Is it easy or difficult to step away from the day-to-day operations? share below and hopefully we can learn from each other!

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What a trip and so grateful to have this experience with my lovely, caring and adventurous wife, Lindsey! We just returned from our time in South Africa where we spent a lot of time with an organization called Build the Future! I love the name, the premise of the work they do and all those involved with the organization. While there we took time to play with the kids, feed them, build a wall and explore the area, including animal sightings. I loved most going to church with local people where we heard a great message and worshipped the Same God, with brothers and sisters from across the globe! I will never forget the time there, the people I met and a prayer/dream coming true. I have always prayed for a person to go and serve others with, and I could not have imagined finding an answer to prayer like Lindsey! I am grateful that God's ways and plans are better than I could imagine! Even better was the fact we helped raise funds prior to going with Thrivent Action Teams and plan to use more kits for an upcoming fundraiser this December here at Madtree! PS you can come meet some of the wonderful people involved and participate too, more details to come! Where are areas you would like to travel to? Have you gone on a mission trip before and what was your experience there?

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What a trip and so grateful to have this experience with my lovely, caring and adventurous wife, Lindsey! We just returned from our time in South Africa where we spent a lot of time with an organization called Build the Future! I love the name, the premise of the work they do and all those involved with the organization. While there we took time to play with the kids, feed them, build a wall and explore the area, including animal sightings. I loved most going to church with local people where we heard a great message and worshipped the Same God, with brothers and sisters from across the globe! I will never forget the time there, the people I met and a prayer/dream coming true. I have always prayed for a person to go and serve others with, and I could not have imagined finding an answer to prayer like Lindsey! I am grateful that God's ways and plans are better than I could imagine! Even better was the fact we helped raise funds prior to going with Thrivent Action Teams and plan to use more kits for an upcoming fundraiser this December here at Madtree! PS you can come meet some of the wonderful people involved and participate too, more details to come! Where are areas you would like to travel to? Have you gone on a mission trip before and what was your experience there?

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What a night to watch a living legend play right here in Cincinnati! We had the privilege to get tickets as a team to go and see FC Cincinnati take on Inter Miami CF. Now the person most was there to watch from the Miami squad was none other than Lionel Messi! For those that do not know I will share a few stats about Messi to give some context on his greatness. He has scored 872 goals and assisted on another 385 goals for his teams. He has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards (which represent the best footballer that year) which is the most all time. These stats courtesy of his Wikipedia page. Needless to say, he has had a long career and one with incredible success both as an individual and teammate. This type of person is what drives me within our team. I want to be the best at leading and assisting others! Clients and staff included. I know I cannot do it all by myself, just like Messi cannot go 1 on 11 and win or even score. The "We" is always greater than the "Me" in life, sports and business. A team effort and constantly putting our clients in position to score and win, is what we will bring to the game every time we are called upon! Last night was so fun for many reasons, but at the end of the day to watch Messi play and see FC Cincinnati win was the best outcome it could be! Thank you, Thrivent, for sponsoring us and having us at this match to be there to say we saw Greatness on the pitch!

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What a night to watch a living legend play right here in Cincinnati! We had the privilege to get tickets as a team to go and see FC Cincinnati take on Inter Miami CF. Now the person most was there to watch from the Miami squad was none other than Lionel Messi! For those that do not know I will share a few stats about Messi to give some context on his greatness. He has scored 872 goals and assisted on another 385 goals for his teams. He has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards (which represent the best footballer that year) which is the most all time. These stats courtesy of his Wikipedia page. Needless to say, he has had a long career and one with incredible success both as an individual and teammate. This type of person is what drives me within our team. I want to be the best at leading and assisting others! Clients and staff included. I know I cannot do it all by myself, just like Messi cannot go 1 on 11 and win or even score. The "We" is always greater than the "Me" in life, sports and business. A team effort and constantly putting our clients in position to score and win, is what we will bring to the game every time we are called upon! Last night was so fun for many reasons, but at the end of the day to watch Messi play and see FC Cincinnati win was the best outcome it could be! Thank you, Thrivent, for sponsoring us and having us at this match to be there to say we saw Greatness on the pitch!

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Rocky Mountain High!! We just returned from our trip out to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park! What a lovely time of year to be there and see all the sights and sounds (along with animals) there! My biggest takeaways are a few that I wanted to share. 1. The importance of getting away to recharge, refresh and refuel! Do it!! Your future self with thank you! 2. Going to places and areas that you are not normally surrounded by helps give perspective to the bigger world we live in, and God created! I enjoy the mountains, in part, because I do not see them regularly. I always enjoy the ocean/beach for the same reason. 3. It is amazing the places and things you will see when you continue to take just one more step forward! On one of the trails, I took a few detours off the regular path and found some incredible views and tranquility not being around the masses on the trail. So rewarding and enjoyable! In the midst of this trip, I cannot help but think, that half the year is over! But...there's still a half of a year left! So much to accomplish and possibilities abound! My goal is to finish strong, take advantage of the small moments that unfold and cherish those around me on the journey. What national parks are your favorite? Are you a mountain or a beach person? What is your favorite animal to see in their native environment? Please share below!

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Rocky Mountain High!! We just returned from our trip out to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park! What a lovely time of year to be there and see all the sights and sounds (along with animals) there! My biggest takeaways are a few that I wanted to share. 1. The importance of getting away to recharge, refresh and refuel! Do it!! Your future self with thank you! 2. Going to places and areas that you are not normally surrounded by helps give perspective to the bigger world we live in, and God created! I enjoy the mountains, in part, because I do not see them regularly. I always enjoy the ocean/beach for the same reason. 3. It is amazing the places and things you will see when you continue to take just one more step forward! On one of the trails, I took a few detours off the regular path and found some incredible views and tranquility not being around the masses on the trail. So rewarding and enjoyable! In the midst of this trip, I cannot help but think, that half the year is over! But...there's still a half of a year left! So much to accomplish and possibilities abound! My goal is to finish strong, take advantage of the small moments that unfold and cherish those around me on the journey. What national parks are your favorite? Are you a mountain or a beach person? What is your favorite animal to see in their native environment? Please share below!

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Do you prefer comfort or discomfort?? Now that might seem like a “dumb” question, but I earnestly ask! I find myself in a constant battle, not unlike trying to achieve the “ideal” work/life balance so many seek as well, but I will save that “rant” for another post/day. I digress, in much of my life I prefer to be comfortable and honestly used to feel bad saying it. I much prefer a comfortable bed over sleeping on the ground. I prefer air conditioning (especially this week! Be safe out there!) over being hot or only using air movement. I prefer a leather upholstered seat in my car over riding my bike to work and everywhere. I do not think I am alone in these. But…I also know that getting comfortable will stifle any chance of growth! Our church sent us a reminder this week that “We do Hard Things!” God does NOT call us to an easy life, nor promises an easier life. In fact, following the Jesus of the Bible will make your life harder in many aspects, but also more fulfilling. Because at the end of the day, I think many of us love that feeling of accomplishing something difficult through hard work! Then we can rest and see the progress made. This is why I spent my entire weekend studying and focused on working through subject areas for an upcoming exam I am taking. This was NOT easy, I would have loved to be doing many other things over studying and trying to retain the information shared. This exam I am studying for encompasses a lot of information, but in the end, it is already making me better and more competent! This exam is not just a weekend commitment to pass, but I have been studying continuously since January 2024. The end is near, and I cannot wait to have the feeling that comes with accomplishing something very difficult and challenging like this! So, I ask you, what do you prefer comfort or discomfort? What makes you come alive and feel great about yourself? What areas of life have challenged you and seen the growth as a result? Share below

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Do you prefer comfort or discomfort?? Now that might seem like a “dumb” question, but I earnestly ask! I find myself in a constant battle, not unlike trying to achieve the “ideal” work/life balance so many seek as well, but I will save that “rant” for another post/day. I digress, in much of my life I prefer to be comfortable and honestly used to feel bad saying it. I much prefer a comfortable bed over sleeping on the ground. I prefer air conditioning (especially this week! Be safe out there!) over being hot or only using air movement. I prefer a leather upholstered seat in my car over riding my bike to work and everywhere. I do not think I am alone in these. But…I also know that getting comfortable will stifle any chance of growth! Our church sent us a reminder this week that “We do Hard Things!” God does NOT call us to an easy life, nor promises an easier life. In fact, following the Jesus of the Bible will make your life harder in many aspects, but also more fulfilling. Because at the end of the day, I think many of us love that feeling of accomplishing something difficult through hard work! Then we can rest and see the progress made. This is why I spent my entire weekend studying and focused on working through subject areas for an upcoming exam I am taking. This was NOT easy, I would have loved to be doing many other things over studying and trying to retain the information shared. This exam I am studying for encompasses a lot of information, but in the end, it is already making me better and more competent! This exam is not just a weekend commitment to pass, but I have been studying continuously since January 2024. The end is near, and I cannot wait to have the feeling that comes with accomplishing something very difficult and challenging like this! So, I ask you, what do you prefer comfort or discomfort? What makes you come alive and feel great about yourself? What areas of life have challenged you and seen the growth as a result? Share below

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