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I've got valuable information and resources to share. Explore away! And check back often.

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I did my civic duty on Tuesday and voted! Did you?? But I realized something that day...we actually "vote" every day not just every 4 years or 2 years or however often the polls are open, and ballots are placed out. You might be asking what do you mean? I mean how we spend our money and time makes a big difference! What we choose to do casts votes that represents change. Thinking back at one point, people stopped going to blockbuster or family video to rent movies and shifted their dollars to Netflix which ended their business model. People "voted" to not go to drive-in diners and eat in their cars, so we developed drive throughs or food delivery services to save time and lower costs. I remember my first time in a Walmart store (yes, I am old!) and saw signs hanging from the rafters touting "Made in America" that their items were all produced here and then Walmart realized people do not care as much where something is produced if the consumer can have "Always low prices" and that changed their strategy. I hope we all take time to consider how we use what God has given us. What is our responsibility to steward what the Master owns? I find the lack of ownership freeing, but the responsibility is there to account for decisions I make. I often consider, do I own this (fill in the blank), or does it own me? So please vote! Elections big or small, local or national have impact on so many of us, directly or indirectly. But also consider how you vote with your time, talent and treasures also makes a big difference to the world around you. Please share any nostalgic memories of places you remember that no longer are around or modified how they operate as a business model!

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I did my civic duty on Tuesday and voted! Did you?? But I realized something that day...we actually "vote" every day not just every 4 years or 2 years or however often the polls are open, and ballots are placed out. You might be asking what do you mean? I mean how we spend our money and time makes a big difference! What we choose to do casts votes that represents change. Thinking back at one point, people stopped going to blockbuster or family video to rent movies and shifted their dollars to Netflix which ended their business model. People "voted" to not go to drive-in diners and eat in their cars, so we developed drive throughs or food delivery services to save time and lower costs. I remember my first time in a Walmart store (yes, I am old!) and saw signs hanging from the rafters touting "Made in America" that their items were all produced here and then Walmart realized people do not care as much where something is produced if the consumer can have "Always low prices" and that changed their strategy. I hope we all take time to consider how we use what God has given us. What is our responsibility to steward what the Master owns? I find the lack of ownership freeing, but the responsibility is there to account for decisions I make. I often consider, do I own this (fill in the blank), or does it own me? So please vote! Elections big or small, local or national have impact on so many of us, directly or indirectly. But also consider how you vote with your time, talent and treasures also makes a big difference to the world around you. Please share any nostalgic memories of places you remember that no longer are around or modified how they operate as a business model!

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Reliable compensation. Comprehensive benefits. Flexibility to thrive. As a Virtual Financial Advisor at Thrivent, you’ll do work that matters in a culture that’s shaped by our values: empathy, gratitude, authenticity, impact and commitment. If you’re passionate about helping others and searching for a career that reflects these values, we welcome you to apply. Start your journey ➡️ thriventcareers.com/47r1hb6

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Reliable compensation. Comprehensive benefits. Flexibility to thrive. As a Virtual Financial Advisor at Thrivent, you’ll do work that matters in a culture that’s shaped by our values: empathy, gratitude, authenticity, impact and commitment. If you’re passionate about helping others and searching for a career that reflects these values, we welcome you to apply. Start your journey ➡️ thriventcareers.com/47r1hb6

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Who is my Neighbor?? Jesus was asked this question by a lawyer and had quite the response...if interested to read how Jesus would respond, read the story and interaction in Luke 10:29 and following. Jesus also challenged his follower and listeners in the Gospel of Matthew with "whatever you do to least of these, you have done unto Me." Matthew 25:40 It is pretty clear to me, that the church is to step up when the world would turn away! I do NOT want this post to get hijacked into a political post as that is NOT the premise behind what I am sharing. I know there are many who are hurting, worried and potentially heading into uncertain times with the shutdown currently happening. Plus, you add in costs for travel to see family members and the holidays coming up, you have a recipe for a lot of financial stress! This is where many of you, those that are Thrivent clients, could step in and be the Hands and Feet of Jesus to our Neighbors! If you have not used your Action Team, what about using one to do a thanksgiving meal like my wife and I did a few years ago? Or what would it look like to contact area food centers and purchase goods needed for those coming to these places needing assistance? Or organizing your own local food drive and providing supplies in a "secret santa" sort of way? There are so many options to use your Thrivent benefits that renew/expire each calendar year! I would love to hear the stories on how our clients are being generous to our neighbors. If you have stories of impact and pictures, we would love to share and inspire others! If you need assistance with how to apply and use these unique benefits, please reach out to our team or Thrivent directly. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

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Who is my Neighbor?? Jesus was asked this question by a lawyer and had quite the response...if interested to read how Jesus would respond, read the story and interaction in Luke 10:29 and following. Jesus also challenged his follower and listeners in the Gospel of Matthew with "whatever you do to least of these, you have done unto Me." Matthew 25:40 It is pretty clear to me, that the church is to step up when the world would turn away! I do NOT want this post to get hijacked into a political post as that is NOT the premise behind what I am sharing. I know there are many who are hurting, worried and potentially heading into uncertain times with the shutdown currently happening. Plus, you add in costs for travel to see family members and the holidays coming up, you have a recipe for a lot of financial stress! This is where many of you, those that are Thrivent clients, could step in and be the Hands and Feet of Jesus to our Neighbors! If you have not used your Action Team, what about using one to do a thanksgiving meal like my wife and I did a few years ago? Or what would it look like to contact area food centers and purchase goods needed for those coming to these places needing assistance? Or organizing your own local food drive and providing supplies in a "secret santa" sort of way? There are so many options to use your Thrivent benefits that renew/expire each calendar year! I would love to hear the stories on how our clients are being generous to our neighbors. If you have stories of impact and pictures, we would love to share and inspire others! If you need assistance with how to apply and use these unique benefits, please reach out to our team or Thrivent directly. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

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Help me welcome our newest addition to the team, Angel Hall! Angel will be our Chief Operating Officer fulfilling a role that will be integral to the long-term success of Rooted Financial Advisors-Thrivent. We are so excited to have Angel’s experience and energy as a part of our team. Look for her at upcoming events and in communications going forward. Here is a bit more about Angel and what drives her to be successful! I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I’m Angel Hall – wife, mother, and grandmother to 10 amazing grandchildren, ages 1-14. What a blessing! My husband Mitch and I love to travel, experience new cultures, and we are foodies, enjoying new dishes wherever we go. We love the great outdoors, hiking, sports (Go KY Wildcats!) and any activities our grandchildren are involved in. Family is our greatest asset! I personally enjoy meeting new people, working closely with clients, developing roadmaps and success plans, and love to take on unique and sometimes unusual challenges! That seems to be my specialty. I love streamlining and creating efficient processes to help clients achieve their desired success! I’m very passionate about servant leadership and helping my church, local schools, and those who are underprivileged.

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Help me welcome our newest addition to the team, Angel Hall! Angel will be our Chief Operating Officer fulfilling a role that will be integral to the long-term success of Rooted Financial Advisors-Thrivent. We are so excited to have Angel’s experience and energy as a part of our team. Look for her at upcoming events and in communications going forward. Here is a bit more about Angel and what drives her to be successful! I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I’m Angel Hall – wife, mother, and grandmother to 10 amazing grandchildren, ages 1-14. What a blessing! My husband Mitch and I love to travel, experience new cultures, and we are foodies, enjoying new dishes wherever we go. We love the great outdoors, hiking, sports (Go KY Wildcats!) and any activities our grandchildren are involved in. Family is our greatest asset! I personally enjoy meeting new people, working closely with clients, developing roadmaps and success plans, and love to take on unique and sometimes unusual challenges! That seems to be my specialty. I love streamlining and creating efficient processes to help clients achieve their desired success! I’m very passionate about servant leadership and helping my church, local schools, and those who are underprivileged.

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IT IS FINISHED!! Famous last words from a pretty profound person! The sense of accomplishment is hard to fully put into words, but I will try my best. For the last 18 months I have spent numerous hours studying to take and pass the CFP®️ exam. It is a grueling exercise that tests not just the many facets of financial planning but also grit to be able to put everything together comprehensively. First you have to complete the coursework on individual components of the exam, then complete a financial plan and finally take the comprehensive exam with a passing grade. As you can see from the pictures above there is a TON of information that could be testable so being able to retain, recall and apply correctly is difficult. And I did it! So many people start things, but fewer people complete things. I have fallen prey to this in the past, that after a period of time the energy fades and dread seeps in along with doubt. There were moments I wasn't sure I could complete this or even wanted to! I am glad I had an amazing support system encouraging me along the way. Without that I know I would not have passed this test at this time in life. Coming up to the holiday season, we often hear, "it is more blessed to give than receive!" I truly believe that! I also believe it is better to complete something over just starting something alone! What is something you want to accomplish before the end of the year? the month? the week? or even today?? Let's celebrate finishing over starting as a society and become a champion for completion! See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

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IT IS FINISHED!! Famous last words from a pretty profound person! The sense of accomplishment is hard to fully put into words, but I will try my best. For the last 18 months I have spent numerous hours studying to take and pass the CFP®️ exam. It is a grueling exercise that tests not just the many facets of financial planning but also grit to be able to put everything together comprehensively. First you have to complete the coursework on individual components of the exam, then complete a financial plan and finally take the comprehensive exam with a passing grade. As you can see from the pictures above there is a TON of information that could be testable so being able to retain, recall and apply correctly is difficult. And I did it! So many people start things, but fewer people complete things. I have fallen prey to this in the past, that after a period of time the energy fades and dread seeps in along with doubt. There were moments I wasn't sure I could complete this or even wanted to! I am glad I had an amazing support system encouraging me along the way. Without that I know I would not have passed this test at this time in life. Coming up to the holiday season, we often hear, "it is more blessed to give than receive!" I truly believe that! I also believe it is better to complete something over just starting something alone! What is something you want to accomplish before the end of the year? the month? the week? or even today?? Let's celebrate finishing over starting as a society and become a champion for completion! See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

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Wow what a weekend celebrating German Heritage (which I am part German) at the Nation's Largest Oktoberfest and Largest Worldwide outside of Munich! While the weather was warm, the beers were chilled and delicious. I found this one so unique being the world's oldest brewery, founded in 1040! WOW! Which got me thinking about Legacy...I am sure there were times the business struggled and there had to be moments of doubt that crept in, yet here they are over 1000 years later still in business, still producing and providing services to so many abroad the globe! As I get older, legacy is something I think about more often. In fact, I heard this quote recently and it stuck with me. "Don't count your time but make your time count!" Very profound! The biggest compliment I receive is when clients trust me to guide those, they care about most! That might be their family members, colleagues, or even their successors in business. One day we will all leave this world, but the work we do may continue on and continue to impact generations to come! So, my challenge to you is what impact on the world would you like to leave? Who are those you are pouring into to carry the torch? If time is as limited as we know, how do you prioritize to maximize the results? Please share so we can create a community that honors and serves one another in Truth and Grace!

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Wow what a weekend celebrating German Heritage (which I am part German) at the Nation's Largest Oktoberfest and Largest Worldwide outside of Munich! While the weather was warm, the beers were chilled and delicious. I found this one so unique being the world's oldest brewery, founded in 1040! WOW! Which got me thinking about Legacy...I am sure there were times the business struggled and there had to be moments of doubt that crept in, yet here they are over 1000 years later still in business, still producing and providing services to so many abroad the globe! As I get older, legacy is something I think about more often. In fact, I heard this quote recently and it stuck with me. "Don't count your time but make your time count!" Very profound! The biggest compliment I receive is when clients trust me to guide those, they care about most! That might be their family members, colleagues, or even their successors in business. One day we will all leave this world, but the work we do may continue on and continue to impact generations to come! So, my challenge to you is what impact on the world would you like to leave? Who are those you are pouring into to carry the torch? If time is as limited as we know, how do you prioritize to maximize the results? Please share so we can create a community that honors and serves one another in Truth and Grace!

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Community is VITAL! Grateful to God for helping us find AMAZING community within the neighborhood we bought a house! Last weekend we hosted our annual Oktoberfest block party with our neighbors in front of our street. There was so much fun, laughter, great music and time spent getting to know our neighbors better. I look forward to this event annually and glad to cook for everyone some brats, hotdogs and pretzels that were enjoyed. So often I hear of people trying to do life alone and even believing that is the best way to go through life, but I do not see that in the Bible anywhere! All too often, God invited people to come together and join in with others doing His work. The community we surround ourselves in, becomes a safe place and place we need in good and not-so-good times. Lindsey and I are blessed to have some great neighbors, and we hope to be fantastic neighbors to everyone in our community! I love the energy when our neighbors come together for events like these and other socials throughout the year. Neighbors helping and looking out for one another makes my heart happy and is what I want to be for others in this business. My goal has been to be that "neighbor" to our clients, where we come together to celebrate, socialize, commiserate, and challenge one another! Together life is more enjoyable when we do it with others! Do you have a fun annual celebration you enjoy with others? Have you been to an Oktoberfest celebration? Is there a particular beer you enjoy most during this season? Share for other "neighbors" to help us get to know one another better!

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Community is VITAL! Grateful to God for helping us find AMAZING community within the neighborhood we bought a house! Last weekend we hosted our annual Oktoberfest block party with our neighbors in front of our street. There was so much fun, laughter, great music and time spent getting to know our neighbors better. I look forward to this event annually and glad to cook for everyone some brats, hotdogs and pretzels that were enjoyed. So often I hear of people trying to do life alone and even believing that is the best way to go through life, but I do not see that in the Bible anywhere! All too often, God invited people to come together and join in with others doing His work. The community we surround ourselves in, becomes a safe place and place we need in good and not-so-good times. Lindsey and I are blessed to have some great neighbors, and we hope to be fantastic neighbors to everyone in our community! I love the energy when our neighbors come together for events like these and other socials throughout the year. Neighbors helping and looking out for one another makes my heart happy and is what I want to be for others in this business. My goal has been to be that "neighbor" to our clients, where we come together to celebrate, socialize, commiserate, and challenge one another! Together life is more enjoyable when we do it with others! Do you have a fun annual celebration you enjoy with others? Have you been to an Oktoberfest celebration? Is there a particular beer you enjoy most during this season? Share for other "neighbors" to help us get to know one another better!

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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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For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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