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

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Seconds. That’s all it really takes to be kind enough to change a situation from bad to good for someone. I saw a recent story of a young girl, Lena, who, after a very long flight (with a 36-hour delay involved), found she had left her lost tooth on the plane. She had wanted to put it under her pillow when she finally got home. Unfortunately, it was 2 a.m. and getting back onto the plane to find the tooth was not possible. It proved too much and little Lena broke down crying. Thankfully a passing pilot, in full uniform, stepped in. He saw what was going on and consoled Lena by writing an “official” note to the tooth fairy as an explanation and receipt of where the tooth was. I’m sure the pilot was tired and ready to get home or to a hotel. But he took a few seconds to console a little girl who had a very long couple of days flying home. We should all follow this example and take a few of our seconds each day to uplift and help someone in need. Give them a smile. #fyp #financialadvisor #financialliteracy #bekind #smile

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Seconds. That’s all it really takes to be kind enough to change a situation from bad to good for someone. I saw a recent story of a young girl, Lena, who, after a very long flight (with a 36-hour delay involved), found she had left her lost tooth on the plane. She had wanted to put it under her pillow when she finally got home. Unfortunately, it was 2 a.m. and getting back onto the plane to find the tooth was not possible. It proved too much and little Lena broke down crying. Thankfully a passing pilot, in full uniform, stepped in. He saw what was going on and consoled Lena by writing an “official” note to the tooth fairy as an explanation and receipt of where the tooth was. I’m sure the pilot was tired and ready to get home or to a hotel. But he took a few seconds to console a little girl who had a very long couple of days flying home. We should all follow this example and take a few of our seconds each day to uplift and help someone in need. Give them a smile. #fyp #financialadvisor #financialliteracy #bekind #smile

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Are you a proud grandparent looking to pass on some valuable financial wisdom to your adorable grandkids? Below are some great ways you can teach your grandkids about the importance of saving money. 🏦 Set Up a Savings Account: Help your grandkids open their own savings account. Encourage them to save a portion of their pocket money or earnings and explain how interest can make their savings grow over time. 🐖 Start a Piggy Bank: Start with a classic! Get them a piggy bank and encourage them to save spare change. Make it a fun activity by decorating the bank together and setting goals for what the saved money can be used for. 💲 Matching Contributions: Consider matching a portion of their savings. This not only encourages saving but also teaches the concept of employer-matching contributions. 💰 Money Jars: Create different money jars labeled "Spend," "Save," and "Donate." Help them allocate their money between these jars to teach them the importance of budgeting, saving, and giving back. 🎲 Play Money Games: Engage in educational games like "Monopoly" or "Cashflow for Kids." These games teach financial concepts in a fun and interactive way, making learning about money exciting for your grandkids. 📚 Read Books on Money: Read children's books about money and saving with your grandkids. This can spark interesting conversations and provide valuable insights through relatable characters and stories. Remember, as a grandparent, you have a unique opportunity to shape your grandkids' financial habits and empower them for a lifetime. By teaching them the value of money and saving, you're setting them up for financial success and independence in the future. #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #financialliteracy

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Are you a proud grandparent looking to pass on some valuable financial wisdom to your adorable grandkids? Below are some great ways you can teach your grandkids about the importance of saving money. 🏦 Set Up a Savings Account: Help your grandkids open their own savings account. Encourage them to save a portion of their pocket money or earnings and explain how interest can make their savings grow over time. 🐖 Start a Piggy Bank: Start with a classic! Get them a piggy bank and encourage them to save spare change. Make it a fun activity by decorating the bank together and setting goals for what the saved money can be used for. 💲 Matching Contributions: Consider matching a portion of their savings. This not only encourages saving but also teaches the concept of employer-matching contributions. 💰 Money Jars: Create different money jars labeled "Spend," "Save," and "Donate." Help them allocate their money between these jars to teach them the importance of budgeting, saving, and giving back. 🎲 Play Money Games: Engage in educational games like "Monopoly" or "Cashflow for Kids." These games teach financial concepts in a fun and interactive way, making learning about money exciting for your grandkids. 📚 Read Books on Money: Read children's books about money and saving with your grandkids. This can spark interesting conversations and provide valuable insights through relatable characters and stories. Remember, as a grandparent, you have a unique opportunity to shape your grandkids' financial habits and empower them for a lifetime. By teaching them the value of money and saving, you're setting them up for financial success and independence in the future. #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #financialliteracy

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Teaching your kids about money management is one of the best gifts you can give them. But when should you start? Every child will have a different age where they will be most receptive and capable of fully understanding financial concepts. But, there are certain concepts that can begin to be taught at a very young age. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a parent, it’s that kids can surprise you with how smart and adaptable they really are. Here are a few things that I believe we should all be teaching our kids to help them live the most successful financial life they can. • Earning Money. As your kids become old enough to do chores around the house or yard; let them. Start an allowance system that requires them to earn their money. Also, encourage their early entrepreneurial ideas. Whether it’s making bracelets, selling lemonade, or offering a service, give them guidance and support. These ideas will set the tone for the rest of their life. • Spend Wisely. No matter how old your kids are, they want things. The only difference between a 5-year-old and a 16-year-old is the cost of the things they want. Teach your kids patience and restraint when it comes to spending. Taking a step back and thinking about the financial big picture will be an invaluable skill later in life. Help them create a budget and refer to it before any purchases. • Saving Money. As kids start earning money teach them about saving. Stress the importance of putting money aside. One of the biggest regrets that most people have about their early years of earning is that they didn’t save as much as they should. These concepts will give your children a great foundation for their financial life. If there’s anything I can do to help you pass along these concepts to your kids please reach out. #financialadvisor #fyp #thrivent #financialliteracy

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Teaching your kids about money management is one of the best gifts you can give them. But when should you start? Every child will have a different age where they will be most receptive and capable of fully understanding financial concepts. But, there are certain concepts that can begin to be taught at a very young age. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a parent, it’s that kids can surprise you with how smart and adaptable they really are. Here are a few things that I believe we should all be teaching our kids to help them live the most successful financial life they can. • Earning Money. As your kids become old enough to do chores around the house or yard; let them. Start an allowance system that requires them to earn their money. Also, encourage their early entrepreneurial ideas. Whether it’s making bracelets, selling lemonade, or offering a service, give them guidance and support. These ideas will set the tone for the rest of their life. • Spend Wisely. No matter how old your kids are, they want things. The only difference between a 5-year-old and a 16-year-old is the cost of the things they want. Teach your kids patience and restraint when it comes to spending. Taking a step back and thinking about the financial big picture will be an invaluable skill later in life. Help them create a budget and refer to it before any purchases. • Saving Money. As kids start earning money teach them about saving. Stress the importance of putting money aside. One of the biggest regrets that most people have about their early years of earning is that they didn’t save as much as they should. These concepts will give your children a great foundation for their financial life. If there’s anything I can do to help you pass along these concepts to your kids please reach out. #financialadvisor #fyp #thrivent #financialliteracy

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Retirement is here! Time to take it easy! Which is very nice and exciting for the first week or so after living your whole life by a schedule. But what about all the things you wished you could do, but were too busy with your career or taking care of a family? And I’m not just talking about knitting or bird watching. But a real adventure. If sitting in a rocking chair watching the world go by isn’t your style, here are some suggestions for making the most out of your new-found freedom: Go back to school. Something that would make a child groan could be an exciting prospect for an adult that doesn’t need to worry about the practical side of education anymore. Was your higher education based solely around your planned career? Or maybe you had to skip it entirely to go straight into the workforce? This is your time to learn about astronomy, take that writing course, or dive deep into philosophy. There are many cost-efficient options offered through community colleges or even local libraries. Get active. If your health allows, try a new activity. Martial arts, dancing, or even a hike to find a geocache. What might be considered “out of the norm” activities for the average person are all available for you to explore. Be involved in your community. This can take the form of volunteering, which is a great way to give back. But also consider exploring local community events. Get involved with local politics. Start a blog to review local attractions and businesses. Or if science is your interest, consider signing up to be a Citizen Scientist. Get silly. You have the experience of knowing that laughing – even at yourself – has incredible benefits. Don’t be afraid to explore that! Have you ever tried LARPing (Live Action Role Playing)? Perhaps it’s time to try your hand at being an amateur magician. Or join an improv group. Don’t limit yourself to who you think you are – explore a whole new side to yourself!

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Retirement is here! Time to take it easy! Which is very nice and exciting for the first week or so after living your whole life by a schedule. But what about all the things you wished you could do, but were too busy with your career or taking care of a family? And I’m not just talking about knitting or bird watching. But a real adventure. If sitting in a rocking chair watching the world go by isn’t your style, here are some suggestions for making the most out of your new-found freedom: Go back to school. Something that would make a child groan could be an exciting prospect for an adult that doesn’t need to worry about the practical side of education anymore. Was your higher education based solely around your planned career? Or maybe you had to skip it entirely to go straight into the workforce? This is your time to learn about astronomy, take that writing course, or dive deep into philosophy. There are many cost-efficient options offered through community colleges or even local libraries. Get active. If your health allows, try a new activity. Martial arts, dancing, or even a hike to find a geocache. What might be considered “out of the norm” activities for the average person are all available for you to explore. Be involved in your community. This can take the form of volunteering, which is a great way to give back. But also consider exploring local community events. Get involved with local politics. Start a blog to review local attractions and businesses. Or if science is your interest, consider signing up to be a Citizen Scientist. Get silly. You have the experience of knowing that laughing – even at yourself – has incredible benefits. Don’t be afraid to explore that! Have you ever tried LARPing (Live Action Role Playing)? Perhaps it’s time to try your hand at being an amateur magician. Or join an improv group. Don’t limit yourself to who you think you are – explore a whole new side to yourself!

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Have you considered contract work during retirement? It can be a great way to keep yourself engaged in the workforce, and the extra money isn’t bad either. Many find that contract work fits their needs with easing back into work without full-time commitment. Here are a few contract jobs below that you can look into. • Uber/Lyft Driver • DoorDash/Delivery Driver • Freelance Writer • Part-Time Consultant • Photographer • Data Entry • Virtual Assistant • House Cleaner • Transcriptionist • Teaching and Tutoring The possibilities are endless with contract work, who knows, you may end up finding a job you’re passionate about! #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #retirement

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Have you considered contract work during retirement? It can be a great way to keep yourself engaged in the workforce, and the extra money isn’t bad either. Many find that contract work fits their needs with easing back into work without full-time commitment. Here are a few contract jobs below that you can look into. • Uber/Lyft Driver • DoorDash/Delivery Driver • Freelance Writer • Part-Time Consultant • Photographer • Data Entry • Virtual Assistant • House Cleaner • Transcriptionist • Teaching and Tutoring The possibilities are endless with contract work, who knows, you may end up finding a job you’re passionate about! #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #retirement

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Technology can be scary. I know. But it can also be amazing. To that end, various tech tools are available that can help make life easier and more enjoyable in retirement. Here are some examples that I feel everyone should be aware of. Personal finance apps - there are many personal finance apps available that can help retirees manage their everyday finances, track expenses, and create budgets. These apps can help remove the stress of remembering which bill is due on which date by helping you set up auto-pay or sending you reminders. Some apps will even tell you about subscriptions you have that you aren’t using, and help you cancel them! Health and fitness apps - there are a variety of health and fitness apps that can help retirees stay active and healthy. For some, this is a great way to stay connected and plugged into a network of like-minded people that you can get to know, and motivate each other on your health journey. Online learning platforms – one of the most important “muscle’s” to exercise in retirement is your brain. Online learning platforms allow retirees to dive into topics you’ve always been curious about but haven’t had the time to research. They help keep your mind active and healthy. All from the comfort of your home. Overall, technology can be a valuable tool for retirees to stay connected, manage their finances, stay healthy, and continue learning and growing. If you have other tech tools that you’ve found helpful or if you have questions about any of the tools I’ve listed, please let me know. I love having these types of conversations with people to expand my knowledge and help others. #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #personalfinance #retirement

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Technology can be scary. I know. But it can also be amazing. To that end, various tech tools are available that can help make life easier and more enjoyable in retirement. Here are some examples that I feel everyone should be aware of. Personal finance apps - there are many personal finance apps available that can help retirees manage their everyday finances, track expenses, and create budgets. These apps can help remove the stress of remembering which bill is due on which date by helping you set up auto-pay or sending you reminders. Some apps will even tell you about subscriptions you have that you aren’t using, and help you cancel them! Health and fitness apps - there are a variety of health and fitness apps that can help retirees stay active and healthy. For some, this is a great way to stay connected and plugged into a network of like-minded people that you can get to know, and motivate each other on your health journey. Online learning platforms – one of the most important “muscle’s” to exercise in retirement is your brain. Online learning platforms allow retirees to dive into topics you’ve always been curious about but haven’t had the time to research. They help keep your mind active and healthy. All from the comfort of your home. Overall, technology can be a valuable tool for retirees to stay connected, manage their finances, stay healthy, and continue learning and growing. If you have other tech tools that you’ve found helpful or if you have questions about any of the tools I’ve listed, please let me know. I love having these types of conversations with people to expand my knowledge and help others. #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #personalfinance #retirement

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“If you are not consciously building your habits, they are unconsciously building you.” ― Anika J. Green We all have this vision of what our ideal life looks like. And it’s not as difficult to achieve it as you may think. And while some things in life are out of our control – like the weather or other people’s choices - there is so much that we can choose, like how we respond or react, how we prepare, etc. If you want to be in control of your life, you must live intentionally. To live intentionally means accounting for, and planning, that which is within your control. And making sure those plans align with your goals, helping you get closer to the life you want. Starting a life of living intentionally doesn’t have to be a 180ᵒ change. It can start as simple as waking up a half hour earlier to read or exercise. It can be making your coffee instead of buying it. It can be saying ‘no’ to plans instead of overextending yourself. It’s taking responsibility for our actions and reactions, and being mindful each and every day. What is one thing you are going to do to start living intentionally? #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #livingintentionally

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“If you are not consciously building your habits, they are unconsciously building you.” ― Anika J. Green We all have this vision of what our ideal life looks like. And it’s not as difficult to achieve it as you may think. And while some things in life are out of our control – like the weather or other people’s choices - there is so much that we can choose, like how we respond or react, how we prepare, etc. If you want to be in control of your life, you must live intentionally. To live intentionally means accounting for, and planning, that which is within your control. And making sure those plans align with your goals, helping you get closer to the life you want. Starting a life of living intentionally doesn’t have to be a 180ᵒ change. It can start as simple as waking up a half hour earlier to read or exercise. It can be making your coffee instead of buying it. It can be saying ‘no’ to plans instead of overextending yourself. It’s taking responsibility for our actions and reactions, and being mindful each and every day. What is one thing you are going to do to start living intentionally? #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #livingintentionally

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Organization. It is crucial to business success. There are a million little tasks that need to be done daily for smooth operation. Things like phone calls, setting appointments, booking travel, conducting research, filing paperwork, buying gifts, taking notes…the list goes on and on. While all these jobs are vital, many people do not have the time (or the desire) to get them done. This is where Administrative Professionals come into the picture. These highly organized and amazing people make life better for everyone in the office. They greet you with a friendly smile while also working in the background, keeping everyone on task. So, thank those people who ensure that the experience is wonderful for all. Not just for customers, but for everyone else in the company. The appointment you keep forgetting to set? The mail that must be addressed. The questions you need to be answered? The reminders to take care of something? It all comes down to your Administrative Professionals. I know our office would be lost without ours. Flo and Paola a critical reason why our team is able to do what we do. Thank you, Flo and Paola! Thank you to all the Administrative Professionals out there!

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Organization. It is crucial to business success. There are a million little tasks that need to be done daily for smooth operation. Things like phone calls, setting appointments, booking travel, conducting research, filing paperwork, buying gifts, taking notes…the list goes on and on. While all these jobs are vital, many people do not have the time (or the desire) to get them done. This is where Administrative Professionals come into the picture. These highly organized and amazing people make life better for everyone in the office. They greet you with a friendly smile while also working in the background, keeping everyone on task. So, thank those people who ensure that the experience is wonderful for all. Not just for customers, but for everyone else in the company. The appointment you keep forgetting to set? The mail that must be addressed. The questions you need to be answered? The reminders to take care of something? It all comes down to your Administrative Professionals. I know our office would be lost without ours. Flo and Paola a critical reason why our team is able to do what we do. Thank you, Flo and Paola! Thank you to all the Administrative Professionals out there!

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Everyone hears ‘estate planning’ and usually one of three thoughts likely come to mind. 1) I am not old enough to need an estate plan yet. 2) I am not a millionaire; my estate is pretty simple, so I don’t need one. 3) I took care of it already…I know it’s around here somewhere. All conclusions are giant red flags to me. Why? Because for one thing, life happens, you never know what life has in store for you. And secondly, an estate plan goes well beyond your house and bank accounts. Here are 7 things to consider when creating your estate plan: 1) Inventory everything - Watches, jewelry, electronics, vehicles, bank accounts, land, collectibles, etc. 2) Write down your family’s needs. Think beyond food and shelter. Will your kids need college education? What about a daughter’s wedding? No kids yet? What will your parents need so you don’t burden them and their retirement plans? 3) Establish directives. Who will get guardianship of your children? Will there be a trust set up? What happens if you end up in the hospital and cannot make your wishes known? Who will be power of attorney? Leave nothing open to interpretation. 4) Make sure your beneficiaries are up to date. You should make it a habit to check these at least annually. 5) Consider your state’s estate tax law. Nothing is simple when it comes to money, or the government. So, make sure that you know your state’s laws (or work with someone who will proactively help you with it) and be prepared for them. 6) Reassess periodically. Like mentioned above with beneficiaries, life happens, things change. People move, change jobs, children are born, children get older, and so on and so forth. Making sure you have all your bases covered keeps things out of the courts and out of litigation. And nothing can tear a family apart quicker than legal disputes. 7) The best piece of advice someone can give you is to consult a professional. Best to coordinate it between an estate attorney and a good financial advisor. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Everyone hears ‘estate planning’ and usually one of three thoughts likely come to mind. 1) I am not old enough to need an estate plan yet. 2) I am not a millionaire; my estate is pretty simple, so I don’t need one. 3) I took care of it already…I know it’s around here somewhere. All conclusions are giant red flags to me. Why? Because for one thing, life happens, you never know what life has in store for you. And secondly, an estate plan goes well beyond your house and bank accounts. Here are 7 things to consider when creating your estate plan: 1) Inventory everything - Watches, jewelry, electronics, vehicles, bank accounts, land, collectibles, etc. 2) Write down your family’s needs. Think beyond food and shelter. Will your kids need college education? What about a daughter’s wedding? No kids yet? What will your parents need so you don’t burden them and their retirement plans? 3) Establish directives. Who will get guardianship of your children? Will there be a trust set up? What happens if you end up in the hospital and cannot make your wishes known? Who will be power of attorney? Leave nothing open to interpretation. 4) Make sure your beneficiaries are up to date. You should make it a habit to check these at least annually. 5) Consider your state’s estate tax law. Nothing is simple when it comes to money, or the government. So, make sure that you know your state’s laws (or work with someone who will proactively help you with it) and be prepared for them. 6) Reassess periodically. Like mentioned above with beneficiaries, life happens, things change. People move, change jobs, children are born, children get older, and so on and so forth. Making sure you have all your bases covered keeps things out of the courts and out of litigation. And nothing can tear a family apart quicker than legal disputes. 7) The best piece of advice someone can give you is to consult a professional. Best to coordinate it between an estate attorney and a good financial advisor. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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As I talk with my clients about the estate planning process, one topic seems to always come up: Real estate. Real estate can be a great strategy to implement within your estate plan for several reasons. Owning properties, whether residential or commercial, brings diversification to your portfolio. It can enhance stability and provide potential growth that can be passed on to your heirs. When done correctly, real estate can lead to tax efficiencies and a smooth transfer of assets. Adding real estate to your estate plan requires meticulous attention and planning now. If you’ve thought about getting into real estate, be sure to talk to a professional about how that will fit into your current estate plan. #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #realestateinvesting See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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As I talk with my clients about the estate planning process, one topic seems to always come up: Real estate. Real estate can be a great strategy to implement within your estate plan for several reasons. Owning properties, whether residential or commercial, brings diversification to your portfolio. It can enhance stability and provide potential growth that can be passed on to your heirs. When done correctly, real estate can lead to tax efficiencies and a smooth transfer of assets. Adding real estate to your estate plan requires meticulous attention and planning now. If you’ve thought about getting into real estate, be sure to talk to a professional about how that will fit into your current estate plan. #fyp #financialadvisor #thrivent #realestateinvesting See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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