Closing out 2025 by finally sharing a few events I didn’t get a chance to post earlier.This was a fantastic Thrivent Member Network event in Queens, NY at Vostra Restaurant in Howard Beach. Grateful to the Engagement Leadership Team in NY and The North Star Financial Group out of NJ, led by William Leach and Scott Curtis, for inviting me to join them. It was great meeting so many Thrivent members, their family, and guests at this appreciation event—always inspiring to hear how people are aligning their finances with their values.Looking forward to more opportunities in 2026 to connect, collaborate, and serve our communities together.
Grateful to kick off MAAC Founders Day and the 2025 Anthony Cheatham Breakfast this morning. For several years I’ve had the honor of serving on the planning committee, and I always look forward to breaking bread with my fraternity brothers as we celebrate our beloved founders and recommit to the work ahead.Happy New Year to my brothers of Alpha, and especially to my chapter brothers of the Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — here’s to another year of service, scholarship, and brotherhood. AΦA.
Investing basics: The complete guide for beginnersWhat if the financial choices you make in 2026 could give your children and grandchildren more options, flexibility and peace of mind?
As we step into the new year, a lot of conversations are about “finally getting started” with investing. But the real shift happens when you see investing not just as buying products, but as building a long‑term framework that can serve multiple generations of your family.
Thrivent’s recent guide on investing basics walks through foundational concepts—stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, asset allocation, diversification, risk tolerance and liquidity—in a way that connects directly to real‑life goals. It also emphasizes three questions that sit at the heart of multigenerational planning:
- What is your purpose for this money?
- What is your time horizon (for *you* and for those who come after you)?
- How much risk can you realistically live with?
When families understand these basics, tools like dollar‑cost averaging and thoughtful asset allocation are no longer abstract “strategies”—they become ways to:
- Start with what you have, even if it is a small monthly amount.
- Give longer‑term dollars (for kids, grandkids or legacy goals) more time and room to grow.
- Adjust over time as life, markets and priorities change.
In my practice, this is where the multigenerational conversations get powerful: connecting today’s decisions—what you save, how you invest, the risks you take or avoid—to the story you want your family to be able to tell 10, 20 or 40 years from now.
If 2026 is your year to move from *intention* to *implementation* with your investments and your legacy, I’d be honored to be a resource as you explore what that could look like for your family.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
7 ways to help reduce your taxable incomeSeeing your hard-earned money go towards taxes can be frustrating. However, there are ways you can help reduce your tax burdens and become more tax efficient. ⬇️
2026 Market Outlook: A return to normal?What’s ahead for stocks and bonds in 2026? Thrivent Asset Management experts share their base case for a positive environment and why equities may continue to reward investors over time.
Tax tips & pitfalls: What to know to maximize your moneyLooking for ways to optimize your income taxes year-round and helpful tips for navigating tax season? From leveraging charitable contributions to common tax errors to avoid, take a look at this helpful guide. ⤵️
The cost of cash: Where to invest when interest rates dropWhether you’re saving for something big, hoping to generate a steady income or seeking flexible access to your cash, there are smart ways to keep your money productive and aligned with your needs—regardless of shifting interest rates.
Explore your options below and let’s connect to keep your goals on track in a changing interest rate environment.
What if the financial choices you make today are shaping not only your children’s lives, but your grandchildren’s as well—whether you ever meet them or not. That question has been on my mind as I have been reading “Beyond parental wealth: Grandparental wealth and the transition to adulthood” by Emma Zang, Christina Gibson-Davis, and Haolun Li (Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, 2024).
The authors use U.S. Panel Study of Income Dynamics data to look at how both parental and grandparental wealth relate to young adults’ early outcomes—things like college attendance, steady employment, and time spent neither in school nor working. They find that parental wealth is linked to higher chances of college and steady work, while grandparental wealth predicts several non-educational outcomes at least as strongly and seems to matter even more when parents themselves have lower wealth.
What intrigues me is their suggestion that wealth may be doing more than funding tuition; it may also be signaling class position, easing stress, and quietly shaping expectations about what is possible in early adulthood. The idea that grandparent wealth can serve a “compensatory” role for families with less parental wealth raises hard questions about how opportunity is distributed—and what it means when low wealth persists across multiple generations.
For those of us thinking about our own money decisions, this research invites reflection rather than simple conclusions. How do we balance living well now, preparing for a dignified retirement, and intentionally building the kind of financial cushion that could support future generations’ transitions into adult life.
If this topic interests you, the article is worth a read, and I would be curious how it resonates with your own family story or professional lens on wealth and opportunity. Does this multigenerational view of wealth change how you think about legacy, or confirm what you have already seen play out around you?
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
December 2025 Market Update: Stock volatility returnsFrom slowing manufacturing to resilient corporate earnings, December brings mixed signals for the economy. Explore what these trends mean for your portfolio and the year ahead in Thrivent's December Market Update.
The declining population will make it even harder to care for eldersDid you see this? As our population ages and families grow smaller, NPR’s recent feature brings attention to a pressing issue: the growing challenge of providing care for our elders with fewer hands to help. The article reveals not just the rising demand for care and limited resources, but also the need for heartfelt conversations about extended care responsibilities within families.
The numbers paint a powerful picture:
- Nearly 1 in 5 Americans now lives in a multigenerational household.
- The need for caregiving assistance is rising sharply, but the number of available caregivers is declining every year.
- Families are taking on a much larger share of caregiving duties, with many stepping in to provide support well into their own retirement.
With more Americans than ever living in multigenerational households, families are shouldering greater caregiving duties—sometimes even as they approach their own retirement. This reality calls for proactive multigenerational planning, including honest “heart to heart” discussions with loved ones about long-term care, personal preferences, and a roadmap for the future.
If you haven’t started these vital conversations yet, now is the perfect time. Taking action today ensures your family’s well-being and brings financial clarity for everyone. (Here are some tips to start that conversation: https://connect.thrivent.com/seythe-mccoyleffall/news#hs-post-image-and-message-4747468)
Ready to take the next step? Speak with a financial advisor to begin your multigenerational planning. A thoughtful conversation today can help protect those you love—and give you confidence that your loved ones are prepared, no matter what the future holds.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/02/nx-s1-5535648/population-elderly-caregivers
Sequence of returns risk: What it means for your retirementThe market can shift at any time, and big drops early in retirement could affect your savings. The right approach can help keep your savings resilient. Check out this article, then reach out to talk through ways to help protect your savings.👇
2026 Social Security COLA increase: What future retirees should knowYou may have heard that the Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Here’s a little more on what that means.
With rates starting to decline, now is a great time to think about what's next for your cash.
Whether you want to keep funds liquid, generate income or save for a future goal, now’s a great time to put your savings to work.
Together, let’s review your goals and liquidity needs to maximize your money’s potential.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
From awareness to action: Creating your personalized caregiving plan.
Day 7: Bringing it all together for your family’s future.
This week covered crucial topics: vital conversations, legal and financial preparations, the emotional journey, and self-care. Now, it’s time to turn ideas into action—with a caregiving plan tailored to your unique situation.
How to Build Your Personal Action Plan:
Immediate Steps (This Week):
-Assess your current situation: loved one’s health, care requirements, financial and legal state
-Begin one key conversation (on wishes, documents, health, or finances)
-Gather essential contacts and information (providers, emergency plan, medication lists)
Short-Term Steps (This Month):
-Collect and organize important documents
-Identify and contact local resources (Area Agency on Aging, support groups, legal and financial advisors)
-Build your support team (divide roles among family/friends, explore respite care options)
Medium-Term Steps (Next 3–6 Months):
-Develop communication strategies among your caregiving team
-Review insurance and benefit programs, and set regular family check-ins
-Establish a self-care routine and boundary-setting for every caregiver
Long-Term Considerations:
-Adjust as needs change: be ready for transitions, higher-level care, or professional services
-Revisit your plan every quarter: update medications, review finances, assess caregiver stress and supports
Best Practices:
-Center the care plan around your loved one’s preferences and needs—engage them in decision-making
-Use tools—templates, online guides, and local agencies—to structure your approach
-Be flexible; needs and goals may shift over time
No One-Size-Fits-All:
Individual plans are most effective when adapted for your family’s size, culture, values, and situation. Consult professionals when you have legal or financial questions.
Closing Thought:
Every positive step is progress. You’re not alone—use the support available, and revisit your plan as your family’s needs evolve.
Thank you for joining this caregiving journey. If you found this series helpful, please share and continue the conversation!
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
#CaregivingJourney #ActionPlan #SandwichGeneration #AgingParents #ElderCare #FamilyPlanning
You can't pour from an empty cup—caregiver burnout is real.
Day 6: Protecting your own wellbeing while caring for others.
Family caregivers are at higher risk of stress, anxiety, depression, and even declines in physical health. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that 40–70% of caregivers have symptoms of depression. 1 in 5 describe their own health as “fair” or “poor,” and nearly half report significant mental health struggles in the past year.
Recognizing Burnout:
-Constant fatigue, even after rest
-Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
-Changes in appetite or sleep
-Irritability, hopelessness, or physical illness
-Feeling like nothing you do is enough
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. When you look after your own needs, you become better equipped for the demands of caregiving. Studies show that just 30 minutes of self-care daily can reduce caregiver stress by up to 47%.
Practical Self-Care Strategies:
1)Build your support network—accept help from family, friends, and professionals
2)Set healthy boundaries—protect your time and capacity
3)Keep up with your own health appointments and self-care routines
4)Regular exercise, sleep, and balanced nutrition
5)Find short daily breaks for relaxation, even if it’s just five minutes
6)Use respite care services—regular breaks are not a luxury
When Self-care Isn't Enough:
Sometimes, the level of care needed exceeds what one person can safely provide. Seeking professional help for your loved one is an act of wisdom—not failure.
Compassion for Yourself:
You’ll have hard days. Show yourself the patience and understanding you offer to others. Connecting with other caregivers—through support groups or online communities—can reduce isolation and provide new ideas.
Tomorrow: Creating a personal action plan that supports your loved ones and yourself.
What’s your best self-care tip for balancing these responsibilities?
#CaregiverSelfCare #BurnoutPrevention #SandwichGeneration #MentalHealthMatters
There's still space available on our free “Estate Preservation for the Next Generation” webinar on Tuesday, October 28th at 1pm and 7pm ET. Learn about strategies around how to better prepare yourself for the “what-ifs” in life from our special guest speaker. No products will be sold. See thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures.
RSVP at https://bit.ly/NortheastOct
The unexpected gifts that come with caring for aging parents.
Day 5: Finding meaning and rewards in the caregiving journey.
After discussing the practical challenges—difficult conversations, legal complexities, financial realities—let’s pause and acknowledge something equally important: the profound meaning many caregivers find in this role.
Recent research finds that nearly 63 million Americans are family caregivers and that many report positive psychological changes, stronger family bonds, new skills, and a sense of purpose. While caregiving can be exhausting, the majority also describe it as deeply meaningful and rewarding.
Opportunities for Connection and Growth:
-Caregiving allows you to know your parents in new ways, sharing stories and wisdom that may have gone unnoticed
-Many describe a sense of completing the circle of care—returning what their parents once gave them
-Caregiving fosters resilience, advocacy skills, and personal growth
-Small moments of connection, storytelling, or shared meals become treasured memories
Modeling Values for Your Children:
Your actions teach compassion, loyalty, and responsibility—shaping how your children will approach their own relationships and challenges.
Embracing Complexity:
Caregiving can be both rewarding and exhausting, both a privilege and a challenge. These feelings are not contradictory, but part of the reality of supporting someone you love.
Ways to Cultivate Meaning:
-Document the journey (photos, journals, stories)
-Focus on quality time and celebrate small victories
-Connect with other caregivers for mutual support
-Reflect on how caregiving shapes your values and life perspective
If you’re struggling:
Some seasons are harder than others. Meaning may become clearer with time and reflection. Show yourself compassion—even when it’s difficult.
Tomorrow: Prioritize your own wellbeing while caring for others.
Have you discovered unexpected rewards through caregiving? Please share your story.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
#CaregivingJourney #FindingMeaning #SandwichGeneration #AgingParents #FamilyValues
Let’s talk about the costs most families aren’t prepared for.
Day 4: Understanding the financial realities of caregiving.
Research shows family caregivers spend an average of $7,200 per year out of pocket for caregiving. Many also reduce their work hours, impacting long-term earnings and retirement savings.
-The Hidden Costs of Caregiving:
-Medical costs not covered by insurance (co-pays, medications, equipment)
-Home modifications (ramps, bathroom safety features)
-Professional care services (home health aides, respite care, adult day programs)
-Transportation to medical appointments
-Specialized nutrition or dietary needs
Indirect Impact:
Many caregivers reduce hours or leave the workforce—research indicates average losses of over $300,000 in lifetime wages and benefits due to caregiving responsibilities.
Extended Care Costs:
If professional care is needed, the costs rise significantly depending on region, level of care, and facility type.
Planning Strategies:
-Have the financial conversation early—know your parent’s financial situation, assets, income, and coverage
-Explore insurance, Medicare, and having an extended care strategy
-Research government or community benefits—VA, Medicaid, local aging services
-Discuss family contributions (financial and time)—open conversations prevent resentment
-Protect your own financial future—consider professional financial guidance for complex needs
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These figures and ideas are for general educational purposes, not personalized financial advice. Consider consulting a financial professional for guidance specific to your family.
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Tomorrow: How to find meaning—and even rewards—in the caregiving journey.
What financial aspects of caregiving surprised you the most? Share below for others who might benefit.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
#CaregivingCosts #FinancialPlanning #SandwichGeneration #ElderCare #FamilyFinances
The documents that protect your parents’ wishes—and your family’s peace of mind.
Day 3: Understanding essential legal and financial protections.
Yesterday, we discussed starting the conversation. Today, let’s talk about the documents your aging parents need—and why each matters.
The Essential Four:
1. Healthcare Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy)
Appoints someone to make medical decisions if your parent can’t communicate their wishes. Without it, even close family may face legal challenges during stressful times.
2. Living Will (Advance Directive)
Specifies which medical interventions your parent does or does not want—including life support, resuscitation, and end-of-life care. Removes the burden from family members who might otherwise struggle with these choices.
3. Financial Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to handle finances, like paying bills or managing investments, if your parent becomes incapacitated. Without it, families may face costly court proceedings.
4. Will and/or Trust
A will outlines how assets are distributed after death. A trust can provide additional protection and help avoid probate.
Other important documents:
-Life insurance policy information
-Beneficiary designations (these override wills for retirement accounts/insurance)
-Digital asset access (passwords, online accounts)
-HIPAA Authorization (to allow release of medical information)
Taking Action:
If these documents don’t exist, consult an attorney for guidance. If they do, review and update as needed—especially after major life changes.
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This is educational information, not legal advice. Professional guidance is needed to ensure state and family-specific requirements are met.
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Tomorrow: Understanding the financial realities of caregiving.
Have you helped your loved ones prepare these documents? What was the experience like for your family?
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
#EstatePlanning #ElderLaw #CaregivingJourney #SandwichGeneration #LegalProtection
