Financial literacy for teens: 6 lessons about money managementOne of the greatest gifts you can offer your teenager is teaching them about money. In a few years, they'll face financial decisions that demand a long-term perspective. Here are ways to start the conversation. ⬇️
It’s not too late to strengthen your income strategyIncome, taxes, Social Security and withdrawal decisions all play a role in retirement. Understanding how these factors connect can help you feel more confident about what you can spend—and how long your money may last.
Before required minimum distributions begin, discover how your savings can turn into income to help you make the most of what you've worked hard to build. ⬇️
Leaving a Thriving Legacy – Watch Party Lunch │ Wednesday, October 14, 12:45 – 2:15 p.m. ET │ Amy Van Andel Library, Meeting Room 2, 7215 Headley St. SE, Ada, MI
Join us for a free educational event featuring guest speaker Eric W. Bilger, FIC, Financial Advisor at Thrivent.
We are dedicated to helping you make thoughtful plans for your future—and for the people you care about most. Join us as we discuss strategies to navigate life’s unexpected challenges with confidence as we address:
• Essential estate planning documents everyone should have
• The purpose and role of a will
• Estate taxes and annual gifting limits
• How the probate process works
• Advantages of naming beneficiaries on accounts
• The SECURE Act 2.0 and its impact on retirement accounts
• Long-term care planning: costs and options
• Charitable giving strategies and opportunities
• How qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) work
• Life insurance: Creating stability for every stage of life
Together, we’ll address common concerns about planning for aging parents and protecting family assets. We encourage you to invite your adult beneficiaries to attend this educational opportunity.
Enjoy lunch provided by our Thrivent Community while we watch Eric’s livestream presentation together. A brief discussion and an opportunity for Q&A will follow.
To register, call our office at 616-805-7207 or email morghan.harkins@thrivent.com. Please sign up by October 8 if able, but walk-ins are welcome.
No products will be sold. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
The great wealth transfer: What baby boomers need to knowTrillions of dollars are expected to pass to the next generation in what’s being called the great wealth transfer.
Taking time to think about how you’d like your assets to be passed on can bring greater clarity for you and the people and causes you care about.
It can also help you:
• Align your assets with what matters most.
• Set clearer expectations for loved ones.
• Reduce uncertainty with intentional planning.
Discover how to help secure your legacy for your loved ones ⬇️
Thrivent is proud to be an official partner of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, happening June 20–26, 2026, in Minneapolis.
We're cheering big for all the incredible athletes heading to the #SpecialOlympicsUSAGames2026! 💙
Athletes: Your determination, heart, and resilience inspire communities nationwide.
Summer 2026 Mississippi Valley Associates Connections newsletter: https://www.thrivent.com/literature/mississippivalleyassociatesnewsletter.pdf
We love connecting with you! Learn about our team's upcoming events, an important membership benefit, a yummy recipe from Kallie in our DeWitt office, and more!
May 2026 Market Update: Optimism inflates equitiesThrivent's May Market Update breaks down what’s driving recent volatility, how stocks and bonds are responding, and why staying diversified and focused on fundamentals remains important.
Thrivent Night at the Ballpark for Special Olympics │ Tuesday, June 2, 6:35 p.m. │ Veterans Memorial Stadium, 950 Rockford Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids
Enjoy the excitement of summer baseball as the Cedar Rapids Kernels face off against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Local Special Olympians will be recognized and celebrated prior to the game.
Discounted club tickets may be purchased for $9 through the Kernels Box Office in person or by calling 319-896-7560. Mention “Thrivent” or “Special Olympics” to receive the discount and select your seats from Sections 111 or 112.
You may also purchase tickets online from Sections 111 or 112 at https://bit.ly/47IF2OV. There is a $2 per ticket fee for online purchases, so the price listed will be $11.
Please note: The Kernels have transitioned to a cashless venue this season. Credit and debit cards are accepted for payment. Those who have cash will have the option to transfer it onto a gift card at the Box Office or Team Store.
Questions? Call our office at 319-366-2991. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., so come early to show your support and cheer on the Special Olympians!
No products will be sold. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
Any time your life changes, your financial plan deserves a fresh look. Here are different life events that may trigger a need to update your life insurance coverage: https://bit.ly/47koSvA
So far, 2026 has been full of uncertainty around oil and energy, inflation and AI. On April 14, Thrivent investment leaders gathered to unpack the headlines and talk about the potential impacts to consumers and markets. Hear their latest take on inflation, interest rates, tariffs, the energy sector and more: https://bit.ly/4sENZQK
When comparing colleges, look at net price (after scholarships and grants), not just the published cost. A realistic view helps you right-size savings, aid and any loans. Want help understanding your budget and options? Let's connect.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Many thanks to everyone who came to our DeWitt and Cedar Rapids events with speaker and author Jay Payleitner this week. We were blessed by Jay's presence and his inspiring message that left us all with plenty to carry home as he challenged us to consider our priorities. We are privileged to host meaningful events for those in the communities we love.
What if God Wrote Our Bucket List? Now we know!
We are so excited to present national speaker and best-selling author, Jay Payleitner, at very special events in DeWitt and Cedar Rapids next Monday and Tuesday: "What if God Wrote Your Bucket List?" Our team is bringing him back to Iowa because he was such a hit. This man has a sense of humor and previous attendees say his talks are both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Select the date and location that works best for you:
Monday, April 6 │ DeWitt Operahouse Theatre, 716 6th Ave. │ Doors open at 6 p.m. │ Jay speaks at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7 │ Cedar Rapids Public Library, Whipple Auditorium, 450 5th Ave. SE │ Doors open at 6 p.m. │ Jay speaks at 6:30 p.m. │ Free street parking in Cedar Rapids is available after 5 p.m.
To register for these free events hosted by our Mississippi Valley Thrivent Community, please call 563-659-2991 (DeWitt) or 319-366-2991 (Cedar Rapids) or email teresa.burkett@thrivent.com. Although registration is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. Light snacks will be served.
After his talk, Jay will answer your questions, and you’ll have an opportunity to meet him in person. To learn more about Jay, visit: https://jaypayleitner.com.
Come for the fun. Leave with a full heart.
No Thrivent products will be sold. Jay Payleitner is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. The views expressed in these presentations by Jay Payleitner are his own and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
March 2026 Market Update: Wobbling stocks, stronger bondsMarkets shifted in February, and that matters for how portfolios are positioned today. Thrivent's March Market Update explains what drove stock volatility, why bonds strengthened, and how we’re thinking about risk and diversification moving forward.
What if God Wrote Your Bucket List? │ Mon., April 6, 6:30-8 p.m. │ DeWitt Operahouse Theatre, 716 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA
Come to a free community event with national speaker and best-selling author Jay Payleitner. Jay is known for his humorous, inspirational talks and promises you won’t be bored as he speaks right to your heart of faith.
Jay says: “Typical bucket list items—bungee jumping, swim with dolphins, see the Eiffel Tower—are meaningless compared to what God has planned for you. It’s time to pour out your old bucket…and live full!”
Light snacks will be served. Jay will conclude the evening with Q&A and an opportunity to meet him in person. Learn more about Jay here: https://jaypayleitner.com.
To register for this event hosted by our Mississippi Valley Thrivent Community, please call 563-659-2991 or email teresa.burkett@thrivent.com. Although registration is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. Doors open at 6 p.m. and Jay will speak at 6:30 p.m.
Come for the fun. Leave with a full heart.
No products will be sold. Jay Payleitner is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. The views expressed in this presentation by Jay Payleitner are his own and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
2026 IRA contribution deadline: There's still time to maximize your savingsApril 15 is coming up, but you still have time to take action. See all the details on 2025 IRA contributions. ⬇️
What if God Wrote Your Bucket List?
Meet Jay Payleitner! We’re bringing Jay, national speaker and best-selling author of 40+ books, to DeWitt on Monday, April 6, and to Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, April 7, for entertaining and delightful live, in-person evenings of fun and inspiration. We know you’ll love him and his message that will have you in stitches and speak right to your heart of faith.
Jay says: “Typical bucket list items—bungee jumping, swim with dolphins, see the Eiffel Tower—are meaningless compared to what God has planned for you. It’s time to pour out your old bucket…and live full!”
This man has a sense of humor and promises that you won’t be bored. Better yet, Jay will leave you with meaningful truths to carry home. After his talk, he’ll answer your questions and you’ll have an opportunity to meet him in person.
Monday, April 6 │ DeWitt Operahouse Theatre, 716 6th Ave. │ Doors open at 6 p.m. │ Jay speaks at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7 │ Cedar Rapids Public Library, Whipple Auditorium, 450 5th Ave. SE │ Doors open at 6 p.m. │ Jay speaks at 6:30 p.m. │ Free street parking in Cedar Rapids is available after 5 p.m.
Light snacks will be served. We welcome everyone— individuals, families, and church and community groups.
To register for this free event hosted by our Mississippi Valley Thrivent Community, please call 563-659-2991 (DeWitt) or 319-366-2991 (Cedar Rapids) or email teresa.burkett@thrivent.com. Although registration is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome.
No products will be sold. Jay Payleitner is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. The views expressed in this presentation by Jay Payleitner are his own and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
Catch up with our latest news! We're excited about hosting great events this year and you can read about some of them in the Spring 2026 edition of our MVA Connections newsletter.
You won't want to miss special evenings of fun and heart-warming inspiration in DeWitt and Cedar Rapids coming up in April. Click on the link for details and other timely information: https://bit.ly/48JsGGZ
No products will be sold. For additional disclosures, see thrivent.com/social.
Investing basics: The complete guide for beginnersInvesting may seem complex, but learning the basics can help prepare you to take the next step. From terminology 101 to learning how to assess your risk tolerance, this guide will help give you a foundational understanding of investing.
If you’d like to align your investments with your financial goals, let’s set up a meeting.
Thrivent investment leaders gathered on Jan. 13 to discuss their perspectives on the health of the markets and economy. Their conversation included a number of insights to help you navigate the shifting environment. Hear them review inflation, the labor market, AI and more: https://bit.ly/4sIMLFz
