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

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How to Turn Your RMD Into a Tax-Free Gift If you’re 70½ or older and charitably inclined, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-smart way to give. What Is a QCD? A QCD allows you to donate up to $100,000/year directly from your IRA to a qualified charity—tax-free. Why It’s Powerful: Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Reduces taxable income, even if you don’t itemize deductions Helps manage Medicare premiums and Social Security taxation Example: You’re required to take a $30,000 RMD. Instead of taking it and paying taxes, you donate $30,000 directly to charity via a QCD. Result: You meet your RMD, support a cause, and pay zero tax on the distribution. Pro Tip: Coordinate QCDs with your estate plan to leave a lasting legacy while reducing your tax footprint. Interested in how to do this? Contact my team and we will get a plan in place for you! See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

How to Turn Your RMD Into a Tax-Free Gift If you’re 70½ or older and charitably inclined, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-smart way to give. What Is a QCD? A QCD allows you to donate up to $100,000/year directly from your IRA to a qualified charity—tax-free. Why It’s Powerful: Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Reduces taxable income, even if you don’t itemize deductions Helps manage Medicare premiums and Social Security taxation Example: You’re required to take a $30,000 RMD. Instead of taking it and paying taxes, you donate $30,000 directly to charity via a QCD. Result: You meet your RMD, support a cause, and pay zero tax on the distribution. Pro Tip: Coordinate QCDs with your estate plan to leave a lasting legacy while reducing your tax footprint. Interested in how to do this? Contact my team and we will get a plan in place for you! See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

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You can keep giving long after you’re gone. Learn more about how you can leave a legacy by gifting life insurance ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Yl1I3o

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You can keep giving long after you’re gone. Learn more about how you can leave a legacy by gifting life insurance ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Yl1I3o

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Taxes can quietly shrink your retirement savings. Even small changes in what you pay can make a big difference. Reach out to discuss ways to keep more of what you’ve earned. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Taxes can quietly shrink your retirement savings. Even small changes in what you pay can make a big difference. Reach out to discuss ways to keep more of what you’ve earned. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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The Only Account That’s Tax-Free Going In, Growing, and Coming Out If you're eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), it’s one of the most powerful tax tools available. Triple Tax Benefits: -Contributions are tax-deductible -Growth is tax-free -Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free Why It’s Ideal for Retirement: -Funds roll over year to year, no “use it or lose it” -Can be used for Medicare premiums, long-term care, and out-of-pocket costs -After age 65, you can withdraw for any reason (though non-medical withdrawals are taxed like a traditional IRA) Strategy Tip: -Invest HSA funds for long-term growth -Pay current medical expenses out-of-pocket and let the HSA grow -Save receipts to reimburse yourself later, tax-free Bottom Line: An HSA is like a stealth retirement account for healthcare. Don’t overlook it. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

The Only Account That’s Tax-Free Going In, Growing, and Coming Out If you're eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), it’s one of the most powerful tax tools available. Triple Tax Benefits: -Contributions are tax-deductible -Growth is tax-free -Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free Why It’s Ideal for Retirement: -Funds roll over year to year, no “use it or lose it” -Can be used for Medicare premiums, long-term care, and out-of-pocket costs -After age 65, you can withdraw for any reason (though non-medical withdrawals are taxed like a traditional IRA) Strategy Tip: -Invest HSA funds for long-term growth -Pay current medical expenses out-of-pocket and let the HSA grow -Save receipts to reimburse yourself later, tax-free Bottom Line: An HSA is like a stealth retirement account for healthcare. Don’t overlook it. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

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“Context without the text is just a con.” My pastor said that recently, and it’s been on my mind ever since. Because we see it all the time, verses pulled out of context to fit a point, headlines taken without the full story, and online “experts” giving half-truths that sound good but leave out the bigger picture. In Scripture, context is everything. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, even Satan used Scripture, but he twisted it, pulling it out of context (Matthew 4). The enemy knows how powerful truth is when it stands alone… and how dangerous it becomes when you cut corners on it. And honestly, I see the same thing in my line of work. People will hear a quick clip from a so-called “financial guru” online and take it as gospel. But just like Scripture, financial wisdom has to be understood in context: your life, your values, your goals. Without context, it’s just confusion dressed up as clarity. That’s why truth, whether biblical or financial, can’t be built on soundbites. You have to read the full text. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

“Context without the text is just a con.” My pastor said that recently, and it’s been on my mind ever since. Because we see it all the time, verses pulled out of context to fit a point, headlines taken without the full story, and online “experts” giving half-truths that sound good but leave out the bigger picture. In Scripture, context is everything. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, even Satan used Scripture, but he twisted it, pulling it out of context (Matthew 4). The enemy knows how powerful truth is when it stands alone… and how dangerous it becomes when you cut corners on it. And honestly, I see the same thing in my line of work. People will hear a quick clip from a so-called “financial guru” online and take it as gospel. But just like Scripture, financial wisdom has to be understood in context: your life, your values, your goals. Without context, it’s just confusion dressed up as clarity. That’s why truth, whether biblical or financial, can’t be built on soundbites. You have to read the full text. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

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The Retirement Income Mistake That Could Cost You Big Retirement isn’t just about saving; it’s about withdrawing wisely. The order in which you tap your retirement accounts can dramatically affect your tax bill and how long your money lasts. The Three Buckets of Retirement Income: Taxable Accounts (brokerage accounts) Tax-Deferred Accounts (Traditional IRA, 401(k)) Tax-Free Accounts (Roth IRA) Smart Withdrawal Sequence: Start with taxable accounts: You’ll pay capital gains taxes, which are usually lower than income tax rates. Then use tax-deferred accounts: These withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. Save Roth IRA for last: Withdrawals are tax-free and can grow longer. Why This Matters: -Keeps you in a lower tax bracket longer -Reduces Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) later -Preserves tax-free growth in Roth accounts -Helps manage Medicare premiums and Social Security taxation Pro Tip: Combine this with Roth conversions in low-income years to optimize your tax exposure. If you want to learn more about this, let's sit down together. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

The Retirement Income Mistake That Could Cost You Big Retirement isn’t just about saving; it’s about withdrawing wisely. The order in which you tap your retirement accounts can dramatically affect your tax bill and how long your money lasts. The Three Buckets of Retirement Income: Taxable Accounts (brokerage accounts) Tax-Deferred Accounts (Traditional IRA, 401(k)) Tax-Free Accounts (Roth IRA) Smart Withdrawal Sequence: Start with taxable accounts: You’ll pay capital gains taxes, which are usually lower than income tax rates. Then use tax-deferred accounts: These withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. Save Roth IRA for last: Withdrawals are tax-free and can grow longer. Why This Matters: -Keeps you in a lower tax bracket longer -Reduces Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) later -Preserves tax-free growth in Roth accounts -Helps manage Medicare premiums and Social Security taxation Pro Tip: Combine this with Roth conversions in low-income years to optimize your tax exposure. If you want to learn more about this, let's sit down together. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

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What Is a Bypass Trust? And Why It Can Save Your Heirs Millions When planning your estate, one of the smartest moves you can make is using a bypass trust. It’s a powerful tool that helps preserve wealth for your loved ones by minimizing estate taxes. The Estate Tax Problem The federal government imposes an estate tax on large estates, up to 40% on amounts exceeding the exemption limit (currently $13.61 million per person in 2025). Without proper planning, families can lose millions to taxes. The Bypass Trust Solution A bypass trust (also called a credit shelter trust or family trust) allows a married couple to use both spouses’ estate tax exemptions—instead of wasting one when the first spouse dies. Here’s how it works: When Spouse A dies, up to $13.61 million of their assets go into a bypass trust. The surviving spouse can use the income and access assets for health, education, maintenance, and support. But those assets aren’t counted in the surviving spouse’s estate when they pass away. Result: No estate tax on the trust assets when the second spouse dies. Why It Matters to Your Family ✅ Preserves Wealth: More of your estate goes to your children or heirs, not the IRS. ✅ Avoids Double Taxation: Assets in the trust are taxed once, not twice. ✅ Protects Legacy: You control how assets are used and distributed. ✅ Provides Flexibility: Surviving spouse still benefits from the trust during their lifetime. Real-World Example A couple has $26 million. Without planning, $13 million could be taxed when the second spouse dies, costing heirs $5.2 million. With a bypass trust, that $13 million is sheltered, and the family keeps it. Estate planning isn’t just about documents; it’s about protecting your legacy. If you’re unsure whether a bypass trust fits your situation, let’s talk. It could be one of the most impactful financial decisions you make for your family. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

What Is a Bypass Trust? And Why It Can Save Your Heirs Millions When planning your estate, one of the smartest moves you can make is using a bypass trust. It’s a powerful tool that helps preserve wealth for your loved ones by minimizing estate taxes. The Estate Tax Problem The federal government imposes an estate tax on large estates, up to 40% on amounts exceeding the exemption limit (currently $13.61 million per person in 2025). Without proper planning, families can lose millions to taxes. The Bypass Trust Solution A bypass trust (also called a credit shelter trust or family trust) allows a married couple to use both spouses’ estate tax exemptions—instead of wasting one when the first spouse dies. Here’s how it works: When Spouse A dies, up to $13.61 million of their assets go into a bypass trust. The surviving spouse can use the income and access assets for health, education, maintenance, and support. But those assets aren’t counted in the surviving spouse’s estate when they pass away. Result: No estate tax on the trust assets when the second spouse dies. Why It Matters to Your Family ✅ Preserves Wealth: More of your estate goes to your children or heirs, not the IRS. ✅ Avoids Double Taxation: Assets in the trust are taxed once, not twice. ✅ Protects Legacy: You control how assets are used and distributed. ✅ Provides Flexibility: Surviving spouse still benefits from the trust during their lifetime. Real-World Example A couple has $26 million. Without planning, $13 million could be taxed when the second spouse dies, costing heirs $5.2 million. With a bypass trust, that $13 million is sheltered, and the family keeps it. Estate planning isn’t just about documents; it’s about protecting your legacy. If you’re unsure whether a bypass trust fits your situation, let’s talk. It could be one of the most impactful financial decisions you make for your family. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures

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Does your retirement plan need a boost? Reach out to discuss catch-up contributions after age 50 and how I can help you reach your retirement goals. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Does your retirement plan need a boost? Reach out to discuss catch-up contributions after age 50 and how I can help you reach your retirement goals. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Thrivent is partnering with three organizations providing both immediate relief and long-term recovery support in Texas. When you make a donation through the online giving platform, Thrivent will add $1 to every $2 donated. Thrivent also pays the processing fees so 100% of your donation goes directly to the cause. To help today 👉 https://bit.ly/3U57K56

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Thrivent is partnering with three organizations providing both immediate relief and long-term recovery support in Texas. When you make a donation through the online giving platform, Thrivent will add $1 to every $2 donated. Thrivent also pays the processing fees so 100% of your donation goes directly to the cause. To help today 👉 https://bit.ly/3U57K56

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Disability income insurance: What it is & how it works

Disability insurance can protect your most valuable asset – your ability to earn an income. Here are important things to know about disability income insurance. ⬇️

No one expects to get sick or injured. But 1 in 4 of today's 20-year-olds can expect to experience a disabling event before they reach retirement age, whether...

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management, Inc. thrivent.com/privacy-and-security/disclosures.

Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s Broker Check for more information about our financial advisors.

Designations

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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