Insights
November - Find What’s Hiding in Your Statements
There might be something hiding in this pile of leave and hopefully it is not money disappearing from your bank account. This week pull up your last couple of bank and credit card statements and actually look through the transactions.
Not just the big purchases. Look for the little things that have gotten buried:
🍁 A subscription you forgot you signed up for
🍁 An app that is still charging you
🍁 A membership you no longer use
🍁 A recurring fee you did not notice
🍁 A charge that simply does not look familiar
Those $5, $10, and $20 charges can be easy to overlook, especially when they automatically hit your account every month.
Consider this the financial equivalent of raking the leaves. You might be surprised by what you uncover.
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Hi, I'm Vanessa. I'm a Marine Veteran and a Thrivent Advisor. I help individuals at every stage of life define and achieve their goals, whether they're just starting their financial journey or preparing for retirement. The more we understand our objectives and align them with our values, the stronger we become as partners, parents, business owners, leaders, and neighbors.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
Here's a cheat sheet with some common terms you might encounter during open enrollment. Keep it handy as you make your benefit decisions.
Sometimes being a financial advisor means talking about retirement, investments, and financial plans. Sometimes it means building a pirate ship in the back of an SUV.
I got to use one of my Thrivent Action Teams to help support Sunset View Elementary School’s Trunk or Treat, and we definitely committed to the theme. This is one of the things I love about what I do. I get to learn what my clients and friends are passionate about and look for ways to support those causes.
Financial planning AND pirate ships. Who knew?
One more challenge before you scroll...
Can anyone find the Thrivent T-shirt hiding in the pirate decorations?
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Hi, I'm Vanessa. I'm a Marine Veteran and a Thrivent Advisor. I help individuals at every stage of life define and achieve their goals, whether they're just starting their financial journey or preparing for retirement. The more we understand our objectives and align them with our values, the stronger we become as partners, parents, business owners, leaders, and neighbors.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
The choices you make during open enrollment can have a big impact on your financial goals for 2027 and beyond. Discover how to navigate open enrollment with confidence: http://bit.ly/4o0ESIt
Navigating open enrollment: 5 ways to make the best choices for your familyOpen enrollment is your opportunity to make choices that will protect and support your family throughout the year. Take a look at this helpful guide before you get started. Let’s connect if you want to discuss which options are the right fit for your family’s needs.
Growth and stocks remain resilient, but rates rise: Q4 2026 market outlookHigher rates. Resilient growth. New opportunities. Thrivent's Q4 2026 Market Outlook highlights why staying invested and maintaining a diversified portfolio remains important in today’s market environment. ⬇️
Strong employment and accelerating retail sales point to a resilient consumer heading into the holiday season, even as prices remain elevated. Hear why Thrivent Senior Portfolio Manager Lauri Brunner sees reasons for optimism: https://bit.ly/4eh5DWv
Rapid advances in AI and semiconductor chips could reshape markets in the months ahead. Add an unsettled geopolitical landscape, and more surprises may be on the horizon. Learn what Thrivent Chief Investment Strategist Steve Lowe is watching: https://bit.ly/4eh5DWv
What could give the economy momentum in 2027—and what could slow it down? Thrivent Chief Financial & Investment Officer David Royal explains why AI investment and strong employment offer reasons for confidence, while higher interest rates could create headwinds. Watch the clip: https://bit.ly/4eh5DWv
Inflation, higher interest rates and rapid advances in AI are shaping the economy—and could affect your financial reality. Watch Thrivent’s recent Q4 Market & Economic Update for a clear look at what’s happening and why staying focused on your long-term goals matters: https://bit.ly/4eh5DWv
Reach out if you have questions or want to talk through your strategy.
AM Best has affirmed Thrivent's A++ (Superior) rating with stable outlook for 2026! 🌟 This demonstrates our continued financial strength and stability and commitment to serving our clients for generations to come.
Rating is based on Thrivent's financial strength and claims-paying ability and does not apply to investment product performance.
Week 38 - October - Make a "Just in Case" List
One of the greatest financial goals is not just building wealth but helping protect the people we love.
We spend years building accounts, insurance policies, retirement savings, and estate plans. But if something unexpected happened tomorrow, would your family know where to find everything?
Take a few minutes to write down:
🗂️ Important financial accounts and where they are held
🗂️ Insurance policies and policy numbers
🗂️ Contact information for your financial advisor, attorney, and accountant
🗂️ The location of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate documents
🗂️ Instructions for accessing important passwords, either directly or through a secure password manager
Most families do not need this information until they suddenly do and having a plan in place can help reduce confusion, stress, and uncertainty during an already difficult time. A little preparation today can be a tremendous gift to your family tomorrow.
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Hi, I'm Vanessa. I'm a Marine Veteran and a Thrivent Advisor. I help individuals at every stage of life define and achieve their goals, whether they're just starting their financial journey or preparing for retirement. The more we understand our objectives and align them with our values, the stronger we become as partners, parents, business owners, leaders, and neighbors.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
Now that you know what a financial plan is, the next step is creating one that's tailored to you.
Together, we can organize all the pieces of your finances into a financial plan that supports your goals now and in the future.
Let's get started.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
You don’t need all the answers before you start your financial planning journey.
Sometimes, the first step is simply talking through what matters most.
Let's connect, zero in on your goals and start financial planning to help you reach them.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Financial confidence starts with a plan.
That's why every Thrivent client's financial plan is built around the financial house framework, which offers a practical way to prioritize what matters, strengthen your financial foundation and adapt as life changes.
Ready to create your own blueprint? Let's connect.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
A financial plan helps you make the most of what you have.
It helps you move forward with confidence regardless of your income or net worth. Let's connect if you're ready to build yours.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Week 37 - October - Find One Forgotten Benefit
Looking at a view like this, it is easy to focus on the big mountain in front of you. But sometimes the hidden gems are the waterfalls, trails, and overlooks you almost miss along the way. Your benefits can be the same.
Many people are paying for things they could be getting at a discount or even for free through work, memberships, insurance, or credit card benefits.
Take a few minutes to check:
🏔️ Employee benefits you have not reviewed in years
🏔️ Discounts through professional organizations or memberships
🏔️ Credit card rewards or perks you rarely use
🏔️ Health savings account or wellness programs
🏔️ Insurance discounts for safe driving, bundling, or loyalty
You might discover you have roadside assistance, travel protections, tuition benefits, identity theft monitoring, gym reimbursements, or discounts you completely forgot about.
Unlike climbing a mountain, this financial win does not require much effort. Sometimes the money is already there. You just have to know where to look.
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Hi, I'm Vanessa. I'm a Marine Veteran and a Thrivent Advisor. I help individuals at every stage of life define and achieve their goals, whether they're just starting their financial journey or preparing for retirement. The more we understand our objectives and align them with our values, the stronger we become as partners, parents, business owners, leaders, and neighbors.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
Your finances don’t exist in separate buckets.
Let's create a thoughtful financial plan to help you see how all the pieces work together.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Based on the transportation choices happening in this photo, I am pleased to report that gas prices are no concern for at least one member of this household. Skip the car this week and find another way to get where you are going.
Consider:
🏍️ Walking to a nearby errand
🏍️ Biking to the park or a friend's house
🏍️ Carpooling with a coworker or another parent
🏍️ Letting the tiny motorcycle in your driveway handle transportation duties
Okay, maybe not that last one.
Look for one opportunity to save a little money, get a little exercise, and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. The savings from one trip may not be life changing, but the value comes from doing small things consistently over time.
Plus, if your alternative transportation option makes you feel this cool, that is just a bonus.
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Hi, I'm Vanessa. I'm a Marine Veteran and a Thrivent Advisor. I help individuals at every stage of life define and achieve their goals, whether they're just starting their financial journey or preparing for retirement. The more we understand our objectives and align them with our values, the stronger we become as partners, parents, business owners, leaders, and neighbors.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
What could your future look like with the right plan?
Whether you're planning for what's next or navigating a new chapter, you don't have to figure it out alone.
Let's talk about what matters most to you, then build a personalized financial plan to help you achieve your goals.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.