Insights

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Planning for Special Needs Individuals and Their Families │ Tuesday, September 29, 5:30 – 7 p.m. CT │ Ushers Ferry Lodge, 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE, Cedar Rapids, IAJoin us for a free workshop where Thrivent Financial Advisor Hannah Magrum will discuss the unique complexities that go into planning for special needs individuals and their families. Hannah holds the Chartered Special Needs Consultant®️ designation, is a parent to a child with special needs, and is an ambulatory wheelchair user herself.Topics discussed will include:•    Resources: state, local and federal•    IEP vs. 504•    Special needs trusts•    Medicaid and Medicare•    ABLE accounts•    Support options•    Tax considerations•    How personal financial planning impacts special needs planningEnjoy a complimentary meal while we watch Hannah's livestream presentation together. You will have an opportunity for Q&A after she speaks.REGISTERSign up at https://SpecialNeedsPlanningCR.eventbrite.com. You may also call our office at 319-366-2991 or email teresa.burkett@thrivent.com.If able, please sign up by Wednesday, September 23. Walk-ins are also welcome. This educational event is designed for all families who wish to learn more about special needs planning. We encourage you to invite anyone who may benefit from attending. Ushers Ferry Lodge is ADA-accessible.No products will be sold. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
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Leaving a Thriving Legacy – Watch Party Lunches │ Wednesday, October 14• 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Central time │ The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Meeting Room 124, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA• 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Central time │ DeWitt Community Library, 917 5th Ave., DeWitt, IA•12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Eastern time │ 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 lifeTogether, 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 with our advisors will follow.To register, call our offices at 319-366-2991 (Cedar Rapids), 563-659-2991 (DeWitt), 616-805-7207 (Comstock Park, MI) or email teresa.burkett@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.
Wealth transfer
Wealth transferYou’ve worked hard to build a life you love—now it’s time to decide what your money is meant to do. How it’s set up today is already shaping what reaches the people and causes closest to your heart tomorrow. Take a closer look at your money, so it can support your life now and benefit those you care about.
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Tomorrow! Market & Economic Update watch party lunch │ Tuesday, July 14, from 11:15 to 12:45 p.m. │ The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Meeting Room 124, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar RapidsMarkets are moving, economic signals are evolving, and you’re looking for perspective you can trust. Join us for Thrivent’s Market & Economic Update— a 60 minute live event featuring insights from Thrivent investment leaders to help you make informed decisions in today's market environment.Enjoy lunch provided by our Thrivent Community as we watch Thrivent's livestream presentation together, followed by an opportunity for Q&A with our advisors.To sign up, give us a call at 319-366-2991 or email joanne.renfro@thrivent.com. Walk-ins are welcome!Directions to Meeting Room 124:The closest entry to Room 124 is parking in Kirkwood’s east lot (on the side next door to the Mercy Medical building) and coming in the doors next to the blue emergency phone pole. Room 124 is directly to the left when entering here. No products will be sold. For additional disclosures, see thrivent.com/social.
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Whooo...wants to know?MARKET & ECONOMIC UPDATE WATCH PARTY LUNCH │ Tuesday, July 14, 11:15 to 12:45 │ Cedar Rapids and DeWitt Markets are moving, economic signals are evolving, and you’re looking for perspective you can trust. Join us for Thrivent’s Market & Economic Update— a 60 minute live virtual event featuring insights from Thrivent investment leaders who will share perspectives on current events, inflation, interest rates, and shifting market behaviors. You'll get practical guidance to help you feel more confident navigating today's markets.You'll enjoy lunch hosted by our Thrivent Community while we watch Thrivent's livestream together, followed by an opportunity for Q&A with our advisors. For lunch planning, please sign up by July 7th, but walk-ins are welcome.CHOOSE THE LOCATION THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU • The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids Register by calling 319-366-2991 or email joanne.renfro@thrivent.com. •DeWitt Community Library, 917 5th Ave., DeWitt Register by calling 563-659-2991 or email joanne.renfro@thrivent.com.No products will be sold. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
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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.Drop a 👏 in the comments to show your support!
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Thanks to everyone who came to Thrivent Night at the Ballpark for Special Olympics! It was a beautiful evening for Kernels baseball and for celebrating our area Special Olympians.Special thanks to Macey Lovell of Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation for collaborating with us. It is a privilege to continue our tradition of supporting our local Special Olympics program.
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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 equities
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.
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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
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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!
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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 bonds
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.
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What if God Wrote Your Bucket List? │ Tues., April 7, 6:30-8 p.m. │ Cedar Rapids Public Library, Whipple Auditorium, 450 5th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IACome 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. To learn more about Jay, visit: https://jaypayleitner.com.To register for this event hosted by our Mississippi Valley Thrivent Community, please call 319-366-2991 or email teresa.burkett@thrivent.com. Although registration is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. Free street parking is available after 5 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.
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What if God Wrote Your Bucket List? │ Mon., April 6, 6:30-8 p.m. │ DeWitt Operahouse Theatre, 716 6th Ave., DeWitt, IACome 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. 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.
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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.
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Interest rates are shifting. Understanding the purpose and timeline of your cash can help you decide whether and how to invest it for optimal returns. Ask yourself two questions. ⬇️See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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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/48JsGGZNo products will be sold. For additional disclosures, see thrivent.com/social.
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Exciting news! Thrivent has been named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for the first time. Honored to be part of an organization recognized for its innovation, quality of management, financial soundness and commitment to long-term value. Learn more about this recognition here: https://bit.ly/466lt23
The cost of cash: Where to invest when interest rates shift
The cost of cash: Where to invest when interest rates shiftWhether you’re saving for something big, looking to generate a steady income, or seeking flexible access to your cash, there are smart ways to keep your money productive and there for you when you need it—regardless of shifting interest rates.Explore your options below and let’s connect to keep your goals on track as interest rates change.