Skip to main content
  • Thrivent.com
  • MyThrivent
  • Broker Check
Thrivent logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Solutions
  • Insights
  • Events
Contact Me
  • Home
  • About
  • Solutions
  • Insights
  • Events
  • Contact Me
  • Thrivent.com
  • MyThrivent
  • Broker Check

Insights

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

Image Read Post
Image

Some friends at volleyball recently asked me, “What do you actually do as a financial advisor?”Fair question. I could give them the long answer about investments, retirement, taxes, insurance and everything else. But nobody wants that answer between volleyball games. The shorter answer? I help people figure out their financial stuff. Most people already have a 401(k), investments, insurance and some money saved. What they really have are questions. “Can I retire when I want to?” “Are we saving enough?” “Are we missing something?” “Are we going to be okay?” That’s the part of my job I really enjoy. Getting to know people, understanding what they’ve built and helping them figure out what makes sense for their life. Sometimes we make changes. Sometimes we find an opportunity they hadn’t thought about. And sometimes I get to say, You’re actually doing better than you think. There’s plenty of financial information out there. Google can give you more than you probably ever wanted. Figuring out what actually applies to YOU is the harder part. So next time someone at volleyball asks what I do, I think I’ll stick with I help people figure out their financial stuff. Then we can get back to the game. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Image

Some friends at volleyball recently asked me, “What do you actually do as a financial advisor?”Fair question. I could give them the long answer about investments, retirement, taxes, insurance and everything else. But nobody wants that answer between volleyball games. The shorter answer? I help people figure out their financial stuff. Most people already have a 401(k), investments, insurance and some money saved. What they really have are questions. “Can I retire when I want to?” “Are we saving enough?” “Are we missing something?” “Are we going to be okay?” That’s the part of my job I really enjoy. Getting to know people, understanding what they’ve built and helping them figure out what makes sense for their life. Sometimes we make changes. Sometimes we find an opportunity they hadn’t thought about. And sometimes I get to say, You’re actually doing better than you think. There’s plenty of financial information out there. Google can give you more than you probably ever wanted. Figuring out what actually applies to YOU is the harder part. So next time someone at volleyball asks what I do, I think I’ll stick with I help people figure out their financial stuff. Then we can get back to the game. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Image Read Post
Image

A client asked me a question on Friday. “I’ve got some extra cash. What’s the best thing to do with it?” Should we pay off the mortgage? Invest it? Keep it in savings? The truth is… Most people think financial planning is about finding the one “right” answer. In my experience, it usually isn’t. Sometimes the math points one direction. Life points another. Paying off the mortgage might not produce the highest return on paper. But it may be the decision that helps someone sleep better at night. Keeping more cash might not be the most efficient strategy. But it could be the reason a family finally feels confident enough to retire. That’s why almost every planning conversation I have starts with the same question. What matters most to you? Because until I understand that, the numbers don’t mean much. The numbers matter. Taxes matter. Investment returns matter. But none of them matter until I understand the person sitting across the table. I’ve learned that the best financial decisions aren’t always about maximizing every dollar. They’re about helping people build a life they feel confident living. That’s what financial planning means to me. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Image

A client asked me a question on Friday. “I’ve got some extra cash. What’s the best thing to do with it?” Should we pay off the mortgage? Invest it? Keep it in savings? The truth is… Most people think financial planning is about finding the one “right” answer. In my experience, it usually isn’t. Sometimes the math points one direction. Life points another. Paying off the mortgage might not produce the highest return on paper. But it may be the decision that helps someone sleep better at night. Keeping more cash might not be the most efficient strategy. But it could be the reason a family finally feels confident enough to retire. That’s why almost every planning conversation I have starts with the same question. What matters most to you? Because until I understand that, the numbers don’t mean much. The numbers matter. Taxes matter. Investment returns matter. But none of them matter until I understand the person sitting across the table. I’ve learned that the best financial decisions aren’t always about maximizing every dollar. They’re about helping people build a life they feel confident living. That’s what financial planning means to me. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Image Read Post
Image

Changing jobs is one of the biggest financial opportunities people overlook. Most people focus on the new salary. Very few stop to think about everything else that changed. ✔️ What happens to my old 401(k)? ✔️ Should I roll over my retirement plan or leave it where it is? ✔️ Do my insurance needs change? ✔️ Is this the right time to convert money to a Roth? ✔️ Should I update my beneficiaries? I’ve found that a job transition is one of the best times to step back and look at your entire financial picture. Not because something is wrong. Because big life changes create opportunities that aren’t there every day. Whether you’re starting your first job, accepting a promotion, or beginning something completely new, taking an hour to review your financial plan today can make a meaningful difference years down the road. If you’re changing jobs this summer, congratulations. Just don’t let the financial decisions become an afterthought. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Image

Changing jobs is one of the biggest financial opportunities people overlook. Most people focus on the new salary. Very few stop to think about everything else that changed. ✔️ What happens to my old 401(k)? ✔️ Should I roll over my retirement plan or leave it where it is? ✔️ Do my insurance needs change? ✔️ Is this the right time to convert money to a Roth? ✔️ Should I update my beneficiaries? I’ve found that a job transition is one of the best times to step back and look at your entire financial picture. Not because something is wrong. Because big life changes create opportunities that aren’t there every day. Whether you’re starting your first job, accepting a promotion, or beginning something completely new, taking an hour to review your financial plan today can make a meaningful difference years down the road. If you’re changing jobs this summer, congratulations. Just don’t let the financial decisions become an afterthought. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Image Read Post
Image

Last week, I had the opportunity to serve on a panel for new financial advisors and share a few lessons I’ve learned building a financial planning practice. One of the questions we were asked was: “What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?” My answer was pretty simple. See the people. Before becoming a financial advisor, I spent more than 20 years as an educator and coach. One thing those years taught me is that relationships always come before results. The products and strategies matter, but this business is ultimately about earning trust and helping people make good financial decisions. It was a great reminder that successful practices (and honestly, most worthwhile things in life) are built one conversation at a time. Grateful for the opportunity, and especially grateful for the people who have invested in me along the way. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Image

Last week, I had the opportunity to serve on a panel for new financial advisors and share a few lessons I’ve learned building a financial planning practice. One of the questions we were asked was: “What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?” My answer was pretty simple. See the people. Before becoming a financial advisor, I spent more than 20 years as an educator and coach. One thing those years taught me is that relationships always come before results. The products and strategies matter, but this business is ultimately about earning trust and helping people make good financial decisions. It was a great reminder that successful practices (and honestly, most worthwhile things in life) are built one conversation at a time. Grateful for the opportunity, and especially grateful for the people who have invested in me along the way. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Image Read Post
Image

One of the things I love most about being part of Thrivent is having opportunities to help bring people together to make a difference in our community. This week, I had the chance to work with an incredible group of 5th graders at Armstrong Elementary on a Thrivent Action Team project benefiting Project Linus. If you're not familiar with Project Linus, their mission is simple but powerful. They provide handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or facing difficult circumstances so they have something comforting to call their own. These students spent their time cutting, tying, creating, and working together to make blankets that will soon be given to children they've never met. In a world that often focuses on what we can get, it was pretty special to spend the day with young people focused on what they could give. A huge thank you to the students, teachers, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this project possible. The future is bright with kids like these leading the way. ❤️ Live Generously.

Image

One of the things I love most about being part of Thrivent is having opportunities to help bring people together to make a difference in our community. This week, I had the chance to work with an incredible group of 5th graders at Armstrong Elementary on a Thrivent Action Team project benefiting Project Linus. If you're not familiar with Project Linus, their mission is simple but powerful. They provide handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or facing difficult circumstances so they have something comforting to call their own. These students spent their time cutting, tying, creating, and working together to make blankets that will soon be given to children they've never met. In a world that often focuses on what we can get, it was pretty special to spend the day with young people focused on what they could give. A huge thank you to the students, teachers, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this project possible. The future is bright with kids like these leading the way. ❤️ Live Generously.

Image Read Post
Image

This time of year, most people are focused on filing their taxes. Getting everything in. Checking the boxes. Hoping they didn’t miss anything. But after those conversations are over, there’s usually a second thought that comes up: “Is there anything I could be doing differently?” Not just this year… but over the long run. Because taxes don’t just show up once a year. They show up: • when you retire • when you take income • when you sell investments • when you pass money on And for a lot of people, that’s where the real impact is. What I’ve found is that people aren’t necessarily looking for ways to avoid taxes… They just want to be more intentional about how and when they pay them. That’s where planning can make a big difference. Not just during tax season but in how everything is structured over time. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Image

This time of year, most people are focused on filing their taxes. Getting everything in. Checking the boxes. Hoping they didn’t miss anything. But after those conversations are over, there’s usually a second thought that comes up: “Is there anything I could be doing differently?” Not just this year… but over the long run. Because taxes don’t just show up once a year. They show up: • when you retire • when you take income • when you sell investments • when you pass money on And for a lot of people, that’s where the real impact is. What I’ve found is that people aren’t necessarily looking for ways to avoid taxes… They just want to be more intentional about how and when they pay them. That’s where planning can make a big difference. Not just during tax season but in how everything is structured over time. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Image Read Post
Image

I spent years coaching high school basketball. Recently, I found myself back in the gym. Different players. Different season. Same lessons. Coaching taught me that preparation matters more than talent. Consistency beats intensity. And the best results rarely happen by accident. Funny enough, those principles apply just as much to financial decisions as they do to sports. Most people don’t need a completely new game plan. They need clarity, structure, and someone willing to walk through it with them. If you’ve been meaning to take a closer look at your plan, but haven’t stepped back to do it yet, let’s have a conversation. Sometimes progress starts with a simple review.

Image

I spent years coaching high school basketball. Recently, I found myself back in the gym. Different players. Different season. Same lessons. Coaching taught me that preparation matters more than talent. Consistency beats intensity. And the best results rarely happen by accident. Funny enough, those principles apply just as much to financial decisions as they do to sports. Most people don’t need a completely new game plan. They need clarity, structure, and someone willing to walk through it with them. If you’ve been meaning to take a closer look at your plan, but haven’t stepped back to do it yet, let’s have a conversation. Sometimes progress starts with a simple review.

Image Read Post
Image

A few years ago, after my stepdad passed, we gathered at the lake to celebrate him. He owned a small neighborhood bar called Boo Boo’s. We had replica shirts made, shared stories, laughed, and remembered the kind of life he built. What struck me wasn’t the business. It was the people who showed up. The relationships. The memories. The impact that carried beyond the doors of that place. That’s what legacy really looks like. Not numbers. Not accounts. But the people who gather because of how you lived.

Image

A few years ago, after my stepdad passed, we gathered at the lake to celebrate him. He owned a small neighborhood bar called Boo Boo’s. We had replica shirts made, shared stories, laughed, and remembered the kind of life he built. What struck me wasn’t the business. It was the people who showed up. The relationships. The memories. The impact that carried beyond the doors of that place. That’s what legacy really looks like. Not numbers. Not accounts. But the people who gather because of how you lived.

Image VIEW MORE +
Image

What is a deferred annuity & how does it work?

Curious if a deferred annuity might be a fit in your retirement strategy? Here are some of its possible benefits: 👉 Income in retirement 👉 Risk-based options 👉 Tax-deferred growth 👉 Optional rider benefits For more information on deferred annuities, take a look at this article. Let’s connect if you want to discuss how an annuity could help you reach your retirement goals.

A deferred annuity is commonly used to generate a steady stream of income in retirement. Funded by a large, one-time payment or in smaller amounts over months...

Image VIEW MORE +
Image

Tax tips & pitfalls: What to know to maximize your money

Looking 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. ⤵️

Steer clear of costly tax pitfalls by knowing what to watch for. Discover how to unlock valuable deductions, claim key credits, and streamline your approach to...

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.

Thrivent logo

Copyright: © 2026 Thrivent. All rights reserved.