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Thrivent's Generosity Programs

Financial Planning with Heart

Article by Ann Schreiber

Photography by Thrivent Financial

Originally published in Eagan City Lifestyle

There is always something new to pay for. Whether it’s new school clothes for the kids, new kitchen or laundry room appliances, or even a summer vacation, the list never ends. For that reason, retirement planning can sometimes be pushed to the wayside. But the fact is that planning for those later years is one of the most important things we can do.

In fact, almost 75% of non-retired adults* have at least some retirement savings, yet about 28% haven’t started saving money or haven’t contributed to a 401(k) savings plan. And unfortunately, many people who are ready to start contributing don’t know where to start. 

But what if you want to plan for your future and have a passion for generosity and charitable giving? How do you balance that mindset? Thrivent can help you achieve both.

Thrivent Allows You to Plan for the Future and Practice Your Generosity Mindset

Thrivent is a Fortune 500 diversified financial services organization. Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Josiah Parker and Jeremy Jackson, two Thrivent financial advisors who share a passion for generosity and community involvement. They shared Thrivent's unique approach to financial planning and how they help empower their clients to make a positive difference in their communities.

Thrivent's Unique Approach

Josiah and Jeremy are more than just financial advisors; they are driven individuals who believe in the power of generosity. Thrivent serves clients all over the country and strives to help people make the most of all they’ve been given. For over 120 years, Thrivent has inspired generations to make financial choices guided by their Christian values.

During the conversation with Josiah, his passion for the organization he works for rang through. "We want people to be generous along the way. You don't have to wait to be generous until you have all those retirement assets or a big savings account. Thrivent Action Teams, which we'll talk about more later, enable you to be generous even when you may not have the financial means."

Jeremy also holds a strong enthusiasm for Thrivent's mission and spoke to his longstanding connection with the organization: " Thrivent has been close to my heart for a long time. My father became a Thrivent financial advisor in 1995. Thrivent has been good to me and in my life, to my father’s career, etc. My dad is now part of our team as an Associate. 

“I love the company's mission and vision. It's one of the best ways to operate. We’re owned by our members. Clients are able to lead lives of purpose and faith. You can work in a wonderful career, helping people gain financial clarity. I like that I can live out my Christian values, plus apply that generosity component."

Josiah shared, "My dad was a financial advisor for 30 years. Growing up and having someone to bounce ideas off was a blessing. A lot of people don’t have that. They don’t have time to dig into tax laws and what they need to know about planning for their futures. I enjoy being that financial advisor they can turn to with their questions. 

“The sooner we can help people in their lives, the better off they may be. I have the flexibility to be generous through my business, and that is exciting. It’s not something I had in the corporations I had worked for previously."

Thrivent's Generosity Programs

Thrivent is deeply rooted in their local communities, supporting churches, schools, and nonprofits. Thrivent Action Teams are one way for clients with membership to give back.

A Thrivent Action Team is led by a Thrivent client with membership and organizes fundraisers, educational events, or service activities. It all starts with your passion—serving your church, sharing a skill, or helping the less fortunate. Once you identify a cause close to your heart, you can rally friends, family, and your community to make a greater impact. 

Activities can range from volunteering at senior living facilities or hospitals, supporting organizations to create birthday bags for kids facing adversity, or distributing essential items to neighbors in need. 

Earlier this year, Thrivent proudly celebrated over 1 million Thrivent Action Team projects, showcasing their significant community impact in the Twin Cities and across the country.

Thrivent Choice® 

Thrivent Choice is a program that lets clients with membership contribute to causes they care about. Clients can personally contribute to their favorite enrolled organizations, with Thrivent covering the associated processing fees. Additionally, eligible clients can actively direct their Choice Dollars or nominate organizations to become a part of this impactful program.

Thrivent Choice has distributed over $550 million to churches and nonprofit organizations nationwide, making a significant difference in communities far and wide.

Participation in the Heart for Hunger Campaign 

Thrivent's annual Heart for Hunger campaign is a heartwarming initiative that partners with Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota to ensure that families in our community don't go hungry during the holiday season. This campaign extends throughout the summer to collect food and essential supplies, aiming to make Thanksgiving a joyous occasion for those in need.

In the 2022 Heart for Hunger campaign, the Twin Cities Thrivent Member Network again joined with Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. Their goal was clear: to provide Thanksgiving food and more to families who might otherwise struggle during the holiday season. This community-focused effort encouraged everyone to get involved and make a difference. Clients could drop off a bag of Thanksgiving-specific groceries or could donate $35 to fund a bag.

Thrivent: Where Generosity and Financial Planning Come Together

Thrivent brings them together in a world where financial planning and generosity often seem like distant cousins. Josiah and Jeremy's message is clear: you don't need to wait to be generous, and Thrivent can help you leave a lasting legacy. 

So, if you're looking to secure your financial future while doing good for others, consider Thrivent, where financial planning and being generous go hand in hand.

Disclaimers

*Lloro, Alicia, et al., “Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022,” Board of Governors of The Federal Reserve System Research & Analysis, May 2023.

Member benefits and programs are not guaranteed contractual benefits. The interpretation of the provisions of these benefits and programs is at the sole discretion of Thrivent. Membership benefits are reviewed and evaluated regularly. Thrivent reserves the right to change, modify, discontinue, or refuse to provide any of the membership benefits or any part of them, at any time. 

You should never purchase or keep insurance or annuity products to be eligible for nonguaranteed membership benefits. You should only purchase and keep insurance and annuity products that best meet the financial security needs of you and your family. Consider the cost, features, and benefits of specific insurance and/or annuity products.

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.  

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Advisory services available through investment adviser representatives only. Thrivent.com/disclosures. 5964992.1

“The sooner we can help people in their lives, the better off they may be. I have the flexibility to be generous through my business, and that is exciting. It’s not something I had in the corporations I had worked for previously."

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