Merritt Jezwinski - Thrivent

Had a meeting the other day and they showed up with goodies from the one and only Whisk & Arrow 💛

Honestly… it’s the little things like this that make my day!

Same dollar amount. Totally different conversation.

Imagine two people, both with $300,000 saved.
One has it mostly in a 401(k).
The other has a mix of Roth, brokerage, and cash.

What changes?
• How taxes show up in retirement
• When money can be accessed
• How flexible withdrawals can be
• How retirement income is structured

Why this matters:
It’s not just how much you’ve saved... it’s where it lives.

Do you know what types of accounts your retirement savings sit in today?

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

If you’re 55 with $250k in a rollover IRA, you’re basically holding a “future income toolbox.”

Some people explore growth-focused approaches, others explore income-focused approaches, and many do a blend.

Would you want more focus on growth or income?

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

I got to meet Amelia Earhart the other week.

Okay… not THE Amelia Earhart everyone immediately thinks of.. but honestly, Amelia Rose Earhart is pretty incredible in her own right.

At this year’s Thrivent Member Celebration at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, she shared her story about becoming a pilot, flying around the world, and navigating the turbulence that comes with chasing big goals and living a meaningful life. She was funny, relatable, down-to-earth, and one of those speakers who keeps your attention the entire time because you can actually connect with what she’s saying.

One thing she said that really stuck with me:
“The only plane that never experiences turbulence is the one that stays locked up in the hangar.” Honestly… that one landed (plane pun - sorry, not sorry!

She talked about “360-degree thinking,” understanding what lifts you versus what drags you down, and surrounding yourself with the right “air traffic controllers” in life. But my favorite takeaway was her reminder to be a tailwind for people instead of a headwind - to be the kind of person who helps move others forward instead of making the journey harder.

Huge appreciation to our Thrivent Member Network - Wisconsin Upper Michigan Region team for putting together such a phenomenal evening for our members and guests. Full house, amazing conversations, incredible tours through the museum, and just an overall genuinely good night with great people. The kind of night that reminds you how important it is to have good people flying alongside you.

Retirement planning isn't just "How much do I have?" It's "How do I turn what I have into income I can actually live on?"

If you're within ~10 years of retirement, a helpful exercise is mapping out:
• Guaranteed Income (Social Security; Pension)
• Flexible Income (Savings; Investment)
• Lifestyle Goals (What you want retirement to feel like)

Clarity here often brings confidence later.

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Grateful today, and every day, for those who serve and the families who stand beside them.

Thank you for your commitment, your courage, and your sacrifices.