Ryan Spleet - Thrivent

Ryan Spleet - Thrivent Thanks for joining me on Facebook! I hope you join the conversation. As always, contact me directly if you have specific financial questions.

Thrivent Financial Professionals may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions in which they are licensed. For licensing and practice information click the website link in the additional contact information section above. For Thrivent privacy policy, social media guidelines, and important disclosure information visit Thrivent.com/privacyandsocial.

As we enter a new year, setting financial goals is like drafting your New Year's resolutions – it takes planning, dedica...
01/22/2025

As we enter a new year, setting financial goals is like drafting your New Year's resolutions – it takes planning, dedication, and a solid strategy to make those dreams a reality! Whether you're dreaming of a career milestone, learning a new skill, or ensuring you stay hydrated daily, long-term financial goals are no different. Here are five steps to help you achieve your financial goals:

List Your Goals: Start the year by being specific and realistic about what you want. Avoid vague or unattainable resolutions. Consider what truly matters to you and what you can realistically achieve. It's all about finding that sweet spot for success!

Create a Timeline: Resolutions are more achievable with deadlines – even if that deadline is decades in the future! Set specific timelines for your financial goals. This helps prioritize and ensures your savings are on track for the right investments.

List Your Motivations: Why do you want to achieve these financial goals? Saying "I want to retire" is a start but dig deeper. Envision your dream retirement – where will you go, what will you do, and who will you share it with? Connecting your goals to your true motivations makes it easier to stay committed when faced with tempting choices.

Create a Plan: Just like resolving to skip dessert won't guarantee a fitness goal, setting an arbitrary savings amount won't guarantee financial success. Your financial advisor is your resolution strategist. Work together to review your goals and let them craft a personalized plan to help you reach them.

Revisit Your Goals Regularly: Keep up your momentum! Regularly check in on your goals and timeline. Have things changed? Are you following the plan? Any new obstacles to navigate? When your goals are years or decades in the making, it’s easy to get distracted. Regular reviews will keep you on track and remind you what you are working towards.

Ready to turn your financial dreams into victories? I’m here to support you every step of the way! Let's make 2024 the year you crush those financial goals and secure your success!

Among the numerous good qualities possessed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one that resonates in today’s world is his pr...
01/20/2025

Among the numerous good qualities possessed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one that resonates in today’s world is his profound respect for others...including those who disagreed with him.

Take King and Malcolm X, for instance – they had a shared goal, but very different approaches. They disagreed but showed respect for each other.

In a time when disagreements are common, King's example reminds us to foster respect and curiosity for different views. Understanding opposing perspectives builds bridges, fostering empathy, love, and tolerance. No two people are going to agree on everything, but respect for each other can unite us.

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr., let's carry forward his message of non-violence. "I think we have got to learn to disagree without being violently disagreeable." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

He also said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

Let's be like Dr. King, promoting respect in our families, communities, and country. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let's honor his example by showing respect and empathy, even to those we disagree with.

I’m sure you’ve heard that writing down your goals will give you a greater chance of success and doing it the S.M.A.R.T....
01/17/2025

I’m sure you’ve heard that writing down your goals will give you a greater chance of success and doing it the S.M.A.R.T. way takes it to the next level! What are S.M.A.R.T. Goals? Let’s break it down:

Specific – Be crystal clear! Instead of saying, “I would like to save more money this year,” you should say: “I want to start saving more towards my retirement.”

Measurable – How much? Attach a real number to it. “I want to start saving $1,000 a month towards my retirement.”

Actionable – What steps will this take? “I will set up a direct deposit with my checking account to automatically transfer the money to my retirement account.”

Realistic – Dream big, be passionate but also practical. You need to believe that you can achieve this goal or it won’t seem worth it to try.

Time – How long will it take to reach your goal? 3 months, 6 months, a year? Set a deadline, visualize the finish line.

*BONUS Tip! Display your goals somewhere you can see them daily. It will be a reminder to keep you motivated!

When you use the S.M.A.R.T. method, it empowers you to make a clear plan, take control, and achieve your goals. Start using S.M.A.R.T. goals today! How do you set goals? Let me know or tag a friend who could use this!

Happy Thanksgiving!We are in the season of thanks. If you haven't thought about what you're thankful for yet, don't worr...
11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are in the season of thanks. If you haven't thought about what you're thankful for yet, don't worry, you still have time! Gratitude is simply cultivating a genuine appreciation for what we already have. Not only does thanking others make them feel good, but it provides many benefits to you as well. Here are a few things that benefit you when you practice gratitude.
- Gratitude is consistently associated with greater happiness
- Promotes optimism
- Builds stronger relationships
- Cultivates humility
- Promotes generosity
- Increases likability
- Thankfulness is contagious
- Boosts confidence
- Boosts your happiness
- Builds positive memories
- Helps you deal with adversity

So many good things! Start generating that grateful attitude and feel happier today. Being thankful should not be limited to only Thanksgiving; practice gratitude as often as you can.

10 effortless ways to show appreciation to loved ones during Thanksgiving even though you're stressed out.This time of y...
11/21/2024

10 effortless ways to show appreciation to loved ones during Thanksgiving even though you're stressed out.

This time of year can get overwhelming for most people. There are so many things to check off your list, so many errands to run and family get-togethers can take so much of your energy. When will you have the time to show the ones you love gratitude?

Even though the holidays can get hectic, try to take time to show appreciation to those you care about. No excuses either, most of these only take 5 minutes.
• Think of specific things you are thankful for in each person, this could even mean thanking them for being themselves!
• Take a minute to write a thank you note to a loved one.
• Find a quiet moment with someone and share something you love about them.
• Be conscious of when others are sharing their stories, take note and be an active listener.
• Share a hug with a loved one, especially if it's been a while.
• Before family time, think of a few meaningful questions you can ask family members. Ask older and younger family members to share a story of their past or their life experiences growing up.
• Go on a short walk with a few family members and get to know them better.
• Give a compliment.
• Be kind - especially to yourself.
• If it's difficult to do some of these things, try focusing on the present instead of getting trapped in the past.

It only takes a moment to show the people we love how much they matter to us. This Thanksgiving, take time and be deliberate when showing gratitude and appreciation to others.

Stay focused through the fall season. The change of seasons can put a damper on your productivity, but that doesn't have...
11/19/2024

Stay focused through the fall season. The change of seasons can put a damper on your productivity, but that doesn't have to keep you down! Here are some ways to power through the lulls of fall and keep you motivated and happy:

• Make sure you're taking care of your health. You can't do what you need to if you're not feeling well. Drink water and exercise. You know what your body needs, take care of it.
• Remember your current and future goals. Keep reminding yourself why you're doing what you're doing. It's easy to lose sight of that, especially when things are busy.
• If you don't get a lot of exposure to the sun, consider taking Vitamin D supplements.
• Take a stroll outside when you need a quick reset.
• Laugh! Just a few minutes of laughter can lift your spirits and put you in a positive mood.
• Keep your sleep schedule routine the same.
• Make sure you're keeping up and finding time to do the hobbies that bring you happiness.

Just because the season changes does not mean we need to 'fall' back on our goals and productivity. Stay motivated!

October 30th is National Checklist Day! 📋Why celebrate checklists? Because they not only keep things organized and make ...
10/30/2024

October 30th is National Checklist Day! 📋
Why celebrate checklists? Because they not only keep things organized and make work easier, but they also save lives!

It all started in the 1930s. Early aviators were searching for ways to allow flying to be safer and avoid the all-too-common crash during takeoff.

After several mishaps, a group of pilots came up with the idea to create a checklist before taxiing down the runway. By meticulously following their own reminders, they paved the way for safe flying for everyone.

Even if you aren’t a pilot, you can celebrate Checklist Day, too!

Do you have a checklist preparing for retirement or planning your finances for the coming year? That’s where we can help.

DM us today and we’ll work with you to make sure nothing falls between the cracks.

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

We are nearing the end of the year. What does your financial picture look like? Are you on track? Sure, the stock market...
10/25/2024

We are nearing the end of the year. What does your financial picture look like?
Are you on track?

Sure, the stock market has had its moves. Interest rates have benefited some fixed income.

Has that affected your returns? Sure. But are you on track for your goals? Will you arrive at your finish line when, and in the way, you want?

If you experienced gains this year, do you need to make any changes for taxes? If your accounts are down, do you need to adjust to get your needed growth?

I have found that too many focus on their current bottom line, rather than the finish line. That’s why I ask if you are on track. It’s that finish line I am focused on for everyone I work with.

If you are wondering about your finish line, we should talk.

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

🎃👻 Happy Halloween, everyone! 👻🎃'Tis the season when ghosts, goblins, and superheroes come out to play, shouting, "Trick...
10/24/2024

🎃👻 Happy Halloween, everyone! 👻🎃
'Tis the season when ghosts, goblins, and superheroes come out to play, shouting, "Trick or Treat!" It's all about hauntings, spooky movies, black cats, and things that go bump in the night. But lurking in the shadows, there's something even scarier than Frankenstein's monster...

Introducing: Frightening Financial Errors! 💀
As the year winds down, watch out for these bone-chilling blunders that can haunt your finances:

• Budgeting Boo-Boos: From Halloween costumes to holiday feasts and gifts, spending can turn into a monster during the holidays. Keep those expenses in check by creating a budget for more treats, fewer tricks.

• Investment Nightmares: Don't forget to review your portfolio for underperforming investments. They may not be as terrifying as they seem, as they can serve as a tax shield! Learn how capital gains and losses affect your taxes – timing is crucial!

• Charitable Chills: If you plan to make charitable contributions, do it before year-end to benefit from tax deductions. Want to maximize your giving strategy? Let's chat!

• Going It Alone: Just like venturing into the woods alone is a horror movie cliché, handling your finances solo can be a grave mistake. Year-end is the perfect time for a financial review to ensure you're on the right path towards your goals.

So, as you enjoy the holiday season, take a moment to shine a flashlight on your finances. If you need guidance, I'm just a call away. Let's set up a meeting to help you navigate these financial mysteries!

All of us at Thrivent, hope you have a spooktacular Halloween!

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Tax Loss HarvestingAs we near the end of tax season many people start sharing the same concern; “how can I pay less in t...
10/23/2024

Tax Loss Harvesting

As we near the end of tax season many people start sharing the same concern; “how can I pay less in taxes next year?” There are several different tax-saving strategies out there but one that all investors should be familiar with is tax loss harvesting.

What is it? Put simply, it helps to minimize the taxes you owe on your investments by strategically selling certain stocks to offset gains with losses.

There are generally three steps involved with tax loss harvesting.
1. You sell an investment that is losing money.
2. Use that loss to reduce your taxable capital gains up to $3,000 per year.
3. Reinvest the money from the sale in something else that coincides with your overall asset allocation strategy.

Have you taken advantage of this strategy? If not, give me a call and we can discuss how it could benefit you next year.

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

It's not too late to end the 2024 on a strong note. Let's plan for success.
10/14/2024

It's not too late to end the 2024 on a strong note. Let's plan for success.

If you're a senior citizen, or have a parent or grandparent you're worried about... Listen up.According to the FBI, Amer...
10/03/2024

If you're a senior citizen, or have a parent or grandparent you're worried about... Listen up.

According to the FBI, American seniors are being targeted by online con artists in record numbers. In 2020, people ages 50 and older lost a dizzying $1.8 billion to online fraud. And those numbers are probably underreported, as the FBI believes many seniors are ashamed to reveal they’ve been scammed.

With that said, here are my 3 best practices to minimize the risk and stay safe online👇
1️⃣ Create strong p@$Sw0rDz

A strong password is at least 12 characters long. Strong password tips include the use of a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, and try not to include personal information. Reusing the same password for every account can lead to a hacker gaining control of all of them. Having a hard time remembering all of them? Consider a password manager!

2️⃣ Think before you act

Emails and communication that create a sense of urgency such as a problem with your bank account or taxes is likely a scam. Consider reaching out directly to the company by phone to determine if the email is legitimate or not.

3️⃣ Use security software

Install security software on your devices from a reliable source and keep it updated. It is best to run the anti-virus and anti-spyware software regularly.

Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction in multiple states and your support can provide hope to the individuals a...
10/03/2024

Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction in multiple states and your support can provide hope to the individuals and communities most impacted. For every $2 you donate through Thrivent’s online giving platform, Thrivent will add $1 and pays all the processing fees, so 100% of your donation goes directly to the cause. To help today, visit https://bit.ly/3ZL630O.

09/27/2024

Want to see beautiful photography on your wall all year long? Order your 2025 Thrivent calendar featuring the theme “Everyday blessings”: https://bit.ly/4eBsNVe

Here is a quick pop quiz: What is the single biggest asset you own? Answer: In all likelihood, it’s your home.Second que...
09/26/2024

Here is a quick pop quiz:

What is the single biggest asset you own?

Answer: In all likelihood, it’s your home.

Second question: What is one of the biggest financial challenges in your life?

Answer: Paying for your home.

Your home is your haven, and protecting it is paramount. Home insurance is the key to ensuring your property and belongings are shielded from life's unexpected twists and turns. However, navigating the world of home insurance can be daunting. Murphy’s law states, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong” and if you’re a homeowner you know how quickly that law can surprise you! You may be asking yourself these common questions when it comes to home insurance.

Do I have sufficient coverage?
What does my home insurance cover?
Are my valuables fully covered?
When and how do I file a claim?

We know how complicated it can be and there are many factors that can affect your coverage. If you aren’t able to answer any of these questions with your insurance provider, I’d be happy to take a look for you. Let us know how we can help!



See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Seconds.That’s all it really takes to be kind enough to change a situation from bad to good for someone. I saw a recent ...
08/08/2024

Seconds.

That’s all it really takes to be kind enough to change a situation from bad to good for someone.

I saw a recent story of a young girl, Lena, who, after a very long flight (with a 36-hour delay involved), found she had left her lost tooth on the plane. She had wanted to put it under her pillow when she finally got home.

Unfortunately, it was 2 a.m. and getting back onto the plane to find the tooth was not possible. It proved too much and little Lena broke down crying.

Thankfully a passing pilot, in full uniform, stepped in. He saw what was going on and consoled Lena by writing an “official” note to the tooth fairy as an explanation and receipt of where the tooth was.

I’m sure the pilot was tired and ready to get home or to a hotel. But he took a few seconds to console a little girl who had a very long couple of days flying home.

We should all follow this example and take a few of our seconds each day to uplift and help someone in need. Give them a smile.

Are you a proud grandparent looking to pass on some valuable financial wisdom to your adorable grandkids?  Below are som...
08/07/2024

Are you a proud grandparent looking to pass on some valuable financial wisdom to your adorable grandkids? Below are some great ways you can teach your grandkids about the importance of saving money.

🏦 Set Up a Savings Account: Help your grandkids open their own savings account. Encourage them to save a portion of their pocket money or earnings and explain how interest can make their savings grow over time.

🐖 Start a Piggy Bank: Start with a classic! Get them a piggy bank and encourage them to save spare change. Make it a fun activity by decorating the bank together and setting goals for what the saved money can be used for.

💲 Matching Contributions: Consider matching a portion of their savings. This not only encourages saving but also teaches the concept of employer-matching contributions.

💰 Money Jars: Create different money jars labeled "Spend," "Save," and "Donate." Help them allocate their money between these jars to teach them the importance of budgeting, saving, and giving back.

🎲 Play Money Games: Engage in educational games like "Monopoly" or "Cashflow for Kids." These games teach financial concepts in a fun and interactive way, making learning about money exciting for your grandkids.

📚 Read Books on Money: Read children's books about money and saving with your grandkids. This can spark interesting conversations and provide valuable insights through relatable characters and stories.

Remember, as a grandparent, you have a unique opportunity to shape your grandkids' financial habits and empower them for a lifetime. By teaching them the value of money and saving, you're setting them up for financial success and independence in the future.

Teaching your kids about money management is one of the best gifts you can give them. But when should you start?Every ch...
08/05/2024

Teaching your kids about money management is one of the best gifts you can give them. But when should you start?

Every child will have a different age where they will be most receptive and capable of fully understanding financial concepts. But, there are certain concepts that can begin to be taught at a very young age. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a parent, it’s that kids can surprise you with how smart and adaptable they really are.

Here are a few things that I believe we should all be teaching our kids to help them live the most successful financial life they can.
• Earning Money. As your kids become old enough to do chores around the house or yard; let them. Start an allowance system that requires them to earn their money. Also, encourage their early entrepreneurial ideas. Whether it’s making bracelets, selling lemonade, or offering a service, give them guidance and support. These ideas will set the tone for the rest of their life.
• Spend Wisely. No matter how old your kids are, they want things. The only difference between a 5-year-old and a 16-year-old is the cost of the things they want. Teach your kids patience and restraint when it comes to spending. Taking a step back and thinking about the financial big picture will be an invaluable skill later in life. Help them create a budget and refer to it before any purchases.
• Saving Money. As kids start earning money teach them about saving. Stress the importance of putting money aside. One of the biggest regrets that most people have about their early years of earning is that they didn’t save as much as they should.

These concepts will give your children a great foundation for their financial life. If there’s anything I can do to help you pass along these concepts to your kids please reach out.

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