Michele Westmaas - Thrivent

11/02/2026

When a child or loved one has a disability, the future can feel overwhelming.

Questions about benefits, trusts, caregiving, housing, employment, financial security, and long-term support often arrive all at once. Many families aren't sure where to start, and they shouldn't have to navigate it alone.

This video provides an introduction to special needs planning and some of the tools that may help families prepare for the future, including ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, retirement planning, insurance considerations, and building a support team.

As a Special Needs Planning professional, I believe families deserve a companion guide on this journey. Through a Dedicated Planning relationship, I help families organize information, evaluate options, coordinate with other professionals, and develop a plan that supports both their loved one and their own long-term goals.

Every family's path is different, but you don't have to walk it alone.

Raising a child with special needs can bring joy and challenges in equal measure. Alex Gonzalez and his wife, Simone, know this well because their oldest son, Jake, lives with autism and Asperger syndrome.

10/30/2026

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is:

"What happens if I leave money directly to my child?"

In some situations, a direct inheritance can unintentionally impact eligibility for important benefits. A Special Needs Trust may help provide financial support while preserving access to certain government programs.

This video explains: What a Special Needs Trust is; The different types of trusts; How trusts are commonly funded; Important considerations when planning for the future

If you've been meaning to learn more about Special Needs Trusts, this is a great place to start.

When you have a child or children with special needs, you may have unique concerns about how to best prepare for your family's future. You want to do whatever you can to protect your children, particularly after you've passed away.

10/19/2026

Saving for retirement? Here’s something to consider: different accounts come with different tax implications.

By spreading your savings across taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free accounts, you can give yourself more flexibility in retirement. This makes it easier for you to manage withdrawals, avoid tax spikes and lower your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).

Get in touch to discuss the right approach for your unique situation.

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.

10/15/2026

When you're raising or caring for a loved one with a disability, planning isn't just about money. It's about making sure the people you love are cared for, supported, and protected long into the future.

Many families wonder: • What happens when I'm no longer here? • How do I protect government benefits? • Who will help my loved one in the future?

This short video shares one family's journey and highlights planning tools that can help create greater confidence and peace of mind. Special needs planning allows families to move beyond worry and focus on enjoying life together.

🎥 Watch the video and let me know what questions you have about planning for the future of a loved one with disabilities.

Gertie Munholland was just three days old when she was adopted. Her parents, Heidi and Nick Munholland of Milliken, Colorado, knew before the adoption that she would be born with Down syndrome.

10/13/2026

Are you just starting to save for retirement or are nearing retirement age? This guide will help you understand how to manage your retirement income in a tax-efficient manner, so you can make the most out of your hard-earned savings. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4i6KNd7

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

You can't buy something exactly like Social Security on the market.​

As retirement expert Dr. Michael Finke, Professor and Frank M. Engle Chair of Retirement Security, The American College of Financial Services, pointed out in an interview with Bjorn Larson, Thrivent's Director of Financial Education, it offers a unique combination of guaranteed income that's also inflation-protected.​

Watch the full interview to get more insight on planning your retirement: https://bit.ly/4dhtRQk

10/04/2026

A variable annuity offers several key features: income in retirement, potential tax-deferred growth based on market performance, and—depending on the contract—potential to pass money on to your heirs.

Check out this article for more information and let’s connect if you want to discuss how an annuity could help you reach your retirement goals.

As you approach retirement, your focus may shift from building up a nest egg to ensuring you have ongoing income to cover expenses. A variable annuity is designed to help you accumulate assets for the long-term with the option of converting those savings into a lifetime income stream in retirement.

09/28/2026

Disability insurance can protect your most valuable asset – your ability to earn an income. Here are important things to know about disability income insurance. ⬇️

No one expects to get sick or injured. But 1 in 4 of today's 20-year-olds can expect to experience a disabling event before they reach retirement age, whether it's for a few weeks or a long-term change in their ability to work. That's why disability income insurance is more than just a…

09/26/2026

A new baby can change your everything (including your finances).​

Let’s review your life insurance coverage to help make sure your growing family is protected.​

See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.