08/26/2026
Watching Them Leave the Nest 💙
This photo was taken at my daughter's wedding this summer, and looking at it reminds me how quickly the years go by.
As parents, we spend years teaching our children how to walk, ride a bike, drive a car, and make good decisions. Then one day, you look around and realize they're building lives of their own.
What makes me especially proud isn't just the milestones they're reaching. It's the foundation they've built along the way.
At just 22 years old, my daughter and new son-in-law recently purchased their first home. My oldest son has already saved enough for a future down payment. And my youngest is pursuing a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Physics at NDSU.
None of this happened overnight.
It came from learning good money habits early: • Living within their means • Saving consistently • Delaying gratification • Setting goals and sticking to them • Understanding that financial freedom is built one decision at a time
As a mom and a financial advisor, I've learned that financial planning isn't really about money. It's about creating opportunities. It's about giving your children the ability to make choices based on their dreams, not their debt.
Watching your kids become independent adults is bittersweet. You miss the little moments, but there's something incredibly rewarding about seeing them confidently step into the future they've worked so hard to create.
To all the parents raising young children today: the conversations you have around money matter. The habits you model matter. And the lessons you're teaching now may be helping them buy their first home, graduate with less debt, or build a stronger future than they ever imagined.
Some of the greatest returns in life aren't found in an investment account. They're found in the success of the people you love most.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
