Winter 2012 | Volume 110 | Number 662
Thrivent Financial News
Members Will Receive $293 Million in Dividends
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will pay out an estimated $293 million in dividends to eligible members in 2012. Here are some answers to questions you may have.
Q: What is a dividend?
A: A dividend is a return of money from surplus that the board of directors has approved to give back to members who own certain insurance products. The amount of the dividend members receive is based on the contribution each eligible contract made to those surplus dollars.
Q: Who will receive a dividend?
A: Dividends will be distributed to members who own eligible insurance products, including whole life insurance, most disability income insurance and some term life insurance contracts.
Q: How can Thrivent Financial pay dividends?
A: Dividends are never guaranteed, but our expense management, investment practices and claims experience were all strong in 2011. When Thrivent Financial does better than projected in one or more of these areas, we return part of the surplus to eligible contract owners.
Q: How does a dividend benefit me?
A: Depending on the type of contract you own, you have options for how you receive dividends, such as:
- Receiving a check from Thrivent Financial,
- Purchasing additional coverage within that contract,
- Repaying any contract loans, or
- Reducing the current premium.
Q: How will I know if I'm getting a dividend?
A: Most members will be notified of their dividend distribution on their annual statement or premium notice. If you have questions on your dividend, contact your financial representative.
New Thrivent Financial Website Brings Stock Market Updates to You
Trying to make sense of the stock market can feel impossible. One day it's up; the next day it's down. The next day … who knows? If you're wondering what these changes may mean to your investments, you'll want to check out Thrivent Financial's new "Wall Street to Your Street" resource. The site contains perspectives from Thrivent Asset Management, including regular market commentary and recaps, video interviews with managers of our mutual funds, as well as resources to help you learn more about your investing options.
Have an Idea for Thrivent Financial's 2013 Calendar?
For the previous two years, Thrivent has created a wall calendar with photos taken by our members. In 2012, we highlighted Bible verses, along with a picture each month, and in 2011, we featured photos depicting crosses. As we plan next year's calendar, we'd love to hear your ideas for themes. What would you like to see every time you turn the page to a new month? Email your thoughts to boxcce@thrivent.com by March 15.
If you'd like to submit a photo for the 2013 calendar, watch for more information in the Spring issue of Thrivent magazine.
St. Louis and Milwaukee Will Host Member Meetings in 2012
To give more of our members the chance to meet senior leaders and hear what's new with your organization, Thrivent Financial is taking its Member Meeting on the road. Our first-ever event, held last year in Minneapolis, brought together nearly 500 Thrivent members and guests. Attendees gave the meeting a thumbs-up with comments such as: "Great interaction with members of the board of directors." "Educational and entertaining." "Equal to any of Warren Buffett's annual meetings in Omaha."
This is your chance to celebrate your membership with Thrivent. Join us:
- Thursday evening, April 19, in St. Louis at the historic Fox Theatre.
- Thursday evening, May 17, in Milwaukee at Miller Park.
Both "Celebrating Your Membership" events will include a reception, music, an update on how Thrivent Financial is doing and the chance to meet other members. You'll hear from our chief executive officer and chief financial officer and have the chance to ask questions of senior leaders.
Register online for this free event. If you can't attend in person, you can view highlights online after the meeting.
Build Homes in 2012
This year, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity will fund building or rehabilitating 142 homes in 32 states through grants totaling $9.2 million. The grants fund 55% of the cost of the homes and provide affordable housing that helps families achieve economic stability. This marks the seventh year of Thrivent Financial's work with Habitat, and in that time, nearly 2,700 homes – 1,700 in the U.S. and 1,000 around the world – have been constructed by approximately 485,000 Thrivent Builds volunteers.
Want to get involved? Go to ThriventBuilds.com to find a project in your area or around the globe. You can also talk to your Thrivent chapter leaders about raising funds to support these efforts. In the coming year, Thrivent is committed to generating an additional $1.7 million for Habitat's work in the U.S., and we'll need everyone's help to reach that goal.
Calling All Kids!
Kids say the funniest – and sometimes the savviest – things. Thrivent magazine wants to hear what kids have to say about what "being wise with money" means to them. Kids ages 3 to 18 can enter a contest either by drawing a picture or writing a short essay. Winners will be featured in a special section of the Summer 2012 issue of Thrivent magazine. Submit your kid's entry.