Seven Principles for Retirement

At Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, we believe retirement is a journey, not a destination. That's why our financial representatives provide the guidance you need to travel it well. We recommend the following seven principles for creating a successful, realistic retirement strategy – and we'll work with you every step of the way to help you achieve it.

1. Have a Vision

What inspires you? Your inspirations can help define your values and your vision for family, health and wealth.

2. Plan Ahead

It's never too late or too early to start preparing for your retirement. The first step is to get the right kind of help. A Thrivent Financial representative can help you understand and examine your options and your values, and find ways to help you meet your retirement goals.

3. Rethink Working

Working past the minimum retirement age – or cycling in and out of work for several years – has its benefits. It may be the opportunity to follow your passion, a way to stay connected, a chance to be your own boss or a way to achieve your financial goals.

4. Spend Wisely

Your values are your best guide to determining your spending habits, both while saving for your dreams and while living in retirement. Values can encourage you to spend only for those things that are important to you and your family, so that you can keep debt to a minimum.

5. Save and Invest

You'll sleep easier if you err on the side of having too much in savings rather than too little. You can take simple steps, like incorporating automatic savings opportunities, that can make saving and investing easy.

6. Protect Your Future

Life is full of surprises. Make choices that will prepare you financially for these events and provide you with a greater peace of mind.

7. Give Back

The ultimate goal in life is to make a positive impact in the lives of others – now and in the future. Seek gratifying activities that enrich your life and the lives of others. Helping others can include gifts of time, talents and treasures.

Translate These Principles into Reality

For in-depth information about retirement planning, read more on saving for retirement and living in retirement.

To learn how you can apply these principles to your own retirement strategy, contact a Thrivent Financial representative today.