Our legacy is 120+ years of empowering lives of service and faith. It’s our purpose and shared spirit of community and mutual support that inspires us to serve others with generosity and kindness. One thing I love about Thrivent members is that legacy is important to them. No matter what stage they’re at in life—young professionals, growing families, empty nesters—they’re thinking about “what’s next.”
When people think about legacy, it’s often names on buildings, foundations and grand public gestures. But for me—and many of us at Thrivent—legacy is more personal. It’s the quiet impact we leave behind, the values we teach, the security we build and the financial choices we make.
In our 20s and 30s, we’re building a strong foundation. We’re paying off student loans, starting careers, maybe buying a first home. We’re learning, sometimes through mistakes, but every budget and savings goal is a step toward financial stability.
Most of us are thinking about growth in our 40s and 50s. These are the years of investing—in our retirement and in our families. We’re thinking about college funds, aging parents and what retirement could look like. It’s a balancing act, but it’s also a time to be intentional. What kind of life do we want to lead? What kind of example are we setting?
Then come the 60s and beyond—years of reflection and transition. Estate planning, wills and charitable giving take center stage. This is when legacy becomes tangible. It’s not just about what we leave behind, but how we’ve lived. Your financial legacy isn’t measured in dollars alone. It’s in the wisdom you pass on, the security you provide and the freedom you create for the next generation. So, wherever you are in your journey, take a moment to ask: What story will my finances tell when I’m gone? Because your legacy starts with the choices you make today.
Terry Rasmussen is Thrivent President and CEO.
