Shanell Foster - Thrivent Financial

Shanell Foster - Thrivent Financial Thrivent Financial Professionals may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions in which they are licensed.

For licensing and practice information click the website link in the additional contact information section above. For Thrivent privacy policy, social media guidelines, and important disclosure information visit Thrivent.com/privacyandsocial.

Is a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA the better fit for you as a business owner? It depends on your priorities: higher contributi...
08/31/2026

Is a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA the better fit for you as a business owner? It depends on your priorities: higher contribution limits and flexibility or simple administration and ease of use. Go deeper here: https://bit.ly/4gR8mrN

✨ A $2 Million IRA ≠ a $2 Million retirement! ✨Seeing $2,000,000 on a retirement statement can create a tremendous sense...
08/18/2026

✨ A $2 Million IRA ≠ a $2 Million retirement! ✨

Seeing $2,000,000 on a retirement statement can create a tremendous sense of security.

But the number on the statement isn't necessarily the number you get to spend 💡

For affluent retirees, I believe there are three risks that deserve far more attention:

1️⃣ Sequence of Returns Risk

Imagine retiring with $2 million just before a significant market decline.

You're no longer simply waiting for the market to recover—you may also be withdrawing $80,000, $100,000 or more each year to fund your lifestyle.

Those withdrawals during a declining market can permanently reduce the capital available to participate in the recovery.

Same average return.
Different sequence.
Potentially VERY different retirement outcome.

2️⃣ Withdrawal Rate Risk

A $2 million portfolio supporting $80,000 annually is very different from one supporting $150,000.

Retirement planning isn't simply about reaching a certain asset level.

It's about determining how much sustainable income those assets can produce—and how that income changes during difficult markets.

3️⃣ The IRS May Be Your Silent Partner

If that $2 million is primarily in traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, it represents pre-tax wealth—not necessarily spendable wealth.

Eventually, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) enter the picture.

And larger taxable distributions can potentially create a ripple effect:

→ Higher taxable income
→ Higher Medicare premiums through IRMAA
→ More Social Security benefits potentially subject to taxation
→ Less flexibility over when and how you recognize income

This is why sophisticated retirement planning should begin well BEFORE RMDs.

Could strategic Roth conversions make sense?

Should withdrawals come from taxable, tax-deferred or Roth accounts first?

Should you maintain a cash or short-term reserve to avoid selling equities during a downturn?

Could charitable giving strategies help manage future RMDs?

These aren't simply investment questions.

They're retirement income and tax-planning questions.

The goal shouldn't just be:

“Retire with $2 million.”

The better goal is:

Build a portfolio capable of generating the after-tax income you need, for as long as you need it, while maintaining flexibility through different market and tax environments.

Because ultimately, wealth isn't measured solely by your account balance.

It's measured by what that balance allows you to do.

Shanell Foster, MBA
Financial Advisor ⛳
Wellington Way Financial Group of Thrivent
Appointment Link: calendly.com/shanellfoster

Photo📸: Lochenheath Golf, Traverse City, Michigan
Forecaddie, Patrick

Visit Thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures

✨ Wealth means different things to different people 🐎 🎬 For some, it's financial independence. For others, it's creating...
07/30/2026

✨ Wealth means different things to different people 🐎 🎬

For some, it's financial independence. For others, it's creating a lasting legacy for their family.

But for many in the Equestrian World, wealth is the opportunity to pursue an Olympic dream 🏅

Behind every rider chasing excellence are years of sacrifice, unwavering commitment, world-class horses, dedicated trainers, countless hours of preparation—and significant financial planning.

Based in Wellington FL, Gabriela Ruetter, the number 1 female show jumper for Chile 🇨🇱 knows this all too well.

🎥 Thoroughly enjoyed the incredible Movie Premiere of "On the Fringe" documenting her journey to become the next equestrian since 1972 to represent Chile 🇨🇱 at the Olympics!

Watching her journey echoes the truth that wealth isn't simply measured by the size of an investment portfolio. It's measured by the ability to live your purpose and pursue what matters to you!

At Wellington Way Financial Group, we're privileged to work with individuals, families, professionals and business owners whose goals are as unique as they are.

Because the best financial plan isn't just about accumulating wealth—it's about creating the freedom to live the life you've envisioned.

What does wealth mean to you? Discover wealth your way!

Shanell Foster, MBA
Financial Advisor
Wellington Way Financial Group 🐎 of
Appointment Link: calendly.com/shanellfoster



Thrivent is not affiliated with Gabriela Reutter. Visit Thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures

✨ Listening for Why...Not Just to Reply! ✨Too often, people think financial advice starts with investments.I believe it ...
07/28/2026

✨ Listening for Why...Not Just to Reply! ✨

Too often, people think financial advice starts with investments.

I believe it starts with a question:

"Why?"

Not listening to reply.
Not listening to recommend a product.
Listening to understand.

Why is financial independence important to you?

Why do you want to retire at a certain age?

Why do you want to leave an inheritance?

Why does generosity matter to your family?

When we uncover the "why," the financial strategy becomes much clearer. Investments, tax planning, insurance, and estate planning are no longer isolated decisions—they become tools that support what matters most to you.

Anyone can build a financial plan around numbers.

The real opportunity is building one around your values, your goals, and the life you want to live.

That's where meaningful planning begins.

Shanell Foster, MBA
Financial Advisor
Wellington Way Financial Group of Thrivent
Appointment Link: calendly.com/shanellfoster

Visit Thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

✨ Quarterbacking the Plan✨ You have the CPA.You have the estate planning attorney.You have the real estate professional....
07/10/2026

✨ Quarterbacking the Plan✨

You have the CPA.
You have the estate planning attorney.
You have the real estate professional.
You may even have an insurance agent and an investment broker.

But who is bringing it all together?

The greatest financial outcomes rarely come from one expert working in isolation. They come from a coordinated team with someone serving as the quarterback—aligning tax strategies, investments, retirement planning, estate planning, risk management, and real estate decisions into one cohesive game plan.

Without a quarterback, even the best professionals can unintentionally work in silos.

My role isn't to replace your CPA or attorney—it's to help ensure everyone is moving toward the same goal, asking the right questions, and making decisions that work together to create your best financial future.

Financial confidence isn't built by collecting advisors. It's built through coordination!

Shanell Foster, MBA
Financial Advisor aka Quarterback
Wellington Financial Group of Thrivent
Appointment Link: https://bit.ly/4h42XxB



Visit Thrivent.com/social for disclosures

Have a fun and memorable Fourth of July celebration!
07/04/2026

Have a fun and memorable Fourth of July celebration!

For the 15th consecutive year, Thrivent has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. It’s an ...
06/29/2026

For the 15th consecutive year, Thrivent has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. It’s an honor to work for an organization that’s committed to serving its clients, its workforce and its community with integrity.

Learn more about this recognition: https://bit.ly/4cVuu2j

Sending love and gratitude to all the dads and father figures who made us who we are today. Happy Father’s Day!
06/21/2026

Sending love and gratitude to all the dads and father figures who made us who we are today. Happy Father’s Day!

Balancing financial goals? Start with your values. ✨Whether you’re saving, investing, giving, traveling, or building a l...
06/09/2026

Balancing financial goals? Start with your values. ✨
Whether you’re saving, investing, giving, traveling, or building a legacy — your money should reflect what matters most to you.

Photo: Blue Mountains, Australia 🇦🇺 | June 2026

To all who served and sacrificed for our freedom, thank you.
05/25/2026

To all who served and sacrificed for our freedom, thank you.

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33467

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