Lynnette Mahlke, Wealth Advisor Thrivent Financial, Oakdale MN

Finances And Faith

When doing word association faith isn’t typically the first term associated with finances. However, Lynnette has always regarded her work as an act of faith filled service. That said, Lynnette has served hundreds of people over her 36 years with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Oakdale.

Serving Others Started Early

Lynnette grew up a couple hours west of Shakopee in Clarkfield Minnesota. She said having her grandparents nearby and honoring them was part and parcel to growing up. She also expanded that habit early on with volunteering as a youth director for seven years.

Lynnette smiled as she recalled her Girl Scout days. She had volunteered as a Candy Striper helping care for older adults in the nursing home and hospital. Lynnette concluded “My heart is with older adults.”

Senior Planning: Money Management & More

Certainly, managing funds to afford living into one’s later years is paramount but other planning tasks are also imperative. There are a number of topics to address in covering all the bases when preparing, including legacy planning for your heirs and preparing the necessary legal documents from health directives to powers of attorney and wills.

Then there are the background details that if left undone or outdated can be very costly, derail intentions or both. These typically involve making sure policy and account beneficiaries are current and listed correctly. It is a shame to have a good policy unable to be used due to errors.

Planning around second marriages and the possibility of one spouse pre-deceasing the other involves many considerations including correctly executing asset transfers, forethought around income loss, adjusting tax strategies and filings etc.

Planning Is Personal

“I am very pro-active for my clients rather than having to be re-active” Lynnette said. She went on to explain that she knows the value of looking ahead given that “I went through it with my dad as well as several clients.”

“It’s very satisfying to be a part of helping clients accomplish this work and they are always so relieved when they complete these tasks.” Lynnette went on to say, “Families have come back often to say, ‘thanks for assuring mom had all her preparations in place’”.

Covering Care Costs

Not only are prices going up generally due to inflation, but increases in life expectancy are also extending the amount of future healthcare needed. Together these factors highlight the need to think ahead and seek professional guidance.

In addition to helping clients plan their savings, and growth of savings, to cover future costs Lynnette pointed out that while long term care insurance is expensive it doesn’t have to cover every last expense. Even modest and affordable premiums today can produce meaningful benefits when the need arrives.

Lynnette also noted that pre-retirement planning awareness is much higher today than when she began in the profession. She added “It’s never too early to do this planning. Putting your affairs in order early is the best gift you can give your survivors.” 

Music And Memories

In recent years Lynnette has joined the Woodbury Lutheran Church’s Kitchen Band as the pianist. Begun in 2019 this group of church members tours senior living communities playing old time music. The group features kazoos, teapots, spoons and washboards.

Cognitive decline typically locks up memories. Lynnette loves the power of music to allow song lyrics to be recalled and enjoyed.

Leaving a Legacy

With over 30 years at Thrivent, her servant mindset, and very many satisfied clients it is no surprise that last year Thrivent inducted Lynnette into their Hall of Fame. Not a gift but a recognition earned by outstanding performance provided with consistently principled service.

Lynnette is also honored to have her practice continuing in the capable hands of her oldest child, Joseph, who has been building his career under the mentorship of his mother.

“Lynnette was introduced to us through a member of our church in West St Paul not long after we moved to MN. She is outstanding!  Personable yet efficient and so very knowledgeable.   She has more credentials after her name than most Financial Advisors I’ve known which is a testament for her love of learning.   My husband and I feel blessed to have had her direct our finances for over 20 years and we value her friendship.”  ~Eunice K Neubauer, Founding Owner Choice Connections