Weathering the Storm

"Turmoil," "intensified fears" and "crisis" are just a few of the words that jumped out at me while canvassing financial news on Sept. 15, 2008—the day the U.S. financial system, according to The Wall Street Journal, was "shaken to its core." Knowing that we've all read similar stories of financial troubles, it's never been more important for me to communicate how Thrivent Financial for Lutherans remains on firm financial ground.

Thrivent Financial's health is strong.
Thrivent Financial continues to receive strong ratings*, including A.M. Best's highest rating of Superior A++ (the highest of 15 ratings) and Fitch's second-highest rating, Very Strong AA+. These ratings reflect Thrivent Financial's claims-paying ability and, we believe, our overall financial soundness

Our investment processes are sound.
When risk and volatility occur in financial markets, it's only natural for people to worry about their investment portfolios. Thrivent Financial's overall asset quality remains solid. That's why Thrivent Financial can continue to focus on you and the health of our investments—now and for your future. For more on our investment approach, read Ask the Expert from the Summer 2008 issue.

The focus remains on members.
As a membership organization, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans doesn't answer to stockholders or Wall Street. We answer to you, our members. As we face today's challenging environment, Thrivent Financial continues to focus on providing long-range financial opportunities intended to help you prepare for your future, protect your family and support your community and congregation. In Faith and Values, I talk more about how we align with you and your values.

For more than 100 years, we've focused on providing long-range opportunities and sound investment strategies that are intended to help our millions of members prepare for the future. Is Thrivent Financial still standing on firm ground? Yes. And our financial strength is your financial strength.

Bruce J. Nicholson Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer

* These ratings reflect Thrivent Financial's overall financial integrity and claims-paying ability, but do not apply to the investment performance of investment products.