Join Suzi Beaver on BRICKbyBRICK Building Homeownership as she chats with Joel Austin from Thrivent, a faith-based, not-for-profit Fortune 500 company with over 100 years of ethical financial guidance.

Dive into holistic financial planning tailored for homebuyers, from budgeting for life's surprises like kids and childcare, to smart debt management, refinancing high-interest loans, and avoiding common pitfalls. Hear personal stories of transformation, biblical wisdom on stewardship, and tips on turning your first home into a wealth-building foundation. Whether you're a first-time buyer or refining your finances, this convo is packed with actionable insights to make homeownership achievable in 2026.

With 30+ years in mortgages, Suzi breaks down how partnering with experts like Joel can align your goals with godly principles for lasting success.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: Welcome and Overview of Thrivent
00:41 - Thrivent's History, Mission, and Faith-Based Approach
03:31 - Why Joel Chose Thrivent: Personal Journey and Values
05:35 - Services Provided: Financial Planning and Holistic Advice
07:45 - Planning for Life Changes: Downsizing, Inflation, and Homeownership
09:35 - Financing in Real-Life: Budgeting Habits and Coffee Addictions
11:06 - Biblical Wisdom: "Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should"
12:25 - Family Structure and Long-Term Home Planning
14:55 - Suzi's Story: Career Moves, Sun Poisoning, and First Child
19:10 - Working for Childcare and Pantyhose

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**CONTACT JOEL AUSTIN**
(336) 515-8551
joel.austin@thrivent.com
connect.thrivent.com/joel-austin/
facebook.com/Joel.Austin.Thrivent

About Joel:

With 20 years of experience in financial protection and planning, Joel Austin serves as a dedicated Financial Advisor, bringing a deep, holistic perspective to managing wealth across generations. Having initially built a formidable background as a specialist in Life Insurance, Long-Term Care, and Retirement Planning (15+ years),Joel now integrates dedicated financial planning to provide clients with truly comprehensive guidance.

Joel's core philosophy centers on Holistic Planning, meticulously evaluating and balancing immediate short-term needs with critical long-term financial goals. His approach is distinguished by a powerful emphasis on Risk Management and Tax Efficiency, especially when assisting clients with Legacy Transfer to reduce taxation and preserve family wealth.

He proudly serves three key client segments: Young Families building their foundations, Pre-Retirees transitioning to their next chapter, and Retired Individuals focused on confident legacy transfer. His goal is to empower every client to define their goals clearly and navigate their financial future with confidence and clarity.

A true North Carolina native, Joel has lived in locations all across North

Blessings!

Suz

CHECK OUT THESE FREE RESOURCES!

Ready to check your credit for FREE? >> CLICK HERE! ((As of 7/27/25, these reports may be checked WEEKLY, not annually! Take advantage!))

Ready to apply and create your game plan? >> CLICK HERE!

Already a homeowner? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home valuation tool with monthly investment insights. 1x/month - NO SPAM here!

Looking for a home? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home search tool! Yes, it's better than Zillow. By 1000.

Dreaming of homeownership but feeling squeezed by high mortgage rates? In this episode of BRICKbyBRICK Building Homeownership, Suzi breaks down the 3-2-1 buydown—a powerful tool that temporarily lowers your interest rate for the first three years, making those early payments more affordable.

With over 30 years in the mortgage industry, Suzi shares real numbers (like saving over $700/month on a $400K home at current 6.2% rates), pros and cons, who it's best for, and pro tips to negotiate it into your deal. Plus, learn about alternatives like 2-1 or 1-0 buydowns, and a special no-cost offer from Castle & Cooke Mortgage this month!

Chapters
0:00 - Intro: Why Consider a 3-2-1 Buydown?
1:25 - What is a 3-2-1 Buydown?
3:08 - Pros and Cons
4:04 - Who Should Use It & How to Qualify
4:57 - Q&A: Alternatives and Tips
6:52 - Wrap up

Blessings!

Suz

CHECK OUT THESE FREE RESOURCES!

Ready to check your credit for FREE? >> CLICK HERE! ((As of 7/27/25, these reports may be checked WEEKLY, not annually! Take advantage!))

Ready to apply and create your game plan? >> CLICK HERE!

Already a homeowner? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home valuation tool with monthly investment insights. 1x/month - NO SPAM here!

Looking for a home? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home search tool! Yes, it's better than Zillow. By 1000.

In this episode of BRICKbyBRICK Building Homeownership, Suzi Beaver shares expert refinancing strategies for 2026 to help you save money and build wealth smarter. With mortgage rates expected to average around 6.3% in 2026 (down slightly from 2025's 6.6% average), Suzi breaks down the basics of refinancing, including when to act for lower payments or faster equity growth.

Explore tactical tips like rate-and-term refis, cash-out options for investments or renovations, shortening your loan term to slash interest, and streamline programs for FHA/VA/USDA loans. Real-life success stories highlight how timing and mindset can transform your financial future. Perfect for homeowners ready to optimize their real estate journey!

Subscribe to @BRICKbyBRICKwithSUZI on YouTube for more tips on homeownership, credit, loans, and market trends. Drop a like if this helps your refi plans! #Refinancing #MortgageRates #HomeEquity #WealthBuilding

Blessings!

Suz

CHECK OUT THESE FREE RESOURCES!

Ready to check your credit for FREE? >> CLICK HERE! ((As of 7/27/25, these reports may be checked WEEKLY, not annually! Take advantage!))

Ready to apply and create your game plan? >> CLICK HERE!

Already a homeowner? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home valuation tool with monthly investment insights. 1x/month - NO SPAM here!

Looking for a home? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home search tool! Yes, it's better than Zillow. By 1000.

In this episode of BRICKbyBRICK Building Homeownership with Suzi Beaver, dive into innovative strategies for tackling today's challenging housing market. With over 30 years in mortgages, Suzi breaks down co-living as an affordable shared option for first-timers and multifamily homes as a wealth-building "house hack" where rental income offsets your costs. Learn pros, cons, financing tips like FHA loans, and why starting small beats waiting for the perfect time. Perfect for first-time buyers, urban dwellers, or anyone navigating high rates and low inventory.

Blessings!

Suz

CHECK OUT THESE FREE RESOURCES!

Ready to check your credit for FREE? >> CLICK HERE! ((As of 7/27/25, these reports may be checked WEEKLY, not annually! Take advantage!))

Ready to apply and create your game plan? >> CLICK HERE!

Already a homeowner? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home valuation tool with monthly investment insights. 1x/month - NO SPAM here!

Looking for a home? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home search tool! Yes, it's better than Zillow. By 1000.

Ready to lock in your castle? Suzi Beaver sits down with insurance pro Jimmy Marsh to break down homeowner's insurance. From why you STILL need coverage after your mortgage is paid off, to bundling home + auto for massive savings, to the life insurance conversation no one wants to have—but everyone needs.

If you're in your 20s or 30s and dreaming of that first set of keys, this episode is your cheat sheet to real protection, zero stress, and the peace of mind that says "I've got this." Because everyone deserves to own a home—and keep it safe!

Blessings!

Suz

CHECK OUT THESE FREE RESOURCES!

Ready to check your credit for FREE? >> CLICK HERE! ((As of 7/27/25, these reports may be checked WEEKLY, not annually! Take advantage!))

Ready to apply and create your game plan? >> CLICK HERE!

Already a homeowner? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home valuation tool with monthly investment insights. 1x/month - NO SPAM here!

Looking for a home? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home search tool! Yes, it's better than Zillow. By 1000.

Today Suzi breaks down the entire real estate transaction from the BUYER'S perspective into SEVEN SIMPLE STEPS in less than FIVE MINUTES!

Blessings!

Suz

CHECK OUT THESE FREE RESOURCES!

Ready to check your credit for FREE? >> CLICK HERE! ((As of 7/27/25, these reports may be checked WEEKLY, not annually! Take advantage!))

Ready to apply and create your game plan? >> CLICK HERE!

Already a homeowner? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home valuation tool with monthly investment insights. 1x/month - NO SPAM here!

Looking for a home? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home search tool! Yes, it's better than Zillow. By 1000.

If you're ready to buy your first house, or maybe your second or third, and you just don't have the funds to spare for a down payment and closing costs - this episode is for you.

Down Payment Assistance Programs are widely misunderstood and often overlooked when they're a great program for those that need it! Tune in to separate fact from fiction and learn how these programs could get you into a house sooner than you think!

Blessings!

Suz

CHECK OUT THESE FREE RESOURCES!

Ready to check your credit for FREE? >> CLICK HERE! ((As of 7/27/25, these reports may be checked WEEKLY, not annually! Take advantage!))

Ready to apply and create your game plan? >> CLICK HERE!

Already a homeowner? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home valuation tool with monthly investment insights. 1x/month - NO SPAM here!

Looking for a home? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home search tool! Yes, it's better than Zillow. By 1000.

In this episode, Suzi talks to Ashley Benz, a former client and current team member, about her journey and initial struggles to become a homeowner and how once she did, her entire life began to change for the better.

We want to hear from you about the topics YOU want to learn about. Leave us a comment and let us know - your opinions matter to us!

Blessings!

Suz

CHECK OUT THESE FREE RESOURCES!

Ready to check your credit for FREE? >> CLICK HERE! ((As of 7/27/25, these reports may be checked WEEKLY, not annually! Take advantage!))

Ready to apply and create your game plan? >> CLICK HERE!

Already a homeowner? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home valuation tool with monthly investment insights. 1x/month - NO SPAM here!

Looking for a home? >> CLICK HERE for a FREE home search tool! Yes, it's better than Zillow. By 1000.