Empowering Athletes with Financial Knowledge
The Athletes for Hope and Thrivent financial literacy series series equips athletes with the knowledge and tools to confidently manage their money and plan for the future. Through practical advice on budgeting, saving, and giving back, athletes can learn how to make informed financial decisions and create meaningful impact in their communities—on and off the field.
Want to dive deeper? Check out this in-depth guide on financial wellbeing, courtesy of our partners at Thrivent.
You can also check out Money Canvas, a free one-on-one coaching program offered by Thrivent to help participants see their money in a new way and build healthier budgeting, spending and saving habits.
Episode Guide
Episode 1: Financial Literacy 101
What does financial literacy really mean for athletes — and where do you start?
In this episode, AFH Athletes share the money questions that matter most to them — from budgeting basics to giving back wisely — and get real-world answers from our moderator, Bjorn Larson, MBA, AFC®. Together, they break down why financial literacy is crucial for athletes and how learning to manage money can fuel both personal success and community impact.
Episode 1: Financial Literacy 101
Episode 2: Budgeting
What does budgeting really look like for athletes — and how do you build a plan that actually works?
In this episode, AFH Athletes share the real-life budgeting questions they’re navigating — from tracking variable income to balancing saving, spending, and giving. Guided by our moderator, Bjorn Larson, MBA, AFC®, the conversation breaks down budgeting basics in a practical, approachable way and explores how a strong budget can reduce stress, build confidence, and support long-term goals on and off the field.
Check out related Thrivent resources:
Episode 2: Budgeting
Episode 3: Investing
What does investing really look like for athletes — and how do you build a strategy that supports both your present and your future?
In this episode of the AFH x Thrivent Financial Literacy Series, AFH Athletes share the real-life investing questions they’re navigating — from getting started and managing variable income to balancing long-term growth with enjoying life right now. Guided by our moderator, Bjorn Larson, MBA, AFC®, the conversation breaks down investing basics in a practical, approachable way and explores how a thoughtful investment strategy can build confidence, create stability, and open the door for long-term impact on and off the field.
Check out related Thrivent resources:
Episode 3: Investing
Why Financial Literacy Matters to Athletes
What excites me most about learning about money is the idea of having more control over my future. I want to feel confident making decisions, whether that’s saving for something big, investing, or just not stressing about unexpected expenses. It’s also cool to think about how small habits can really add up over time.
Emma Strom
Arizona Gymnastics
Something that I'm interested in is learning how to invest for my future.
Ryan Harris
Davidson Track & Field
I want to learn how to reach the end goal in mind, for example to buy a first home.
Mina Marie Anglero
University of California, Berkeley Track & Field
About AFH’s Partner Thrivent
Thrivent believes finances are a force for good. With its unique combination of financial services and generosity programs, Thrivent helps clients navigate their financial journey while making an impact on the people, causes and communities they love.
Its nationwide network of financial advisors offers holistic financial solutions to support each client’s unique ambitions. Thrivent’s member-owned business model reinvests profits back into the people and communities they serve, providing its clients with resources to make a difference where it matters most.
As a Fortune 500 company, Thrivent serves clients with holistic financial services, including advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity. Named one of Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies1 for more than a decade straight, Thrivent continues a legacy of financial integrity and putting its people first for more than 120 years.
1. “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. For details, visit worldsmostethicalcompanies.com.