Martha Vrieze, a financial associate at Thrivent Financial, earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from The American College, Bryn Mawr, PA.

Candidates for the RICP designation must complete a minimum of three college level courses and are required to pass a series of two hour proctored exams. They must also have three years of experience, meet stringent ethics requirements, and participate in the college’s continuing education program.

The RICP educational curricula is the most complete and comprehensive program available to professional financial advisors looking to help their clients create sustainable retirement income. The rigorous three course credential helps advisors master retirement income planning, a key focus area not fully covered in other professional designation programs. From retirement portfolio management techniques and mitigation of plan risks to the proper use of annuities, employer sponsored benefits and determining the best Social Security claiming age, the RICP provides a wealth of practical information for advisors.

Using the most current techniques, RICP’s identify retirement income needs and objectives and evaluate a clients current situation relative to those goals. Individuals who earn a RICP can provide expert advice on a broad range of retirement topics including income needs and objectives, estate issues and other risks to the retirement income planning, Social Security, health insurance, housing decisions and income taxation.

Martha has been with Thrivent Financial for 13 years in Austin — her entire career. She is involved with many local fundraising partnerships that help Austin and the surrounding areas.