We're excited to highlight the incredible work of Coles County Habitat for Humanity, an organization dedicated to helping deserving families achieve the dream of safe, affordable homeownership. Each year, they work to build two homes for local families, creating lasting opportunities and strengthening the community for generations to come.
Their annual dinner auction fundraiser, Habitaste, is the organization's only fundraiser of the year and plays a critical role in making those home builds possible.
We're especially grateful that one of our awesome members recently used the Thrivent Action Team program to help provide supplies for this impactful event. It's a perfect example of how the Thrivent Action Team program can support organizations that are making a real difference right here in our communities! With the help of the Eastern Illinois University’s women’s basketball and softball teams alongside the efforts of countless volunteers, $85,000 was raised to help the community in Coles County.
Thank you to everyone who supports Coles County Habitat for Humanity and the families whose lives are changed through their work.
Interested in making an impact in your community? A Thrivent Action Team can be a great way to support causes you're passionate about. Let’s talk about how you can maximize Thrivent’s generosity programs to bless the people around you – give us a call today at (618) 345-4900 or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com.
#ThriventActionTeam #LiveGenerously #HabitatForHumanity #CommunityImpact #ColesCountyHabitatForHumanity #Homeownership #BuildingHope
Financial planning for millennials: A comprehensive guide
Does it feel like every financial goal is competing for the same dollars? This guide offers 7 ways to prioritize your money and make progress toward what matters most. ⬇️ Let’s talk about what’s competing for your attention and how we can build a financial plan to address it.
Looking for a smart way to maximize both your generosity and your tax deductions?
"Charitable bunching" is a strategy that combines multiple years of charitable giving into one tax year, potentially allowing you to itemize deductions and increase tax benefits. Pairing this approach with a donor-advised fund can help you continue supporting the causes you care about while making your giving more tax-efficient. We've got an excellent article where you can read more about it here: https://www.thrivent.com/insights/generosity-giving/charitable-bunching-a-smart-way-to-maximize-your-giving-tax-deductions
If charitable giving is part of your financial plan, it may be worth exploring whether this strategy fits your goals. Let’s talk! Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 to help you make the most impact possible.
Visit thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
#CharitableGiving #TaxPlanning #FinancialWellness #Generosity
Help prepare for retirement with confidence by getting a locked-in interest rate for the guarantee period you choose—either 3, 5, 7 or 9 years—with a Thrivent Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity™.
This single premium fixed deferred annuity offers:
• Dependable interest
• Tax-deferred earnings
• Protection from market risk
Contact us today if you want to discuss if this is right for you.
For additional interest rates and other important information: https://bit.ly/4fFumVI
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
We're excited to share that the generosity of our clients continues to make a difference in communities across the country!
So far, clients of Eckhardt Financial Group have directed nearly 1.3 MILLION Thrivent Choice Dollars® to the churches, nonprofits, and causes they care about most.
This year alone, our members have the opportunity to direct over 120,000 more Choice Dollars! Together, we've already directed more than 37,000 but there is still more to be shared with organizations doing important work in our communities.
If you’re a Thrivent member, don't miss your chance to send your Choice Dollars to the organizations you care about! Directing them is an easy way to support the causes that matter most to you.
Need help directing your Choice Dollars? Contact our office. We'd be happy to assist! Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 to live generously today.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
At Eckhardt Financial Group, we meet people in every stage of life, from those just getting started to those preparing for retirement, and one thing is always true: you don't need all the answers before taking the first step.
Our team is here to help you identify what matters most, organize your priorities, and build a plan that aligns with your goals and values. Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for college, protecting your family, or simply looking for more confidence in your financial future, we're here to walk alongside you.
Let's connect and start the conversation - give us a call at (618) 483-6167.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
It has been 365 FANTASTIC days with Mike Lorentz on our team!
In just one year, Mike has made a lasting impression on our team. His commitment to serving others, helping clients focus on what matters most, and supporting those around him has strengthened EFG in countless ways.
His background of over 10 years in the financial services industry combined with his passion for helping people has made him an incredible resource for both our clients and our team. Clients appreciate Mike's thoughtful approach, and our team appreciates the countless ways he jumps in to help!
Outside the office, Mike is a proud husband and father, a St. Louis native, and a devoted soccer fan who rarely misses a chance to cheer on Liverpool and St. Louis CITY SC.
Mike, thank you for the care, expertise, positivity, and teamwork you've brought to EFG over the last year. We are grateful to have you on the team and look forward to all that's ahead.
Please join us in congratulating Mike on his one-year anniversary!
Navigating open enrollment: 5 ways to make the best choices for your family
Open enrollment is your opportunity to make choices that will protect and support your family throughout the year. Take a look at this helpful guide before you get started. Let’s connect if you want to discuss which options are the right fit for your family’s needs.
You don’t have to navigate your finances alone. We’re here to help.
A financial advisor can help you:
• Gain clarity on competing financial priorities
• Prepare for retirement with confidence
• Create a tax-efficient financial strategy
• Protect what matters most
• Plan for the impact you want to make through generosity and legacy planning
At Eckhardt Financial Group, we start by understanding what matters most to you, then build a personalized financial plan designed to help you reach your goals with greater confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Let's talk. Give us a call at (618) 345-4900.
Financial confidence starts with a plan. That's why every Thrivent client's financial plan is built around the Financial House Framework: a practical approach that helps you strengthen your financial foundation, protect what matters most, and work toward your long-term goals.
As life changes, your plan can too. Whether you're preparing for retirement, saving for education, building a legacy, or balancing multiple priorities, a thoughtful financial plan can help provide direction and confidence.
Ready to build your financial blueprint? Contact our office to get started at (618) 483-6167
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Saving for your children's education and preparing for your own retirement don't have to be competing goals.
A thoughtful financial plan can help you balance both, prioritize what matters most, and create a strategy that supports your family's future while helping you stay on track for retirement.
Send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com today or give us a call at (618) 345-4900 if you'd like help mapping out your goals and timeline.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
October is Financial Planning Month, a reminder that a financial plan is about more than dollars and cents.
When you take the time to create a financial plan, you’re investing in more than just your own future. You're helping provide clarity, confidence, and security for the people who may depend on you someday, from the people you love to the causes you support.
A thoughtful financial plan can help you prepare for life's opportunities and challenges, support your family and loved ones, create a legacy that reflects your values and increase confidence in the future through intentional planning.
The decisions you make today can have a lasting impact tomorrow, not only for you, but for the people and communities you care about most.
This Financial Planning Month, take a step toward a more confident future. We'd be happy to help you get started. Give us a call at (618) 483-6167 to set up a time to connect.
#FinancialPlanningMonth #FinancialPlanning #LegacyPlanning #Thrivent #PurposeDrivenPlanning #FinancialConfidence
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures
Seeing what our members do in our community makes everything we do worthwhile.
One of our Thrivent members used a Thrivent Action Team to help organize and host a special breakfast at Our Lord’s Lutheran Church in Maryville, IL honoring local first responders. Held the day after the anniversary of 9/11, the event served as a heartfelt thank-you to the police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel who put themselves in harm's way to help others every day. It was a joy to see first responders from several surrounding communities gathered to enjoy breakfast and fellowship!
Have an idea for serving your community? A Thrivent Action Team can help bring it to life. Contact our office to learn more, we’d be happy to brainstorm ideas with you to help make an impact – give us a call at (618) 345-4900.
#ThriventActionTeam #LiveGenerously #ThankYouFirstResponders #CommunityImpact #NeverForget
Many employers offer life insurance as part of their benefits package, which is a great foundation for protecting your loved ones. However, many people are surprised to find out that the coverage offered may leave some gaps or end completely when changing jobs.
Employer-provided coverage may not fully account for your mortgage, debts, income replacement needs, future education expenses, long-term financial goals, or career changes.
That's where we can help.
We're happy to take the time to review your current coverage, assess your family's needs, and help identify any gaps in protection. If additional coverage makes sense, we'll walk you through your options and help you create a plan that provides confidence and peace of mind.
Let's make sure your coverage is working as hard as you do. Give us a call at (618) 483-6167 to make sure your family is taken care of today.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures
#LifeInsurance #FinancialProtection #FamilyFirst #FinancialPlanning
As your life changes, make sure your coverage keeps up.
Marriage, a new baby, a career change, retirement, or even becoming a grandparent can all affect your life insurance needs. Taking time to review your coverage can help ensure your loved ones are protected, and your financial plan reflects your current stage of life.
Learn about what life events may signal that it’s time to update your life insurance coverage in this helpful article:
https://www.thrivent.com/insights/life-insurance/updating-your-life-insurance-7-life-events-that-may-affect-your-coverage?email=
If you'd like to discuss your current coverage and whether it still aligns with your goals, give us a call at 618-345-4900 to schedule a time to talk. We're here to help you protect what matters most.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures
#LifeInsurance #FinancialPlanning #ProtectWhatMatters #Thrivent #RetirementPlanning
September 2026 Market Update: Healthy growth sends stocks to new highs
Markets continue to navigate a mix of opportunities and challenges. Strong earnings, AI-driven investment and a resilient labor market supported equities, while higher interest rates remain a key consideration for investors. Learn more in Thrivent's September Market Update. ⬇️
This past weekend, one of our amazing members put his passion for serving others into action by leading a golf scramble fundraiser benefiting the Maryville-Collinsville Kiwanis Club. Kiwanis is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening local communities through service projects, youth programs, scholarships, and charitable support.
This year's tournament carried special significance as participants gathered during the 25th anniversary year of the September 11, 2001 attacks. In a touching tribute, a color guard presented arms and a bagpiper played Amazing Grace in remembrance of those who lost their lives and the heroes who answered the call that day.
The event was made even more meaningful by the strong presence of first responders and military veterans, whose attendance reflected the spirit of service and sacrifice that the day commemorates.
We were honored to support this incredible event. Dustin Eckhardt proudly served as both a sponsor and participant in the tournament, helping raise funds for an organization that continues to make a positive impact throughout our community.
We are grateful for leaders who pour their time, talents, and resources to bring people together for a greater purpose. Thank you to everyone who supported the tournament and helped make the day such a success.
#ThriventActionTeam #Kiwanis #CommunityImpact #NeverForget #SupportLocal #GivingBack #GolfForGood #EckhardtFinancialGroup #CollinsvilleIL #MaryvilleIL
Could your business withstand the loss of a key employee?
Many business owners insure their buildings, equipment, and operations, but what about the people who help drive the success of the business every day?
A key employee often brings valuable expertise, trusted relationships, leadership, and institutional knowledge that can be difficult to replace. Key person life insurance can help provide financial support to a business if a critical team member passes away, helping cover expenses, maintain operations, and provide time to recruit and train a successor.
For business owners, this type of coverage can be an important part of a comprehensive risk management strategy and may help protect the business, employees, and clients during an unexpected transition.
If you're a business owner, let's discuss how life insurance may fit into your overall business continuity and succession planning strategy.
Let’s get in touch to help you run your business with confidence. Give us a call at 618-345-4900 to discuss your life insurance needs today.
See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
We are excited to celebrate a significant professional milestone for Associate Financial Advisor Taylor Main, who recently earned his Chartered Financial Consultant®️ (ChFC®️) designation.
Achieving the ChFC®️ designation involves rigorous study across a wide range of financial planning topics and demonstrates a strong commitment to lifelong learning. Taylor's dedication, discipline, and hard work made this accomplishment possible.
Please join us in congratulating Taylor on this well-deserved achievement!
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Happy Labor Day from all of us at Eckhardt Financial Group!
Labor Day celebrates the dedication, effort, and perseverance that help build a meaningful life.
The assets you've worked for over the years represent more than account balances. They reflect a lifetime of work, priorities, and values.
As you look ahead, consider:
• Which assets are designed to support your retirement and lifestyle?
• Which assets are intended to help loved ones?
• Which assets could support charitable causes that are important to you?
Let's connect and discuss how the financial resources you worked for align with both your current goals and the legacy you hope to leave behind.
Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 to set up a time to talk.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.