We are almost halfway through the year. Have you led an Action Team yet?
Thrivent Action Teams provide seed money to support projects you care about and give back to your community. This year, our clients have led CPR classes, food drives, animal shelter donations, and supported VBS programs, with more events like golf and pickleball tournaments coming soon.
Interested in getting involved? Call our office at (618) 345-4900 and Ryleigh Farar would be happy to help you get started.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Wow! 10 years with our resident powerhouse, Leah Joyce!
Over the past decade, Leah has made a lasting impact on our team and the clients we serve. She plays a vital role in delivering thoughtful guidance and support, helping individuals and families work toward financial clarity and confidence. Her dedication, attention to detail, and sincere investment in others are evident in everything she does. Leah consistently shows up for our clients and for our team, and her steady presence has helped shape the culture of EFG. With unrivaled compassion and a heart for helping people navigate some of the hardest seasons of life, she makes EFG great not only for our clients, but for the entire team.
Beyond her work, Leah brings a sense of adventure and heart to all areas of her life. She enjoys scuba diving and exploring the world beneath the surface, always ready for her next experience. At home, she recently welcomed a new addition to her family, an adopted dog named Meara, who has quickly become a beloved companion.
Leah, thank you for the commitment, thoughtfulness, and positivity you bring to EFG each day. We are grateful for the past 10 years and look forward to many more ahead!
There are different types of annuities, and it’s important to understand which one is right for your financial situation. For more information about annuities 👉 https://bit.ly/4jpD7Ss
Today is National 529 Day, a reminder that saving for a child’s future can be simple and impactful.
529 plans offer a flexible way to prepare for what comes next. Funds can be used for college, career and technical schools, and registered apprenticeships. They can also help cover expenses like tuition, room and board, books, and even computers!
529 savings are not limited to one child. They can be used by another family member or even for your own continuing education. They can even be used toward qualified student loan repayment!
Family and friends can contribute with ease, making it a meaningful way to support a child’s future goals.
If you would like to learn more about how a 529 plan could fit into your family’s financial strategy, Eckhardt Financial Group is here to help. Call our office at (618) 483-6167 or email us at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to start the conversation.
See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Offered through a brokerage arrangement with Thrivent Investment Management Inc. 529 college savings plans are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC and may lose value. Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated before investing. Read the issuers official statement carefully for additional information before investing. Investigate possible state tax benefits that may be available based on the state sponsor of the plan, the residency of the account owner, and the account beneficiary. Consult with a tax professional to analyze all tax implications prior to investing.
Did you know the last Wednesday in May marks National Senior Health and Fitness Day?
At Eckhardt Financial Group, our focus is on our clients’ financial health, but we have seen how physical health impacts so many areas of our clients’ finances. Your overall wellness impacts so many areas of your life, including healthcare costs, insurance premiums, and long-term care planning.
When you take care of your health, the impact extends across your entire financial picture. Our goal is to see our clients live long, healthy lives so they can fully enjoy what they have worked so hard to build.
Staying active can make a meaningful difference over time. Regular movement helps maintain strength, supports joint health, reduces fall risk, and promotes independence. It also contributes to overall well-being and helps you stay engaged in the activities you enjoy most. Today is an excellent day to take charge of your health, both physically and financially, and thrive!
Focusing on your health today can help you make the most of your future. Whether it is traveling, spending time with family, or pursuing hobbies, good health allows you to enjoy your savings and investments more fully.
It also creates more opportunities to be present for the moments that matter most.
If you would like to review your current plans and ensure they align with your long-term goals, we are here to help. Call our office at (618) 345-4900 or email us at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to start the conversation.
See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Today, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
More than one million lives have been lost in defense of our nation. Each represents a story, a family, and a sacrifice that will never be forgotten.
We also recognize the families who carry that loss each day, whose strength and sacrifice are part of this legacy of service.
On this Memorial Day, we reflect with gratitude, remember with respect, and hold close the lives and legacies of those who gave everything.
Looking for a simple way to make an impact from home?
A Thrivent Cause Kit™️ is a hands-on volunteer opportunity that allows you to give back in a meaningful way, right from your kitchen table. Each kit arrives with everything you need, including step-by-step instructions and a prepaid return label, so the process is easy from start to finish.
You can choose between building water filters or solar lights, both designed to support communities around the world. Every project completed helps provide essential resources like clean water or reliable light for families in need.
Thrivent members can request one kit each year, making it a simple and meaningful way to serve others, whether on your own or with family and friends.
If you would like help requesting your kit or have questions, we would be happy to walk through it with you.
Wow! We are so excited about this new Thrivent Choice Dollars program update!
Our Thrivent members have the opportunity to direct millions of grant funding each year. One of the most rewarding things our staff gets to do every year is reach out to our clients and discuss what organizations they would like to support with their Choice Dollars. It’s amazing to hear what ministries and causes our clients are passionate about and seeing the difference being made in our communities!
With the new program update, ALL Thrivent members are now able to direct Choice Dollars to causes they’re passionate about! Plus, Thrivent just made the process of directing them much easier and streamlined. We are so excited to see so many more people take advantage of this easy way to give back to their communities!
Be sure to direct your 2026 Choice Dollars and spread the news about what you can do through Thrivent!
We recently hosted our annual shred event at our Altamont office, and it truly could not have gone better!
With gorgeous weather and great company, our team loved helping members of the community safely clear out old documents and start the summer with a fresh slate. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces stop by, enjoy some treats and coffee, and take time to visit with us.
Three lucky attendees, chosen by EFG’s favorite little helpers, went home with fun raffle prizes, including beautiful flowers to add a little spring color to their porches.
A heartfelt thank you to Affordable Shred for partnering with us to make this event possible, and to our neighbors who took the time to stop by. We are grateful to be part of such an amazing community and look forward to many more shred events in the years ahead.
Considering stable, predictable options in today’s market?
Multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) can be a helpful tool for individuals looking to grow savings with certainty rather than market fluctuation.
A MYGA is a type of fixed annuity that offers:
• A guaranteed interest rate for a set period of time, typically three to nine years
• Protection from market volatility
• Tax-deferred growth until funds are withdrawn
• The ability to leave remaining value to beneficiaries
Like any financial solution, MYGAs come with important considerations. This article breaks down how multi-year guaranteed annuities work, the potential benefits and risks, and who may want to consider them as part of a broader retirement strategy.
https://www.thrivent.com/insights/annuities/what-is-a-multi-year-guaranteed-annuity-myga-and-how-does-it-work?
If you have questions about guaranteed options or want to explore whether a MYGA fits your goals, a conversation with a financial advisor can help provide clarity.
See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
What’s the new expectation for Federal interest rate cuts? Hear Thrivent’s Chief Investment Strategist Steve Lowe share his predictions: https://bit.ly/4cw8MQF
Happy 5-year anniversary to Sydney Maggio! She has been with our team since 2021, and we couldn’t be more thankful for her!
Sydney plays an important role in keeping our team connected to clients and organized behind the scenes. She thoughtfully prepares many of the cards our clients receive and ensures our documents are accurately scanned and maintained. Her attention to detail and consistency help create a smooth and meaningful experience for those we serve.
Outside of the office, Sydney enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and traveling with her husband, Brett.
We are grateful for all she does and proud to celebrate 5 wonderful years. Congratulations, Sydney!
Are you prepared to live on 50% of your income?
One of the most important conversations we have with clients is about protecting their income. Most of us insure our health, our home, and our car. But our ability to earn an income often goes unprotected. If an illness or injury keeps you from working, disability insurance can help replace a portion of your paycheck so you can focus on recovery instead of financial stress.
Many people rely only on coverage through their employer, without realizing it often replaces 60% of your income before taxes and may not follow you if you change jobs. Individual disability insurance can help fill that gap, offering flexible, portable protection that supports your family and long-term goals.
If you have ever wondered how you would manage expenses if you could not work for a period of time, this is a conversation worth having. At Eckhardt Financial Group, we are always happy to help you understand your options and see what coverage fits your situation. Our team of financial advisors and planners are passionate about helping our clients protect their finances and families through careful planning and consideration. Let’s talk – give us a call at (618) 483-6167 to get started.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Today is National Investing Day, a great reminder to pause and take a fresh look at your investing strategy and the goals behind it.
Investing can support the life you are building, including caring for your family, planning for retirement, and creating more capacity to give generously. At Thrivent, our goal is to empower our clients to live generously through the holistic financial services we offer.
If you want a simple way to participate today, pick one step, and we can help you take care of the rest!
• Review your goals and timeline.
• Check your savings and contribution habits.
• Confirm your investments still align with your comfort level and long-term plan.
At Eckhardt Financial Group, our values guide everything we do -We lead with empathy, we act with commitment, and we live with gratitude. Curious about how we incorporate these values into investing? We’d love to chat with you about how you can begin incorporating your values into your finances! Let’s talk. Send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com or call us at 618) 483-6167.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Looking for ways to grow financially while making a real difference in your community? The Heartland Thrivent Member Network connects Thrivent clients to generous living through local events, hands-on service opportunities, and practical financial education.
From upcoming financial workshops and community gatherings to volunteer projects and Thrivent Action Teams, the Heartland network offers meaningful ways to learn, give back, and connect with others who value faith, purpose, and stewardship.
Thrivent membership opens the door to these opportunities and more. Eckhardt Financial Group can help you get connected! We’d love to talk more about how we can maximize your impact and make the most of being a Thrivent member.
Want to see the events coming up in the Heartland of America? Visit https://www.thrivent.com/member-network/heartland/
We are thrilled to celebrate 11 years with Jen Halterman on our team! The ways she supports our team and serves our clients are innumerable, and we are so grateful not just for everything she does, but who she is!
As an Office Professional, Jen plays a key role behind the scenes by preparing brokerage documentation, managing licensing requirements, maintaining client records, and coordinating communication with our home office. Her care, consistency, and attention to detail help keep our operations running smoothly and our team connected to valuable resources across the region.
Jen’s steady presence, willingness to help, and genuine care for her work make a meaningful difference for our entire team. We are grateful for her dedication and are thankful to celebrate this milestone with her.
Congratulations, Jen, and thank you for all you do!
Happy Administrative Professionals Day to our amazing support staff. Your dedication, reliability, and behind-the-scenes work create a strong foundation for everything we do. We truly appreciate the professionalism and heart you bring to our team and are thankful for the many ways you support both our advisors and clients.
We are looking forward to seeing you again at our annual shred event! Join us this Saturday morning from 9 to 11 at our office, located at 116 N Main St, Altamont, IL 62411, for a convenient and secure way to clear out old paperwork. A shred truck will be on site, and our team will be here to help make the process easy!
While you are here, enjoy fresh donuts and be sure to enter our raffle for a chance to receive a beautiful seasonal surprise! Stop by, say hello, and take advantage of this complimentary service. We hope to see you there!
