Make the most of your Thrivent membership and join the fight for clean water by assembling water filters at home. When you request your Thrivent Cause Kit™️, this pre-packaged volunteer kit will be sent right to your home with all the tools and resources you need to make an impact!
Thrivent clients with membership can request one kit per year with a choice between a solar light kit to help kids study or a water filter that provides clean water to 12 people for 10 years.
Want to make a difference yourself? Visit https://bit.ly/3HKZ1CJ to get a Thrivent Cause Kit™️. We can’t wait to hear about your project – we love hearing about when our clients put their generosity into action!
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/3RA8u4Z
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
At Thrivent, we know how hard it is to try to navigate life’s challenges alone. Caring for a child with special needs can feel overwhelming, and that’s where we can help.
Thrivent clients with membership have access to caregiver resources at no cost through Homethrive, including guidance from dedicated care experts who understand your family’s unique journey, so you can focus on what matters – being a parent to your children.
With Homethrive, specialists in caregiving and disability support can help develop personalized recommendations that fit your child’s and family’s needs, from in-home services to long-term support.
Get connected with resources: https://www.thrivent.com/about-us/membership/caregiver-resources?utm_source=fieldfb&utm_campaign=Member_Benefit_Awareness&utm_medium=fieldsocial&utm_content=caregiver_2
For additional disclosures see thrivent.com/social.
We’re over halfway through the year, so it’s time for a reminder – your Thrivent Choice Dollars are available to direct to an organization you love by December 31st!
Not sure where you’d like to send your Choice Dollars? We’ve got a catalog of over 50,000 organizations we partner with – there’s a cause for every passion.
If you have questions, give us a call at (618) 345-4900 and we can help you find an organization you want to support and get your Choice Dollars directed to them!
As the class of 2030 heads off to begin their freshman year of college, now is the perfect time to get organized.
Managing multiple loans can get complicated, and though repayment feels far off now, staying on top of your loans now can help you avoid costly surprises later.
To avoid future headaches, keep a running list including the loan type and interest rate, the lender or loan servicer, the amount borrowed, and the estimated monthly payment. Keeping tabs on them now can help you make smarter borrowing decisions today and life easier after graduation.
Eckhardt Financial Group can help you navigate your loan strategy or explore other ways to pay for college. Let’s connect – together, we can build a plan to help you and your student succeed.
Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to get started.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
With kids heading back to school, it's a reminder of how quickly the years come and go.
Now is a great time to think about their future education goals, regardless of whether your child is starting kindergarten, heading into high school, or preparing for college.
If college is part of the plan, there are several ways to save and prepare, from 529 plans to other education savings options. Thrivent recently shared a helpful guide that breaks down the different choices and what to consider when building an education savings strategy.
Learn more here: https://www.thrivent.com/insights/college-planning/what-college-savings-plan-options-are-available
Have questions about saving for a child's education or wondering which option might make sense for your family? We'd love to help. Reach out to our office at (618) 483-6167 to schedule a conversation and start planning for the future.
This year, we're proud to celebrate an incredible milestone as Dick Eckhardt marks 39 years in the financial services industry.
In 1987, Dick began building a practice centered on helping people make informed financial decisions and pursue their goals with confidence. Through decades of dedication, genuine care, and a passion for serving others, he established a reputation for excellence and built a legacy that continues to make a difference in the lives of countless clients and families.
What started as one advisor's vision grew into what is now Eckhardt Financial Group. Along the way, Dick had the privilege of welcoming his sons into the business, creating a family legacy dedicated to helping clients achieve financial clarity and confidence.
While his professional accomplishments are significant, those who know Dick recognize that his greatest priorities have always been faith, family, and serving others well. He is blessed with a wonderful wife and enjoys spending time with his three amazing grandchildren.
Dick, thank you for your leadership, your commitment to our clients, and the example you've set for all of us. Your passion for serving others has shaped our organization and impacted countless lives over the past 39 years.
Congratulations on this remarkable anniversary! We are grateful to celebrate this milestone with you and look forward to the continued impact of your legacy for years to come.
Today we're celebrating Zachary and seven years with Eckhardt Financial Group!
Since joining our team in 2019, Zach has been an essential part of our brokerage and investment operations. Much of the work he does happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day. Zach brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, focus, and dedication to everything he does so that our team can work effectively and our clients are served with excellence.
Beyond his talent with numbers, Zach's sense of humor and easygoing nature make him a joy to work with. He has a way of keeping everyone laughing and bringing a positive energy to the office, even during the busiest days.
Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Claire, their son Callahan, and their dog Menard.
Zach, thank you for seven years of hard work, problem-solving, laughter, and commitment to our team. We're grateful for all you do and look forward to many more years ahead. Congratulations on this milestone!
Taxes are one of life's guarantees. Surprises on your tax bill don't have to be.
Understanding how taxes impact your investments can help you make more informed financial decisions, which is why we have this article breaking down the basics: https://www.thrivent.com/insights/taxes/investing-taxes-understanding-tax-on-dividends-interest-capital-gains
There, you can find more details on:
•Investment earnings are not all taxed the same way. Interest, dividends, and capital gains can each have different tax treatments.
•How long you hold an investment matters. Investments held for more than one year may qualify for lower long-term capital gains tax rates when sold at a profit.
•Losses can sometimes help offset gains for tax purposes, which is one reason tax planning should be part of an overall investment strategy.
•The type of account you use matters. Traditional retirement accounts, Roth accounts, and taxable brokerage accounts each have different tax advantages and considerations.
•Strategic asset placement and tax-efficient investing can help investors keep more of what they earn working toward their long-term goals.
A few proactive tax planning decisions today could make a difference tomorrow. Call our office to schedule a meeting.
Visit thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
What a great day on the courts!
One of our team members, Ryleigh Farar, recently utilized the Thrivent Action Team program to host a pickleball tournament fundraiser benefiting Save St. Louis. With 24 teams competing and plenty of enthusiastic supporters cheering from the sidelines, the event raised more than $1,000 for this impactful ministry.
Save St. Louis is dedicated to transforming the culture of St. Louis by building a community of young adults committed to honoring a biblical worldview and reclaiming Christianity as a way of life. The Thrivent Action Team grant helped provide awards, snacks, and other supplies needed to make the tournament a success, but more importantly, it helped bring people together for a day of fellowship, friendly competition, and generosity.
How could you use a Thrivent Action Team to make a difference in your community? Fundraisers are just one of the many ways Action Teams can support projects and causes that matter to you. Give our office a call at (618) 345-4900 to learn more about how you can put your generosity into action.
Long-term care can be a challenge to navigate. If you’ve had to help a parent or loved one through the difficult decisions involved in assisted living and other healthcare needs as abilities change with age, you know just how important planning ahead can be.
About 70% of people who reach age 65 will need some form of long-term care, but only a small percentage of Americans have long-term care insurance.
What happens when you need long term care, but long-term care insurance isn’t in the picture? Many people end up relying on personal savings, family caregivers, or Medicaid if they need extended care.
Want to discuss ways to plan for your future and protect what you’ve saved for the people you love? Let’s set up a time to talk. Give our Altamont office a call at (618) 483-6167, reach our Collinsville office at (618) 345-4900, or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com.
Visit thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
One thing we find important at Eckhardt Financial Group is making things as simple as possible for you. With summer winding down, we want to make sure you’re making the most of your time and taking things easy!
What are ways you can reduce the weight of your responsibilities this summer?
Between automatic bill payments, cancelling or pausing subscriptions, streamlining your accounts, or having a cash cushion for last-minute surprises, limiting your stress this summer is more attainable than ever.
For more ideas on how to simplify your finances, visit https://www.thrivent.com/insights/magazine/summer-2026/8-ways-to-simplify-your-finances-this-summer.
Want to discuss how we can help you plan ahead? Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com
Visit thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
What is the “sandwich generation”, and how can we help you through navigating this phase of life?
At some point, many people are faced with the responsibilities of caring for their own children as well as caring for their aging parents. “Sandwiched” between supporting both the older and younger generations, many feel overextended as they are pulled multiple directions at once.
Eckhardt Financial Group can help relieve the pressure with a financial plan that helps you prioritize what matters most, ease the stress of competing demands, and keep track of your goals.
Let us take some things off your plate – give us a call at (618) 345-4900 or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to set up a time to talk.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
Thrivent’s recent Market & Economic Update highlighted how major influences like AI, oil and inflation are playing out across the economy. In short: Markets are up, but so is uncertainty—and gains tend to be concentrated. Having a solid long-term financial strategy is usually your best defense.
Watch the full update here: https://bit.ly/3T9oifd
And feel free to reach out to us if you’d like to discuss ways to hone your current mix.
We love hearing stories of generosity in action, and this one truly touched our hearts.
Through a Thrivent Action Team and the generous support of church members, over 80 pounds of Christian books and educational resources were delivered to children and families in Valley of Peace, Belize. These books helped support an ESL Family Bible Camp where children and adults learned English, explored Bible stories, sang songs, made crafts, and grew in their faith together.
One of the most meaningful moments came from reconnecting with a student from a previous year where volunteers had an opportunity to share the powerful reminder that regardless of our circumstances, we all have a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for us. Those conversations are what make ministry so impactful and what changes lives forever.
Every child left camp with books of their own, a treasured gift in a community where books are often out of reach. Beyond literacy, these resources help share God's love and the hope found in Christ.
We are grateful for the opportunity to support projects that make a lasting difference around the world. Thank you to everyone who continues to use their time, talents, and generosity to impact lives through Thrivent Action Teams.
The SECURE Act brought important changes to how inherited retirement accounts are handled.
Most non-spouse beneficiaries now have 10 years to withdraw the full balance of an inherited IRA. This shorter timeline can impact taxes and long-term financial planning for those receiving these assets.
Because of these changes, it is a good time to review your beneficiary designations and overall plan to make sure everything still aligns with your goals.
Have questions about how this may affect you or your family? We are here to help. Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 to set up a time to talk!
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
We love seeing the impact our members can make in the community!
On June 13, one of our amazing members used a Thrivent Action Team to help support the Bob Streuter Memorial Southern Illinois District Church Workers Scholarship Tournament. With 24 teams participating, the event brought people together for a great cause and raised funds for students pursuing church work.
It was a great day of generosity and community support, all while honoring a legacy that continues to make a difference and fostering some friendly competition!
If you would like to learn how you can use a Thrivent Action Team to support causes you care about, reach out to our office to set up a time to discuss maximizing your generosity! Give us a call at (618) 345-4900.
We were honored to host several of our nation’s veterans on and have the opportunity to hear their stories firsthand with the help of the You Were Worth IT Foundation.
Spending time with these individuals and learning from their experiences is something we do not take lightly. Their service, sacrifice, and the lives they have led are a powerful reminder of the impact one generation can have on the next.
We are grateful to the organization that makes it possible to share and preserve these stories, and most importantly, to the veterans who trusted us with their time and their memories. It is an experience our team and community will carry with us always.
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for such a profound and deeply meaningful experience.
Your withdrawal strategy matters.
A well-planned retirement withdrawal strategy can help reduce taxes and required minimum distributions, preserve your savings, and support your long-term financial goals. Building the right plan takes thoughtful consideration of your income sources, tax situation, and the lifestyle you want in retirement.
If you would like guidance in creating a retirement income strategy tailored to your needs, call our office at (618) 483-6167 to schedule an appointment.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
9 fantastic years with Heather Klein!
Her attention to detail and dedication behind the scenes ensure our advisors are equipped to serve clients with the care and preparation they deserve. The excellent services our advisors provide depend on Heather and her dedication to her work.
Outside of the office, Heather enjoys life in Collinsville with her husband, Paul, and her family. She is a proud mom, NeeNee to her grandson Lane, and supporter of the military. You can often find her running, car cruising, riding four-wheelers or side-by-side on mountain trails, and being with loved ones.
Thank you, Heather, for nine years of commitment, care, and excellence. We are truly grateful to have you on our team.