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News and Insights

Here at Thrivent, living generously is what we’re all about. As we approach Christmas and the end of the year, we wanted to look back at 2025 to see all the amazing things that have been possible through Thrivent’s generosity programs. One of our amazing clients and her amazing team of volunteers gathered supplies to support unhoused people at Pinellas Hope this week, all decked out in their Thrivent Action Team shirts! What an amazing display of generosity, teamwork, and community action! We're so excited to see how our clients make a difference in their communities in 2026. Just in 2025, we’ve seen clients do a wide range of Action Teams – here are just a few! • Quilting days to make blankets for those in need • Building beds for children without a bed of their own • Diaper giveaways and car seat safety check days • Project days to make houses accessible for people with disabilities • Emergency kit preparations and classes on severe weather preparedness Would you like to find out more information about what you can do through a Thrivent Action Team? Reach out to Ryleigh Farar, and she can help get you connected to resources and brainstorm ideas to help you live generously: Email her at: Ryleigh.Farar@thrivent.com Call us at: 618-345-4900 Check out our website: connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group

December 2025 Market Update: Stock volatility returns

From slowing manufacturing to resilient corporate earnings, December brings mixed signals for the economy. Explore what these trends mean for your portfolio and the year ahead in Thrivent's December Market Update.

Today we'd like to highlight one of our own, Heather Klein! With the help of a Thrivent Action Team, Heather and her daughter came together to prepare and deliver Thanksgiving dinners to elderly and vulnerable members of our community. Thanks to their hard work and compassion, 235 meals were provided this year. That is 235 neighbors who felt seen, supported, and cared for during the holiday season. Thrivent Action Teams make it possible for anyone to take a small idea and turn it into real, meaningful impact. Whether it is a meal, a service project, or support for a cause you care about, these teams give clients the tools and seed funding to put generosity into action. We are grateful for the heart behind this project and for the difference it made. If you would like to learn how to use an Action Team to support something meaningful to you, we would be glad to help you get started. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more caring community. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Celebrating Seven Years with Eric Stiegman Today we are proud to celebrate seven years with Eric Stiegman, whose steady presence and genuine care have made a lasting impact on our clients and our team. Eric has a gift for meeting people exactly where they are in life, whether he is helping retirees protect what they have built or guiding young families as they lay the foundation for their future. His focus on tax efficiency, long-term planning, and practical, personalized advice has helped countless families move forward with confidence. Eric graduated from the University of Missouri–St. Louis with a degree in biology, a background that adds a thoughtful and analytical lens to his work. Outside the office, he lives in Nashville, Illinois, with his three children, Claire, Cole, and Cortland, and you can often find him at his children's sporting events or at the golf course! We are grateful for Eric’s heart for service, the trust he builds with clients, and the dedication he brings to our team every day. Here’s to seven years and many more ahead.

6 year-end financial tasks

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can distract us from other action items on our checklist. End the year on a strong note by refocusing on your finances. Take a look at these tasks to complete before Dec. 31.

Checklist: 7 tips to outsmart scammers & protect yourself online

The EFG team does our best every day to keep the information of the people we serve safe. Check out these 7 tips that you can use on your end to keep you and your loved ones safe this Christmas and beyond! ⬇️ https://www.thrivent.com/insights/magazine/fall-2025/checklist-7-tips-to-outsmart-scammers-protect-yourself-online?utm_source=fieldfb&utm_campaign=ThriventThinking&utm_goal=educate&utm_term=library&utm_content=scamprevention

Happy Thanksgiving from our EFG family to yours! This time of year reminds us how grateful we are to do what we do. At Eckhardt Financial Group, we truly see ourselves as a family serving your family. We feel honored to support you through life’s goals, milestones, and meaningful moments. Here are some of our favorite photos of the EFG family through the years, and we look forward to many more smiles as we continue helping your family thrive. We are thankful for our incredible team, and we are especially thankful for you, our amazing clients who make the job worthwhile. The EFG family took a vote on the best Thanksgiving food, and turkey was the clear favorite, but we also heard some fun and unique answers: Tina loves her turkey served with noodles, and Sherry says Thanksgiving would not feel complete without sauerkraut! Let’s hear it – how does your family do Thanksgiving? Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and joyful holiday. The Eckhardt Financial Group Family 📧 EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 📞 618-483-6167 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Happy One-Year Anniversary, Will! Today marks one year since Will Ochs joined Eckhardt Financial Group, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have him on our team! At EFG, Will is passionate about helping clients align their financial planning needs with their goals and values. This year, he obtained his Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™️) designation, which is what helps him make meaningful connections and explore each client’s unique situation to provide personalized financial solutions. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Financial Planning, Will brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to our Altamont office. He’s passionate about serving his local community and helping clients navigate financial decisions with confidence. We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished in your first year, Will! We can’t wait to see all that’s ahead! 📧 EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 📞 618-483-6167 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group

At Thrivent, our goal is to empower our clients to live generously through the holistic financial services we offer. One of our favorite ways to help our clients experience the power of generosity is through Thrivent Action Teams, which make it easy for you to gather a team of volunteers to make an impact around a cause you care about! The EFG team loves to put this program to use. Below, you can see some of what our team has been a part of, from helping encourage and promote children's literacy to supporting seniors in the community. A Thrivent Action Team will provide you with up to $250 in seed money to help fund your next community project – so whether you’d like to provide leashes and pet food for an animal adoption event, garden supplies for a community garden project or anything in between, you’ll have our support. We’ve got a whole list of 101 ideas for your next Action Team – contact us and we can brainstorm some ways to make a difference in the lives of those around you. EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 618-345-4900 https://bit.ly/4nJEFsv See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Worried about how economic shifts could affect your retirement plan? Like death and taxes, market ups and downs are inevitable. The best way to prepare is to expect volatility and have a plan in place. Downturns, while unsettling, are a natural part of a long-term investing journey. The key is to stay grounded in your strategy and avoid emotional decisions based on short-term market swings. A resilient plan can help you: • Stay confident and focused on long-term goals • Balance risk and opportunity • Make informed adjustments when needed, not reactive ones Before making significant changes, consider talking with a financial advisor to gain a professional perspective or a second opinion. Together, you can strengthen your plan to weather volatility and stay on course toward your financial goals. Learn more about preparing your plan for all market conditions: https://bit.ly/46vkXKq 📧 EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 📞 618-345-4900 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Please join us in welcoming Mike Lorentz to the Eckhardt Financial Group team! We’re excited to share that Mike Lorentz has joined our team, adding another layer of outstanding client care to an already exceptional group! Mike is a new voice you may hear when calling our office. With more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, he brings broad expertise and a genuine passion for helping people that perfectly reflects what we’re all about here at EFG. A St. Louis native, Mike graduated from Saint Mary’s High School and Rockhurst University in Kansas City, where he met his wife. Together they have a daughter, Charlotte. Outside of work, he’s an avid soccer fan and proud St. Louis City season ticket holder. We’re thrilled to have Mike join our amazing support team, who make every client experience seamless, personal, and filled with care: Heather Klein – Licensed Client Service Administrator Jessica Rahn – Insurance Support Associate Jen Halterman – Licensed Client Support Associate Ryleigh Farar – Associate Amanda LaGrand – Receptionist Kayla Lancaster – Administrative Assistant Sherry Lancaster – Office Professional Tina Kaiser – Director of Administrative Operations Robin Lewis – Office Professional Tessa Dockins – Insurance Support Associate Jared Gray – Associate Zachary Sampl – Investment Analyst We’re so grateful for this exceptional team, who are all dedicated to making your experience with EFG outstanding from start to finish. 📧 EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 📞 618-483-6167 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group

Today, we honor the veterans who have served and sacrificed to protect our freedoms. We are grateful for the courage, dedication, and commitment shown by the men and women who have worn the uniform. Our team is proud to support and stand alongside the loved ones in our own lives who have served. Our team members are proud to share a few photos of our veterans today in recognition of the impact they have made and the legacy they carry. Thank you, Veterans, for all you’ve given.

Post Draft – “Staying Steady Through Market Volatility” Worried about how economic shifts could affect your retirement plan? Like death and taxes, market ups and downs are inevitable. The best way to prepare is to expect volatility and have a plan in place. Downturns, while unsettling, are a natural part of a long-term investing journey. The key is to stay grounded in your strategy and avoid emotional decisions based on short-term market swings. A resilient plan can help you: • Stay confident and focused on long-term goals • Balance risk and opportunity • Make informed adjustments when needed, not reactive ones Before making significant changes, consider talking with a financial advisor to gain a professional perspective or a second opinion. Together, you can strengthen your plan to weather volatility and stay on course toward your financial goals. Learn more about preparing your plan for all market conditions: https://bit.ly/46vkXKq 📧 EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 📞 618-345-4900 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Traditional vs. Roth IRA: What’s the Difference? Both Traditional and Roth IRAs are powerful, tax-advantaged ways to grow your retirement savings outside of an employer plan. However, the differences in the way they’re taxed and accessed can make a big difference in your long-term strategy. Here’s what to know: • Traditional IRA: Contributions are often tax-deductible, but withdrawals in retirement are taxable. • Roth IRA: The rules are reversed. Contributions are taxable, but withdrawals are tax-free in retirement when rules are followed. • Early withdrawals (before age 59½) may trigger a 10% penalty, though certain exceptions apply. • Roth IRA earnings can grow and be withdrawn tax-free if you meet qualified distribution requirements. The right choice depends on your income, goals, and future tax outlook. If you’re unsure which option fits your plan, this article from Thrivent explains the differences and how each can support your retirement goals: https://bit.ly/3KcjPnB 📧 EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 📞 618-345-4900 🌐 https://connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Navigating Open Enrollment: Making Confident Choices for Your Family Open enrollment season is here! It’s the perfect time to reassess your health insurance and retirement benefits. From choosing the right health plan to taking advantage of HSAs and FSAs, a few thoughtful steps can make a big difference for your family’s financial well-being. This helpful article from Thrivent outlines five key ways to make the most of open enrollment, including: • Evaluating your health plan options instead of defaulting to last year’s choice • Leveraging tax-advantaged tools like FSAs and HSAs • Reviewing life, disability, and supplemental insurance needs • Checking in on your retirement savings goals Open enrollment can feel daunting, but you’re not alone! Eckhardt Financial Group is happy to help navigate which choices would help you to align your benefits with your values and priorities. 📧 Email: EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 📞 Phone: 618-483-6167 🌐 Website: https://connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group Read the full article from Thrivent here: http://bit.ly/4o0ESIt See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.

Learn why Thrivent Chief Financial & Investment Officer David Royal believes more episodic volatility may be on the horizon for the markets in Q4 of 2025: https://bit.ly/4oiDWPy

Just married? Now’s a great time to align on what generosity looks like for your family. Have a conversation with your loved one about how you want to give, serve and support the causes you care about—together. If you want to discuss how to integrate generosity into your financial plan, let’s schedule time to meet. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Important Information about New Apple iOS Update! With Apple’s new iOS update introducing enhanced Call Screening and Message Filtering features, some calls or texts from unfamiliar numbers may not ring through automatically. To be sure you don’t miss important updates, appointment reminders, or follow-ups from our team, please take a moment to save our office numbers in your phone’s contacts: Eckhardt Financial Group 📍 Collinsville Office: 618-345-4900 📍 Altamont Office: 618-483-6167 📧 EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com 🌐 connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group This helps ensure our calls and texts reach you directly without being screened or silenced by your device. Thank you for staying connected with us!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 118:1

Pros & cons of paying off your mortgage before you retire

If you’re nearing retirement with a mortgage in tow, you’re not alone. But should you pay it off before you retire? While being debt-free can offer a sense of reassurance, in some cases, keeping your mortgage might actually be beneficial. Explore the pros and cons of having a mortgage during retirement.