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.
Are you between ages 60 and 63 and contributing to a 401(k)? There is an opportunity you may not want to miss.
Recent changes allow those in this age range to make what is called a “super catch-up” contribution. This means you may be able to contribute more than the standard catch-up amount, giving you additional room to build your retirement savings in the years leading up to retirement.
For 2026, eligible individuals can contribute up to $11,250 in catch-up contributions, which is higher than the standard $8,000 allowed for those 50 and older.
This is a limited window designed to help you strengthen your retirement plan during some of your peak earning years.
If you would like to see how this applies to your situation or if your plan allows it, call our office at (618) 345-4900 to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to walk through your options with you.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Understanding how your money is invested is a key step toward reaching your financial goals.
This guide breaks down the three main asset classes - stocks, bonds, and cash – and explains how each plays a role in building a diversified portfolio. From balancing risk and return to choosing an allocation that fits your timeline, it offers a helpful foundation for making informed decisions.
Take a few minutes to learn how the right mix of investments can support your long-term plans:
https://bit.ly/4e4Wcdh
Want to talk about your investments with an advisor? Give our Altamont office a call at (618) 483-6167 or talk with our Collinsville office at (618) 345-4900 to set up a time to discuss your investments with us.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
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