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!
Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important retirement decisions you will make. This article outlines key factors to consider, including your full retirement age, health, marital status, taxes, and other sources of income.
Thoughtful timing can play an important role in supporting your overall retirement strategy. https://bit.ly/44be4hK
Want to talk about your Social Security options with one of our advisors? Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 or email us at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to schedule an appointment now!
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
It's time to clear out the clutter, securely and conveniently!
We're partnering with Affordable Shred to host a free, on-site shredding event for the Altamont community. Bring your paper by, and we'll take care of the rest! Each guest is welcome to bring up to ten banker boxes of paper for shredding.
While you're here, be sure to enter for a chance at one of our giveaways throughout the morning!
No purchase necessary - just stop by, drop your name in the drawing, and maybe grab a donut (or three!) from our favorite local bakery, The Cookie Jar!
No products will be sold at this event. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
We’re excited to share that one of our own team members, Robin Lewis, is leading an upcoming Thrivent Action Team focused on supporting two incredible local organizations: Belleville Area Humane Society and Gateway Pet Guardians.
Robin has already started collecting supplies, and we’re inviting our community to help us make an even bigger impact for animals in need.
What we’re collecting:
Pet food, treats, toys, towels, blankets, cleaning supplies, and other pet-care essentials like brushes, nail clippers, litter, and leashes!
Drop-off deadline: March 27th
Stop by our Collinsville office to drop off any supplies you’d like to donate. Every item helps provide comfort, care, and support to pets waiting for their forever homes.
Thank you for helping us live generously and support causes that matter right here in our community!
Many people nearing retirement wonder whether their investments are truly aligned with this next stage of life.
Before fine-tuning your strategy, it’s helpful to revisit three key factors: your goals, your time horizon and your risk tolerance. Together, they can help determine whether your current allocation still supports what you’ll need in the years ahead.
If you’re questioning whether you’re on track, let’s talk. We can review your investing strategy and build a financial plan designed to support you not only for today, but throughout retirement.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
As interest rates continue to change, it’s important to make sure your cash, investments, and savings are still aligned with your needs and long‑term goals. Our advisors, like Eric (pictured below), help clients evaluate their options and build strategies that balance flexibility with growth potential.
Call our Altamont office at 618-483-6167 or our Collinsville office at 618-345-4900 to connect with us.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Have you spotted these Thrivent "Live Generously" t-shirts around town? Ever wondered where YOU can get one?
When you lead a Thrivent Action Team, you can receive up to 25 of these t-shirts for your team volunteers to wear! We love seeing people wear these shirts out and about- it’s such a fun reminder of the incredible impact our clients are making right here where we live and work.
The design of the shirt changes every year! This year's shirt isn't pictured... meaning you'll just have to lead an Action Team yourself to find out!
Interested in learning how you can bring people together to support the causes you care about most? Our team member Ryleigh Farar would be happy to help you explore all the ways Thrivent Action Teams can make an impact!
Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 or send an e-mail to Ryleigh.Farar@Thrivent.com to get started!