Maximizing Social Security for married couples: How it works & spousal strategies to consider
Differences in each spouse’s Social Security retirement benefits and estimated life expectancy can affect your retirement strategy. Take a look at 4 strategies you can use to help maximize your Social Security benefits as a couple. ⬇️
Thank you to the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Let’s honor their sacrifice today and every day.
A Legacy of Generosity
Since the EFG journey began, we've witnessed the power of community and the profound impact of collective action. Over the years:
•104,704 volunteers have united to serve their communities, embodying the spirit of compassion and dedication.
•Through our comprehensive generosity programs, our clients have invested $47,422,903 into their cities, towns, and neighborhoods, fostering growth, support, and positive change.
Every volunteer hour and every dollar contributed has played a pivotal role in building stronger, more resilient communities. This legacy of generosity stands as a testament to what we can achieve together.
Thank you to each volunteer and supporter who has been part of this incredible journey. Let's keep making a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
Our clients made a huge difference in their communities last year. Let’s continue Living Generously in 2025!
In 2024, 11,525 Action Team leaders and volunteers stepped up to serve their communities in meaningful ways. Their efforts were part of a larger movement of generosity that extended across all of our programs.
Together, through all of our generosity initiatives, we were able to pour $5,765,185 into communities across the country.
From local projects to wide-reaching efforts, every contribution helped create positive, lasting change. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, resources, and heart to make this possible.
Let’s keep the momentum going in 2025.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.
What happens when you don’t have income protection and a sudden illness or injury prevents you from working? Here are some key facts to know about disability income insurance and how it can benefit you: https://bit.ly/44L4CSw
Give STL Day is Almost Here – Let’s Support Collinsville Faith in Action!
On May 8, join us in supporting a nonprofit that makes a big impact right here in our community: Collinsville Faith in Action.
As part of Give STL Day, hosted by the St. Louis Community Foundation, we’re rallying behind this organization that helps make our area a better place to live, work, and serve.
Give today: https://www.givestlday.org/organization/CollinsvilleAreaFaithInAction
Over the last 10 years, Give STL Day has raised more than $34 million for local nonprofits – and CFiA is excited to be part of that story again this year.
Want to give early? You don’t have to wait! Early giving is open through May 7.
Let’s show our support for the incredible work Collinsville Faith in Action does for our neighbors every day.
Happy Birthday, Jared Gray!
Today we’re celebrating Jared Gray, a key part of our team at Eckhardt Financial Group!
As an Associate, Jared plays an important role in supporting our investment clients—processing applications, handling contribution and distribution requests, preparing for appointments, and keeping client information up to date. He’s also the kind of teammate who’s always ready to jump in and help wherever he’s needed.
Jared is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in business administration and management. Born and raised in St. Louis, he still calls it home—and if there’s karaoke or a Blues game, you can count him in!
Jared, we appreciate your hard work, reliability, and positive attitude. Wishing you an amazing birthday and a year ahead filled with great things!
#HappyBirthdayJared #EckhardtFinancialGroup #TeamAppreciation #ClientSupport #StLouisBlues
🎉 Celebrating 10 Years with Jennifer Halterman! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Halterman on her 10-year anniversary with Eckhardt Financial Group
For the past decade, Jen has been an essential part of our team—keeping operations running smoothly, ensuring our clients feel welcomed and supported, and serving as an essential connection between our office and the Thrivent network. From managing client records to coordinating with our home office, Jen brings dedication, attention to detail, and a warm presence to everything she does.
Jen grew up in St. Peter and now lives in Salem with her partner, Dirk, and her baby girl Raelyn Grace. Outside of work she enjoys playing with her dog Lucy and spending time with family and friends!
Jen, thank you for your 10 years of hard work, loyalty, and kindness. Our team and clients are better because of you!
#WorkAnniversary #10YearsStrong #EckhardtFinancialGroup #AltamontOffice #ClientSupport #TeamAppreciation
📣 Shred Day is TOMORROW! 📣
Time to clear out the clutter—securely and conveniently. We're partnering with Affordable Shred to host a FREE community shred event, rain or shine!
When: TOMORROW, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Our Altamont office at 116 N Main St, Altamont, IL 62411
Bring up to five banker boxes of paper for on-site shredding—we’ll handle the rest!
While you’re here, enter to win one of our giveaway drawings and enjoy a donut from The Cookie Jar, our favorite local bakery!
No products will be sold; no cost, no catch. Just stop by and shred away!
Celebrating Our Community Heroes!
Our team at Eckhardt Financial Group had the privilege of participating in a special event with one of our favorite local partner organizations—Collinsville Faith in Action. This incredible group of volunteers pours their time, energy, and hearts into helping homebound, disabled, and isolated senior citizens in our area through transportation services, social visits, and home repairs. Their work touches lives in ways that often go unseen—but never unnoticed.
Thanks to a Thrivent Action Team, we were able to fund and support this meaningful volunteer appreciation event. Thrivent’s Action Teams provide up to $250 in seed money to kickstart service, educational, or fundraising projects that matter—along with supplies to support the volunteers making it all happen.
For this event, we gathered at a new small business, Quinton’s Crafthouse on Main Street in Collinsville, and painted adorable, festive Easter bunnies together. The room was filled with creativity, connection, and lots of laughter. A delicious lunch, generously catered by the Collinsville Senior Center, made the day even more special.
We’re so grateful that Collinsville Faith in Action gave our very own rockstar, Ryleigh, the opportunity to share a bit about Thrivent and how EFG serves clients and gives back to our community.
We truly feel blessed to live and work in a community filled with such generous hearts. We’re excited for all the good things to come with Collinsville Faith in Action—and can’t wait to continue finding new ways to support and bless the people we love most.
Learn more about our team and how we serve:
📧 Email: EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com
📞 Phone: 618-483-6167
🌐 Website: https://connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group
#EFGInTheCommunity #FaithInAction #ThriventActionTeam #VolunteersMatter #CollinsvilleIL #CommunitySupport
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
It’s only natural to wonder if you should make changes to your portfolio during times of market volatility. But did you know that some of the strongest market rebounds have occurred shortly after periods of downturn? It’s about time in the market vs timing the market.
Check out this resource on market trends and investing strategies.
Our team is always here to help!
📧 Email: EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com
📞 Phone: 618-483-6167
🌐 Website: https://connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Our advisors gathered to celebrate a year of impact—and to gear up for what’s next.
Recently, our financial advisor team came together to reflect on 2024—a year filled with purpose, progress, and partnership. We celebrated not just our growth as a team, but the meaningful ways we helped clients make the most of their money.
From financial planning and debt strategies to investment guidance and insurance protection, we walked alongside clients through life’s twists and turns—always focused on what matters most to them.
This celebration was a moment to pause and appreciate the trust our clients place in us every day. It was also a reminder of the responsibility we carry—and how honored we are to do this work.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, we’re energized and ready to continue helping our clients navigate life’s financial journey with clarity, care, and confidence.
Here’s to another year of impact, together.
Learn more about our team and how we serve:
📧 Email: EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com
📞 Phone: 618-483-6167
🌐 Website: https://connect.thrivent.com/eckhardt-financial-group
#EFGAdvisors #ClientFocused #TeamCelebration #2024Reflection #2025Goals #FinancialPlanningWithPurpose
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Today begins a 40-day season of preparation for Easter. Wishing you a blessed Lenten season.
When generosity is valued by a financial services organization and its clients, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make an impact. How can Thrivent help you make a difference in your community?
You’re working hard to fuel the life you love. Let’s make sure your financial plan is prepared for life’s what-ifs. The right solutions can help you stay ahead of the curve and keep your vision for the future on track.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Guaranteed income for the big and little things (that are also pretty big). An annuity and the guaranteed income it can provide may be the right fit for the financial priorities you have. If you want to learn more about how an annuity could fit into your overall financial plan, let’s schedule some time to talk.
Guarantees based on the financial strength and claims paying ability of the product’s issuer. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
#AnnuityAwarenessMonth