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.
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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
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.