Welcome! I’m Gary Cates, a Financial Advisor with Thrivent, serving Central Illinois. With six years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard and a deployment to Afghanistan, I know firsthand the importance of preparation, discipline, and taking care of those who depend on you. Today, I help people bring that same mindset into their financial lives.

Who I Serve

I specialize in helping:

Retirees and Pre-Retirees – Fine-tune your retirement plan so you can enjoy your next chapter with clarity and confidence.
Veterans and Active Service Members – Navigate the unique financial opportunities and challenges that come with military service.
Small Business Owners – Balance growth, protection, and long-term planning for yourself, your family, and your business.
Families and Individuals – From starting a family to planning for college or buying your first home, I’ll help you build a strong financial foundation.

Why Work With Me?

I’ve seen the impact of both good and poor financial decisions. My mission is simple:

✔️ Clarity about where you are today.

✔️ Confidence about where you’re headed.

✔️ A plan aligned with your values and goals.

What to Expect When You Connect

Step 1: A short conversation about your goals and what matters most to you.
Step 2: I’ll review your current situation and share options tailored to your needs.
Step 3: Together, we’ll decide if working together is the right fit for you.