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News and Insights

As your life changes, make sure your coverage keeps up. Marriage, a new baby, a career change, retirement, or even becoming a grandparent can all affect your life insurance needs. Taking time to review your coverage can help ensure your loved ones are protected, and your financial plan reflects your current stage of life. Learn about what life events may signal that it’s time to update your life insurance coverage in this helpful article: https://www.thrivent.com/insights/life-insurance/updating-your-life-insurance-7-life-events-that-may-affect-your-coverage?email= If you'd like to discuss your current coverage and whether it still aligns with your goals, give us a call at 618-345-4900 to schedule a time to talk. We're here to help you protect what matters most. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures #LifeInsurance #FinancialPlanning #ProtectWhatMatters #Thrivent #RetirementPlanning

September 2026 Market Update: Healthy growth sends stocks to new highs

Markets continue to navigate a mix of opportunities and challenges. Strong earnings, AI-driven investment and a resilient labor market supported equities, while higher interest rates remain a key consideration for investors. Learn more in Thrivent's September Market Update. ⬇️

This past weekend, one of our amazing members put his passion for serving others into action by leading a golf scramble fundraiser benefiting the Maryville-Collinsville Kiwanis Club. Kiwanis is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening local communities through service projects, youth programs, scholarships, and charitable support. This year's tournament carried special significance as participants gathered during the 25th anniversary year of the September 11, 2001 attacks. In a touching tribute, a color guard presented arms and a bagpiper played Amazing Grace in remembrance of those who lost their lives and the heroes who answered the call that day. The event was made even more meaningful by the strong presence of first responders and military veterans, whose attendance reflected the spirit of service and sacrifice that the day commemorates. We were honored to support this incredible event. Dustin Eckhardt proudly served as both a sponsor and participant in the tournament, helping raise funds for an organization that continues to make a positive impact throughout our community. We are grateful for leaders who pour their time, talents, and resources to bring people together for a greater purpose. Thank you to everyone who supported the tournament and helped make the day such a success. #ThriventActionTeam #Kiwanis #CommunityImpact #NeverForget #SupportLocal #GivingBack #GolfForGood #EckhardtFinancialGroup #CollinsvilleIL #MaryvilleIL

Could your business withstand the loss of a key employee? Many business owners insure their buildings, equipment, and operations, but what about the people who help drive the success of the business every day? A key employee often brings valuable expertise, trusted relationships, leadership, and institutional knowledge that can be difficult to replace. Key person life insurance can help provide financial support to a business if a critical team member passes away, helping cover expenses, maintain operations, and provide time to recruit and train a successor. For business owners, this type of coverage can be an important part of a comprehensive risk management strategy and may help protect the business, employees, and clients during an unexpected transition. If you're a business owner, let's discuss how life insurance may fit into your overall business continuity and succession planning strategy. Let’s get in touch to help you run your business with confidence. Give us a call at 618-345-4900 to discuss your life insurance needs today. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

We are excited to celebrate a significant professional milestone for Associate Financial Advisor Taylor Main, who recently earned his Chartered Financial Consultant®️ (ChFC®️) designation. Achieving the ChFC®️ designation involves rigorous study across a wide range of financial planning topics and demonstrates a strong commitment to lifelong learning. Taylor's dedication, discipline, and hard work made this accomplishment possible. Please join us in congratulating Taylor on this well-deserved achievement! See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Happy Labor Day from all of us at Eckhardt Financial Group! Labor Day celebrates the dedication, effort, and perseverance that help build a meaningful life. The assets you've worked for over the years represent more than account balances. They reflect a lifetime of work, priorities, and values. As you look ahead, consider: • Which assets are designed to support your retirement and lifestyle? • Which assets are intended to help loved ones? • Which assets could support charitable causes that are important to you? Let's connect and discuss how the financial resources you worked for align with both your current goals and the legacy you hope to leave behind. Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 to set up a time to talk. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month! Many people insure their homes, cars, phones, and other valuables, but often overlook one of their most important assets: their ability to provide for the people they love. Life insurance can help provide financial security for loved ones, replace lost income, pay off debts, fund future goals, or even support a legacy you hope to leave behind. If it's been a while since you've reviewed your coverage, now is the perfect time to take another look. Give us a call at (618) 483-6167 or send an email to EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to discuss your unique needs. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Today we're celebrating Logan Hepburn and his four-year anniversary with Eckhardt Financial Group! Since joining our team in 2022, Logan has brought more than a decade of industry experience, a passion for helping clients, and an unwavering commitment to thoughtful financial planning. His mission is to help clients create a financial plan centered on their goals and purpose so they can live their lives with clarity and confidence. Beyond the office, Logan lives in O’Fallon, IL with his wife, Angela, and their sons, Isaac and Liam. When he's not meeting with clients, you can often find him enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family, or out on a bike ride. Those of us who work alongside Logan know we can always count on his can-do attitude and calm but joyful presence. We're grateful for the impact he makes on our team and the care he provides to the clients and communities we serve. Please join us in congratulating Logan on four years with EFG! See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

We’ve got an event coming up in September, and we hope to see you there! Join us on Wednesday, September 16th at 6 PM for a free workshop to learn how a charitable fund works, different ways to give, and solutions tailored to your financial circumstances. Over dinner, you’ll be able to learn about incorporating a charitable strategy into your financial plan. Learn more about upcoming Thrivent Member Network events and how you can attend by visiting https://www.thrivent.com/member-network/heartland/ Want to discuss becoming a Thrivent member to gain access to additional member benefits? Let’s talk. Give our Altamont office a call at (618) 483-6167, our Collinsville office at (618) 345-4900, or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to schedule an appointment. No products will be sold. For additional disclosures see Thrivent.com/social

Autism Awareness Walk

We're proud to help spread the word about the Illinois Center for Autism's Annual Autism Awareness Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2026. This family-friendly community event brings people together to raise awareness and support for individuals and families impacted by autism. Participants can walk at their own pace while enjoying a morning dedicated to making a difference. Event Details: Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Longacre/Moody Park, Fairview Heights, IL Registration includes a t-shirt, water, and a snack. Can't attend in person? Virtual participation options are also available. We encourage you to join this meaningful event and support the important work of the Illinois Center for Autism. Register here: https://illinoiscenterforautism.networkforgood.com/events/97434-autism-awareness-walk

Big news! Eckhardt Financial Group is proud to sponsor the 2026 BIG Baldridge and Bonfire Festival in Patoka, Illinois on September 19. We're excited to support an event that celebrates community, family, and hometown pride while bringing incredible live music to Southern Illinois. Drew Baldridge will headline the event, joined by Adam Sanders and additional artists to be announced. Even better, $1 from every ticket sold will support Mae's Miracle to help her get her One Shot to Live – read more about her story here: Mae Buzzard's fundraising page for Cure Mito Foundation We look forward to seeing our community come together for a great cause and an unforgettable evening! Get your tickets here: https://drewbaldridgemusic.com/pages/tour?fbclid=IwY2xjawT5Om9wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4C7VH6oLfbpBzwjziZ2KefqP48zxxX3N1Yr9NrIF7UVkvXN38wSeObkHGdoQ_aem_bD2Im_urOQQsIRRrWFdPrg

Make the most of your Thrivent membership and join the fight for clean water by assembling water filters at home. When you request your Thrivent Cause Kit™️, this pre-packaged volunteer kit will be sent right to your home with all the tools and resources you need to make an impact! Thrivent clients with membership can request one kit per year with a choice between a solar light kit to help kids study or a water filter that provides clean water to 12 people for 10 years. Want to make a difference yourself? Visit https://bit.ly/3HKZ1CJ to get a Thrivent Cause Kit™️. We can’t wait to hear about your project – we love hearing about when our clients put their generosity into action!

Help prepare for retirement with confidence by getting a locked-in interest rate for the guarantee period you choose—either 3, 5, 7 or 9 years—with a Thrivent Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity™️. This single premium fixed deferred annuity offers: • Dependable interest • Tax-deferred earnings • Protection from market risk Contact us today if you want to discuss if this is right for you. For additional interest rates and other important information: https://bit.ly/3RA8u4Z See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

At Thrivent, we know how hard it is to try to navigate life’s challenges alone. Caring for a child with special needs can feel overwhelming, and that’s where we can help. Thrivent clients with membership have access to caregiver resources at no cost through Homethrive, including guidance from dedicated care experts who understand your family’s unique journey, so you can focus on what matters – being a parent to your children. With Homethrive, specialists in caregiving and disability support can help develop personalized recommendations that fit your child’s and family’s needs, from in-home services to long-term support. Get connected with resources: https://www.thrivent.com/about-us/membership/caregiver-resources?utm_source=fieldfb&utm_campaign=Member_Benefit_Awareness&utm_medium=fieldsocial&utm_content=caregiver_2 For additional disclosures see thrivent.com/social.

We’re over halfway through the year, so it’s time for a reminder – your Thrivent Choice Dollars are available to direct to an organization you love by December 31st! Not sure where you’d like to send your Choice Dollars? We’ve got a catalog of over 50,000 organizations we partner with – there’s a cause for every passion. If you have questions, give us a call at (618) 345-4900 and we can help you find an organization you want to support and get your Choice Dollars directed to them!

As the class of 2030 heads off to begin their freshman year of college, now is the perfect time to get organized. Managing multiple loans can get complicated, and though repayment feels far off now, staying on top of your loans now can help you avoid costly surprises later. To avoid future headaches, keep a running list including the loan type and interest rate, the lender or loan servicer, the amount borrowed, and the estimated monthly payment. Keeping tabs on them now can help you make smarter borrowing decisions today and life easier after graduation. Eckhardt Financial Group can help you navigate your loan strategy or explore other ways to pay for college. Let’s connect – together, we can build a plan to help you and your student succeed. Give us a call at (618) 345-4900 or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to get started. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

With kids heading back to school, it's a reminder of how quickly the years come and go. Now is a great time to think about their future education goals, regardless of whether your child is starting kindergarten, heading into high school, or preparing for college. If college is part of the plan, there are several ways to save and prepare, from 529 plans to other education savings options. Thrivent recently shared a helpful guide that breaks down the different choices and what to consider when building an education savings strategy. Learn more here: https://www.thrivent.com/insights/college-planning/what-college-savings-plan-options-are-available Have questions about saving for a child's education or wondering which option might make sense for your family? We'd love to help. Reach out to our office at (618) 483-6167 to schedule a conversation and start planning for the future.

This year, we're proud to celebrate an incredible milestone as Dick Eckhardt marks 39 years in the financial services industry. In 1987, Dick began building a practice centered on helping people make informed financial decisions and pursue their goals with confidence. Through decades of dedication, genuine care, and a passion for serving others, he established a reputation for excellence and built a legacy that continues to make a difference in the lives of countless clients and families. What started as one advisor's vision grew into what is now Eckhardt Financial Group. Along the way, Dick had the privilege of welcoming his sons into the business, creating a family legacy dedicated to helping clients achieve financial clarity and confidence. While his professional accomplishments are significant, those who know Dick recognize that his greatest priorities have always been faith, family, and serving others well. He is blessed with a wonderful wife and enjoys spending time with his three amazing grandchildren. Dick, thank you for your leadership, your commitment to our clients, and the example you've set for all of us. Your passion for serving others has shaped our organization and impacted countless lives over the past 39 years. Congratulations on this remarkable anniversary! We are grateful to celebrate this milestone with you and look forward to the continued impact of your legacy for years to come.

Today we're celebrating Zachary and seven years with Eckhardt Financial Group! Since joining our team in 2019, Zach has been an essential part of our brokerage and investment operations. Much of the work he does happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day. Zach brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, focus, and dedication to everything he does so that our team can work effectively and our clients are served with excellence. Beyond his talent with numbers, Zach's sense of humor and easygoing nature make him a joy to work with. He has a way of keeping everyone laughing and bringing a positive energy to the office, even during the busiest days. Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Claire, their son Callahan, and their dog Menard. Zach, thank you for seven years of hard work, problem-solving, laughter, and commitment to our team. We're grateful for all you do and look forward to many more years ahead. Congratulations on this milestone!

Taxes are one of life's guarantees. Surprises on your tax bill don't have to be. Understanding how taxes impact your investments can help you make more informed financial decisions, which is why we have this article breaking down the basics: https://www.thrivent.com/insights/taxes/investing-taxes-understanding-tax-on-dividends-interest-capital-gains There, you can find more details on: •Investment earnings are not all taxed the same way. Interest, dividends, and capital gains can each have different tax treatments. •How long you hold an investment matters. Investments held for more than one year may qualify for lower long-term capital gains tax rates when sold at a profit. •Losses can sometimes help offset gains for tax purposes, which is one reason tax planning should be part of an overall investment strategy. •The type of account you use matters. Traditional retirement accounts, Roth accounts, and taxable brokerage accounts each have different tax advantages and considerations. •Strategic asset placement and tax-efficient investing can help investors keep more of what they earn working toward their long-term goals. A few proactive tax planning decisions today could make a difference tomorrow. Call our office to schedule a meeting. Visit thrivent.com/social for important disclosure information.