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I've got valuable information and resources to share. Explore away! And check back often.

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I love finding simple ways to give back, especially ones you can do right from home, which is why I’m so excited about Thrivent Cause Kits! These kits are pre-packaged volunteer experiences that include everything you need to make a real impact. You can build water filters that provide clean water to communities around the world or assemble solar lights that help children study after dark. They’re designed to be easy, meaningful, and something you can do on your own or with family and friends. As a Thrivent client, you can request one kit each year at no cost. If you’re looking for a simple way to give back and make a difference, we’d love to help you get started. Reach out to our office to learn more at (618) 345-4900.

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I love finding simple ways to give back, especially ones you can do right from home, which is why I’m so excited about Thrivent Cause Kits! These kits are pre-packaged volunteer experiences that include everything you need to make a real impact. You can build water filters that provide clean water to communities around the world or assemble solar lights that help children study after dark. They’re designed to be easy, meaningful, and something you can do on your own or with family and friends. As a Thrivent client, you can request one kit each year at no cost. If you’re looking for a simple way to give back and make a difference, we’d love to help you get started. Reach out to our office to learn more at (618) 345-4900.

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10 years with Eckhardt Financial Group feels hard to believe! I am so grateful to be celebrating this milestone with such an incredible team at Eckhardt Financial Group. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of walking alongside so many individuals and families to help them pursue financial clarity and confidence. It is work that I truly care about, and I feel very fortunate to do it every day. To my team, thank you for your support, encouragement, and the culture we have built together. It means so much to be part of a group that is committed to serving others with thoughtfulness and care. One of the biggest blessings of this role is the opportunity to be there for people during some of life’s most important and challenging seasons. Being able to provide guidance and support in those moments is something I will never take lightly. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the past 10 years. I am excited for what is ahead and look forward to continuing to serve this community for many years to come.

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10 years with Eckhardt Financial Group feels hard to believe! I am so grateful to be celebrating this milestone with such an incredible team at Eckhardt Financial Group. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of walking alongside so many individuals and families to help them pursue financial clarity and confidence. It is work that I truly care about, and I feel very fortunate to do it every day. To my team, thank you for your support, encouragement, and the culture we have built together. It means so much to be part of a group that is committed to serving others with thoughtfulness and care. One of the biggest blessings of this role is the opportunity to be there for people during some of life’s most important and challenging seasons. Being able to provide guidance and support in those moments is something I will never take lightly. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the past 10 years. I am excited for what is ahead and look forward to continuing to serve this community for many years to come.

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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 to help cover expenses like tuition, room and board, books, and even computers. 529 savings are not limited to one child, either! They can be used by another family member or even for your own continuing education. In some cases, they may also 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, I’m here to help. Call my office at (618) 345-4900 or email us at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to start the conversation. #National529Day 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 with a 529 plan before investing. Read the issuer’s official statement carefully for additional information. 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.

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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 to help cover expenses like tuition, room and board, books, and even computers. 529 savings are not limited to one child, either! They can be used by another family member or even for your own continuing education. In some cases, they may also 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, I’m here to help. Call my office at (618) 345-4900 or email us at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to start the conversation. #National529Day 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 with a 529 plan before investing. Read the issuer’s official statement carefully for additional information. 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.

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Did you know that, as clients with membership, we have the power to influence where Thrivent sends millions in grant funding each year? All you have to do is log in and decide where you want this year’s Choice Dollars®️ to go—be it a church, local charity or major nonprofit. Plus, Thrivent just made the experience easier and Choice Dollars are now available to every single member! I highly recommend taking advantage of this easy way to give back. Be sure to direct 2026 Choice Dollars and spread the word about this unique member benefit. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Did you know that, as clients with membership, we have the power to influence where Thrivent sends millions in grant funding each year? All you have to do is log in and decide where you want this year’s Choice Dollars®️ to go—be it a church, local charity or major nonprofit. Plus, Thrivent just made the experience easier and Choice Dollars are now available to every single member! I highly recommend taking advantage of this easy way to give back. Be sure to direct 2026 Choice Dollars and spread the word about this unique member benefit. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Graduation season is always such a special time to celebrate hard work, dedication, and all that lies ahead. One question many people find themselves considering is what gift would be best for a new graduate. Cash is always appreciated, but it can also be an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Financial gifts like contributing to savings, helping start an investment account, or even sitting down for a simple planning conversation can help set the stage for a strong financial future. Starting early gives those habits time to grow and build over the years. Sometimes, the most valuable gift is not something wrapped. It is guidance, encouragement, and helping someone feel confident about the next chapter. If you have a graduate in your life this season, consider giving a gift that supports where they are headed. If you would like to talk through ideas or explore ways to help a graduate get started on the right financial path, feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to connect and help you and your graduate think through what makes the most sense for their situation. Give my office a call at (618) 345-4900 or send an email to EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to set up a time to discuss all of the possibilities out there for you and your grad. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Graduation season is always such a special time to celebrate hard work, dedication, and all that lies ahead. One question many people find themselves considering is what gift would be best for a new graduate. Cash is always appreciated, but it can also be an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Financial gifts like contributing to savings, helping start an investment account, or even sitting down for a simple planning conversation can help set the stage for a strong financial future. Starting early gives those habits time to grow and build over the years. Sometimes, the most valuable gift is not something wrapped. It is guidance, encouragement, and helping someone feel confident about the next chapter. If you have a graduate in your life this season, consider giving a gift that supports where they are headed. If you would like to talk through ideas or explore ways to help a graduate get started on the right financial path, feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to connect and help you and your graduate think through what makes the most sense for their situation. Give my office a call at (618) 345-4900 or send an email to EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com to set up a time to discuss all of the possibilities out there for you and your grad. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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I’m proud to see Thrivent recognized by Forbes Advisor as one of the best no-exam term life insurance companies! In its recent review, Forbes highlighted several reasons Thrivent stands out, including competitive no-exam rates that are especially attractive for individuals in their 40s, guaranteed renewability, the ability to convert term coverage to permanent insurance, and the lowest level of consumer complaints among the companies reviewed. If you have been putting off life insurance because of the time, hassle, or uncertainty around medical exams, this recognition may be worth a closer look. A simple conversation can help you understand your options and see whether no-exam coverage fits your goals and your family’s needs. If you would like to talk through your questions or explore rates, I’m here to talk. Give my office a call at (618) 345-4900 or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com and we can set up a time to chat! Read the full Forbes article here: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/life-insurance/best-no-exam-life-insurance/ See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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I’m proud to see Thrivent recognized by Forbes Advisor as one of the best no-exam term life insurance companies! In its recent review, Forbes highlighted several reasons Thrivent stands out, including competitive no-exam rates that are especially attractive for individuals in their 40s, guaranteed renewability, the ability to convert term coverage to permanent insurance, and the lowest level of consumer complaints among the companies reviewed. If you have been putting off life insurance because of the time, hassle, or uncertainty around medical exams, this recognition may be worth a closer look. A simple conversation can help you understand your options and see whether no-exam coverage fits your goals and your family’s needs. If you would like to talk through your questions or explore rates, I’m here to talk. Give my office a call at (618) 345-4900 or send us an email at EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com and we can set up a time to chat! Read the full Forbes article here: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/life-insurance/best-no-exam-life-insurance/ See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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An important conversation I have with clients is about protecting their paycheck. 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% or less of income 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. I am always happy to help you understand your options and see what coverage fits your situation. Give my office a call at (618) 345-4900 or send an email to EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com and we can set up a time to discuss your situation in more detail. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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An important conversation I have with clients is about protecting their paycheck. 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% or less of income 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. I am always happy to help you understand your options and see what coverage fits your situation. Give my office a call at (618) 345-4900 or send an email to EckhardtFinancialGroup@thrivent.com and we can set up a time to discuss your situation in more detail. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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One of the reasons I am proud to work with Thrivent is the strength and stability behind the organization. S&P Global Ratings recently reaffirmed Thrivent’s AA+ (Very Strong) rating, a reflection of Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. For the families and individuals I serve, this means confidence in a company that is financially strong, well managed, and focused on honoring its long-term commitments. If financial stability is important to you when choosing who to work with, we should talk! Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability and does not apply to investment product performance. For more information, visit the S&P Global Ratings website. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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One of the reasons I am proud to work with Thrivent is the strength and stability behind the organization. S&P Global Ratings recently reaffirmed Thrivent’s AA+ (Very Strong) rating, a reflection of Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. For the families and individuals I serve, this means confidence in a company that is financially strong, well managed, and focused on honoring its long-term commitments. If financial stability is important to you when choosing who to work with, we should talk! Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability and does not apply to investment product performance. For more information, visit the S&P Global Ratings website. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

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Did you know that today is Random Acts of Kindness Day? Today is the perfect opportunity to do good, spread joy, and live generously. Whether it's a kind word, a helping hand, or participating in a Thrivent Action Team, you can brighten someone else's day in countless ways. Kindness has a ripple effect, no matter how big the gesture is. Sometimes, the simplest acts have the biggest impact. Want to talk about how we can maximize the impact of your kindness and generosity? Let's talk! Give me a call at (618) 345-4900 and we can set up a time to chat!

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Did you know that today is Random Acts of Kindness Day? Today is the perfect opportunity to do good, spread joy, and live generously. Whether it's a kind word, a helping hand, or participating in a Thrivent Action Team, you can brighten someone else's day in countless ways. Kindness has a ripple effect, no matter how big the gesture is. Sometimes, the simplest acts have the biggest impact. Want to talk about how we can maximize the impact of your kindness and generosity? Let's talk! Give me a call at (618) 345-4900 and we can set up a time to chat!

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Eckhardt Financial Group is hiring! We’re looking for a friendly, professional, and dependable Receptionist to join our Collinsville office. This role is often the first point of contact for our clients and plays a vital role in shaping their overall experience. The ideal candidate is welcoming, organized, and enjoys supporting a busy, collaborative team. Interested in joining our team? Follow this link to apply: https://thrivent.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/IL---Collinsville/Receptionist_REQ-45718-2

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Eckhardt Financial Group is hiring! We’re looking for a friendly, professional, and dependable Receptionist to join our Collinsville office. This role is often the first point of contact for our clients and plays a vital role in shaping their overall experience. The ideal candidate is welcoming, organized, and enjoys supporting a busy, collaborative team. Interested in joining our team? Follow this link to apply: https://thrivent.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/IL---Collinsville/Receptionist_REQ-45718-2

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management, Inc. thrivent.com/privacy-and-security/disclosures.

Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s Broker Check for more information about our financial advisors.

Designations

For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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