Eckhardt Financial Group - Thrivent

05/29/2026

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 [email protected] 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.

05/27/2026

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 [email protected] to start the conversation.

See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

05/25/2026

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.

05/21/2026

During an interview, Bjorn Larson, Thrivent’s Director of Financial Education, sat down with retirement experts David Blanchett and Dr. Michael Finke to answer the question: 'What's the advantage of goal-based retirement planning?'​

The answer: It allows you to do more with your money.​

Goal-based retirement planning isn't just about reaching a specific number on a screen or having a certain portfolio makeup. It's about honing in on the goals you have for retirement and tailoring your financial plan to help you meet them.​

Watch Bjorn's full conversation with David and Michael here: https://bit.ly/4dhtRQk

05/18/2026

Looking for a simple way to make an impact from home?

A Thrivent Cause Kit™️ is a hands-on volunteer opportunity that allows you to give back in a meaningful way, right from your kitchen table. Each kit arrives with everything you need, including step-by-step instructions and a prepaid return label, so the process is easy from start to finish.

You can choose between building water filters or solar lights, both designed to support communities around the world. Every project completed helps provide essential resources like clean water or reliable light for families in need.

Thrivent members can request one kit each year, making it a simple and meaningful way to serve others, whether on your own or with family and friends.

If you would like help requesting your kit or have questions, we would be happy to walk through it with you.

05/15/2026

Thrivent's May Market Update breaks down what’s driving recent volatility, how stocks and bonds are responding, and why staying diversified and focused on fundamentals remains important.

Moderating growth, steady inflation and ongoing global uncertainty are shaping our outlook.

05/14/2026

Wow! We are so excited about this new Thrivent Choice Dollars program update!

Our Thrivent members have the opportunity to direct millions of grant funding each year. One of the most rewarding things our staff gets to do every year is reach out to our clients and discuss what organizations they would like to support with their Choice Dollars. It’s amazing to hear what ministries and causes our clients are passionate about and seeing the difference being made in our communities!

With the new program update, ALL Thrivent members are now able to direct Choice Dollars to causes they’re passionate about! Plus, Thrivent just made the process of directing them much easier and streamlined. We are so excited to see so many more people take advantage of this easy way to give back to their communities!

Be sure to direct your 2026 Choice Dollars and spread the news about what you can do through Thrivent!

05/11/2026

We recently hosted our annual shred event at our Altamont office, and it truly could not have gone better!

With gorgeous weather and great company, our team loved helping members of the community safely clear out old documents and start the summer with a fresh slate. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces stop by, enjoy some treats and coffee, and take time to visit with us.

Three lucky attendees, chosen by EFG’s favorite little helpers, went home with fun raffle prizes, including beautiful flowers to add a little spring color to their porches.

A heartfelt thank you to Affordable Shred for partnering with us to make this event possible, and to our neighbors who took the time to stop by. We are grateful to be part of such an amazing community and look forward to many more shred events in the years ahead.

05/10/2026

Sending love and gratitude to all the moms and mother figures who made us who we are today. Happy Mother’s Day!

05/08/2026

Considering stable, predictable options in today’s market?

Multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) can be a helpful tool for individuals looking to grow savings with certainty rather than market fluctuation.

A MYGA is a type of fixed annuity that offers:

• A guaranteed interest rate for a set period of time, typically three to nine years
• Protection from market volatility
• Tax-deferred growth until funds are withdrawn
• The ability to leave remaining value to beneficiaries

Like any financial solution, MYGAs come with important considerations. This article breaks down how multi-year guaranteed annuities work, the potential benefits and risks, and who may want to consider them as part of a broader retirement strategy.
https://bit.ly/4tYIrlA?

If you have questions about guaranteed options or want to explore whether a MYGA fits your goals, a conversation with a financial advisor can help provide clarity.

See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.