Tom Stoecker at Summit Financial Networks on the Virden Square

By Cindy Ladage

Trying to navigate the financial waves can be daunting at the calmest of times, but with interest rates rising, and recent financial fluctuations, it is nice to know there is someone to seek out with years of experience on the Virden Square.  Located at 160 N. Dye St., Tom Stoecker has been in business since 1993 and in his beautifully restored building since 2007.

The building he bought in 2007 was once the home of the Virden Recorder newspaper.  “When I bought the building a T-shirt print shop was here,” Thomas said.

“I finished gutting it after I bought it in 2007, and finished refinishing it in 2008,” Tom explained.

During his years in the military, Tom had quite an exciting time traveling, central Illinois always offered the taste of home.  For eleven years in the Airforce, he served as an electronics technician, for another eleven years, he was an aircraft maintenance officer.  Home for his sister’s wedding in 1974, he met Sandra Laurie, and it was love at first sight. After that, Tom said, “We had one date, then we got married the next time I was home.”   He did say there was some correspondence in between times!

While in the military Tom said, “I’ve lived in Thailand, Greece, and Okinawa.  If I did it again, I would get my degree sooner, and become an officer sooner.”  Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from SIU and Master’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Tom has been doing financial planning since 1993 after retiring from the USAF.  “I retired from the military in Alaska.  That is where we raised our sons.  My wife is from Carlinville, and I am from the Gillespie/Benld area.  I met my wife on a trip home when I was transferring from Thailand to Athens Greece,” Tom shared.

The return to the area came after their sons were finished with high school and his wife was missing her family.  “We were away from her family, and they are close. She’d also had enough of Alaska’s dark winters.” Tom and his wife Sandra returned to the area in 2000.

Both of Tom’s sons followed his footsteps with military service.  “They did well.  My youngest Brent, went to the naval academy, and he is out in Virginia still serving.  My oldest Aaron went into the marines for four years, then got a degree in Macomb from Western, Illinois University in law enforcement.  He now works as a prison guard.”

While in Alaska, Tom said both his sons were Eagle Scouts.  As a scout leader he met a gentleman that was a financial planner and owned his own firm.  “He took me on and trained me,” he explained saying that is how he got started in this industry when he retired from the USAF.

“In August I will have been doing this for 30 years.  I am an investment advisor; I help people set up for retirement and college planning for their children/grandchildren.  Tom said he helps his clients prepare for retirement, then, “I help them navigate it once they are retired.”

There are many questions, like, how much do I need to retire, when to take social security, and how to set up your financial plan.  Tom said, “Accumulating wealth is a function of two things, time and money.  When you’ve got a lot of time, it takes a little money, when you’ve got a little time, it takes a lot of money.”

Prioritizing also comes into play.  He remembered an elder from his church that used to say, for the kids set up two jars for their allowance, put 10% in one jar for church, and 10% to save for the future and the rest they get to spend on whatever they wanted.  That would set them on the right path from the get-go. 

If you want to reach Tom, call to make an appointment, he isn’t on social media, he prefers face to face in his lovely building.  “I’m not on the web, come in and see me in person,” he said. “I can help put together a financial plan.  I often become an all-around counselor sometimes to clients.”

Travel has expanded Tom’s client base.  ‘I have clients all over the United States.  I have clients in Alaska, Maine, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky,” he added. Many became clients in Alaska and stayed with me when they moved.

When asked what financial advice he offers for those seeking to save today, Thomas said, “The important thing is to get started.  Everyone says, ‘I’ll have to get started one day with a financial plan and thinking of retirement.’  Find someone you are comfortable with. Then, plan your work and then work your plan.  My ag teacher, Mr. Ashby told us that our first day Freshman Ag many years ago and it’s served me will well over the years.”

Tom Stoecker at Summit Financial Networks is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and says he maintains a schedule with “rigid flexibility”.  Summit Financial Networks is a region of Cetera Advisors Networks, LLC. Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, a Broker/Dealer & Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.  Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.  Please call 217-965-3300 to make an appointment today!