July 2025
Kristina and Craig Corzatt
Kristina and Craig’s beloved dogs Remi and Cooper
/BFG Spotlight - Kristina Corzatt
When you visit Benson Financial Group in Quincy, the first person you’re likely to see is Kristina Corzatt.
As an administrative assistant, Kristina finds great purpose in her daily work. From greeting clients—often with their favorite drink in hand—to answering phones and managing other tasks, she blends her passion for numbers with a deep love of service.
“I really enjoy getting to know our clients as they call or come into the office and helping manage their accounts,” Kristina said. “Everyone has a story, and I love getting to know theirs.”
Whether it’s making someone feel seen and cared for in the office or serving at church, Kristina quietly makes a difference in the lives of others. As her husband Craig leads worship at Madison Park Christian Church, Kristina tends the flock from the background.
“I serve in the tech booth on Sunday mornings,” she said. “It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people may not know is part of the ministry.”
It’s hard for Kristina to recall a time when she didn’t know Craig, as both grew up on farms around Carthage, Ill. The pair attended the same schools from elementary to graduation—Craig one year ahead of Kristina—and became sweethearts in high school.
Life on the farm taught each of them to roll up their sleeves and give their all in whatever they do. The couple was living in the Indianapolis area when they were led to Quincy for a ministry opportunity. They were excited to be near family and return to small town living.
Although ministry runs through the couple’s blood, Kristina couldn’t quite pinpoint where her career should go. Having earned a marketing degree from Western Illinois University, she wanted to make a difference in her work.
When their friend Tim Miller, BFG financial advisor, approached Craig about a possible job opportunity for Kristina, they heard God’s calling.
“I sat down and met with them, and I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of this team and the culture they are building,” she said. “Benson Financial Group has given me the opportunity to find my purpose—and I know this is where God wants to use me. Whether it’s with coworkers or clients, I feel a calling here that I have never felt before. Craig and I are so grateful to be part of the BFG family.”
One of the many areas where Kristina has shined—along with Jen Kovar, executive assistant at BFG—is event planning. From BFG client events to employee birthdays, holiday parties, and other team-building activities, it’s a job Kristina and Jen took over after Connie Benson retired last October.
Connie—previously known at BFG as the “Director of Fun”—was confident the fun would continue when handing the torch to Kristina and Jen.
Kristina is quick to say that Connie’s shoes would be impossible to fill, but she’s glad it’s part of her job. Her background in event planning comes from her previous role as an administrative assistant at Culver-Stockton College.
“No one could ever replace Connie as the Director of Fun, because that is just who she is,” Kristina said with a smile. “But Jen and I enjoy doing it, and the two of us work together so well.”
One of Kristina’s favorite roles in life is being an aunt to her four nieces and nephews, with another one coming in October.
She also enjoys caring for her two dogs: Remi a 9-year-old Border Collie, and Cooper, a 4-year-old black lab. Craig and Kristina brought home both dogs at around eight weeks old. Kristina’s bond with Remi grew even stronger during weekly agility training classes, where she taught him to go through obstacle courses.
Kristina finds peace and comfort in her favorite verse.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:6-7
“This verse reminds me that God has me in His hands and will guard my heart in every season of life,” she said. “He is our true peace, no matter what you are going through.”
/Justin Gibson recognized at United Way’s Evening of Philanthropy
Benson Financial Group is proud to share that Justin Gibson was recently honored as the 2025 Philanthropic Individual at the United Way Evening of Philanthropy.
The annual event recognizes individuals, couples, organizations, and lifelong contributors for their outstanding generosity. Four honorees were named at this year’s celebration, held on May 9 at the Olive Branch in Palmyra.
- Philanthropic Individual: Justin Gibson
- Philanthropic Couple: Michael and Whitney Holliday
- Lifelong Philanthropist: Donna Loy Brown
- Philanthropic Organization: First Christian Church
Ahead of the event Justin sat down with Heather Clemens, media consultant for the United Way of the Mark Twain Area, to discuss what being philanthropic means to him.
“My wife and I are lifelong residents of the Hannibal area. We grew up here, met here, and we decided to raise our family here,” Justin said. “So, we want to invest in this community and in the people here who have been so good to us.”
Justin explained that he and his wife, Brooke, believe that community service begins with building relationships—starting with a relationship with God.
“Our faith is very important to us. We serve a relational God who desires a relationship with us, and out of that we are compelled to build relationships,” he said. “To us, community involvement is relationships and sharing the love of God and what He has done for us.”
Justin also discussed that generosity is more than financial support—though that also plays a key role.
“To me, generosity is an outward expression of compassion. You feel that passion in your heart and soul when you see people struggling or hurting or just going through low points in their lives. It’s that inner part of you that’s compelled to help,” he said. “Monetary generosity is great and can be a powerful help, but giving of time and talents can even make more of a lasting impression.”
Ultimately Justin and Brooke want people to know how valuable they are to God.
“We just want everyone in the community and all over the world to know the tremendous value and worth they have,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what their circumstances or background are. They matter to God, and we want to be good stewards of that truth.”
To read more about the ways Justin Gibson serves, visit Justin’s profile featured under the About section on our website at bensonfinancialgroup.com. To watch Justin’s full interview with United Way, visit the United Way of the Mark Twain Area Facebook page.
Watch Justin’s full interview with the United Way.
Read about Justin.
Justin and Brooke Gibson and daughters McKenzie and Madison (Mila not pictured) at the Evening of Philanthropy. (Photo courtesy of the United Way of the Mark Twain Area)
/The Value of Taxable Accounts
by Aaron Hill, BFG Financial Advisor
Although “taxable” is usually not a favorite word, taxable accounts are often an underrated tool in a financial plan.
A jack-of-all trades in the financial world, these accounts are great for shorter-term goals, such as a family vacation, wedding, or new car. And they can also be used as an important part of your retirement plans, especially for those needing tax diversification or with early retirement goals.
Taxable accounts are savings accounts that earn taxable income. These types of accounts can also be opened with various types of ownership – both by an individual, multiple persons, or an entity.
Taxable accounts go by many names, some include:
- Brokerage Accounts: An investment account allowing you to buy and sell investments such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds.
- Money Market Accounts (MMA): An interest-earning savings account with the convenience of a checking account offering checks, debit cards, ATM and electronic transfers.
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs): A CD holds a lump sum at a fixed interest rate for a predetermined time.
- Trust Accounts: A trust account, set up by a grantor, names an individual or entity (such as a bank or trust company) to manage assets or property on behalf of a beneficiary—often children, other loved ones, or a chosen charity.
Although they may not offer the tax perks of retirement specific accounts, taxable accounts come with their own benefits.
No Contribution Limits
Whether you’re investing $500 or $500,000, there are no limits on your yearly contributions on taxable accounts – unlike IRAs or 401(k)s which have an annual cap. This is especially beneficial to high income earners, investors who’ve reached the annual cap on non-taxable accounts, or anyone who wants more freedom on how they save and invest.
Wider Investment Options
With taxable brokerage accounts, you typically have the freedom to invest your own way. Choosing from individual stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and more, this opens the door to more personalized and strategic investing than many employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Potentially Tax-Efficient
Although taxable accounts don’t come with built-in tax advantages, certain strategies will effectively manage the taxes.
For example, tax loss harvesting can offset capital gains by selling investments that have depreciated in value. Holding appreciated investments for at least a year, subjects them to long-term capital gains tax rates—which are often lower than ordinary income tax rates.
In some cases, appreciated assets that are donated to charity could avoid capital gains taxes altogether.
Access to Funds
Taxable accounts give you full access to your money—no strings attached. There's no waiting until age 59½, no required minimum distributions (RMDs), and no restrictions on how the money is spent.
From various savings goals, building an emergency fund to simply giving yourself more financial freedom, the accessibility is a great advantage to taxable accounts.
Understanding the Tax Side
Because taxable accounts aren’t tax-deferred or tax-free, it’s important to understand how earnings are reported and taxed:
- Realized Capital Gains: Profits earned from selling investments are taxed either as short-term or long-term capital gains, depending on how long the asset was held.
- Dividends and Interest: Earnings from stocks (dividends) and bonds (interest) are typically taxed as ordinary income, unless they are categorized as qualified dividends, which are taxed at a lower rate.
- Annual Reporting: All income earned within a taxable account—interest, dividends, and realized capital gains—must be reported to the IRS and is taxed annually.
Interested in learning more about taxable accounts? Call us today to discuss if this has a place in your financial plan!
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. BFG and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding your personal situation.
/BFG Celebrates the Marriage of Paul and Melody Littleton
Congratulations to Paul and Melody Littleton on their recent marriage! Paul, our BFG client account coordinator, and Melody exchanged vows on June 8. We pray for God’s blessings on your marriage and a lifetime of love and happiness!
/Upcoming Holidays & Closings
