About McBeath Financial Group
Where Expertise and Relationships Come Together
Our Story
Our vision began with a simple idea: financial planning should feel personal and grounded in real relationships. As more families connected with that approach, it became clear the work had grown beyond one person — leading to a team that shares the same heart for guiding families through retirement and legacy decisions.
We are united in a mission to provide a concierge-level wealth management experience that brings together financial planning, tax strategy, and personalized investment management — delivered with the same care and personal attention that have guided us from the beginning.
Our Story
Our vision began with a simple idea: financial planning should feel personal and grounded in real relationships. As more families connected with that approach, we grew into a team that shares the same heart for guiding families through retirement and legacy decisions. We’re united in a mission to provide concierge-level wealth management that blends financial planning, tax strategy, and personalized investment management — always delivered with care and personal attention.
A Team Approach
A full team of financial advisors and support staff working together to
support our clients in achieving their goals.
We foster a collaborative culture that recognizes and rewards our team's collective contributions to serving
our clients. Unlike other firms where individuals work independently, our approach leverages the combined
expertise and efficiency of our dedicated team, all cooperating towards fulfilling your objectives.
Krista founded McBeath Financial Group in 2008 with a vision for a relationship-driven, holistic planning experience that puts families first. She began her career after earning a BS in Insurance and Business Administration from Illinois State University, starting in the insurance field and later expanding into tax preparation, where she gained a deeper understanding of how everyday financial decisions affect long-term goals.
As her work evolved, Krista moved into investment and tax-efficient strategies, blending these disciplines into the coordinated approach she leads with today. She is a fiduciary Investment Advisor with the Series 65 license and holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation.
Krista is deeply committed to the Bloomington Normal community. She is a member of the Eastview Christian Church family, volunteering as a Jr. High Small Group Leader. In addition she is a supporter and volunteer at Cornerstone Christian Academy. Mrs. McBeath resides in Bloomington with her husband Robert and daughter, Jillian.
Julie has a passion for financial planning and helping people. She has worked in wealth management for over a decade, including eight years of trust administration at a local bank.
Julie understands the importance of education and is always striving to learn more. She is an honor graduate from Cannon Financial Institute and she graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Finance and an emphasis on Financial Planning. She proudly earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2023.
In 2025, Julie's commitment and leadership within McBeath Financial Group was recognized as she became a shareholder. Learn more about Julie and how she continues to shape the future of McBeath Financial Group.
Julie’s love and devotion to her family is evident after your first conversation with her. She resides in Normal with her husband, Adam, and children, Stella, Grace, and Braxton. She is a member of Eastview Christian Church and leads a Church small group with her husband.
Lauren was born and raised in Normal; she attended Normal West High School. She lives in town with husband Trevor and two daughters, Adelyn and Leighton. She enjoys hiking with her husband, daughters and two dogs, doing home improvement projects, and spending quality time with her family.
Zack brings a robust background to our team, having been a highly regarded member of the wealth management team at a prominent Bloomington Normal regional bank for nearly a decade. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Zack's commitment to his clients' financial goals is evident in his personalized advice, comprehensive planning, and his depth of expertise in various areas of wealth management.
Zack began his financial services career in 2013 and earned his prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2019. Demonstrating his dedication to continuous learning and professional development, he also achieved the designation of Registered Social Security Analyst® in 2023.
A proud alumnus of DePaul University in Chicago, Zack's credentials extend beyond his academic and professional achievements. He is a devoted husband to Jenna and a loving father to their children, Bennett and Grace. Zack and his family are active contributors to their local community in Normal, IL, where they volunteer with their church and several local charities, including Home Sweet Home Ministries and Midwest Food Bank.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in Economics from Illinois State University after completing studies at Heartland Community College.
Ian and his wife, McKenna, were married earlier this year (2025) and now make their home in Bloomington, where they are active in their church community. Away from the office, he enjoys golf, fitness, and following both college and professional sports.
Originally from Yorkville, Illinois, Nathan now resides in Bloomington. Outside of work, he enjoys running with his husky, Togo, and recently achieved a milestone by qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
Adam brings a background in engineering and process improvement, along with a natural ability to analyze challenges, solve problems, and keep complex systems organized. His attention to detail, collaborative nature, and focus on continuous improvement make him well suited to a role that touches nearly every area of the firm.
Adam oversees a broad range of day-to-day operational responsibilities, including compliance, human resources, technology, business systems, and general office administration. He believes strong operations are built on clear communication, consistency, and a commitment to excellence. His aptitude for leadership, positive attitude, intelligence, and thoughtful approach help provide the strong operational foundation our team relies on to serve clients today and support the firm as it continues to grow.
Outside of work, Adam enjoys fishing, hunting, home improvement and outdoor projects, and spending time with his wife, Julie, and their three children. An active member of his church, Adam's faith is an important part of his life and guides the way he approaches his family, work, and relationships.
Her experience includes working with clients across a variety of financial situations while coordinating with investment, trust, and financial planning professionals to help address their individual needs. She enjoys getting to know clients personally and helping them navigate complex financial decisions with care, clarity, and a practical plan.
Kyleigh graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a minor in Financial Planning. While at ISU, she was active in Women in Business, where she participated in professional development and volunteer opportunities. She earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in December 2025.
Originally from Batavia, Illinois, Kyleigh and her husband, Jeremy, happily live in Lexington with their two cats. Outside of work, Kyleigh enjoys reading, scrapbooking, home improvement and interior design projects, and staying active through strength training, running, hiking, and local group fitness classes. She also loves spending time with family and friends, whether trying a new restaurant, playing board games, or enjoying the outdoors.
Robert is a licensed insurance agent for the state of Illinois as well as an Investment Advisor Representative.
Meet The Founder
Krista McBeath, ChFC®
After years of success in the insurance industry as an agent, she believed she could better fulfill her mission as an independent advisor. Driven by her passions and philosophy of integrity, she founded McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC in 2008.
As an Illinois Licensed Insurance Agent, she began by helping families pursue financial peace of mind with insurance products. Krista also gained expertise in safeguarding retirements from market volatility, in addition to life insurance and long-term care solutions.
Shortly thereafter, she passed her Series 65 exam. McBeath Financial Group was then formed and became an Illinois Registered Investment Advisory Firm. As an Investment Advisor with a securities license, Krista is a fiduciary, held to the highest ethical standard, and required to prioritize her clients' needs over her own. She is bound to provide investment advice and managed-money solutions in the best interest of her clients.
In 2018, Krista made the decision to no longer offer tax preparation services. Although her business has evolved to focus only on financial planning, investments, and insurance, her experience as a tax advisor remains a crucial part of her practice as it is incorporated into every financial plan.
Throughout her career, Krista has maintained a commitment to education, earning the designation of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) in 2015.
She is recognized as a local leader in her field, consistently being voted the area’s best Financial Planner and Investment Advisor. On a national level, she has received accolades for her Amazon best-seller, “The Generational Wealth System: A Holistic Approach to Preserving Your Wealth and Legacy”, published in 2022.
Krista is deeply committed to the Bloomington Normal community. She is a member of the Eastview Christian Church family and is an ardent supporter of The Humane Society of Central Illinois, Rutan Children’s Home, and Cornerstone Christian Academy. Mrs. McBeath resides in Bloomington with her husband Robert and daughter, Jillian.
Our Advantage
At McBeath Financial Group, we strive for a personalized client experience marked by the teamwork and consistency typically found in mid-sized firms, backed by the resources and stability of the industry's largest financial institutions.
- Concierge Service – Personalized with continuing guidance.
- Freedom to Choose –Independent Advisory Firm focused on goals, not products.
- Fiduciary – A foundation of trust, bound to place our clients’ best interests first.
- Cutting Edge Software Tools – Tech-savvy solutions for projections, guidance and reporting.
- All Inclusive Services – Financial planning, asset management, estate planning, and tax strategy.
Principles We Live By
We are fiercely dedicated to our loyal clients we have the
privilege to serve. We are uncompromising when it comes to
our high standards of excellence and our unwavering values
in wealth management services.
Relationships
Relationships
We focus on nurturing long-term relationships rather than pushing products. Our clients enjoy a relaxed atmosphere of working together over-time to develop and implement custom-fit financial strategies. We earn our customer’s loyalty and trust by our consistent commitment to the four C's: Competence, Communication, Compassion, and Candor.
Fee Transparency
Fee Transparency
We believe in fair and transparent fees that are commensurate with the extreme value we provide our clients. For qualified clients meeting account minimums, we charge on a simple fee-only basis, based upon the market value of your investments. Rarely, insurance-based solutions may be recommended, and commissions are paid by the issuing company.
Fiduciary
Fiduciary
We are ethically committed to putting our client’s best interests first. As Investment Advisor Representatives and an Independent Registered Investment Advisory Firm, we are bound to act in our clients’ best interest. The fiduciary standard is much higher than brokers/dealers and insurance agents who must adhere to the suitability standard. The latter requires only an appropriate product, not necessarily the most beneficial one for the client.
Independence
Independence
Our loyalty is to our clients only. We are not owned nor influenced by an insurance company, a bank or a wall street firm. With the freedom to choose, we have aligned with GeoWealth. As a multi-billion dollar turnkey asset management platform, GeoWealth offers access to professionally managed investment portfolios and continuous support and reporting. In addition, we have chosen Charles Schwab to act as our custodian for securely holding client assets.
Liquidity Without
Restrictive Contracts
Liquidity Without
Restrictive Contracts
We prioritize liquidity and flexibility in our money management approach, achieved through the use of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). While some insurance-based products might have contracts, with ETF investments, our clients are not tied down by long-term commitments or upfront ‘load’ fees. Instead, we strive to earn their loyalty every month through exceptional service.
Clarity of Finances
Clarity of Finances
We strive to eliminate the unknowns when it comes to our client’s finances. We unravel the details of their current financial situation before collaborating on next steps. We clearly communicate and simplify of complex data reports to ensure a thorough understanding of their finances and our recommended strategies. We provide the clarity so they always know exactly where they stand, where their investments are located, how much they have, and where they’re headed.
In The News
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Welcoming Adam Karstens
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READ FULL NEWS POSTAward-Winning Bloomington Financial Planning Office — 2025 Readers’ Choice
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Lauren Dennewitz of McBeath Financial Group Recognized in Better Business Bureau Awards for Central Illinois
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READ FULL NEWS POSTTop Bloomington Financial Planner Investment Firm
Top Bloomington Financial Planner Investment Firm
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A Community-driven Recognition in Bloomington Normal Financial Planning Services
A Community-driven Recognition in Bloomington Normal Financial Planning Services McBeath Financial Group: Honored with Three Top Awards in Bloomington Normal Financial Planning Services Categories for...
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Yahoo Finance News Highlights: Bloomington Normal Firm adds Two CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals
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READ FULL NEWS POSTThe Future of Wealth Management in Bloomington Normal
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READ FULL NEWS POSTVoted Bloomington Normal Area’s Best Financial Planning Office
Voted Bloomington Normal Area’s Best Financial Planning Office
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READ FULL NEWS POSTBeyond Retirement: Bloomington Normal News & Views Magazine Feature, May 2022
Beyond Retirement: Bloomington Normal News & Views Magazine Feature, May 2022
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READ FULL NEWS POSTKrista McBeath Author the Generational Wealth System
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READ FULL NEWS POSTVoted Bloomington Normal Area Best Financial Planner and Best Investment Firm 2020
Voted Bloomington Normal Area Best Financial Planner and Best Investment Firm 2020
Voted Bloomington Normal Area’s Best Financial Planner and Best Investment Firm for 2020! Bloomington Normal Area, we thank you once again for voting McBeath Financial...
READ FULL NEWS POSTEastside Magazine March 2020 Featured Business
Eastside Magazine March 2020 Featured Business
Planning Retirement Security with a TEAM Approach: Eastside Magazine Feature, March 2020 McBeath Financial Group was the featured business for the March 2020 issue of...
READ FULL NEWS POSTBusiness to Know 2019 Pantagraph Feature Story
Business to Know 2019 Pantagraph Feature Story
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Best Investment Firm and Financial Planner: McBeath Financial Group Chosen Again!
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READ FULL NEWS POSTPastelle Magazine October 2018 Featured Business
Pastelle Magazine October 2018 Featured Business
Passion and Purpose in Financial Services: Pastelle Magazine Feature October 2018 McBeath Financial Group was the featured cover story for the October 2018 issue of...
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McBeath Financial Group Voted as Pantagraph Reader’s Choice for Best in Financial Planning and Investment Firm
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READ FULL NEWS POSTMcBeath Financial Group Voted The Best Financial Planner by Pantagraph Readers!
McBeath Financial Group Voted The Best Financial Planner by Pantagraph Readers!
McBeath Financial Group Voted The 2017 Best Financial Planner by Pantagraph Readers! I have been busting at the seems to share this news, and now...
READ FULL NEWS POSTHealthy Cells Magazine June 2016 Featuring McBeath Financial Group
Healthy Cells Magazine June 2016 Featuring McBeath Financial Group
Growing Relationships and Investments: Healthy Cells Magazine Feature June 2016 McBeath Financial Group was the featured cover story for the June 2016 issue of Healthy...
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