Get to Know McBeath Financial Group
Our mission is to provide the individuals and families we serve with tested financial strategies, solutions, and planning that can provide financial clarity and security.
Krista McBeath, ChFC®
President • Investment Adviser Representative
Founder and President of McBeath Financial Group, Krista McBeath has a deep passion for financially preparing people for the uncertainties in life. A crucial family event led to her calling in helping families alleviate financial worries and burdens. This event led her to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Insurance at Illinois State University in 2001, along with her degree in Business Administration.
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. Although life insurance and long-term care solutions were personally important, she also developed an expertise in financial insurance products designed to help protect retirements from an unstable market.
Shortly thereafter, she passed her Series 65 to earn her securities license. 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. That means she is held to the highest standard of ethics and is bound to put her client’s needs above self-interest. As such, the series 65 license allowed her to offer investment advice and provide managed-money solutions for her clients.
In 2018, Krista made the decision to no longer prepare income tax returns. Although her business has evolved to focus only on financial planning, investments and insurance, the experience as a tax advisor remains an important part of her practice as it is incorporated into every financial plan.
Throughout her career, Krista has maintained a commitment to education and she earned the designation of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) in 2015.
Krista is a member of many professional organizations including the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the National Association of Fixed Annuities.
Krista is deeply committed to the local community. She is a member of Eastview Christian Church and is an ardent supporter of The Humane Society of Central Illinois and Rutan Children’s Home. Mrs. McBeath resides in Bloomington with her husband Robert and daughter Jillian.
Email: [email protected]
Julie Karstens, CFP®, CTFA
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ • Investment Adviser Representative
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 holds the designation of Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA). 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.
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.
Email: [email protected]
Zack Brewer, CFP®, RSSA®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ • Investment Adviser Representative
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 son, Bennett. 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.
Email: [email protected]
Lauren Dennewitz,
Financial Services Assistant
Lauren joined our office in 2019 as our Financial Services Assistant. Her previous experience working in a financial services office has allowed her to adapt quickly to this role. She will help us continue to take excellent care of our clients. Lauren’s primary role includes helping with new account paperwork, servicing client needs, communications, etc. She is excited to continue to grow with the company and has recently earned her state of Illinois insurance license.
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.
Email: [email protected]
Robert McBeath, Vice-President • Investment Adviser Representative
As Krista's husband, Robert has had a strong influence on the inception and growth of the company. With over twenty-five years of experience as an entrepreneur and business owner, his background in small business operations and leadership contribute to the organization's stability and success. As McBeath Financial Group has grown, so has his role behind the scenes in collaborating on goal-driven growth strategies and system development. His responsibilities include strategic marketing systems, accounting functions and more.
Robert is a licensed insurance agent for the state of Illinois as well as an Investment Advisor Representative.
Email: [email protected]