Bluestem Financial Advisors, LLC

10/27/2026

Recently, we’ve connected with State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA), an advocacy group for those participating in SURS, as there is great overlap in those we serve. Bluestem will be offering a series of webinars to SUAA members, as part of the ongoing educational opportunities they offer.

We reached out to Bryan Soudy, Executive Director of SUAA, and asked him to share a bit about the organization and the work that they do.

Since our founding in 1999, Bluestem has forged a strong connection with those in higher education in our community. We have worked with, and continued to work with, many university professionals as they navigate retirement decisions within the State Universities Retirement System (SURS), and as a r

10/06/2026

Our team had a great time connecting with future financial planning professionals at Department of ACE - University of Illinois Financial Planning Career Day!

09/23/2026

Check out those sharp looking jerseys! We are proud to support Illinois FC, and congratulate all who competed in last weekend's tournament.

At Bluestem we believe that good financial planning should help families use their resources intentionally to support what matters most. Sometimes that looks like supporting our kids as they pursue a sport they love, as we are making progress toward everything else our families hope to accomplish.

If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your family balance today's opportunities with tomorrow's goals, and make informed financial decisions, we'd love to connect with you.

09/16/2026

It is easy to focus only on savings, insurance, or investment accounts when thinking about long term care. Those pieces matter, but they are not the whole picture. It’s important to not overlook the everyday habits that can reduce the likelihood, timing, or severity of a future care need.

Planning for long-term care (LTC) is challenging because it asks us to plan for a future we cannot predict. Some people never need formal care, while others need help for many years. That uncertainty can make the conversation tempting to avoid, but it is also why preparation matters. It is easy to

09/04/2026

This past month, students from pre-K through higher ed headed back to the classroom, as did many of our clients! It had us reflecting on our college coursework, and what classes we wish we would have taken. What would class would you go back and take if you could? Astronomy? Anthropology? Art Appreciation?

This past month, students from pre-K through higher ed headed back to the classroom, as did many of our clients! I have two college students, and I’m always fascinated to hear about the classes they are taking. Sometimes, I’m a little jealous. I often find myself saying “gosh, I wish I could t...

08/19/2026

The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) can be complex at times. What does it mean to be Tier 1 versus Tier 2? How does that affect one’s benefits? Does it matter for a participant who is in the Retirement Savings Program (RSP)?

Bluestem can assist in assessing choices around retirement readiness, help determine how your SURS benefits fit into your financial picture, and can provide education on the terminology and options of the SURS system. Schedule a call to learn more about our services!

The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) can be complex at times. What does it mean to be Tier 1 versus Tier 2? How does that affect one’s benefits? Does it matter for a participant who is in the Retirement Savings Program (RSP)?  Know that Tier 1 vs Tier

06/26/2026

This morning Jake presented Reimagining Retirement Beyond the Workplace at the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA) Annual Conference, with the support of some of our Bluestem Team.

We're grateful for the opportunity to connect with SUAA and share the knowledge we've gained over years of working with clients in higher education, particularly those who participate in the State University Retirement System (SURS).

06/16/2026

Being made an executor for someone in your life is an important responsibility and may feel a bit daunting. However, taking steps now to get organized and prepared can help the role feel more manageable, and ease the ex*****on of necessary tasks when the time comes.

Being made an executor for someone in your life is an important responsibility and may feel a bit daunting. However, taking steps now to get organized and prepared can help the role feel more manageable, and ease the ex*****on of necessary tasks when the time comes. An executor is a person, name

05/20/2026

It’s May, and here at Bluestem we are coming up for air after the busyness of tax season, and the energy of the office has shifted.

Those of you working in higher education may be feeling this as well. Classes are wrapping up, campus energy shifts, and there’s a natural pause before summer really begins.

It’s one of the few times in the year where things feel just a little less compressed, and that creates space.

It’s May, and here at Bluestem we are coming up for air after the busyness of tax season, and the energy of the office has shifted. Those of you working in higher education may be feeling this as well. Classes are wrapping up, campus energy shifts, and there’s a natural pause before summer reall...

04/27/2026

We're hiring! If you (or someone you know) are drawn to meaningful work, great clients, and a collaborative team that truly lives its values, we’d love to connect. Take a look and help us spread the word!

The Associate Financial Planner supports clients by preparing high‑quality financial planning analysis, building projections, executing trades, preparing tax returns, and ensuring meeting materials are accurate, organized, and ready. This role is designed for someone starting their financial plann...