Bluestem Financial Advisors, LLC

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...

04/25/2026

This year Bluestem sponsored a mile at the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, which gave us a front row seat to cheer on our very own Jake Kuebler in his first marathon!!

What a fun and inspiring way to spend a Saturday morning! 🏃‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️

04/10/2026

Today we're wearing blue in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Champaign County CASA.

04/08/2026

We've added some really cool art pieces to our office recently, thanks to a generous donation by one of our clients, and love what they have added to our space.

Our Bluestem community is filled with thoughtful people who care deeply about culture, creativity, and the places they call home, and it includes many who are involved in the arts in a variety of ways. In fact, some of them are showing their work at Boneyard Arts Festival, which begins tomorrow!

If you’ve visited the Bluestem office recently, you may have noticed a few new pieces of artwork on the wall.

04/03/2026

We’re ready to cheer on Fighting Illini Men's Basketball tomorrow!!🏀🏀🏀

I-L-L!! 🧡💙