Free Alton Event to Answer Tax Strategy Questions for Retirees

Our Daily Show Interview! Lunch & Learn With Stephens Planning and Tomerlin on 6-5

ALTON - Community members can learn more about tax strategies for retirees and aspiring retirees at an upcoming free lunch-and-learn.

At 12 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at The Wedge Innovation Center in Alton, Curtis Stephens with Stephens Planning and Daniel Smith with Tomerlin Bookkeeping will answer questions about taxes and retirement planning. Both men expressed their excitement to help people get the answers they need.

“This is for you if you’re tired of leaving money on the table unnecessarily and unknowingly,” Stephens said. “We really want to educate the community. I can speak for myself and, I believe, Tomerlin Bookkeeping when I say we’re tired of people just giving money to the government when they don’t have to.”

The free, 40-minute event includes lunch and encourages people to ask questions. Stephens and Smith hope for an intimate setting so they can give attendees the information they need to manage their finances.

At Stephens Planning, Stephens and his team “bring the fiduciary side” to the conversation. They aim to “help people make money” through tax minimization, life planning and more.

Tomerlin Bookkeeping helps people complete and manage their taxes. The two local businesses regularly collaborate to assist clients.

“Taxes don’t have to be scary,” Smith said. “They typically aren’t the most entertaining thing for those who are not in the profession, or for those of us who are, sometimes. But I would say that’s the ultimate goal, to make it more effective for [people] in regards to how it’s understood and how it’s presented to them so that they can make more relevant long-term decisions.”

Both Stephens and Smith are interested in helping their clients so they can have more secure financial futures. They emphasized that this urge to help is at the heart of what they do and the main reason why they planned the lunch-and-learn.

“It’s about connecting with people and serving first,” Stephens explained. “I’m called to make a difference, not a living. As long as I’m helping people and connecting, I don’t have to worry about my business surviving. That’s my favorite part, being able to connect with people and actually help them in a real way.”

Stephens and Smith promised that the event will not be “a bunch of Excel spreadsheets the whole time,” but rather an open dialogue for attendees to ask their questions. Whether you’re retired, retiring soon, or planning to retire eventually, they believe the lunch-and-learn will share valuable information.

For more information about the event or to secure your spot, visit the official Stephens Planning website or click here.

This Featured Article is sponsored by Stephens Planning. To get your business or organization featured on www.Riverbender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

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