Our office is always looking to provide the most reliable and efficient ways to communicate with you. Here is a brief recap of the various ways we can be reached: 

TTELEPHONE // Pontiac: 815-842-4393 // Bloomington: 309-290-3743 If no one is available to answer your call, you can always leave a voice message which we will receive and forward to the appropriate person in order to respond to you in a timely manner. 

E-MAIL // All our staff have an email address that is part of a Transport Layer Security (TLS) platform that allows us to send and receive messages in a secure manner. When we need to communicate non-public information electronically with you, we utilize the TLS system by using the words “secure” in the subject. Remember that if you are sending or returning any non-public information to our office, you must send the information in a secure manner from your own email program. 

TEXT MESSAGES // Both of our advisors can receive and send text messages using HEARSAY RELATE Business text messaging. Please remember that text messages are NOT ENCRYPTED and should therefore not contain confidential information. Please contact Denise if you would like to access this means of communicating with David or Darrell.

Protecting client data remains one of our top priorities. As part of an important security enhancement, the Email option for receiving Onetime Passcodes (OTP) for NetXInvestor will be removed in a future update and will no longer be supported.  Updates are strongly encouraged to help ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted access for clients. You can update your NetXInvestor OTP delivery method to one either SMS/Text or Phone Call. See this blog for step-by-step instruction.

After 11 years as our Client Touch & Community Building Manager, Susan Strubhar will be stepping away at the end of July.

We are beyond grateful for her smile at the front desk, her attention to detail at every event, and the love she has poured into her time at Douglass Financial. While we’re sad to say goodbye, we’re sure we’ll see her at upcoming events in the future! Be sure to wish her well the next time you see her!

Beginning in August, you can expect to see Laura Myers’s name come for various things and occasionally at our front desk in Bloomington.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is simply technology designed to help computers do tasks that usually require human thinking. You may already be using AI without realizing it, whether through voice assistants, navigation apps, or customer service chat tools.

While AI is becoming more common, there’s no need to feel intimidated. Think of it as a helpful tool, like a calculator or a smartphone, that can make everyday tasks easier. It can help you find information quickly, stay connected with family, or even learn something new.

At the same time, it’s important to use wisdom and discernment. Not everything you see or hear online is accurate, whether it comes from AI or people. Be cautious about sharing personal information, double-check important details, and rely on trusted sources when making decisions.

With a balanced approach, confidence paired with caution, you can feel confident using this new technology safely and even enjoy the benefits it brings to your daily life.

Spring and Summer are perfect times to get out and enjoy our community. Here are some fun Central Illinois outdoor activities for you to enjoy.

• First Friday in downtown Bloomington runs from 5:00-8:00pm the first Friday of every month. Browse art galleries, shop at local retailers & enjoy several dining options. downtownbloomington.org 

• 18th Annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival in Pontiac is Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3.  visitpontiac.org

• Sugar Grove Nature Center at Funks Grove has trails & educational events. Stroll back to the Chapel in the Trees for a peaceful experience. sugargrovenaturecenter.org

• Bloomington Farmers' Market is a producer only market. The Outdoor Farmers' Market is open every Saturday May-October from 7:30am to noon. downtownbloomington.org

• Parklands Foundation has several hiking trails to explore. The Bluebells are in full bloom the end of April/early May. parklandsfoundation.org