Communicate with Us
 
 

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: 

TELEPHONE // 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 or Susan if you would like to access this means of communicating with David or Darrell.

Please continue to reach us via our general office number 815-842-4393 (consider adding Douglass Financial to your phone contacts). From there, we are able to direct you to our Bloomington office and/or directly to the person you would like to reach.

 
Laura Myers
100 Women for Good Bloomington-Normal
 
 

100 Women for Good Bloomington-Normal is an impactful organization with a very simple concept. Gather 100 women, who are each willing to donate $100 three times a year to local nonprofit organizations. Selected local nonprofits promote their mission at a meeting and the members vote that night on who will receive $10,000. Such a HUGE impact. Chapters are popping up across the country, so if don't live in the area, you might find a local group. To learn more, check out their website: 100womenforgoodbn.org

 
Laura Myers
Open Enrollment Changes
 
 

The Medicare Open Enrollment is once again upon us. As it pertains to prescription drug coverage this means good news for some, with “not so good news” for others.

In 2024, the maximum out-of-pocket expense for an individual was $8,000. This meant that a person could be responsible for up to $8,000 towards the cost of their medicines during the course of the year. The Prescription Drug Plan would pick up the cost of the rest of the medicines at 100%.

For 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed by Congress, mandated that the Part D maximum for which a person could be responsible has been reduced to $2,000, after which the insurance company would then pick up the balance.

Unfortunately, to offset their potential increase in financial responsibility, the insurance companies have not taken this quietly. Many of you will see large increases in your premiums or higher co-pays toward the cost of your medicines than you experienced in 2024. For those with significant drug costs the difference between the $8,000 and the $2,000 maximum out-of-pocket could result in a significant savings in 2025. By the same token, individuals who take very few medications (if any) will probably not be happy with the increase in premiums. You can see why Medicare beneficiaries would have differing opinions regarding this change.

One other piece of information is that the dreaded “donut hole” will no longer be in existence. Once you’ve reached the $2,000 level, everything will be covered at 100%. It is that simple. My recommendation is that you shop around until you find the plan most suitable for your needs.

 
Laura Myers
Perspectives Class
 
 

We have some exciting news to share: God has provided a way to relaunch the Perspectives Class in Bloomington-Normal! Starting on Tuesday evening, January 21, 2025, and continuing for 15 weeks, Perspectives is an interactive study program rooted in Scripture clarifying each believer's remarkable opportunity to co-labor with God in his global purpose.

Connie and Darrell were fortunate to be a part of this life-changing class in the Spring of 2023 in Peoria and are so excited to see what God is ready to do in the lives of others in the Bloomington-Normal area.  Leveraging a diverse mix of well-respected national and local teachers, weekly readings and impactful group experiences, Perspectives becomes a launching pad for participants to further explore God's calling in their lives as it relates to reaching others.

Connie and Darrell are overseeing recruitment and would love to give you (or your church) more information…just let us know if you have interest.  And here is the place you can go to easily sign up or get online information:  https://perspectives.org/courses/normal-il-s25/

 
Laura Myers
Upcoming Fall & Winter Events
 
 

Looking for something fun to add to the calendar this Fall and Winter? Look no further! We’ve gathered a few highlights:

BLOOMINGTON
Treat Fest in Uptown Normal | Thursday, October 24 5:00-6:30pm

Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market | Saturday, October 26 7:30am-12:00pm| Downtown Bloomington

November First Friday | Friday, November 1 5:00pm- 8:00pm | Downtown Bloomington

Holiday Makers Market | Sunday, November 10 10:00am-2:30pm | Destihl Brewery

46th Annual Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 28 9:00am-11:00am | Miller Park

December First Friday | Friday, December 6 5:00pm- 8:00pm | Downtown Bloomington

Women's Christmas Celebration | Saturday, December 7 8:00-11:00am | DoubleTree Hotel

Wild Lights at the Zoo | Saturday, December 7 5:00-8:00pm| Miller Park Zoo

PONTIAC

2024 Family Fall Festival | Saturday, October 26 3:00-6:00pm | Oaks at Rivers Edge Golf Course

Happy Fall Ya'll Street Festival | Saturday, October 26 3:00-6:00pm | Downtown Pontiac

Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade | Friday, November 29 | Downtown Pontiac

 
Laura Myers