News & Views
March 25, 2022
Sell or Hold? The Dilemma With My 1986 Michael Jordan
Rookie Card
By Lance Gunkel, CFP®, CFA, Managing Director
I am a collector. 
 
Over the years I’ve started (and abandoned) many collections, including stickers, pens and pencils, buttons, Boston Celtics memorabilia, coins, and sports trading cards. 
 
Like many boys, baseball cards were… 
Why Most Farmers Need a Financial Planner
By Matt Roberts, MFM, CFP®, CAP®, Chief Planning Officer, Financial Planner
In Iowa, we are surrounded by some of the best and most valuable farmland in the world. Last October, according to agweb.com, land in Johnson County sold for $26,000 per acre!

Farms have been passed down through multiple generations and are part of the heritage of many families whether they still live on or off the farm. This could change in the future as the average age of a farmer in the U.S. is… 
Inside Look
Do you have an NCAA men’s basketball tourney bracket this year? Most of the Syverson Strege employees do, thanks to Ben Geiger who is the “point guard” for coordinating everything NCAA. Ben sets up the brackets, team draft, and “PICKS” League so everyone can enjoy the competition.
 
The traveling trophy is currently in Jason Gunkel’s office and will be awarded to the 2022 winner to proudly display at his or her workstation.

Aside from the basketball action, have you ever wondered how much a 4-year college degree costs at each of the teams represented? Click here to find out!  

Several Syverson Strege alumni will be rooting for their college teams! The following colleges have one or more alumni represented in our office. 
We're Hiring!
Client Service Associate 

The Client Service Associate supports the firm’s objective of building caring relationships that empower those we serve to lead fulfilling lives. They help accomplish this by providing operational and administrative support to Financial Planners and Associate Financial Planners in the development of comprehensive financial plans and service to our clients.
 
If you know of anyone who would like to apply, have them please email a copy of their resume and why they are interested in the job to Ben Geiger at bgeiger@onlyworkforyou.com.
Part-time Administrative Assistant 

The Administrative Assistant supports the firm’s objective of building caring relationships that empower those we serve to lead fulfilling lives. They help accomplish this by providing operational and administrative support to Financial Planners, Associate Financial Planners, and the Administrative Team. This is a part-time role offering a flexible schedule. 

If you know of anyone who would like to apply, have them please email a copy of their resume and why they are interested in the job to Ben Geiger at bgeiger@onlyworkforyou.com.
Events
10th Annual Shred-it
 
It’s time for some spring cleaning! Our 10th Annual Shred-it will be held on April 27-29 from 9AM–3PM each day.
 
For new clients who have not heard about our Shred-it event, it’s a free service we provide as a way to help you keep your information private, secure, and confidential. The shredding service is provided to safely and effectively destroy your unwanted or unneeded documents.
 
Take advantage of this great added-value service by stopping by our office on April 27-29 to get rid of documents that have piled up. We’ll have refreshments and prizes too!
Save the Date
Financial Foundations…financial coaching for the next generation.
 
Syverson Strege will be offering your children and/or grandchildren, ages 20-40, free financial education (two courses) on June 2 and 9. Course content includes the purpose of money, spending, savings planning, taxes, insurance, investments, estate planning, and charitable giving. More details to come!
New Video
Money Memories - Megan Geary

How did a tearful goodbye influence Accounting Assistant Megan Geary’s first purchase?

Watch our new video to learn:
  • how Megan’s parents taught her how to allocate her babysitting wages.
  • about Megan’s emotional first purchase.
  • how Megan is using her money to make memories.
  • what money lessons Megan is teaching her children. 

Megan’s money memory video is a must-see!
Out and About
Kingdom Advisors
Cofounder and Senior Financial Planner David Strege and Senior Associate Financial Planner Jerin Young recently returned from the Kingdom Advisors’ “Redeeming Money” conference. Kingdom Advisors helps those in the financial industry integrate God’s view of money into their faith and work practices. 
West Des Moines & Clive Chambers of Commerce: Women in Mentoring
Jennifer Scheck, Jerin Young, Julie Summa, and Kara Knaack attended the West Des Moines and Clive Chambers of Commerce: Women in Mentoring event. Attendees got to listen to a wide range of topics from humble leadership, establishing a personal brand, to the art of saying “no.” Syverson Strege is thankful to be able to invest and encourage its employees. 
Financial Planning and Counseling Class
Senior Associate Financial Planner Ben Geiger spoke to a class of Financial Planning and Counseling majors at Iowa State University. The professor’s purpose in having Ben speak was to connect students with professionals in the community. Ben was able to share some of his personal experiences, education, and career path. He was also able to give some advice and recommendations to students entering the financial industry.
 
According to Iowa State’s website, “the Financial Counseling and Planning program is a CFP Board-Registered Program that meets specific criteria for educating individuals who wish to fulfill the education component for obtaining CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification. Earning the CFP® professional designation prepares you to be a more accomplished and effective adviser by providing the knowledge, credibility, and expertise needed to set you apart.”
Faith at Work in Iowa
Lance Gunkel, Deb Longseth, and guests of Syverson Strege attended the recent Faith at Work in Iowa luncheon. The event featured author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach, Nicole Unice. She is the author of the book Miracle Moment and spoke on how “Tough Conversations Can Transform Relationships.” Syverson Strege is a sponsor of Faith at Work in Iowa, a Christian nonprofit helping business leaders strengthen their commitment to follow biblical principles in the workplace. 
Philanthropy
Stock Market Challenge
Syverson Strege was a sponsor of the Junior Achievement of Central Iowa’s Stock Market Challenge. Syverson Strege employees, Wayne Johnson, Lance Knaack, and Ryan Simpson, had an enriching time working with students to help educate youth on financial literacy topics and gain experience with the stock market.
 
The Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge is an exciting, fast-paced competition that provides high school students and corporate sponsors the opportunity to participate in a day of simulated stock trading. Students participate in 60, one-minute trading days where they learn to buy and sell stocks with analysis and risk. 
Meals Madness Drive
Syverson Strege partnered with Meals from the Heartland for their “Meals Madness Drive” with a financial donation. The donation will feed 8 children for one year. 
Podcast

Associate Financial Planner, Lance Knaack, reminds listeners the importance of a family budget and controlling where your money goes each month.
Market Update - Special Ukraine Edition

Find out how the Russian invasion of Ukraine may affect the economy and your investment portfolios in this special edition of Syverson Strege’s Market Update.