Podcast

Introducing Investing Insight!

We’re excited to launch a new series featuring insights from our investment professionals on topics that can impact your portfolio and your long-term financial plan. In the first episode of Investing Insight, Chief Investment Officer Jason Gunkel discusses index fund concentration, including how a small number of large companies can make up a significant portion of major market indexes. Is an index fund always as diversified as it appears?

Listen to the full first episode here.  

And be sure to check out Episode #2 by Senior Portfolio Manager Kevin McLean centered on Understanding the Current Bull Market Origins here.

Blog

Protecting Your Family & Friends from Being Scammed

By David Strege, CERTCFC, CKA®, Co-Founder & Board Member 

In August 2025, I retired from Syverson Strege only to discover that a family member was being scammed out of all their money and, ultimately, their home. It became an unplanned retirement project: taking over their finances while trying to save their house. This is a first-hand account of elder fraud, the warning signs family members should know, and practical steps to protect the people you love from financial scams.

A Will Protects Your Assets, Your Wishes, and Your Loved Ones

By Jason Gunkel CFP® CFA CAP® Chief Investment Officer

August is National Make a Will Month, making it a great time to tackle one of the most important (and the most commonly delayed) parts of a financial plan. An estimated 2/3 of American adults do not have an up-to-date will. Let’s review some of the most important reasons to have a will.

In The News

Lance Gunkel Shares Leadership Lessons in Business Record Column

What can ultrarunning teach us about leadership? For Managing Director Lance Gunkel, one lesson stands out: “Run the mile you’re in.” Focus on the next challenge, control what you can and keep moving forward, even when the finish line feels far away. Read Suzanna de Baca's full “On Leadership” column for more of Lance’s leadership lessons, as well as others in the endurance world.

Client Spotlight

We're proud to celebrate our client, Ann Menke, founder and president of Menke & Company, whose inspiring journey from helping balance the family business at her kitchen table to leading one of southeast Iowa's premier accounting firms is a testament to the power of hard work, integrity and community. Her story highlights the values that have guided her success and the lasting impact she's made on the people and communities she serves. Read more about Ann's story here. 

Disclosure: Ann Menke is a client of Syverson Strege. No compensation was provided to obtain or promote this article. This article is being shared for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation of Syverson Strege.

Events

Oct. 8: Client Appreciation Event @ The Rewind Hotel (4:30-7:30 p.m.) – featuring special guest speaker Olympic Speedskater, World Record Holder and Iowa Native Zach Stoppelmoor. Formal invitations will be mailed in the next couple of weeks.  

Oct. 15: Southeast Iowa Client Appreciation Event @ Sonny’s Other Side (3:30-6:30 p.m.) - join us for an open house-style event to celebrate our partnership! Heavy appetizers, charcuterie, and beverages will be provided. RSVP by Oct. 8 to Deb Longseth at dlongseth@syversonstrege.com or (515) 225-6000. 

Nov. 15: Power of Connection Women’s Event – Coffee & Flower Pairings @ Barista’s Bouquet in Urbandale (1-3 p.m.) - join us for an afternoon of connection and conversation, paired perfectly with coffee and beautiful blooms. We encourage you to bring a friend and make this a fun, relaxing afternoon before we head into the holiday season. Limited to the first 20 to register. Register here, or with Deb Longseth at dlongseth@syversonstrege.com or (515) 225-6000. 

Inside Look

Team Outing at Racoon River Park

Our team spent some time together at Raccoon River Park in late July for our quarterly outing to celebrate the relationships that make our team so special. We're grateful for the people behind Syverson Strege and the culture we've built together. 

Trip to Ireland (March 15-22, 2027)

If you were unable to attend our recent travel workshop or trip informational meeting, we wanted to be sure you receive details on a trip to Ireland planned for March 15-22, 2027, that includes discounted rates for Syverson Strege clients for trip bookings made by Sept. 19. You can find all of the details here. Please let us know if you have questions; we would be happy to put you in touch with the travel agency coordinating the trip. 

Spotlight: Christina Gayman, Director of Communication & Marketing

What do you enjoy most about your work at Syverson Strege?

I love knowing that the content, events and communication pieces that we create help clients and prospective clients feel more knowledgeable, informed and appreciated.

What inspired you to pursue this role?

My background as a journalist and public relations/marketing professional has served me well across a variety of industries. At Syverson Strege, what continues to inspire me is the opportunity to help tell stories that are rooted in purpose, trust, and real human connection. I’ve always been drawn to work where communications can make an impact beyond just promoting a brand. My goal is to help people feel understood, build meaningful relationships, and bring our organization’s values to life.

What’s been one of your most rewarding experiences working with clients or your team?  

Being part of a firm that genuinely cares about people, relationships, and making a difference has made this role especially fulfilling.

Out & About

Client Day at the Iowa State Fair

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Client Day at the Fair. We’re grateful for the opportunity to not only work with you, but to enjoy time together outside the office, too. Until next year!

Giving Back

Bike Build for Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa

Our team recently worked with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa to assemble 25 bikes that will help Carver Elementary School students experience the joy, freedom and confidence that comes with having a bike of their own. It was a rewarding reminder that even a few hours of teamwork can make a lasting impact on our community. Thank you to Variety for organizing such a meaningful event and for everything you do to support children and families across Iowa!