Q4 Market Update

2025 gave us plenty to talk about in the markets — and we’re breaking it all down in our Q4 / Year-End Market Recap video. From the biggest stories of the year to what we’re watching as we head into 2026, our team shares the insights you need to stay informed and confident about your financial future. Tune in to the full video here.  

Podcast

Your 2026 Financial Game Plan Starts Here

Markets change. Life happens. In our latest Finance Moment podcast, Managing Director Lance Gunkel shares simple ways to build flexibility into your plan so you can feel confident no matter what the year ahead brings. You can listen to the full episode here. 

Blog

Financial Wellness Month: Small Steps That Support a Healthier Financial Life

By Christina Gayman, APR, Director of Communications & Marketing

January is Financial Wellness Month, a timely reminder that financial health is just as important as physical and mental well-being. While the start of a new year often brings big resolutions, true financial wellness isn’t about dramatic overhauls. 

Growth Begins Where Comfort Ends

By Damian Beard, CFP®, CKA®, MBA, Associate Financial Planner

This past Thanksgiving, it became clear that sometime soon we would need to convert my son’s bed from his toddler bed to his “big boy” full-sized bed. As I watched him jump on the mattress that night, his feet nearly touching the end, the quiet reality of him growing older hit me hard.

Events

Feb. 17 & 24: Financial Foundations @ Syverson Strege Office; 5:30-7:30 p.m. both days – this free, two-part course is designed for individuals ages 18 and older. (Zoom option available.) Dinner will be provided. Learn more and register here, or RSVP to Deb Longseth at (515) 225-6000 or dlongseth@syversonstrege.com. 

March 11: Estate Planning Workshop @ Syverson Strege Office, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch will be provided). Syverson Strege’s Chief Planning Officer Matt Roberts and Noah Ridgway, attorney at Hagenow Gustoff Karas & Ridgway LLP, will lead this free workshop. If you are looking for guidance on how to get started on your estate plan or already have an estate plan and want to easily educate your family or estate executor about what you have in place, then this workshop is for you. Learn more and register here, or RSVP to Deb Longseth at (515) 225-6000 or dlongseth@syversonstrege.com.

March 19: NCAA Tournament Client Bracket Begins – stay tuned for details on how to participate.

Inside Look

Three Team Members Earn Promotions

Congratulations to three Syverson Strege team members on their recent promotions!



• Wayne Johnson, MBA, CFP®, AEP®, CAP®, was promoted to Senior Planner. He has been with the firm for 18 years.
• Deb Longseth was promoted to Marketing Manager. She has been with the firm for 20 years.
• Michaela Bradley was promoted to Associate Financial Planner. She has been with the firm for 7 months. 

Office Closure

The Syverson Strege office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16 in observation of Presidents’ Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Feb. 17. 

Spotlight: Meri Grogan, Director of Finance & Administration

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

It's incredible to hear about those “aha” moments when clarity strikes, bringing clients a newfound sense of peace and understanding. Those stories inspire me and remind me of the vital impact we have on their journeys.

What inspired you to get into your current role?

I find great satisfaction in tackling challenges, and my position at Syverson Strege really lets me put those skills to use.

What’s one piece of financial wisdom you often share with clients or live by yourself?

Don’t procrastinate when it comes to your future — take charge today! Start saving early.

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

It's so rewarding to watch my team grow in their roles and gain the confidence to make thoughtful and meaningful decisions. I also enjoy helping plan all the fun internal events for our team. 

Out and About

FBLA District Leadership Conference

We were proud to spend time at the FBLA District Leadership Conference at DMACC last month, where several of our team members served as judges for Iowa’s future business leaders. Supporting students as they sharpen their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills is one of our favorite ways to give back to the community.