Blog

A Lesson in Preparedness: The Value of Having the Right Support

By Damian Beard, CFP®, Financial Planner

I recently took a family trip to Winter Park, Colo., with the goal of skiing with my wife’s 91-year-old grandmother. While the trip was enjoyable overall, one experience stood out that I feel is worth sharing.

Podcast

Long-Term Care Insurance

Did you know that 70% of people older than 65 will need some form of long-term care? The big question is, how will you pay for it? In our latest Finance Moment podcast episode, Chief Planning Officer Matt Roberts shares the important factors to consider. You can listen to the full episode here. 

Financial Updates

Charles Schwab 1099s

All of the 1099s have been issued by Charles Schwab. Please contact us if you need any assistance retrieving them from your accounts, or if you would like us to send them directly to your tax preparer.

Renaissance E-Filing for Charitable Trusts

Beginning with the 2024 tax filing season, the IRS is allowing Renaissance (your charitable trust administrator) to e-file your trust's tax return to make this process more efficient and seamless for you. Renaissance has already sent you an email from the address efile@reninc.com with next steps. See the original email notice about this from our team here. 

In the News

Approaching Financial Decisions When Navigating Market Volatility

Chief Planning Officer Matt Roberts recently spoke with Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network about the importance of having a strong knowledge base when it comes to economic news, and how staying the course could be in your best interest. Tune in to the podcast episode here. 

Events

• March 28: Client Bingo Social @ Syverson Strege Office; 1:30-2:30 p.m. Join us for a fun bingo event, catch up with old friends and make new ones, and play for the chance to win prizes! Please RSVP here so we know how many players to plan for.

• April 5: Easter Egg Hunt @ Syverson Strege Office (green space near the northeast corner of the building); 2-4 p.m. Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to our stress-free Easter Egg hunt. Children will be given an egg carton; they will collect 12 eggs and then redeem them for a prize. We will also have spring-themed activities and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Please RSVP here so we know how many children to plan for.
• April 8: State Historical Building Behind-the-Scenes Tour, 10 a.m.; RSVP required as tour is limited to 12 individuals (first-come, first-served); Did you know that the State Historical Society of Iowa owns and curates more than 80,000 items relating to our state's history? Come join Kay Coats from the curation team as we explore the vaults of the Museum and peek at some of those treasures. You'll be able to hear about the collection policy and what it takes to keep the collection in good condition, as well as ask questions. RSVP to DLongseth@onlyworkforyou.com.com. 
• May 7-9: Document Shredding & Tech Disposal Days @ Syverson Strege Office, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. all three days. More details to come on permitted tech items for recycling. 
• May 21: Retiree Coffee Meetup @ Syverson Strege Office, 8:30 a.m.; If you have recently retired, or are retiring soon, connect with others in the same life phase, complete with coffee and pastries. RSVP to DLongseth@onlyworkforyou.com.com.
• June 17 & June 24, 2025: Financial Foundations - Financial Coaching for the Next Generation: Created by the Syverson Strege team, Financial Foundations is a financial education course to learn more about the purpose of money, spending, investing, savings, income taxes, insurance, estate planning, and charitable giving. This two-part course will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. on both dates at the Syverson Strege office. Dinner will be provided. Registration is limited to the first 30 individuals or family units. Register for this free, two-part course here. 

Inside Look

Geigers Welcome Their Second Daughter

Financial Planner Ben Geiger and his wife Anne welcomed their second daughter, Ava Lynn, in mid-February. She joins big sister Hallie. Congratulations, Ben!

Welcome to our spring intern Michaela Bradley! 

Michaela Bradley, a senior at Iowa State University majoring in financial counseling and planning, will spend the remainder of her senior year as an intern with the Syverson Strege team. She will primarily work alongside our CSA team; and you may see or hear from her as part of her role. Welcome, Michaela! 

Financial Foundations Course

We had about 20 individuals join us in February for our free Financial Foundations course, which teaches about the purpose of money, spending, investing, savings, income taxes, insurance, estate planning and charitable giving. Chief Planning Officer Matt Roberts, Chief Investment Officer Jason Gunkel and Associate Financial Planner Jennifer Scheck dedicated two evenings to delivering this content and sharing their professional experience. 

Office Closure

The Syverson Strege office will be closed Good Friday, April 18. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, April 21.

Out and About

West Des Moines Chamber Annual Dinner

Syverson Strege was proud to sponsor this year's West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Wild, Wild West Annual Dinner, held at the Val Air Ballroom. Several team members and their guests were in attendance, and as evidenced by the sold-out crowd, the city is energized to continue growing businesses and community!

Client Philanthropy Spotlight

If you are passionate about an organization and its mission, and would be open to having it profiled in our monthly newsletter, please contact Director of Communications & Marketing Christina Gayman at cgayman@onlyworkforyou.com.