Podcast

The Quiet Comeback of Cash

Cash is paying again, but that doesn’t mean it should take over your portfolio.

In this short Finance Moment episode, Managing Director Lance Gunkel covers why cash needs a purpose, flexibility vs. growth, and the risk of holding too much.

Listen here. 

Blog

Thursday Night on the Orange Route: Purpose Through Service

Wayne Johnson, MBA, CFP®, AEP®, CAP®, Senior Financial Planner

Every Thursday evening, as the sun begins to dip over Des Moines, my wife Sandy and I load up and head toward Capitol Hill Lutheran Church. To some, a "date night" might involve a quiet booth at a steakhouse or a movie theater, but for us, it has also become about "radical hospitality."

Events

April 1: Power of Connection Women's Series - "Filing Single: The Joys and Challenges of the Seasons of Single Life," 4:30-6:30 p.m., Middlebrook Mercantile, 4125 Cumming Ave., Cumming, IA 50061. Whether starting their first job, facing divorce, navigating the loss of a spouse, or having an empty nest, women will likely face a season of singleness more than once in their lives. Join us for a panel and interactive small group discussion as we embrace our Power of Connection and empower women with shared experiences to thrive financially and emotionally in these seasons of life. Heavy appetizers and drinks will be provided. Learn more and register here.



SAVE THE DATE: May 6 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.): Document Shredding & Tech Disposal Day: Mark your calendar, and stay tuned for more details!

Financial Update

SEI and Schwab 1099 Documents

The 1099 tax forms for your Schwab and SEI investment accounts are now available. As a reminder, if your accounts were moved to SEI during 2025, you will receive 1099s from both Schwab and SEI for accounts that had taxable activity at both companies. Read the complete letter we sent via email in February here, which includes information on potential 1099 corrections timing. If you have questions, please contact your planner team at (515) 225-6000. 

Inside Look

Financial Foundations Course Wraps Its 6^th Year

A huge thank you to Chief Planning Officer Matt Roberts, Chief Investment Officer Jason Gunkel, and Financial Planner Jennifer Scheck for sharing their expertise on money, investing, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and more over two amazing evenings! Don’t miss our next FREE course! Email Deb Longseth at dlongseth@syversonstrege.com to learn more and join the list.

Office Closure

Our office will be closed on Friday, April 3 for Good Friday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, April 6.

Spotlight: Deb Longseth, Marketing Manager

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

Too many to list. The culture, give back to the community, an atmosphere of working hard and yet being able to have fun!

What inspired you to get into your current role?

In my previous job we hired Syverson Strege to help with some planned giving and I worked closely with Johnne Syverson. I mentioned to him that if he was ever looking for someone to reach out. And that was 20 years ago!

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

David Strege ingrained it in me: Live below your means.

Out and About

Unconventional Business Network City Connect Luncheon

Last month, Chief Investment Officer Jason Gunkel, Associate Financial Planner Damian Beard, and co-founder Johnne Syverson attended the Unconventional Business Networks’ City Connect luncheon. They joined other values-driven leaders to hear from Doug Hundt of Vermeer Corporation and connect with those who share a passion for purposeful leadership. Moments like these remind us how powerful it is to learn from one another and build relationships that strengthen our community.

Iowa State University Guest Lecturer

March is National Credit Education Month, and it’s never too early to learn smart money habits. Associate Financial Planner Teresa Baumann recently visited an honors finance class at Iowa State University to talk about credit scores, managing credit, budgeting, cash flow, and why saving early can make a big difference over time. We love helping the next generation build strong financial foundations!