Exploring Savings Options for Cash Reserves

By Jason Gunkel, CFP®, CFA, CAP®, Chief Investment Officer

As inflation has climbed, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to try to slow down the economy and keep inflation under control. This has raised the overall level of interest rates and that can be both positive and negative. A common question is: What type of savings/investment option should I consider for cash reserves?

We’re Having a Baby! Now What? Creating a Financial Foundation for Your Children or Grandchildren

By Ben Geiger, CFP®, Financial Planner

We have all likely experienced the thrill of finding out we, or someone we know, is becoming a new parent or grandparent. As a new parent myself, I know firsthand how much joy and excitement comes with a new baby. With all the excitement, however, can come an overwhelming sense of financial responsibility as parents welcome their little one home. Taking steps now could help both you and your children or grandchildren start off on a strong financial footing. 

Market Update

Managing Director Lance Gunkel addresses the debt ceiling, the federal funds rate and inflation. What economic projections are policymakers making? Get all this information and more in our Q2 Market Update Video.

Financial Updates

Schwab Transition

As we get closer to the transition of our clients’ investment accounts from TD Ameritrade to Schwab scheduled to take place over Labor Day weekend, we will host two Schwab Client Days at our office in August to assist any clients who would like help setting up new Schwab logins in advance of the transition (you should receive notification from Schwab on or about Aug. 1 that it is time to do this). Please make a note of the following dates and register here for a timeframe when you would like to stop by to ensure your new logins are set up correctly. We recommend bringing your laptop or tablet if you have one. Note: We will have shredding bins onsite both days for clients to drop off any items they would like to shred.

• Wednesday, Aug. 9 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• Thursday, Aug. 17 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Events

SAVE THE DATE: Syverson Strege 2023 Client Appreciation Event

Mark your calendars and save the date for our Client Appreciation Event on Thursday, September 28 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa.

It’s time to celebrate and thank you, our clients, at our annual Client Appreciation Event!

Come and go as your schedule allows from 4:30-7:30 p.m. This year’s event is Hawaiian themed, and dress is resort casual. Heavy appetizers and drinks will be served.

If you’d like to register early, RSVP to Deb Longseth at 515-225-6000 or DLongseth@onlyworkforyou.com. Please mark your calendars and join us for this exciting celebration!

REGISTER TODAY!

Syverson Strege Presents the “Challenges of Aging” Luncheon Event Series:

• “Challenges of Aging: The Art of Decluttering and Downsizing”

Thursday, Aug. 24 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)  NOTE: Due to demand, this session will be held at West 48 (conference center on the first floor of the Blue Compass building), 1601 48^th St., Ste. 100, West Des Moines. There is plenty of parking, and lunch will be provided.

• “Challenges of Aging: Avoiding Scams & Protecting Your Identity”

Tuesday, Sept. 19 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

• “Challenges of Aging: Cooking for 1-2 People & Disease State Shopping/Nutrition” Tuesday, Oct. 24 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

The events are free, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided for those in attendance. Visit www.onlyworkforyou.com/resources/events to register or contact Deb Longseth at (515) 225-6000 or dlongseth@onlyworkforyou.com.

Save the Date!

Be sure to save the date for the following events: 

• Oct. 4: Pickleball with a Planner (2-4 p.m.) – Our first event in the spring was so much fun, we’re hosting another round! (details to come) 
• Oct. 17: “Is Real Estate Investing Right for You?” Luncheon (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) – Syverson Strege Office (registration and additional information to come)
• Oct. 19: Southeast Iowa Client Appreciation Event (3:30-6:30 p.m.) – Sonny’s Other Side, West Point, Iowa (details to come)

Out and About

Unconventional Business Network

Syverson Strege Financial Planner Bobby Daniels, CFP®, CIMA®, is also co-leader of the Unconventional Business Network Des Moines Forum Group. During the recent UBN City Connect luncheon, Bobby was interviewed by UBN’s Founder and CEO Rick Boxx about the work that the Des Moines Forum Group is doing in the community, and how business leaders can find a Forum Group to be part of. For more information about UBN and its Forum Groups, visit https://unconventionalbusiness.org/.

Iowa Cubs Employee Outing

The Syverson Strege team celebrated a great second quarter with a company outing to the Iowa Cubs game last week, complete with a picnic lunch and lots of fun with family and friends!