Retirement Account Management for 401(k)s

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

A person’s 401(k) account is often one of their largest assets and these contributions can grow to a significant amount over time. Unfortunately, employees often do not get much guidance on how to invest their 401(k) money and must make many of these investment decisions on their own. So how can employees get professional advice on managing their retirement plan money?

Syverson Strege’s Core Values: Trustworthiness

By Jennifer Scheck Associate, Financial Planner

Truth is a characteristic that I esteem in my friendships and relationships. I surround myself with high achievers and “iron sharpens iron” influences. I prefer direct and honest, even at the expense of awkward or uncomfortable. Truthfulness is a selfless gift and expression of respect. It arms those making decisions with the complete picture and manifests a safe place to share vulnerably and intimately.

Interview

“Succession Planning for Farm Families and Agricultural Businesses” – Growin’ with Owen Podcast

Chief Planning Officer Matt Roberts sat down with Jason Owen on the Growin’ with Owen podcast to talk about the importance of succession planning with farmers, farm families and agribusiness owners. Matt also provides valuable insight into estate planning and how to incorporate charitable giving into your financial plan. You can listen to the full episode here. 

Podcast

FICO® Scores

FICO scores are used by 90% of top lenders and are determined by many factors. In this short Finance Moment podcast episode, Senior Associate Financial Planner Jerin Young provides the information you need to know regarding credit score makeup, how to receive your free annual credit report, and more. You can listen to the full episode here.

Inside Look

Office Closure

Our office will be closed Friday, March 29 for Good Friday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, April 1. 

Our Newest CFP® Practitioner

Congratulations to Associate Financial Planner Ryan Simpson for receiving his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation! The CFP® designation is a professional certification mark for financial planners given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

March Madness Prize Package Winner

Doug Person was the lucky winner of our NCAA Tournament Client Bracket prize package! He and his wife Peggy are Drake University superfans and have enjoyed all of the goodies and basketball-themed items we sent to them last week. Thank you to all our clients who participated this year – our goal is to host a fun March Madness watch party for clients in 2025, so stay tuned for details.

Events

Save the Date!

• April 26: Investing Fundamentals @ Syverson Strege Office; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
• May 1-3: Document Shredding Client Event @ Syverson Strege Office; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day
• May 17: Challenges of Aging: Financial Logistics at Death @ Syverson Strege Office; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
• June 20: Power of Connection Women’s Series: Financial Prep + Meal Prep @ Syverson Strege Office; 5:30-7 p.m. (heavy appetizers, beverages and meal prep ingredients will be provided)

RSVP for any – or all – of these events to Deb Longseth at (515) 225-6000 or dlongseth@onlyworkforyou.com. 

Out and About

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Mentoring for Women

Syverson Strege was proud to sponsor the 2024 West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Mentoring for Women event earlier this month featuring notable mentors from throughout the Des Moines metro. Syverson Strege Associate Financial Planner Jennifer Scheck served as a mentor speaking on the topic of “Financial Transitions: Discerning Intentional Decisions to Empower Your Future.”

Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge

Senior Financial Planner David Strege, Managing Director Lance Gunkel and Associate Financial Planners Lance Knaack and Ryan Simpson had an enriching time working with students at the recent Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge. Syverson Strege is proud to partner with Junior Achievement of Central Iowa to educate youth on financial literacy topics and help them gain experience with the stock market.