News & Views

October 25, 2022

Articles

Why “The Pit” is Important to Our Clients

by Jerin Young, CFP®, CKA®, Senior Associate Financial Planner

For most of my time working at Syverson Strege, my workplace has been my cubicle in, what we all lovingly refer to as, “the pit.”

 

According to the Webster Dictionary, a pit is ... 

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Why You Need a Will Whether You Live or Die

by Michael Murkins, CFP®, Senior Associate Financial Planner

Are wills and estate planning just for the rich? No, but that is the perception of many.

 

There is no minimum level of wealth required to have an estate plan, and every adult should ...

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Inside Look

New Babies!

In February, we featured the "junior staffers" (new babies) who were arriving this year. Almost all the junior staffers have arrived except for Ben and Anne Geiger’s baby due in January. Tyler Conley, Mike Murkins, Jerin Young, and Jason Gunkel all welcomed new little ones. Congratulations to all the growing families!

Healthiest State Walk and Team Bike Riding

Syverson Strege enjoys combining the opportunity to be physically active and stay socially connected! The Syverson Strege “Going the Distance” team was recently able to enjoy the cooler temperatures and participated in the Healthiest State Initiative’s 12th Annual Walk. Additionally, employees also rode their bikes on the Waukee trailhead all the way to The Handlebar restaurant in Dallas Center as another opportunity to be active.

Happy Anniversary Syverson Strege!

On October 1, Syverson Strege officially celebrated 25 years in business! In case you didn’t see it, we released this video on October 1 thanking you, our clients, for a successful 25 years.

Events

Client Appreciation Event

We enjoyed the opportunity to thank our clients at our Client Appreciation Event on September 22. This year’s event was especially memorable as we celebrated Syverson Strege’s 25th anniversary and recognized Johnne Syverson’s achievements and upcoming retirement. A big “thank you” to our clients and to Johnne for making this event extra special!

Going Pro

Going Pro! Come and hear about Moulaye Niang’s journey of how key people encouraged and inspired him to succeed in basketball and in life!


About Moulaye:

From growing up in a small town in Senegal, West Africa to playing basketball at the University of Kansas, Moulaye Niang has learned the importance of having a belief system, following a process, and connecting with people.


  • Youngest of eight children
  • Almost quit basketball because he had no shoes
  • Came to America to play basketball at age 16 without knowing English
  • Played under both legends Roy Williams and Bill Self at Kansas


Watch this short video about Moulaye.

Also, at the event – prizes, refreshments, and Q&A with Moulaye and Chief Investment Officer Jason Gunkel!

Join Syverson Strege and Moulaye Niang either in person or virtually for this free event on November 9 from 3:30-5:00 PM.

 

Register by clicking the button below or calling or emailing Deb Longseth at 515-225-6000 or DLongseth@onlyworkforyou.com.

Register

Save the Date – Dec. 9 – It’s a Wrap!

Save the date for our new holiday gift wrapping event – It’s A Wrap! Little elves will be standing by ready to wrap your holiday gifts on December 9, from 10am-3pm at the Syverson Strege office!

 

As a service to our clients, we’ll be delighted to wrap your holiday gifts!

  • Bring your holiday gifts to be wrapped (please bring your gifts already boxed and ready to wrap).
  • The elves (Syverson Strege employees) will wrap your holiday gifts!
  • Refreshments will be served.
  • This free event is for clients only.



If you don’t have gifts to wrap, stop by anyway to join in the holiday cheer!

The DIRTT Project LIVE!

Syverson Strege is thrilled to be a sponsor for the upcoming DIRTT Project LIVE! along with providing an instructor, our own Chief Planning Officer Matt Roberts. And you are invited to attend!

What is The DIRTT Project LIVE?

The DIRTT Project LIVE! is a hands-on intensive workshop taught by professionals in farm succession planning.

Who should attend?

Families who own and operate farms, ranches, and agribusinesses in transition.

 

When?

December 7-9

 

Where?

The Rewind West Des Moines, 6075 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266


Why attend?

The DIRTT Project LIVE! will provide valuable guidance whether you are just beginning to think about succession planning or have already begun and need support.

 

What will you learn?

During The DIRTT Project LIVE! you will:

  • learn how to jump-start the succession planning process for your operation.
  • create a plan to ensure that your heirs and successors are ready to lead and work effectively together.
  • learn how to address family disharmony.
  • learn how to choose your professional team and hold them accountable.
  • have one-on-one access to professionals with knowledge in farm succession planning.
  • network with and learn from other farmers in transition.
  • have formulated an action plan to execute when you get back to your farm.


The full conference agenda can be found here.

Out and About

DMARC Lunch and Learn

Director of Marketing and Communications Julie Summa attended the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network’s lunch and learn and toured their new facility. Stats about increased food pantry use and demographics were shared in a presentation. Chief Planning Officer Matt Roberts serves on a DMARC committee and Syverson Strege corporately supports the food pantry.

Red Shield Symposium

Syverson Strege hosted The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Symposium, a webcast focusing on bringing together donor advisors to learn the latest on estate planning and the effects legislation has on charitable donations. Syverson Strege employees who attended received Continuing Education credits.

Crucial Conversations

The Syverson Strege team participated in a one-day training to learn skills for conducting crucial conversations to enhance workplace relationships, accountability, and collaboration.

Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council (MIPGC)

Johnne Syverson was featured on a panel at the most recent MIPGC meeting. Johnne’s knowledge of tax-efficient charitable giving tools is utilized by donors and nonprofits nationwide.

Holiday

Thanksgiving

The Syverson Strege office will be closed Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 in observance of Thanksgiving. We will return to the office on Monday, November 28.

Philanthropy

Can Play’s Game for Good

It was a great day at Principal Park! Syverson Strege had a great time cheering on former Business Development Director Adam Steen at the Can Play’s Game for Good, a charity slow-pitch softball game. This annual fundraiser helps support programs adapted for those with financial, physical, cognitive, emotional, or chronic health care barriers to play. Can Play has posted a Game for Good recap on their Facebook page. Syverson Strege is blessed to support this worthwhile nonprofit!

Podcast

Income Tax Update

Are you aware of the upcoming personal income and retirement income tax changes in Iowa? Listen to how these tax changes might apply to you in this short Finance Moment mini-podcast by Associate Financial Planner Lance Knaack.

Market Update - 3rd Quarter

What is the biggest risk to the economy? What should you do with your investments now? How many more times might the Feds raise interest rates? Find out the answers and more from Chief Investment Officer Jason Gunkel in our new 3rd Quarter Market Update Video.

Syverson Strege
4125 Westown Parkway, Suite 104
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-225-6000
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