Finance Moment Podcast

In our newest Finance Moment podcast episode, Associate Financial Planner Lance Knaack breaks down what higher interest rates mean for farmers, landowners, and agricultural financing — from borrowing costs to land values and operational planning.

Listen to the full episode here.

Q3 Market Update Video

The market rally continued in the third quarter, with both U.S. and international stocks posting strong gains and bond markets benefiting from lower interest rates. In our latest Market Update video, Chief Investment Officer Jason Gunkel shares insights on:

• The impact of the new tax bill and Federal Reserve rate cuts
• What’s driving international market strength
• The growing concentration in U.S. stocks (“Magnificent Seven”)
•  How our investment team is positioning portfolios moving forward

Watch the full update below. 

Events

• Financial Wisdom for Women: Tools to Plan, Protect and Prosper: Nov. 4 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.), Syverson Strege Office; Join us for an empowering lunchtime session designed to help women take charge of their financial future. Through engaging and approachable conversation, you’ll learn strategies to:

o  Create a clear plan aligned with your goals and values

o  Protect yourself and your family through life’s changes

o  Prosper with greater financial confidence and clarity

Bring your questions for an inspiring, informative session focused on your financial well-being. Lunch will be provided. RSVP here.



• Client Bingo Social: Nov. 14 (1:30-2:30 p.m.), Syverson Strege Office; 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. 

• Santa is Coming to Syverson Strege: Dec. 6 (2-4 p.m.), Syverson Strege Office; Get ready for some holiday cheer! Enjoy treats, kids’ crafts, holiday movies and photos with Santa! Please RSVP here so we have an accurate count for activities and treats.

•  It’s a Wrap: Dec. 12 (9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), Syverson Strege Office; Free gift-wrapping event for clients. Refreshments will be served. RSVP here to have your gifts wrapped.

Inside Look

Vote for Us!

Syverson Strege is working to bring home the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce “Best of the West” award for Best Wealth Management Company for the third year in a row, and we need your help! Between now and the end of the day on Friday, Oct. 31, please visit https://wdmchamber.org/best-of-the-west/ and write in Syverson Strege as your vote for Best Wealth Management Company (category #97). You can vote once per day from both your computer and your mobile device. Note: You do not have to fill in every category to submit. We appreciate your vote!

2026 Syverson Strege Calendars

The 2026 Syverson Strege calendars are here! If you requested to have a calendar mailed to you last year, we will mail one to you again this year. If you would like one mailed to you, please contact Deb Longseth at dlongseth@SyversonStrege.com or (515) 225-6000. You can also pick one up in our office lobby. 

Congratulations, Deb Longseth!

Congratulations to Client Service Specialist Deb Longseth for completing the Academy of Leadership program through Executive Women International (EWI), which Deb has been a member of for 10 years. The Academy of Leadership (AOL) coursework and programming is a way of continually empowering members and their firms to learn, grow, and personify leadership with their work environments and in their personal lives.

We are proud of the commitment Deb has made over the past four years to achieve this goal! 

Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s 15^th Annual Walk

Our team joined Iowans across the state earlier this month for the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative 15th Annual Walk. Taking time to step away from our desks and move together is just one way we support wellness and connection in our workplace.

Office Closure

The Syverson Strege office will be closed Nov. 26 for a team volunteer event, and Nov. 27-28 to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, Dec. 1.

Philanthropy

Wild Boar Challenge for Charity

Several Syverson Strege team members took on the 5-mile Wild Boar Challenge for Charity last month — and crushed it!

• Participants: Michaela Bradley, Nicole Tripp, Wayne Johnson & Lance Gunkel
• Volunteers: Tracy White and Shannon Smith

The Wild Boar Challenge supports Wildwood Hills Ranch, which provides transformative programs, leadership training, job skills, and equine therapy for youth and at-risk veterans. We’re proud to get muddy for a great cause and support organizations making a difference in our community! 

100 Men on a Mission Golf Tournament

We were proud to sponsor the 5th annual 100 Men on a Mission Golf Tournament last month benefitting St. Vincent de Paul! This event brings people together for a day of fun on the course while raising funds to make a lasting impact in our community. We’re honored to support a mission that’s all about giving back and helping those in need.