Investing Insight

Our latest Investing Insight episodes from Chief Investment Officer Jason Gunkel and Senior Portfolio Manager Kevin McLean tackle the questions investors are asking, and a few you may not have thought to ask.

Catch Episodes 3-6:

·        Your Index Fund Wasn't Built to Be an Investment

·        Buy Low, Sell High: Why Market Timing Is So Difficult

·        Why Does the Stock Market Keep Going Up?

·        Monkeys vs. Money Managers

Blog

Is a Trust Right for You? Key Considerations for Your Estate Plan

By Michaela Bradley, Associate Financial Planner

A common question we hear from clients is, “When do you think it is appropriate for us to establish a trust?” There is no real definitive answer when it comes to the timing of implementing a trust, or if one is necessary for your situation. Whether a trust makes sense for you will depend on a variety of factors, including the assets you own, the size and complexity of your estate, your family circumstances, and your overall estate planning goals.

Events

Oct. 8: Client Appreciation Event @ The Rewind Hotel (4:30-7:30 p.m.) – featuring special guest speaker Olympic Speedskater, World Record Holder and Iowa Native Zach Stoppelmoor. RSVP here by Oct. 1 or to Deb Longseth at dlongseth@syversonstrege.com or (515) 225-6000. 

Oct. 15: Southeast Iowa Client Appreciation Event @ Sonny’s Other Side (3:30-6:30 p.m.) - join us for an open house-style event to celebrate our partnership! Heavy appetizers, charcuterie, and beverages will be provided. RSVP by Oct. 8 to Deb Longseth at dlongseth@syversonstrege.com or (515) 225-6000. 

Nov. 15: Power of Connection Women’s Event – Coffee & Flower Pairings @ Barista’s Bouquet in Urbandale (1-3 p.m.) - join us for an afternoon of connection and conversation, paired perfectly with coffee and beautiful blooms. We encourage you to bring a friend and make this a fun, relaxing afternoon before we head into the holiday season. Limited to the first 20 to register. Register here, or with Deb Longseth @dlongseth@syversonstrege.com or (515) 225-6000.

Dec. 6: Santa is Coming to Syverson Strege @ Syverson Strege Office (2-4 p.m.); Enjoy treats, kids’ crafts, holiday movies and photos with Santa! More details will be shared soon.

Dec. 11: It’s a Wrap @ Syverson Strege Office (9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Free gift-wrapping event for clients. Refreshments will be served. More details will be shared soon.

Inside Look

Client Spotlight

For more than 21 years, Alice Meyer has worked with Syverson Strege to help guide her through important financial decisions, including one of life’s biggest transitions: spending the last four years of her career with the Iowa Department of Economic Development to also open and manage Beaverdale Books in her beloved neighborhood.

"The Syverson Strege team could see I was serious about opening the bookstore," Meyer said. "I had a concrete business plan, and they have been supportive throughout the years in helping me put pen to paper and reassuring me that retirement plans could be made."

Alice retired from Beaverdale Books on Aug. 31, closing an incredible chapter after 20 years of bringing books, connection and community to Beaverdale.

Now, she’s looking forward to a new kind of adventure: reading more, enjoying the next chapter, and spending plenty of time with her three grandchildren.

We’re grateful to have been part of Alice’s journey for more than two decades and are excited to see what this next chapter holds!

Disclosure: Alice Meyer is a Syverson Strege client. No compensation was provided to obtain or promote this spotlight and testimonial. This spotlight is being shared for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation of Syverson Strege.

West Des Moines Chamber’s Breakfast B4 Business

We loved hosting the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce's Breakfast B4 Business at Syverson Strege in early September. A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to connect, share ideas and start the day together. We’re proud to be part of such an engaged and supportive business community!

Spotlight: Tanner Sprouse, Financial Planner

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

Building genuine, long-term relationships with individuals and families right here in the Des Moines metro and helping them map out a confident financial future.

What inspired you to get into financial planning?  

Seeing firsthand how overwhelming personal finance can feel for people and wanting to bridge that gap, so clients feel educated, in control, and empowered to reach their goals.

What’s been one of your most rewarding experiences working with clients or your team?  

Working alongside our incredible team here at Syverson Strege to solve a particularly intricate planning puzzle for a multi-generational client family.

Out & About

West Des Moines Chamber’s Mentoring for Women Event

Earlier this month, Financial Planner Jennifer Scheck served as a table mentor at the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce's Mentoring for Women event connecting, sharing experiences and encouraging women from across our community. We love seeing opportunities that create space for meaningful conversations, new connections, and shared growth.

Dimensional Fund Advisors Conference

Associate Financial Planners Michaela Bradley and Teresa Baumann recently attended the Dimensional Fund Advisors conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, and brought home some great reminders for all of us. We’re always learning so we can continue bringing thoughtful advice and perspective to our clients.

Giving Back

Isaiah 117 House Golf Tournament

We were proud to be a hole sponsor for the inaugural Isaiah 117 House Golf Tournament earlier this month at Waveland Golf Course! It was a great day of golf, community and supporting an important mission: helping provide comfort, hope and a safe place for children entering foster care in Polk County.

CyHawk Food Drive for DMARC

The 2026 Syverson Strege CyHawk Food Drive for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) was a success! Together, we collected 191 food items and raised more than $900 for DMARC. Plus, Syverson Strege donated an additional $1,000. Thank you to everyone who brought the rivalry, had some fun, and most importantly, helped support our community!