Blog

Ten Tips to Enjoy Summer without Burning Your Budget

Justin Van Houten

Monday, June 14, 2021

Summer is finally here! After a long 2020 where we cancelled vacations and many of our standard entertainment options were non-existent, the summer of 2021 has arrived! When I think about summer, some of my favorite experiences come to...

Estate Planning: a labor of love with the end in mind

Kurt Pearson

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Our industry is famous for coining terms and then using those phrases assuming everyone knows what they mean. Estate planning is one of those terms. What is an estate really? What makes up an estate? What is estate planning?...

Traveling In Retirement: five tips to confidently start your RV/camping adventure

Caleb Pearson

Monday, May 17, 2021

Over the last year and a half, I have heard more and more people talk about traveling the country. Some want to fly and some want to go on long road trips. Some want to stay at resorts and some want to camp. I see this trend with not...

I am not quite sure when it happened, but one day after putting our youngest daughter down for a nap, my husband asked if it was time that we set up a will. Setting up a will is not something I had given a lot of thought to, to be...

A Choppy First Quarter of 2021 for Global Financial Markets

Steve Conard

Monday, April 12, 2021

Market Commentary by Steve Conard, CFP® Global financial markets experienced a choppy first quarter of 2021. While the ride was anything but smooth, major US equity indices all finished solidly in the black, led by the Dow Jones...

Hard to believe, but it has been about a year now since the world changed! With the hard reality of COVID-19, we went into quarantine, where toilet paper became scarce, hand sanitizer became a hot item, and we started masking up. I...

Confessions of a Financial Advisor: five truths I've learned over the years

Guy Leman

Monday, March 15, 2021

My name is Guy Leman, and I am an owner and financial advisor here at Compass Financial Services. I have been running headlong into the calling of being a financial advisor unofficially for the last 27 years and officially for the last...

I was home on a Friday afternoon when my cell phone rang from a number I did not recognize. An automated voice announced it was my credit union and they wanted to review some recent credit/debit charges, such as a $500 purchase at an...

Spring Clean Your Finances: 4 simple tasks to do right now

Michele Bjorkgren

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

When it comes to thinking about your finances, some people feel intimidated by sophisticated or advanced financial topics, jargon, and the array of options available. Have you ever felt this way? If you have, be reminded,...

The Stock Market's Historic Ride Through 2020

Steve Conard

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

4th Quarter Market Commentary by Steve Conard, CFP® On the strength of a massive November rally, the US stock market’s 4th quarter sprint to the finish line capped a truly historic ride in 2020. Continuing the correction that...

We’re wrapping up our series of money conversations with the Des Moines Financial Advisors at Compass Financial Services by focusing on money management in your 50s and 60s. Until now, retirement may have seemed like a far-off...

Winter is Coming: 5 of the best ways to keep your spirits high

Caleb Pearson

Friday, December 11, 2020

As we wrap up one of the craziest years many of us will *hopefully* ever experience, I can’t help but find myself wondering what winter has in store. Ideally, the worst is behind us, and we can look forward to a bright and maybe...

By the time you reach 40, you’re probably making more money. You may also be spending more money! This stage of life often comes with big expenses, such as second homes, children’s college educations, vacations, vehicles,...

3 Easy Ways to Invest in Yourself and Improve Your Life

Guy Leman

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Here is a little secret that we all know, but seldom say aloud. Investing in yourself is often the best way to achieve the highest returns on your money and may just be the most profitable investment you ever make. Investing in...

The Impact Of COVID-19 On The Stock Market

Steve Conard

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

3rd Quarter Market Commentary by Steve Conard, CFP® We all agree that 2020 has been weird by any standard, and the financial markets are no exception. Having shed 34% of its value in 33 days as COVID-19 arrived in the US, who would...

Your 30s can be an exciting time with its own set of new challenges. You may be advancing in your career and earning more money. You may be married with an eye on buying a home or having children. The financial decisions you face in...

Perfect Vision: How to be ready for a year like 2020

Michele Bjorkgren

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

What a year it has been. I no longer believe that “2020” is perfect vision, because I don’t think any of us saw this year coming…no matter how good your vision is! It’s definitely been a year packed full...

You’re a 20-something, earning your first paycheck, and trying to make decisions about all kinds of things. What kind of health insurance plan should you enroll in? How much should you contribute to your 401(k)? How much...

The Savings Balancing Act: what to do with extra cash

Caleb Pearson

Monday, August 17, 2020

I have reached a point in my financial journey where I am starting to get to make decisions on where to put excess cash flow. I have paid off all my high interest debt, and I have some extra cash flow coming in that needs to be put...

You’ve Lost Your Job. Now What? We’re several months into this pandemic, and some companies are having to make some tough decisions. If you have been impacted by a recent job loss or cut in pay, you are not alone. This is a...

U.S. Stock Market's Best Quarter In Over 20 Years

Steve Conard

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

The US stock market has truly resembled a roller coaster ride through the first half of 2020. A flat January preceded a steady climb to new record highs in mid-February in both the Dow Jones...

The past few months have been filled with anxiety, stress, and worry. Ever since concerns over COVID-19 seized the country, we’ve found ourselves stuck at home and wondering what happens next? You may have found yourself eating...

What Is In A Silver Dollar?

Guy Leman

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

A lesson from a farmer boy, lemonade and a pig. I have read aloud to our kids for years now, and in all that reading, we keep coming back to a few classic book series. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series is...

The world has changed a lot over the past several weeks. Many of us are feeling uncertain, anxious, and worried about the future. Some have lost jobs and income, others have lost...

Lessons I Have Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Caleb Pearson

Thursday, May 14, 2020

At times it is hard to believe what we have been through the last three months. First there was skepticism that the Coronavirus was actually something to worry about, then there was fear as it started spreading faster, then a...

Stimulus Checks are Coming About 175 million Americans will receive stimulus checks with the first payments going out over the next couple of weeks. Most will receive $1,200 plus an additional $500 per child. The payments are intended...

Market Commentary April 2020

Steve Conard

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

by Steve Conard, CFP® Coming off a remarkable 2019, the US stock market was perhaps destined to take a breather. After a flat January the equity indices gained momentum, posting fresh all-time highs in mid-February before the floor...

The Aftermath of an Estate

Guy Leman

Monday, March 16, 2020

My mother passed away about 3 years ago now, and I’m still spending time working through all of her records and memorabilia. First, let me help you understand the enormity of the situation. My mother was a prolific record-keeper!...

It’s been a bumpy ride in the markets over the past couple of weeks. Fears over coronavirus and a possible oil price war caused plunges in the Dow Jones Industrial Index and the S&P 500. As I write this, there is talk of how this...

It’s still winter. The temperature can struggle to climb above freezing, there are piles of snow everywhere, and your kids are crazy from being cooped up inside. Who wouldn’t dream of ditching the dreary day-to-day to go on...

Asking for Help Reveals Strength, Not Weakness

Michele Bjorkgren

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Do the laundry, make dinner, pay the bills, pack the kids’ lunches, clean the house, walk the dog, feed the cat, 5:00 soccer practice. . . This is the ‘to-do’ list rattling around in your head, even before your alarm...

How’s it going with that New Year’s Resolution to be better with your money? For some, being better with money may mean putting another $100 in the bank every month. For others, it may simply mean skipping the $5 coffee in...

The start of a new year may bring a new resolve to exercise more, eat healthy, and be better with your money. If you’re considering a big-ticket purchase in 2020, when you buy could save you a significant amount of money! We...

Market Commentary January 2020

Steve Conard

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

The 2019 edition of the financial markets digest is now complete – and what a year it was! US stocks and bonds, global stocks, gold, and commodities (including crude oil) all posted strong gains as Mr. Market rewarded the US...

Year End Planning

Caleb Pearson

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Hard to believe it, but 2019 is nearly over! A lot has happened over the last year and with the holiday season wrapping up in the next few weeks, you are likely beginning to look ahead to 2020. As you begin to recuperate from the...

It may surprise you to learn that this is the most-Googled money topic in Iowa! The company Student Loan Hero analyzed Google Trends to come up with a list of money topics that people Google the most in each state. Here in Iowa, it...

The Lessons Life Teaches Us

Guy Leman

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

I was involved in an exercise recently where each person mapped out their history and explored the defining moments in their life. We organized all of these moments on our own personal timeline and then were challenged to name these...

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We had dinner in the crockpot, our baby had just gone down for a nap, and I was putting a puzzle together with our older daughter. My husband was in the next room. “What’s this $150 bill...

Market Commentary October 2019

Steve Conard

Friday, October 18, 2019

The 3rd quarter of 2019 saw the US stock market trade in a narrow range, with the S&P 500 index ultimately closing 1.62% off its all-time high mark set on July 26th. The halting progress obscures the very strong year-to-date S&P 500...

Our Money & Marriage series continues by going back to the very beginning… of your relationship with your significant other! At some point, you’ll consider combining finances: whether you’re living together, getting...

What is Your Financial Game Plan?

Michele Bjorkgren

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

What is your financial GAME PLAN and who is on your team? Those who know me well know that athletics is a significant part of my life. Back in the day, I played high school basketball in Waterloo. I played “Six-on-Six”...

Couples fight about money. There are numerous studies and surveys showing money is the #1 cause of divorce in America. Even if your money arguments don’t lead to divorce, it can cause stress in your relationship. Just bringing up...

Back to School!

Caleb Pearson

Monday, August 19, 2019

Back to school time means back to a routine for many families. Summer vacations were enjoyed, fun was had at the pool, and hot dog cookouts in the backyard were relished (pun intended). Whether you are a family with kids in school or...

"How Much Do I Need to Retire?" It is the number one question Americans ask about retirement. Type that query into Google and you will get 116 million results. (Seriously, try it!) It’s followed pretty closely by “How do I...

School’s out for summer! It’s time for camps, trips to the pool, picnics—and chores! Summer is a great time to get kids more involved around the home and let them earn a little spending money of their own.

Market Commentary July 2019

Steve Conard

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Market Commentary by Steve Conard, CFP® Financial markets continued to move higher in the 2nd quarter of 2019, albeit at a more tempered pace than in the prior quarter. All major asset classes participated in the rally; US and...

You’ve made it through the long process of applying, interviewing, and landing the big job. It’s a fresh start professionally, and it can be financially, too! Here are five things to do with your money when changing jobs. 1...

Life on a Budget—Des Moines Edition

Caleb Pearson

Thursday, May 23, 2019

One of the biggest topics we discuss with clients is how to create and maintain a budget. Knowing what is coming in and what is going out is important, no matter where you are at in your financial journey. You could be working on being...

At a certain point in my 20s, I finally felt I was “adult” enough to work with a financial advisor. I had questions I just wasn’t comfortable trying to answer myself. Until that point, I didn’t really have any...

How much is too much to spend on a car? The Federal Reserve Bank of New York just released some startling news: More than 7 million Americans are at least three months behind on their car payments. To put it in perspective,...

Time Flies…

Michele Bjorkgren

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Is it just me or does it feel that time goes faster the older I get? Many of us feel that time passes more quickly as we age…a perception that can lead to anxious thoughts, self-reflection, doubt and sometimes regret....

You typically see your doctor once a year to check on your body’s health and well-being. So why don’t you do the same thing with your financial health? An annual financial checkup can help determine if you’re on the...

Market Commentary

Steve Conard

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Global equity markets, led by the US, took a nosedive in the 4th quarter after peaking on September 20, 2018. Traders have been ignoring the strong economic and corporate earnings environment, choosing instead to worry about the still...

Drop 10 pounds in the New Year! How to be happier in 2019! Declutter your house and your life! You’ve probably seen these headlines on social media, in the checkout lane at the grocery store or on TV—those New Year’s...

Somehow, it happened. The calendar flipped to November, Christmas lights are shining in your neighborhood and your commute is suddenly filled with “Feliz Navidad” on the radio. The holidays are coming, and if you’re...

The Value of a Dollar Spent

Caleb Pearson

Monday, December 17, 2018

I was recently at a store with my three-year-old son and I told him going in that he could pick out one item. He wanted something that was Iowa Hawkeye-related (proud Dad moment). As we were browsing the toy section, he found a Lego...

Your bundle of joy has arrived! You are settling into a new routine with your newly expanded family. The first few months can be hazy with round-the-clock feedings, and sleep-deprived parents can blow their budgets on things they think...

Defining Your Passion

Michele Bjorkgren

Monday, October 22, 2018

I have watched NBC’s America’s Got Talent off and on through the years…and this season, I’ll admit I have found myself tuning in to more episodes than I thought I would. Season after season, I am reminded that...

It’s some of the best news you’ll ever receive: You’re expecting! A new baby will be joining your family. It’s such an exciting time preparing for the new arrival with cute outfits, baby gear, and nursery...

Market Commentary

Steve Conard

Monday, September 17, 2018

Global equity markets have moved higher since the February 8th low in the S&P 500 Index, albeit with significantly more volatility than in the prior two-year period. Much of the up-and-down trading pattern can be attributed to ongoing...

Wait, did you read that correctly? School just started, but we’re going to talk about Christmas? We sure are! Turns out, a few months prior to holiday craziness—cue, right now—is the perfect time to talk about...

Getting Your Budget Back on Track

Caleb Pearson

Thursday, August 16, 2018

For a lot of people, summertime is a time when budgets are often ignored. If you are anything like me, you might have found yourself splurging on trips, patio drinks, baseball games, date nights, and golf outings. You may have built up...

The flurry of graduation is over, the thank-you notes have been sent, and now parents are anxiously awaiting the day when they drop their child off at college. A new world awaits these college freshmen. It’s a time to enjoy some...

Being Right and Being Wise

Guy Leman

Monday, July 16, 2018

So often in our work as financial advisors, we are asked the question, “How do we make the right decision about this?” This question can pertain to many different areas of a person’s life, but it often centers around...

Changes

Michele Bjorkgren

Friday, June 15, 2018

CHANGE: According to Merriam-Webster the definition of “change” is, “to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution; to replace with another.” It was a year ago (this month) that my husband Brad and I...

40% of Americans don’t have the cash on hand to pay for a $400 emergency expense. Think about that for a moment. A new report from the Federal Reserve found four out of 10 Americans, when faced with an unexpected expense,...

3 mistakes to avoid when buying a home Every spring in Iowa, it seems we wake up from winter. The world has been monochromatic for months. Everything is white and gray, dark and drab. One day, a switch flips and we’ve changed the...

We would all love to earn more money, but if your boss passed you over for the raise or the promotion didn’t come through, you’re not completely out of luck. Here are eight lifestyle changes you can make right now to give...

Market Commentary

Steve Conard

Monday, April 9, 2018

Volatility returned to global stock markets in February, and has overstayed its welcome, after a historically extended period of calm seas. The financial media is awash in stories about the underlying causes of the recent market...

In this article, we are going to explore some creative options for saving money on everyday items. Often we ramble through life not paying much attention. Many of these ideas are rooted in doing something in a new or different way,...

The 401(k) plan has evolved into the primary retirement savings vehicle for many American workers over the last 35 years. Participants in 401(k) and similar employer-sponsored plans receive several benefits, including tax-deferral on...

Four Common Options Generally, you have four options for handling the money in your account: Option #1. Keep the Money in Your Former Employer’s Plan If your former employer permits, leaving your money where it is may be an...

Compass August 2017 Newsletter: Making Housing Decisions

Michele Bjorkgren

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

As many of you know by reading my past newsletters and blogs, my husband and I just made a move to Norwalk. This move was not a decision that was made overnight; with my oldest moving out of state, my youngest entering his junior year...

https://compassiowa.com/content/uploads/2017/06/2017-GTR-final_2.14.17.pdf

Whether you are young or old, financial planning for retirement has probably crossed your mind at some point. And if you are like most people, you do not want to find yourself at retirement age without the means to retire comfortably....

When it comes to money and marriage, many couples who have been together for a significant amount of time will tell you that finances can be a major sore spot for the relationship. And while money can certainly be a cause of friction...

The Value of a Net Worth Statement

Guy Leman

Thursday, May 25, 2017

If you spend any time reading financial magazines, there is an uneasy sense that you are falling behind. The world often gives us a warped measuring stick. No matter how hard we try, we just can’t seem to measure up. Out in the...

Dealing with Dementia: Part 2

Guy Leman

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

A few months ago I wrote about my family’s journey with dementia. I have been overwhelmed with your response. Many clients sent me personal messages wishing me the best through this time. Others have shared their own stories with...

Dealing With Dementia

Guy Leman

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

I have been on a journey that I could have never expected. My brother, sister, and I have been walking with my mother through the journey of dementia over the last 5 years. Although the details differ in each individual case, the story...

Our work as financial advisers provides a unique opportunity to delve into all sorts of interesting situations. One of the most fascinating topics is inheritance. Inheritances are laced with emotions and fraught with pitfalls. Family...

Pause And Reflect: three things I have learned as a financial advisor

Guy Leman

Sunday, May 21, 2017

There are times in life where you pause to celebrate and reflect. Four years ago, I launched on a path with Compass Financial Services to help others with their financial lives. It has been an exciting and educational journey. As I...

Young professionals in their 20’s have time on their side. They are typically getting started in their careers and have a relatively low income. Often student debt is on their minds, as well as establishing a lifestyle that may...