Because Money Doesn’t Come With Instructions
Welcome to Sterk Financial Services, a financial planning practice in the Dakota Dunes suburb of Sioux City, Iowa. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a team of experienced professionals to help you live your best life. That’s where we come in. You have doctors, attorneys, and tax professionals you rely on to keep your life running smoothly, and we are prepared to do the same for your financial future. Sterk Financial Services has specialized programs to help you manage investments and strategically plan for life changes such as retirement, divorce, job changes, or entering a caregiving role. We can help you preserve and grow your portfolio to help set yourself up for a successful financial future. Our goal is simple – to provide advice and strategies that aligns the money you have with the life that you want to lead.
Our team of professionals has years of experience in strategic financial planning. We are ready to address your needs today and guide you through every phase of life. Let us help you take the complexity and uncertainty out of financial planning, and help create clarity and confidence as you move forward.
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We offer specialized programs that center around managing money and planning for life’s crucial financial events. Your needs & goals. Our advice & strategies.
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As your full-service financial partner and guide, we are here when you need us. Every situation. Every time.
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There are no do-overs in retirement. You need a path. You need a strategy. You need a guide you can trust. Mary’s latest book will arm you with the essential knowledge to create a strategic plan so you can retire with confidence.
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Navigating Uncertain Times
Recent weeks have seen some extraordinary moves in the financial markets, as the world reacts to the spread of COVID-19. Please know that we are closely monitoring current news and economic reports, and we are committed to supporting you through this season. Feel free to contact us any time, for any reason. We are here to help.
Helpful Content
Choosing a Business Structure
Entrepreneurs all face the same question, “Which business structure should I adopt?”
To Catch a Thief
Having your identity stolen may result in financial loss plus the cost of trying to restore your good name.
Social Security: Maximizing Benefits
There are other ways to maximize Social Security benefits, in addition to waiting to claim them.
Social Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive
Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
What Do Your Taxes Pay For?
Here's a breakdown of how the federal government spends your tax money.
Tax Deductions You Won't Believe
Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some that were, uh, too creative.
Variable Universal Life Insurance
Variable Universal Life is permanent insurance in which the policyholder directs how premiums are invested.
Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business
To choose a plan, it’s important to ask yourself four key questions.
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What Is My Current Net Worth?
Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.
Can I Refinance My Mortgage?
This calculator can help determine whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.
Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
Long-Term-Care Needs
Determine your potential long-term care needs and how long your current assets might last.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Saving for Retirement
This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.
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Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
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What Our Kids Can Teach us About Saving Money
Would you guess that Millennials are effectively saving for retirement? Well, they are.
The Long Run: Women and Retirement
For women, retirement strategy is a long race. It’s helpful to know the route.
Stay Safe with a B.O.P. At Your Back
Learn about the advantages of Business Owner Policies with this highly educational and fun animated video.
Events on Wall Street
Can successful investors predict changes in the markets? Some can but others miss the market’s signals.
Retirement Redefined
Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.
18 Years’ Worth of Days
The average retirement lasts for 18 years, with many lasting even longer. Will you fill your post-retirement days with purpose?