Karen Van De Steeg

My Background & What Brought Me Here
I feel fortunate to have been raised in Iowa by financially conservative parents.   I learned the value of money and the opportunities it could provide at an early age.   I remember having a “checking account” where my dad was the “banker” and I had real paper checks from which I could draw out savings in my account.  The rule was 50% of your earnings was to be saved and 50% could be spent.  The only debt deemed good debt was for your first home and your first car.   You needed to earn the rest.   This upbringing formed my attitude towards money regarding the choices and freedom that responsible money management could offer.

Why I Chose this Profession
I chose healthcare administration for my first career as I had a desire to help make a difference in people’s lives, but knew my talents rested in the leadership and business side of the operation, not direct patient care.   For over thirty years I led and operated successful healthcare organizations with the goal of ensuring top notch care for all those who entered our doors.  With the career change to financial planning and wealth management, the mission to make a difference in the lives of others continues, just in a different way.

Something Unique and Different About Me
In 2000, I was elected to city council for Sioux City and served as mayor during my last year of the four-year council term.  This was an amazing experience, and I learned a tremendous amount about how to lead and operate a community of 85,000 citizens.  The relationships I was able to develop with people from all walks of life were particularly inspiring.

Outside of Work I’m Most Passionate About
Two things matter the most to me:  my family and my desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.  My children and husband are my most treasured blessings.  Because of the financial planning we were able to do as a client of Sterk Financial Services, I was able to ensure my kids a head start in life, and I was able to make a major career change into wealth management.  My son is an architect in Denver and my daughter is a physician in Salt Lake City.  They succeeded on their own merits but grew up with a firm understanding of the importance of having dreams and goals and putting a solid financial plan in place to achieve them. 

When Not in the Office, Look For Me
During the spring and fall you might find me hiking Stone State Park or relaxing with friends and family.   From Memorial Day to Labor Day all my free time is at our lake home in Okoboji.   I love to cook and entertain so our home is routinely full of happy, smiling faces.  During the winter months you might find me at the gym or sitting in front of the fire planning a warm weather vacation.

Education
Series 7 and 66
Bachelor of Science and Masters’ Degrees from the University of Iowa

How I’m Advancing My Career
I plan on pursuing my certified financial planner designation to better serve my clients.

Community Involvement
Since 1996 when I moved to Sioux City, I have served on numerous not-for-profit organizations’ boards as well as on the council for my church.