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The coffee pot is always on at Financial Planning Services, and there's no doubt about it—Gary and Sue Speicher are not only a team, but they are also team players in our community. If you stop by to visit with Gary, you'll be greeted by Sue, who keeps the office running smoothly and is very good at making you feel welcome. Gary, a personal financial advisor for more than 41 years, has gained his share of professional designations, including Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Senior Advisor. Gary and Sue grew up in the Tama County area; however, they have lived their adult lives in Cedar Rapids. They've raised their family of four children, been involved in a variety of civic and professional organizations, and have worked well as a team throughout the years. The firm independently sells insurance products of various companies, along with investment products, to a client base of more than 3,000 individuals in the Upper Midwest. Over the years, the Speicher family has enjoyed a long association with Kirkwood. Two of the Speicher children attended the college as they completed their four-year education. Gary and Sue noted, "This was a very important part of Chris and Amy's educational process. Taking classes at Kirkwood during the summer allowed both of them to graduate from ISU in four years." In addition, Sue, who has a nursing degree, regularly takes continuing education classes at Kirkwood to maintain her certification. Gary has become a familiar face with college faculty and staff, both current and retired. For many years, he has conducted a course in financial and retirement planning specifically for Kirkwood employees. Gary also writes a monthly column for Involvement Online , an important resource for seniors. To further their support of the college, the Speichers have made a planned gift to Kirkwood. Gary noted, "We, as a community and as individuals, are so fortunate to have a college like Kirkwood. The rich variety of educational offerings provides everyone the opportunity to pursue an education, whether they are seeking a degree or participating in ongoing learning opportunities through continuing education. It is one of the reasons our community is what it is." Gary and Sue chose to support the college through a gift of life insurance. By making Kirkwood the owner and sole beneficiary of a policy, they receive an income tax deduction for each annual premium payment. With his years of experience in the insurance industry, Gary understands the power of this type of gift. "Life insurance is a wonderful way to make a substantial gift, and most people can make such a gift fairly easily. With an annual income tax deduction for the donor, this is a win-win for everyone." To guide the final disbursement of their future gift, the Speichers have designated that the amount will establish an endowed scholarship. They selected the scholarship criteria that will one day provide assistance to students enrolled in the college's agricultural science program. Both Gary and Sue are committed to helping their community in a variety of ways. The business logo for Financial Planning Services is "people planning progress," which is an apt description for what they want to accomplish not only in their lives, but also in the lives of others. Copyright © The Kirkwood Community College Foundation, All rights reserved. The information on this site is not intended as legal, tax or investment advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney, tax professional or investment professional.
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