Jeff Gilliam, CLU, ChfC, WMCP

As the Fed prepares to cut rates, Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte highlights how we got here and what risks the economy and markets face going forward.

Stocks Surge as Investors Look Forward to Rate Cuts Investors are cheering a likely rate cut this week. But are they overlooking why the Fed feels the need to cut rates?

Did you know 84% of American millionaires have a financial plan? This is one of seven habits of millionaires we identified in our recent Planning & Progress study. All of these habits are things anyone can do.

What Can Millionaires Teach Us About Financial Planning? What financial habits set millionaires apart from everybody else? Here are seven revealed in Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study.

Whether the economy slips into recession or sticks the soft landing, volatility is likely to stick around. Here’s Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte’s take on how investors can respond.

Disappointing Jobs Data Suggests an Economy Nearing the Edge More signs emerged that the economy is nearing an inflection point. How should investors respond to the growing risks?

The right planning can help you get the most out of your savings. Please reach out if you’d like to talk about your retirement plan.

How to Build a Retirement Income Plan That Can Last As Long As You Live Today’s retirement could last 20 to 30 years. How will you ensure that your savings last? Learn how to create a retirement income plan that’s designed to last.

Equities rode a wave of investor optimism to close out August on a high note. Here’s Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte’s look at what risks the Fed believes still exist and how investors can manage them.

Investors’ Confidence Sends Markets Higher Stocks closed higher thanks to a resurgence of investors’ confidence. But does the economic data warrant current valuations?

Your first child changes your life in the most amazing ways. But it also changes your finances. Are your finances ready for a baby? Take our quiz to find out.

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Equities climbed last week thanks to more confirmation that the Fed is ready to cut rates. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why the Fed may be limited in how far it can go to stem an economic slowdown.

Some Investors Expect Rate Cuts Will Save the Day, but Will the Economy Follow the Script? Will the Fed’s rate cuts be enough to save the day? Or is the economy following a different script?

There are three key reasons to do it sooner rather than later—and you may be surprised by how affordable it can be.

Here’s Why I Bought Life Insurance on My Children, and You Should Too Learn why life insurance for kids can be a smart financial move for more than the death benefit. Here's how life insurance for children can build security and cash value.

Markets surged last week on encouraging economic headlines. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte digs into the details to see whether the good times can continue.

Why Not Too Hot nor Too Cold May Not Be Just Right Economic headlines last week offered an incomplete story of the economy. We sift through the details for a clearer picture.

Northwestern Mutual’s latest survey shows just one in four Americans expect to leave an inheritance. But there’s more than one way to leave a legacy.

Ways to Leave a Financial Legacy You can’t take it with you. But you can make a plan for passing along what happens to what you’ve earned—and learned—after you’re gone.

Recent economic data shows why a soft landing may be difficult for the Fed to achieve. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte weighs in with his take on what investors should consider as they prepare for more bumps ahead.

Markets Bounce Back, but Risks Remain Last week’s market volatility may be just the beginning. We look at how investors can brace for more turbulence ahead.

Ever wondered if you’re missing out on something financially? Read this article to discover some of the most common blind spots, and then let’s connect and start turning yours into opportunities.

6 Things That Should Be Part of Your Financial Plan Did you know 87 percent of Americans say they have financial blind spots? Here are six.

Will a September rate cut be enough to prevent the economy from tipping into recession? Our Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte offers his take.

Fed Signals Rate Cuts Are Coming—Now Comes the Hard Part News of a likely rate cut in September was overshadowed by weak economic data. We look at why investors’ concerns are warranted.

Try these ideas to help you avoid overspending.

6 Tips to Help You Save on Back-to-School Shopping  Take stock of what you (and your community) already have on hand. You might find your list has shortened significantly before you hit the stores.

Conflicting data gives some investors hope the Fed can achieve a soft landing. Get Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte’s take as he explores the latest stock market trends, inflation data and Fed strategies in this week’s Market Commentary.

Markets End Volatile Week on High Note Amid Mixed Signals In this week’s Market Commentary, Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte explores the latest stock market trends, inflation data and Fed strategies.

Cash value is a unique financial asset that can help you add flexibility to your broader financial plan. I’m happy to help you learn more about how it works.

What Is the Cash Value of Permanent Life Insurance? Cash value life insurance provides more than just a death benefit. See how this insurance works and how it can help benefit your financial plan.

Investors move away from big tech as speculation about a potential rate cut grows. Find out why in this week’s Market Commentary.

Shifting Sands: Investors Move From Big Tech Amid Rate Cut Speculation As the economy shows signs of slowing, investors move from big tech to other sectors. We explore whether a rate cut this fall could prevent a recession.

Assessing one component of your financial plan each month is a great way to keep tabs on your fiscal health.

Your Midyear Financial Checkup This checklist can help you make sure your finances are on track for the rest of the year. Here’s what to assess for the next 6 months.

Investors cheered more soft inflation data out last week. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why investors should focus on what’s driving the easing price pressures before popping the champagne.

More Progress on the Inflation Front Has Investors Cheering Soft inflation data gave investors reason to cheer. But are the markets overestimating the Fed’s willingness to cut rates?

Market performance for the second quarter may not be as strong as it appears. Here’s a timely analysis from our chief investment officer about the outsized impact a small number of businesses had on returns and where compelling opportunities still exist in a slowing economy.

Do the Markets Reflect a Widespread Suspension of Disbelief? In Northwestern Mutual’s Quarterly Market Commentary, we look at how some investors may be ignoring signs of a slowing economy.