Jonathan Kennedy CFP, RICP, CLTC - Northwestern Mutual

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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Big tax changes are coming for most business owners—and now’s the time to prepare. Let’s work together to make sure you and your business take advantage of today’s lower rates and are ready for the future. Take a look at our guide and then reach out. https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/business-owner-tax-changes-ahead-now-is-the-time-to-plan/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=lifeandmoney&utm_content=lm_your-taxes_field&utm_term=tax-changes-ahead&agentid=097596

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.

No matter your filing status—from single to married filing jointly—your income tax rate will likely be going up. And while there’s still time to prepare, the clock is ticking. Reach out today and let’s make sure you’re positioned to make the most of the changes to come.

💲This National Financial Awareness Day, let's embrace a mindset of curiosity, openness, and proactive planning. 📈

Here are my key tips for a solid financial plan:

🔵 Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve financially, both short-term and long-term.

🔵 Budget Smart: Track income and expenses, ensuring your spending aligns with your goals.

🔵 Build an Emergency Fund: Save 3-6 months of living expenses to protect against life's surprises.

🔵 Invest Early and Diversify: Start investing now with a portfolio that suits your risk tolerance and time horizon.

🔵 Manage Debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debt and avoid new debt when possible.

🔵Ensure Proper Coverage: Review your insurance to safeguard your assets and loved ones.

🔵Plan for Retirement: Regularly contribute to retirement accounts and take advantage of employer matches.

🔵Stay Flexible: Life changes—so should your financial plan. Regular updates are essential.

Above all, keep an open mind, stay curious, and maintain clear communication with your financial advisor. Together, we can navigate your path to financial security.🤝💰

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.

It’s simple: significant tax changes are coming soon. So, whether you want to take advantage of the current lower taxes or protect yourself from future higher taxes, you’ll want to prepare now. Reach out soon and I’ll help you make the most of this opportunity.

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.

Northwestern Mutual’s latest survey shows that Americans who work with a financial advisor have twice as much saved in their retirement plans.

Is a 401(k) a Retirement Plan? A 401(k) is important, but it’s just one piece of your retirement puzzle. Working with a financial advisor can help you complete the big picture.

Last week brought more signs of a slowing economy and a slowdown in the pace of wage growth. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at how that may play into the Fed’s decision-making and what it means for the economy.

Would a September Rate Cut Be Enough for the Economy? Investors are again betting on a rate cut in the fall. We take a closer look at whether that would be enough to avoid a recession..