Wesley Sears- Wealth Management Advisor Northwestern Mutual

A timely analysis from our chief investment officer about why the pace of wage growth may be the overlooked story of 2024.

A Reversal of Fortunes for the Markets—but Challenges Remain Why Wage Growth May Prevent the Recent Market Surge From Lasting.

A Roth IRA can be a great retirement savings tool thanks to its tax benefits. But there are rules you need to be aware of. If you’d like a second look at your plan, please reach out.

Roth IRA Contribution Limits 2024 There are limits to how much you can contribute to your Roth IRA each year.

The markets pulled back last week as investors focused on employment readings. In the Weekly Market Commentary, Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at the data and why wage growth remains a concern for the Fed.

Latest Employment Data Highlights the Fed’s Challenge The latest employment and wage data underscores why rates may need stay higher for longer. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

The new year is an ideal time to get a jump on making the most of your finances so you can achieve whatever is important in your life. Reach out to get started.

Resolutions to Solutions: A Financial Checklist for the New Year Our financial checklist can help you get a jump on making the most of your money in the new year.

A 401(k) is a popular way to save for retirement, but it’s important you follow the rules—like contribution limits. If you have questions about your plan, let’s connect.

401(k) Contribution Limits for 2024 There are limits to how much you can contribute to your 401(k) each year.

Creating and following a budget is one of the best things you can do to support your financial plan. Reach out if you’d like help with yours.

How to Create a Monthly Budget A monthly budget is a critical part of your financial plan.

Equities notched a record week in anticipation of rate cuts in the first half of 2024. In the Weekly Market Commentary, Chief Investment Office Brent Schutte looks at the data and why the optimism may be premature.

Markets Surge as Investors Eye Rate Cuts in Early 2024 A softer tone by Fed Chair Powell ignited a surge in the markets, but is it premature? Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

If you’re contemplating getting married, I can help you and your partner navigate through some important money conversations.

4 Key Money Conversations to Have When You’re Getting Engaged A recent survey by Northwestern Mutual found that nearly three quarters of Americans think popping the question shouldn’t come before an honest conversation about money.

Equities continued to climb last week as some employment data opened the door for easing wage pressures, but are the improvements sustainable? Get the latest from Brent Schutte in our Weekly Market Commentary.

Making Sense of the Latest Complicated Employment Data Last week’s employment data offered some encouraging news, but is it enough to erase the Fed’s fears of wage inflation? Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

Equities continued to rally as investors embraced soft economic data as a sign the Fed is done raising rates, but what if the slowdown gains momentum? Get the latest from Brent Schutte in our Weekly Market Commentary.

Investors Embrace Bad News as a Sign the Rate Hiking Cycle Is Over Investors continued to cheer signs of an economic slowdown, but can it last? Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

You still have time to get back on track. Reach out if you’re looking for help in creating a budget that works for you.

How to Recover When Your Holiday Budget Is Blown Even if you’ve already gone over your holiday budget, you still have time to get your finances back on track. These tips can help.

Having a baby is an exciting time! It’s also a good time to update or create your financial plan. Please reach out if you’d like to have a conversation to make sure you’re ready financially for your new baby.

Life Insurance for New Parents When you're putting together everything you need to take care of your new arrival, be sure to include life insurance—and take some time to research your options.

Last week’s surge in equities and strong market gains have sparked optimism, but are we ignoring warning signs about the economy? Get the latest from Brent Schutte in Northwestern Mutual’s Weekly Market Commentary.

Lingering Warning Signs: Is the Economy at Risk Despite Strong Market Gains? Investor optimism over the past week may be a bit premature. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

It’s difficult to plan for unexpected expenses that are hard to predict. If you’re looking for strategies to plan ahead, please reach out.

Planning for Long-Term Care Expenses It’s hard to plan for something you’re not sure you’ll need. Here’s what you need to know about long-term care expenses.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why the Fed may hold rates higher for longer and how that may impact the economy going forward.

Are Investors Underestimating the Fed’s Resolve? A pullback in bond yields has investors once again hoping for a soft landing. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

If you’ve been putting off having necessary money conversations with your family members, we can get help you prepare for these important talks.

How to Have Conversations About Money With Your Family Money talks can be emotional but getting everyone on the same page can ultimately make for more harmonious family dynamics.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why the Fed is likely to hold rates higher for longer and what that means for economic growth.

Investors Cheer Softer Than Expected Jobs Data and Easing Bond Yields The latest jobs data has investors expecting an end to rate hikes. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

Year-end is a great time to review your finances as you prepare for whatever comes your way in the new year.

Your 2023 Year-End Financial Checklist Year-end is great time for a financial checkup. Here’s a helpful checklist to help keep you financially on track in the year ahead.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why consumer spending may be sending a false signal about the economy.

Consumers Show a Willingness to Spend, but Can It Last? The latest data points to a still growing economy, but concerns are growing. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

One of the benefits of permanent life insurance is that it accumulates cash value over time. One way to utilize your cash value is to take a loan against it. It can be a great financial tool, but there are a few things to consider before you do it. As always, please reach out with any questions.

What You Should Know Before Taking a Life Insurance Policy Loan Borrowing against life insurance can be beneficial, but here are things to know about life insurance loans before deciding on borrowing from life insurance.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why a pause in rate hikes may not prevent an economic downturn.

An End to Rate Hikes May Not Be Enough to Prevent an Economic Downturn Investors grow more concerned about rising yields and a higher-for-longer stance by the Fed. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

We’re here to help! Please reach out if you have questions about creating a financial plan.

How Women Can Boost Their Financial Confidence Many women are anxious about the state of their finances. Teaming up with the right financial advisor can provide peace of mind about today—and the ability to dream for tomorrow.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at the latest inflation data and how it may impact the Fed’s thinking on rates.

Progress in the Fight Against Inflation Slows The latest inflation data may highlight the risks of strong wage growth. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why a recession may be difficult to avoid.

Why a Recession May Be Unavoidable A look at what the data says about the likelihood of a recession.

Reach out if you need some help figuring out the best savings plan for your family.

Savings Plans for College — 6 Options to Consider When it comes to saving for your child’s college education, you may have a wide range options. Here are six of the best ones.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte discusses the latest employment and wage data and what it means for the prospects of a soft landing.

Investors Cheer Wage Data, While Fears of a Hard Landing Grow Another round of strong job numbers raises concerns that the Fed may have to keep rates higher for longer. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte discusses the latest inflation data and why wage gains may prevent a soft landing.

Investors Look Past Encouraging Current Inflation Data Better-than-expected inflation data may not be enough to appease the Fed. Read more in our Weekly Market Commentary

These simple steps can help set you up for a strong 2024.

A Retiree’s End-of-Year Financial Checklist A financial checkup is important to keeping your retirement and finances in balance. To get started, here’s an end-of-year financial checklist for retirees.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte discusses the latest Fed decision on interest rates and potential future actions to rein in the strong job market.

Rates Unchanged, but Fed Says More Work Needed to Rein In Labor Market The Fed left rates unchanged this week, but Chairman Jerome Powell says more work is needed to rein in the labor market.

Switching employers or health insurance plans can be a confusing exercise—especially when trying to figure out how to get the best value. Reach out if you need help understanding how elements of your plan, like an HSA or FSA, will work together.

What’s the Difference Between an HSA and an FSA? At first, an FSA and HSA may seem very similar, but there are some differences you need to know.