Malik Manning- Northwestern Mutual

07/09/2024

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.

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..

07/03/2024

Compare the pictures above to see if you can spot the financial blind spots, or the differences. It may be easy for you to do, but that's not always the case in real life. For those blind spots, I'm here to not only help you see them, but also help you fill in the financial gaps. http://spr.ly/61885Qxaq

07/02/2024

The latest inflation figures show that price pressures are easing; unfortunately, so is the economy. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why the Fed may feel handcuffed in making meaningful rate cuts even as the economy slows.

Inflation appears to be heading in the right direction, but is it moving fast enough? We take a closer look for answers.

06/25/2024

Since the end of COVID, normally reliable indicators of the economy have seemingly missed the mark. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at how the muddied picture may affect timing of rate cuts.

Inconsistent and sometimes contradictory data is making the Fed’s job more difficult and may lead to rates staying higher for longer.

06/20/2024

I ask better questions to get to the better answers which then brings you closer to—you guessed it—a better way to money. Because when it comes to your financial future, I'm not playing games. Reach out now and let’s have a better conversation. http://spr.ly/61825KIzO

06/18/2024

Better than expected inflation data has investors once again expecting a soft landing. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why the path forward may not be as smooth as many think.

The latest inflation data added fuel to an already surging market. In this week’s Market Commentary, we look at why investors may be wise to temper their enthusiasm.

06/11/2024

Your opinions about the strength of the job market may come down to which employment report you read. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at the discrepancies between two leading reports and weighs in on how the disconnect in reports complicates the Fed’s decision on rates.

Is the job market red hot or showing signs of cooling? Last week’s employment data suggests both. In this week’s Market Commentary, we look at why getting an accurate read on the employment picture may be a challenge for the Fed.

06/10/2024

81% of clients with a comprehensive plan said they feel optimistic after partnering with someone like me on planning their financial future. How’s that? Well, I ask better questions to have better conversations which then leads to a better way to money.

Source: Assessing the Value of a Holistic Advisor, Dr. Hal Hershfield, 2023

06/05/2024

When we’re better, you’re better. Our holistic financial planning approach is designed to deliver superior outcomes, so you feel good about your money and your life. Reach out to find out more about a better way to money. http://spr.ly/6185eFElL

06/04/2024

The latest data shows the disinflationary process is progressing at a snail’s pace. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why the modest improvement in prices pressures is unlikely to satisfy the Federal Reserve.

The latest inflation data showed gradual improvement. We look at why the pace of disinflation is still a concern.

05/30/2024

The latest economic data cast further doubt on the timing of potential rate cuts. In this week’s Market Commentary, Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte looks at why investors may be underestimating the chance of a bumpy road ahead for the economy.

Are investors overestimating the likelihood of a soft landing? We look at challenges that remain for the economy and Federal Reserve.

05/28/2024

Rare, medium, medium-rare…on International Hamburger Day, there are so many ways to prepare a burger. And none of them would be wrong. After all, it’s all about personal taste.

Creating a good financial plan with you is like that, as well–the plan I work on with you will be based on personal preferences. But possibly unlike your burger order–and I’m not judging!--all of my financial planning will be well done.