Plancentric Financial Group - Northwestern Mutual

09/03/2026

Meet Sydni Jacobs!
Sydni plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of our Insurance and Risk Management Department, working closely with advisors to help meet our clients' needs. What she enjoys most about her role as our Insurance Operations Associate is the collaborative culture at Plancentric. "Working alongside people who genuinely want to help each other and make sure our clients succeed makes every day enjoyable," Sydni shares. Sydni's journey with Plancentric began as an intern before she joined the team full-time following her graduation from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2023 with a degree in Finance. Since then, she has become an invaluable part of our team.
A Charlotte resident, Sydni loves that the city offers easy access to both the mountains and the beach, making spontaneous weekend adventures possible. Earlier this year, she enjoyed back-to-back trips to Boone and Wrightsville Beach, taking full advantage of everything North Carolina has to offer. When asked about the accomplishment she's most proud of, Sydni points to the relationships she has built over the years. "I have been fortunate to surround myself with supportive, genuine friends who encourage me to grow. Having a strong community of people I trust is something I value deeply and am grateful for every day." Outside of work, Sydni enjoys exploring new coffee shops, thrifting, listening to live music, and spending time with friends. Her ideal day off starts slowly, with no alarms and a coffee from one of her favorite local cafés. From there, she lets the day unfold naturally, often finding herself browsing thrift stores or enjoying performances from local bands.
For creative downtime, Sydni loves to draw and appreciates the sense of calm it brings. And while she's still working on perfecting a handstand, she has her sights set on an even bigger goal: learning how to do a backflip. Inspired in part by her childhood love of Spider-Man movies, it's a challenge that's still on her bucket list. We’re grateful to have Sydni as part of our firm!

09/01/2026

Youth sports are a big investment—and not always in the ways you might expect. Before the next season starts, it’s worth understanding the full financial picture.

See how much youth sports and activities really cost and how to budget for them.

08/31/2026

When markets rise quickly, it can be tempting to chase the stocks that are already leading. But momentum can shift, and diversification remains important. This article explains why quality and valuation still matter—and how a balanced approach can help investors stay positioned for what comes next.

Momentum led Q2 markets. But quality, valuation, and diversification still matter.

08/28/2026

A full financial cup means more than just filling your wallet. It’s about planning a future you can feel confident about. My goal is always to help clients think ahead and feel prepared. Let’s chat and get a plan started for you.

08/27/2026

Meet Aydenn Harris!
As an Investment Operations Associate, Aydenn plays an important role in supporting our clients and advisors by managing account openings, overseeing account trading, and generating account proposals. Her journey with Plancentric began as an intern, and after earning her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from NC State University, she joined the team full-time. A proud Wolfpack fan, Aydenn loves cheering on NC State athletics, even if the games can be a little stressful at times. Some of her favorite memories from college include attending football games with friends and witnessing NC State Basketball's incredible Final Four run. Outside of work, Aydenn recently moved has been embracing the walkable lifestyle. With so much happening around her, there's always something new to explore. She's also developed a passion for gardening and is looking forward to transforming her balcony into a plant-filled oasis. Her cat, Winnie, is sure to enjoy the new space. Fun fact: Aydenn rescued Winnie after finding her as a kitten in her backyard, and today Winnie loves lounging among the plants. Aydenn also enjoys getting creative. Whether it's trying a new DIY project or bedazzling her lip gloss collection, she's always up for a fun craft. She also hopes to learn how to play the piano one day. Aydenn is a self-proclaimed believer that the book is always better than the movie, and one of her favorite recent reads is The Housemaid. She's also looking forward to attending Harry Styles' residency at Madison Square Garden this fall-maybe her bedazzling skills will come in handy for the perfect concert outfit! We're grateful to have Aydenn as part of the Plancentric team and appreciate the enthusiasm, dedication, and positivity she brings every day!

08/26/2026

The economy remains resilient, but rising interest rates and pressure on consumers could create challenges for markets. Here’s why diversification remains important in today’s environment. https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/what-rising-interest-rates-could-mean-for-markets-northwestern-mutual/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=marketcommentary&utm_content=mc_weekly_field&utm_term=rising-interest-rates&agentid=000281

08/25/2026

Not designating beneficiaries, forgetting about taxes—it’s easy to make mistakes while writing your will if you’re not careful. Please reach out if you have questions.

An effective will can make a difficult time a little bit easier for your family. Watch out for these mistakes.

08/24/2026

Choosing a trustee is one of the most important decisions in your estate plan. It deserves as much thought as the trust terms themselves. Here's what to consider before you decide—and if you'd like to talk through your options, we're here to help.

You've worked hard to build something worth leaving behind—here's how to make sure it reaches your children the way you intend.

08/21/2026

Today, it’s swings in the backyard. Tomorrow, it could be college, a first apartment or another big step forward. A financial plan can help you prepare for what’s next. Let’s build one together.

08/20/2026

Last week, we had the privilege of spending time with Northwestern Mutual CEO Tim Gerend, recently recognized as No. 7 on Glassdoor’s 2026 Best CEOs list. Tim shared valuable insights on the economy, our industry, and the opportunities that lie ahead. He also highlighted the exceptional service our teams provide to clients and communities every day, while offering a clear perspective on the future direction of our firm and the financial services industry. The message that stood out above all was the incredible opportunity we have each day to make a meaningful impact on people's lives through the work we do. Grateful to Tim for his time, and for the inspiration and leadership!