Jason Ducat - Northwestern Mutual

05/26/2026

AI-driven strength continued to support markets even as inflation pressures resurfaced last week, all while consumer sentiment weakened to historically low levels and the Federal Reserve enters a new era of uncertainty.

Together, these crosscurrents highlight an economy still moving forward but under increasing strain, with leadership narrowing and risks becoming more pronounced. Read the full article from Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company CIO Brent Schutte to see what it means for investors and how to navigate the shifting environment.

AI optimism lifts stocks, but inflation keeps the Fed cautious. Read the Weekly Market Commentary.

05/21/2026

Curious what drives your money decisions?

Two psychology-backed questions reveal your money personality type. Free 30-second quiz — no email required.

05/14/2026

Let’s be honest; the career path most of us planned on doesn’t look quite like we expected. Between sudden layoffs, the impact of AI, and a job market that’s harder to read than ever, it’s easy to feel more exposed than you’d like.

The good news: This is exactly the kind of uncertainty a strong financial plan is built for. In the latest episode of Northwestern Mutual’s A Better Way to Money® podcast, Simone Stolzoff—author of The Good Enough Job and How to Not Know—shares a practical framework for building resilience when the path forward isn’t clear.

Ready to plan for a future you can’t predict? Visit https://www.nor...

05/08/2026

After more than a decade of Magnificent Seven dominance, market leadership is broadening into other sectors due to the massive capital expenditures required for the AI buildout. Find out why long-term success is likely to depend on discernment and the ability to identify companies with tangible assets, durable cash flows and disciplined reinvestment.

05/04/2026

Despite continued geopolitical gridlock that has kept the Strait of Hormuz largely closed—and pushed West Texas Intermediate crude oil above $100 last week for the first time since the April 8 ceasefire announcement—U.S. equities continued to climb. The S&P 500 closed at a record high on Friday as investors looked through higher energy prices and focused on an economy that, for now, is still holding together: resilient first-quarter growth, signs that the labor market is stabilizing, strong earnings, and interest rates that have drifted higher only modestly.

04/20/2026

A rising tide of optimism had been gathering in the equity markets as Iran announced that, in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz was re-opened for business. Less than 24 hours later, however, Iran reclosed the strait, citing the ongoing U.S. naval blockade as a "breach of trust.” The rapidly shifting geopolitical situation in the Middle East has taken oil prices with it, further fueling economic uncertainty amid a complex tug-of-war between resilient employment and rate-sensitive slowdowns.

As always, the investors I work with have one powerful tool on their side to take on short-term volatility: diversification.

Is your portfolio properly diversified? Shoot - are you in the right 401k plan? If you want answers, reach out to me and let's do an investments review.

Send a message to learn more

04/19/2026

When planning for retirement, many people focus on numbers: savings goals, investment returns, and how much they’ll need to live comfortably. But one number that often raises eyebrows is the cost of hiring a financial advisor.

Is it really worth it? The short answer may be “yes”. And here’s why.

Think financial advisors cost too much? Here’s what you need to know.

04/16/2026

People with financial advisors have better financial outcomes. Working on a financial plan now can potentially increase your retirement savings by 4x in the future based on a 2024 T. Rowe Price Study.

04/07/2026

Stocks ended higher last week for the first time since February 20; a rebound was fueled by a slight drift lower in interest rates and an economy that has remained resilient in the face of geopolitical uncertainty. However, the economy remains in a delicate balance as the recent conflict-driven surge in oil prices threatens to push inflation and interest rates higher.

Please reach out if you have questions about you portfolio or investment goals.

04/01/2026

There is still time to make a 2025 contribution to your Traditional and or Roth IRA. If you have questions about the differences or would like to open a retirement account, contact ASAP!!!