Ryan Landmark, CFP, Chfc - Northwestern Mutual

07/22/2026

If you're feeling like the world's a little much these days, I'm here for you. Now's the right time to make a financial plan for the life you want.

07/22/2026

Today, I felt like being festive!
Hence the palm tree shirt.

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
Most people know that line from The Shining, where Jack Torrance becomes completely consumed by his work and, well... things don't end particularly well for him.

Maybe not the life example we're aiming for.

But there's a lesson there.

A lot of people approach finances as if the goal is to work more, save more, and postpone enjoyment indefinitely.

The problem is that a good financial plan shouldn't just prepare you for life someday.
It should help you enjoy life today, too.

That doesn't mean spending recklessly.
It means planning for the things that matter.

The vacation.
The weekend getaway.
The hobby you enjoy.
The experiences you'll remember years from now.

Those things shouldn't be viewed as failures of the plan.
They should be part of the plan.

Because the goal isn't to spend everything today.
And it isn't to save everything for tomorrow.
It's to find the balance between the two.

So today, I wore the palm tree shirt.

And considered it a reminder that while we should take our goals seriously, we probably don't want to end up like Jack.

Cheers!

-Ryan

07/21/2026

Markets may be starting to broaden beyond the AI stocks that have led much of the recent rally. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte explains why diversification remains important as leadership shifts and volatility risks linger. http://spr.ly/6183BEcbGv

07/21/2026

A lot of advisors are focused only on asset allocation.

That's incredibly important…
How much you have in stocks, bonds, cash, and other investments absolutely matters.

But too many people forget about asset location.

Asset allocation is what you own.
Asset location is where you own it.

And that can have a significant impact on your after-tax results over time.

For example, two investors could own the exact same investments and have the exact same allocation...
But one ends up keeping more of their returns because their assets are held in more tax-efficient accounts.

Maybe their tax-inefficient investments are in retirement accounts.
Maybe their taxable brokerage account is holding more tax-efficient investments.
Maybe they're being intentional about where interest, dividends, and future gains are generated.

The point is:
It's not just what you invest in.
It's where you hold those investments.

A lot of investors spend hours debating whether they should be 70% or 75% stocks.
Meanwhile, they haven't spent five minutes evaluating whether their assets are sitting in the most tax-efficient locations possible.

Both matter.

Asset allocation drives investment risk and return.
Asset location can help determine how much of those returns you actually get to keep.

Cheers!

-Ryan

07/20/2026

Most people don't retire on their timeline.

A 2023 Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies survey found that 2/3 of workers age 50+ expect to retire at age 65 or later. Yet many retirees reported leaving the workforce earlier than planned due to health issues, disability, job loss, organizational changes, or other circumstances outside their control.

That's the retirement planning challenge nobody likes to talk about.

The risk isn't just retiring too late.
It's being forced to retire too soon.

The same study found that fewer than 1/4 of retirees and pre-retirees were very confident they could maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement. Only 17% of workers age 50+ and 23% of retirees expressed high confidence.

Not surprisingly, the top fear among workers age 50+ was outliving their savings and investments. Concerns about Social Security, declining health, and long-term care costs were also widespread.

Retirees offered another important lesson:

73% said they wish they had saved more consistently. Many also wished they had started earlier and become more knowledgeable about investing and retirement planning.

A retirement plan should account for what happens if life doesn't follow the script.

Because for many people, retirement isn't a date they choose.

It's a transition that chooses them.

People like me are here to help navigate these uncertainties.

Cheers!

-Ryan

07/20/2026

Americans don’t like talking about money, but the benefits to personal and financial health are proven. Read this article for ideas on how to get beyond your fear, and then I can help you get started. http://spr.ly/6186B8i9gO

07/17/2026

It's Faithful Friday!

One of the most underrated financial skills isn't investing.

It's contentment.

Not because ambition is bad.
Not because goals are bad.
But because there will always be someone with a bigger house, a newer car, a larger portfolio, or an earlier retirement date.

Paul wrote:
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11, NIV)
Notice the word learned.

Contentment isn't automatic.
It's a discipline.

In financial planning, it's easy to fall into the trap of constantly moving the finish line.

Once I save $100,000...
Once I hit $1 million...
Once I retire...
Then I'll be satisfied.

But if contentment is always tied to the next number, it never arrives.

The goal of financial planning isn't simply to accumulate more.
It's to use money intentionally.
To provide for your family.
To give generously.
To enjoy life's blessings.
And to do it all without constantly feeling like you don't have enough.

A good plan helps you grow your wealth.

A healthy perspective helps you enjoy it.

Both matter.

Cheers!

-Ryan

07/16/2026

Market gains are no longer coming from just a few stocks. Our latest Quarterly Market Commentary explores why diversification may be playing a bigger role in investor success in 2026. http://spr.ly/6185BEprZf

07/16/2026

Here's a big thing to check if you have, or are thinking about opening, a 529 for your children:

Do you get a state income tax deduction for your contributions?

A lot of people focus on the investments.
The tax benefit is often what gets overlooked.

Depending on your state, contributing to a 529 may reduce your state taxable income and create an immediate tax savings.

In other words, you may be getting rewarded simply for doing something you were already planning to do.

What's surprising is how many people either:
Contribute to the wrong state's plan.
Don't contribute enough to maximize the deduction.
Or don't realize their state offers a benefit at all.

And if you live in a state with no income tax?
There may not be a deduction available, but a 529 can still provide valuable tax-free growth for qualified education expenses.

The bigger point:
Before opening a 529, make sure you understand your state's rules.
A few minutes of research today could save you taxes every year you're contributing.

Not every state offers a deduction.
But if yours does, it's worth taking advantage of.

Cheers!

-Ryan

07/15/2026

Yesterday I had the opportunity to sponsor a hole and participate in the Sioux Falls inaugural Maggie Jean Foundation Charitable Golf Tournament.

It was a great day on the course, but more importantly, it was a day dedicated to supporting families who have experienced a pregnancy, adoption, infant, or stillborn loss. The Maggie Jean Foundation was created to help families navigate some of life's most difficult moments and remind them they are not alone.

As financial planners, we often walk alongside clients through life's milestones and challenges. It's a reminder that some of the most meaningful support we can provide to one another has nothing to do with money and everything to do with compassion, community, and showing up when people need it most.

Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the event a success.

If you'd like to learn more about the foundation and the tournament, KELOLAND covered the event here:

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It was a hot day for golf in Sioux Falls. “It is still early, so it’s not the hardest part of the day yet, but we’re hoping to get started and get …