Cranbrook Financial

Could a Roth conversion be the smartest tax move you make this year?

A Roth conversion lets you move money from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, paying taxes now so you never have to again in retirement. And unlike direct Roth contributions, there are no income limits. Anyone can do it.

The key is timing. Converting in a lower-income year, or spreading it across multiple years, can make a significant difference in what you owe.

Curious if it makes sense for your situation? Let's talk.

Graduation season is more than a celebration. It’s also a great time to start thinking about what comes next financially.

For graduates, that might mean budgeting, student loans, or building early savings habits. For parents and grandparents, it’s a moment to support the next generation with conversations that build confidence and clarity around money.

Small steps today can help set the foundation for a stronger financial future.

This month, as summer takes off, take a few minutes to review where your money has been going so far this year. Subscriptions, travel plans, dining, and recurring expenses often creep up without notice. This is also a smart moment to revisit your savings goals and make sure you’re still on track for the year ahead. Even small adjustments now can help prevent bigger surprises later and keep your plan aligned with what matters most to you.

Mother’s Day always has a way of putting into perspective the kind of love that doesn’t ask for attention, but deserves all of it.

To the moms who are holding everything together behind the scenes, showing up with patience on the hard days, and love on the easy ones, Happy belated Mothers Day.

We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re grateful for the impact you have in ways both big and small. Wishing you a day filled with the same care and love you so freely give to everyone else.

We wanted to give a belated birthday shout-out to Jennifer Lombardo, an essential part of our Cranbrook team and a steady force behind the scenes and in client relationships. She’s the person who shows up with calm, clarity, and care, making sure clients feel supported and every detail is handled the right way.

Wishing her a happy belated birthday filled with the same warmth and appreciation she brings to everyone around her.

Sebastian Minaudo ’s recognition as a 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor is an incredible honor, and one that reflects far more than an individual achievement. It speaks to the trust clients place in the firm each day and the collective dedication of the Cranbrook team behind the scenes. Every relationship, every detail, and every team member contributes to delivering thoughtful, personalized planning. We’re grateful to be part of our clients’ journeys and proud of the work we’re able to do together.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (April 2026), based upon data as of 6/30/2025. Research & ranking provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promoting the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.

The end of tax season is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to think strategically about your tax refund. Instead of splurging, consider putting it toward something that strengthens your financial future. You could boost your retirement savings, pay down high-interest debt, or add to your emergency fund.

Even small steps now can have a big impact over time, helping you stay on track toward your long-term goals. Make this year’s refund work harder for you!

The first quarter of 2026 started with strong momentum across global markets, but quickly shifted as geopolitical tensions drove volatility and rising energy prices. In this latest update, Partner & Private Wealth Advisor, Francesco Minaudo, shares his perspective on what changed, what’s driving markets now, and how to think about it moving forward.

Moments like these highlight the importance of staying disciplined and focused on long-term strategy.

Read the full commentary to explore what this could mean moving forward:

https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/q1-2026-a-tale-of-two-markets/