Northwestern Mutual Central Iowa announced today that <a href="https://bensonwealthmanagement.nm.com/?welcome=true" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Benson Wealth Management</a> has been recognized on Forbes&rsquo;
prestigious <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">2026 Top Wealth Management Teams Best-in-State</a> list. This commendation highlights the team's unwavering dedication to serving clients through a collaborative, team-based approach to financial planning. The honored team includes Founder and Private Wealth Advisor Douglas Benson Jr., Director of Advanced Financial Planning Charlie Kehr, Private Wealth Advisor Andrew Stumbo, and Private Wealth Advisor JD Smith.
Developed in partnership with SHOOK Research, this list evaluates teams based on a range of key performance indicators, such as total revenue, team size, assets under management and other quantitative metrics. A variety of qualitative factors are considered as well, including in-person interviews, service models and advisors' expertise.
In light of this esteemed recognition and to further enhance their client services, Benson Wealth Management is delighted to announce the expansion of their team. Private Wealth Advisors Jason Thrap and Trent Weatherman have joined as Partners, bringing over 30 years of combined experience to the firm.
Additionally, JD Smith and Derek Retherford have been promoted to Partners, fortifying the leadership team and underscoring Benson Wealth Management&rsquo;s commitment to empowering families and businesses to confidently shape their financial independence and legacy through comprehensive planning.
"We are dedicated to building an exceptional team to best serve our growing clientele and their diverse needs with excellence, integrity, and personal connection," said Benson. "I am extremely proud of the work the team accomplished for our clients in 2025 and honored to be recognized by Forbes for our team efforts. I am incredibly excited for this team to grow, sharing deeper expertise, collaboration, and resources with and for our clients in 2026. Our goal is to enhance our clients&rsquo; experience and ensure we are even better positioned to serve them now and in the future."A growing number of Northwestern Mutual's financial professionals are earning national acclaim for their client-centric commitment and performance within the industry. Last year alone, more than 800 were featured on <a href="https://news.northwesternmutual.com/awards-and-recognition" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">prominent lists by Forbes and Barron&rsquo;s</a>. 
About Northwestern Mutual 

<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3777390-1&amp;h=3376026292&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northwesternmutual.com%2F&amp;a=Northwestern+Mutual" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Northwestern Mutual</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3777390-1&amp;h=3376026292&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northwesternmutual.com%2F&amp;a=Northwestern+Mutual" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a>has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3777390-1&amp;h=3759079835&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northwesternmutual.com%2Fworking-with-an-advisor&amp;a=financial+professionals" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">financial professionals</a><a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3777390-1&amp;h=3759079835&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northwesternmutual.com%2Fworking-with-an-advisor&amp;a=financial+professionals" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a>with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assetsi being managed across the company&rsquo;s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, nearly $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2025 FORTUNE&reg; 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE
as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2025.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company&reg; (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

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Benson Wealth Management Honored on Forbes 2026...

 Northwestern Mutual Central Iowa announced today that Benson Wealth Management has been recognized on Forbes’...

Benson Wealth Management Honored on Forbes 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams List

Northwestern Mutual's 18th annual Planning &amp; Progress Study finds half of adults in America now saying they feel financially secure &ndash; an increase from 44% last year. Over half also consider themselves to be 'disciplined' financial planners. Even optimism around homeownership is on the rise.
But at the same time, a sizeable number of Americans &ndash; particularly young adults &ndash; are investing in or are considering investing in high-risk/speculative assets such as prediction markets, sports betting, and cryptocurrencies. Among those using or considering these financial instruments, 73% say they're doing so because they feel financially behind and think those investments offer a faster path to their goals than traditional methods. And among Gen Z, the number is 80%.
These are some of the first findings from Northwestern Mutual's newly released <a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4634763-1&amp;h=185263915&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.northwesternmutual.com%2Fplanning-and-progress-study-2026&amp;a=2026+Planning+%26+Progress+Study" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">2026 Planning &amp; Progress Study</a>, the company's proprietary research series that explores Americans' attitudes, behaviors, and perspectives across a broad set of issues impacting their long-term financial security.
Financial Security and Discipline Continue to Improve
The number of Americans who say they're financially secure went up across every generation, with the largest year-over-year gains coming from Millennials and Gen X.
Feel financially secure20252026U.S. Adults44&nbsp;%50&nbsp;%Gen Z36&nbsp;%39&nbsp;%Millennials43&nbsp;%53&nbsp;%Gen X40&nbsp;%48&nbsp;%Boomers+55&nbsp;%57&nbsp;%
Among Americans with a financial advisor, 71% said they felt financially secure while just 10% did not feel financially secure.
Financial discipline improved too. The number of Americans who consider themselves to be 'disciplined' financial planners hit a high of 65% in 2020, during Covid. Four years later it fell to a record low of 45% in 2024. Now it is on a two-year upward trend.
U.S. Adults who consider themselves "disciplined" financial planners202065&nbsp;%202160&nbsp;%202259&nbsp;%202350&nbsp;%202445&nbsp;%202549&nbsp;%202653&nbsp;%
"Even in an economy that's often described as K-shaped with wealth disparities growing among older and younger generations, Americans' positivity and optimism about their own financial security is on the rise across the board," said John Roberts, Northwestern Mutual's chief field officer. "Many factors are at play, but an uptick in financial discipline is certainly having an impact. The best way to move from financial anxiety to confidence is by taking control, practicing good habits, and making sound decisions. There's also nothing quite like the confidence that comes from a trusted professional telling you that you're making wise financial choices. Having a trusted advisor isn't just about the returns; it's about reassurance."
Signs of Financial Nihilism Surface &ndash; Led by Gen Z
Gen Z and Millennials make up the largest share of Americans who are investing in &ndash; or are considering investing in &ndash; high-risk speculative assets this year. These young adults demonstrate the strongest interest in cryptocurrencies, sports betting, and event-based contracts offered through prediction markets.
Currently invested in or considering in 2026U.S. AdultsGen ZMillennialsGen XBoomers+Crypto24&nbsp;%32&nbsp;%35&nbsp;%20&nbsp;%8&nbsp;%Sports betting / prediction markets17&nbsp;%32&nbsp;%24&nbsp;%10&nbsp;%3&nbsp;%Options13&nbsp;%17&nbsp;%18&nbsp;%14&nbsp;%4&nbsp;%Meme stocks9&nbsp;%14&nbsp;%13&nbsp;%6&nbsp;%2&nbsp;%
Across generations, a driving factor behind why people are taking greater risks with these investments is because they feel financially behind.
Financial NihilismU.S. AdultsGen ZMillennialsGen XBoomers+Percentage who feel financially behind and believe high-risk/speculative investments will help reach financial goals more effectively than traditional methods73&nbsp;%80&nbsp;%75&nbsp;%66&nbsp;%51&nbsp;%
Another finding from the survey is relevant here &ndash; more than half (52%) of Americans say they suffer from a common blind spot: they place too much emphasis on building wealth/growing their assets without dedicating enough to protecting their assets and managing against risks. And younger adults are reporting this planning gap more often: for Gen Z the number is 57% and for Millennials it's 62%.
"When people feel behind, they often look for shortcuts," said Roberts. "But building financial security is rarely about cutting corners. It's about consistency, discipline, and protection. A comprehensive plan helps people grow confidently without taking unnecessary risks. These high-risk assets can be fun to play with, but that's why we recommend only spending 'fun money' on them. Don't allocate more than you can afford to lose completely and focus your planning on strategies that have been proven to help people build and protect wealth over the long-term."

Americans' Finances are Improving - But Some...

Northwestern Mutual's 18th annual Planning & Progress Study finds half of adults in America now saying they feel financially secure – an increase...

Americans' Finances are Improving - But Some Still Feel Behind and are Turning to Prediction Markets

Northwestern Mutual Central Iowa announced today that <a href="https://freedomwealthadvisors.nm.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Freedom Wealth Advisors</a> has been recognized on Forbes&rsquo; prestigious <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">2026 Top Wealth Management Teams Best-in-State</a> list for the second year in a row, reflecting the team&rsquo;s continued commitment to serving clients across Central Iowa. Freedom Wealth Advisors&rsquo; team includes Mike McVicker, Matt Nichols, Cody Molacek, Jarret White and Chad Thompson.&nbsp; 

Developed in partnership with SHOOK Research, this list evaluates teams based on a range of key performance indicators, such as total revenue, team size, assets under management, and other quantitative metrics. A variety of qualitative factors are considered as well, including in-person interviews, service models, and advisors' expertise. 

&ldquo;This recognition reflects the trust our clients place in our team and our shared commitment to thoughtful, long-term planning,&rdquo; said Mike McVicker, founder, partner and wealth management advisor at Freedom Wealth Advisors. &ldquo;Our goal is to bring clarity to complexity and help clients move forward with confidence as they work toward financial freedom.&rdquo; 

"I am immensely proud to see a record number of Northwestern Mutual financial advisors and teams recognized by Forbes&mdash;particularly the teams from Central Iowa, such as Freedom Wealth Advisors" said Jeff Byrn, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual Central Iowa. "This honor highlights the expertise, empathy, and dedication that Freedom Wealth Advisors brings to their clients." 

A growing number of Northwestern Mutual's financial professionals are earning national acclaim for their client-centric commitment and performance within the industry. Last year alone, more than 800 were featured on <a href="https://news.northwesternmutual.com/awards-and-recognition" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">prominent lists by Forbes and Barron&rsquo;s</a>.&nbsp; 


<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3777390-1&amp;h=3376026292&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northwesternmutual.com%2F&amp;a=Northwestern+Mutual" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Northwestern Mutual</a><a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3777390-1&amp;h=3376026292&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northwesternmutual.com%2F&amp;a=Northwestern+Mutual" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> </a>has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3777390-1&amp;h=3759079835&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northwesternmutual.com%2Fworking-with-an-advisor&amp;a=financial+professionals" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">financial professionals</a><a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3777390-1&amp;h=3759079835&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.northwesternmutual.com%2Fworking-with-an-advisor&amp;a=financial+professionals" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> </a>with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assetsi being managed across the company&rsquo;s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, nearly $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2025 FORTUNE&reg; 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company&reg; (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.&#8239;&nbsp; 

Forbes &ldquo;Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams&rdquo; list, (January 2026).&nbsp; Research &amp; ranking developed by Shook Research, LLC.&nbsp; Based upon data as of 3/31/2025 Northwestern Mutual (NM) and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating or ranking lists.&nbsp; NM and its advisors do, however, pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating or ranking(s).&nbsp; Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success. 

iIncludes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual.

Freedom Wealth Advisors Honored on Forbes’ 2026...

Northwestern Mutual Central Iowa announced today that Freedom Wealth Advisors has been recognized on Forbes’ prestigious 2026 Top Wealth Management...

Freedom Wealth Advisors Honored on Forbes’ 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management List

Curiouser and curiouser! A Broadway-style, animal-free circus is tumbling, flying, and laughing its way into Iowa as Venardos Circus returns to <a href="https://www.outletsofdesmoines.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Outlets of Des Moines</a> from May 29 &ndash; June 7, 2026. <a href="https://www.venardoscircus.com/tickets" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tickets are on sale now</a>!
Inspired by the spirit of Alice, audiences are invited to step through the looking glass and under the iconic red-and-white striped big top, entering a delightfully unexpected world where gravity is optional, laughter is contagious, and extraordinary talent takes center ring. The dynamic cast features an extraordinary lineup of world-class acrobats, fearless aerialists, masterful hand balancers, lightning-fast jugglers, and laugh-out-loud comedians, all working together to create a seamless and immersive experience. Each act unfolds like a chapter in a curious tale, filled with daring feats, precision, and whimsical humor that keeps audiences guessing what might happen next.
&ldquo;Alice is about curiosity, imagination, and seeing the world from a different point of view,&rdquo; said Producer Kevin Venardos. &ldquo;Every performer under the big top is part of our traveling family&mdash;artists who bring incredible skill, humor, and heart to the ring. We invite guests to leave the ordinary behind and join us on a journey that&rsquo;s surprising, joyful, and unforgettable.&rdquo;
The schedule will be as follows:
Thursday, June 5 &ndash; 7 p.m. OPENING NIGHT
Friday, June 6 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 7 &ndash; 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 8&ndash; 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 11 &ndash; 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 12 &ndash; 7 p.m.
Friday, June 13 &ndash; 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 14&ndash; 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 15&ndash; 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
Tickets: 
For complete ticket pricing, please log on to <a href="http://www.venardoscircus.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">VenardosCircus.com</a>. One baby in arms (two years old or younger) is admitted free with each paying adult. Premier Gallery and VIP Experience Reserved Seating are also available.
Concessions &amp; Arrival: 
Doors open one hour prior to showtime. Guests can enjoy classic circus treats including fresh popcorn, cotton candy, house-made all-natural pink lemonade, packaged candy, and more&mdash;available for presale online or inside the tent.
What to Expect on Site:
Flat parking area with easy handicapped access between the lot and the tent. Contactless payment options are available, and the main performance runs approximately 90 minutes, including a brief intermission.
About Venardos Circus: 
Since its debut at the L.A. County Fair in 2014, Venardos Circus has redefined the American circus with a Broadway-style approach&mdash;blending elite circus talent, theatrical storytelling, and intimate audience connection. Designed for modern families, theater lovers, and lifelong circus fans, Venardos Circus delivers a joyful, high-quality live entertainment experience wherever it travels. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.venardoscircus.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">VenardosCircus.com</a>.
Outlets of Des Moines
Shoppers will save up to 70 percent off on top brands at Outlets of Des Moines, an open-air lifestyle destination in Altoona, Iowa. Outlets of Des Moines features nationally renowned stores including Coach Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade Outlet, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Nike Factory Store, Michael Kors Outlet, Victoria&rsquo;s Secret, J.Crew Factory,Gap Factory Store, The Children&rsquo;s Place, Under Armour Factory House, Vera Bradley Outlet Store, Levi&rsquo;s Outlet Store, Le Creuset, Planet Fitness and more. Outlets of Des Moines is conveniently located in the heart of <a href="https://www.catchdesmoines.com/plan/regions/altoona/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Altoona, an entertainment destination</a> featuring Prairie Meadows Racetrack &amp; Casino, Adventureland Amusement Park, and Bass Pro Shops (take exit 141 off I-80 west and from I-80 east take exit 142). For more information, visit <a href="http://www.outletsofdesmoines.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">OutletsofDesMoines.com</a>.
New England Development
For over 50 years, New England Development has taken a creative, entrepreneurial approach to real estate development and management, delivering and sustaining successful projects across a wide range of property types. The company&rsquo;s national portfolio includes mixed-use developments that combine retail, residential, office, lab and hotel use, outlet centers, high-end and street-front retail, airport retail, hotels, golf courses, restaurants, and marinas. New England Development&rsquo;s diverse portfolio includes CambridgeSide in Cambridge, MA, Allston Yards in Allston, MA, Chestnut Hill Square in Chestnut Hill, MA, Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona, IA, Clarksburg Premium Outlets in Clarksburg, MD, Newburyport Development and White Elephant Resorts, among others. For more information, visit <a href="https://nedevelopment.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">NEDevelopment.com</a>.

Venardos Circus Presents ALICE at Outlets of...

Curiouser and curiouser! A Broadway-style, animal-free circus is tumbling, flying, and laughing its way into Iowa as Venardos Circus returns to...

Venardos Circus Presents ALICE at Outlets of Des Moines

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Takybox LLC

"Takybox LLC is a premier USA-based collectibles company dedicated to the sports card hobby. Headquartered in Des Moines, IA, we specialize in an...

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