Blake Otterlei
Financial Advisor
Planning That Starts With You
We Take a Personal Approach to Financial Planning
As your wealth grows, your financial picture can get more complicated. Protecting what you’ve worked so hard for and living the life you want to live today become equally important.
Our version of financial planning starts with understanding your priorities and goals, then we work with your other financial partners to build a coordinated plan that helps you both protect what you have now and grow for the future.
Find timely, in-depth analysis about markets, the economy, specific asset classes and industries from Northwestern Mutual’s broad team of financial experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some questions that we've hear that prompt people to reach out to us. We help clients with all of this and more.

How Do I Start a Business?
Starting a business involves more than just a great idea; it's about building relationships and managing finances effectively. Find a financial advisor to quarterback the financial aspects of your business so you can focus on revenue-generating activities. From business planning to securing funding and managing cash flow, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
How Do I Manage My Finances If I'm Planning to Start a Family?
Starting a family involves significant financial planning, from budgeting for baby expenses to saving for future education costs. We offer tailored financial advice to help you prepare for this exciting life stage, ensuring that you have a solid financial foundation to support your growing family.
How to Merge Finances After Marriage?
Combining finances after marriage can be a complex yet important step in your relationship. It involves setting joint financial goals, creating a shared budget, and potentially merging bank accounts and debts. Our financial planning services can help newlyweds navigate these transitions smoothly, ensuring that both partners are on the same page financially.
What Are the Benefits of Working with a Financial Advisor?
Working with a financial advisor provides you with expert guidance, customized financial strategies, and peace of mind. As your trusted fiduciary, we prioritize your best interests, helping you navigate life's financial challenges and plan for a prosperous future.
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?
The amount of money you need to retire depends on various factors, including your desired lifestyle, current expenses, and healthcare needs. A personalized retirement plan can provide a clear roadmap, taking into account your unique circumstances to ensure you have the resources to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
When Can I Retire?
Determining the right time to retire involves assessing your financial readiness, health, and personal goals. Whether you're considering early retirement or planning to work a bit longer, a comprehensive retirement plan can help you make informed decisions. We'll evaluate your savings, investments, and potential income sources to provide you with a clear timeline.
How Do I Plan for My Child's Education?
Planning for your child's education involves more than just saving money; it requires a strategic approach to maximize your savings and investment growth. From 529 plans to education savings accounts, we offer tailored strategies to help you prepare for the rising costs of education while balancing your other financial goals.
How Can High-Income Earners Optimize Their Finances?
High-income earners face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to financial planning. We offer specialized strategies to optimize your taxes, manage investments, protect your families and plan for retirement. Our goal is to help you protect and grow your wealth while achieving your objectives.
What Financial Planning Services Are Available for Small Business Owners?
Small business owners need comprehensive financial planning to manage both personal and business finances. We provide services such as business succession planning, employee benefits management, and tax strategies. Let us handle the financial complexities so you can focus on growing your business.
How Can I Save for a Down Payment on a House?
Saving for a down payment on a house requires disciplined saving and strategic planning. We can help you set realistic savings goals, create a budget, and identify investment opportunities to grow your down payment fund, making your dream of homeownership a reality.
Calculators

Use these free interactive calculators to estimate or compare many aspects of your financial welfare.