Exciting News from Braun & Associates
In an effort to enhance the level of investment and retirement planning that I can bring to you, I have decided to partner with a trusted NM colleague, Al Patel. Al is a Wealth Management Advisor who is a CFA Charterholder as well as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional. I am confident that Al’s expertise will bring tremendous value to your financial planning needs.
Please watch these short videos to learn more about Al and how our teams will work together to continue providing you with exceptional service and financial planning for years to come.
My work with Al complements the existing partnership I've had with Christina Collins for many years. She is a top Wealth Management Advisor with NM, recognized as one of Barron's Top 100 Women Advisors since 2018, as well as a Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor in 2020. Please visit the Affiliated Partners page to learn more about their backgrounds and credentials.
Finally, some exciting updates about our talented team members:
- David Gordon Johnson has been on my team for 5 years. He will be transitioning to work under Al’s supervision but will continue to serve you in the same capacity as he has in the past, opening new investment accounts, processing trades and providing investment service.
- Lanita Harris is an Associate Wealth Management Advisor with Al's team who has her Series 7 license. You will find her extremely helpful with any trading and account maintenance issues that you may have.
- Demelza Steinfels' responsibility is expanding to support a number of Northwestern Mutual financial representatives across the country. While she will still be working behind the scenes to provide top notch support for insurance service inquires for our clients, it will be on a limited basis and coordinated through Kelly Taylor.
- Kelly Taylor is our new Director of Client Services. She will be the primary point of contact to ensure that all client service requests are completed accurately and in a timely fashion. Kelly comes to us with an extensive background in technology and customer service and is looking forward to meeting the high standards of our service you have come to expect from our team.
To read more about our associates, visit our Team page.
A Message From Steve Braun
I specialize in working with knowledgeable individual investors and time-pressed business owners in all life stages and business cycles. Responsible planning for the future is more than asset allocation and insurance contracts. It is my passionate pursuit to bring a global approach to the planning process. Others pay lip service to holistic planning; we bring action. Since 1986, my team and I have been serving the Chicagoland marketplace with innovative solutions and world-class insurance services.
It is our belief that a certain chemistry must be obtained in a client relationship to catalyze long-term success. We do not presume to be all things to all people. We do believe, however, that by forming enduring relationships, we are available for our clients when they need us most. Most of our relationships start over a cup of coffee and lead to an overwhelming feeling of financial security.
This is our business. This is our passion.
Steve's Mission
"Help my clients turn their dreams and ideas into action that makes a difference."
Braun & Associates: Areas of Focus
For Individuals
- Investing the safe segment of your money to increase yield and lower taxes
- Retirement planning to replicate cash flow and keep up with inflation
- Long term care planning
For Business Owners
- Maintaining control and access to cash flow while at the same time reducing estate tax exposure
- Funding key executive compensation plans and offering attractive deferral plans
- Selling your business internally in a more tax and cost-efficient way
Who We Are And What We Do
Our team at Braun & Associates focuses every day on turning your dreams into a prosperous life through strategic, holistic financial planning. Click the link below to read more about our network of local and national specialists.
Learn More About Steve Braun
Braun celebrates 35th anniversary with Northwestern Mutual
In 2021, Steve will celebrate 35 years of service. To learn more about Steve Braun, visit the Professional and Personal pages of his website.
Northwestern Mutual recognizes Steve Braun with Forum Membership
Northwestern Mutual is honoring Highland Park Wealth Management Advisor Steve Braun with membership in its Forum group, which recognizes individuals for an outstanding year of helping clients achieve financial security. This is the 16th year that Braun has received the Forum honor, an annual award that only five percent of Northwestern Mutual's more than 7,000 financial representatives achieve.
Northwestern Mutual - Chicago named one of Chicago's "Best Places to Work"
Northwestern Mutual - Chicago, formerly the McTigue Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual, received in 2018 its 11th consecutive ranking by Crain's Chicago Business as one of the best companies to work for in Chicago. The only other company to be ranked in the top 10 over the same timeframe is Google.
Recent White Papers & Videos
For the latest information on key financial planning topics, read our white papers or watch our short videos to learn more about how Northwestern Mutual can help you achieve your financial goals.
Retirement Planning
Retirement Planning
Visit www.northwesternmutual.com for more.
Community Involvement
Steve Braun wins Community Service Award from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor Steve Braun recently received the 2019 Community Service Award as the Most Exceptional Volunteer in the Central Region for his work with Cures Within Reach. Congratulations and thank you for your volunteerism!
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor Steve Braun received the 2015 Community Service Award as the Most Exceptional Volunteer for his work with Cures Within Reach. Northwestern Mutual, through its foundation awarded $285,000 in grants to nonprofits nationwide. Congratulations and thank you for your volunteerism!
Cures Within Reach is receiving a $25,000 grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation in recognition of Wealth Management Advisor Steve Braun's outstanding volunteer involvement, as part of the company's annual national Community Service Award program. Braun is one of 26 financial representatives being recognized as top volunteers. Since the start of the Community Service Award program in 1995, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation has donated more than $3 million on behalf of its representatives to over 300 non-profit organizations across the country.
Highland Park Resident Recognized for Service to Organization that Creates Miracles for Patients with Catastrophic Disease
Steve Braun was honored by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation with the 2011 Community Service Award for his extensive dedication to Partnership For Cures, a non-profit medical research organization that works to improve the quality of life for patients with life-altering diseases. A $10,000 grant was presented to Partnership For Cures to support the Patient Impact Initiative projects at the University of Chicago that repurposes approved drugs and devices to quickly create safe, effective, and affordable treatments.
McTigue Financial Group Gives Back to the Local Community
Steve Braun and the McTigue Financial Group teamed up to raise more than $32,000 of charitable contributions for local organizations in 2014. To read about the different charities and more, please visit Steve's Community Involvement page.
Click here to learn more about Cures Within Reach.
Click here to visit the Cures Within Reach fundraising page on Giving Library.
Events
A Night At The Museum, hosted by Steve Braun
"Karen and I had a great time visiting with friends, clients, and colleagues at this year's Night at the Museum in Chicago. Thanks to all who attended and especially to those who coordinated this fun family event!"
2020 Northwestern Mutual - Chicago Awards Dinner
In February 2020, Steve Braun and his wife, Karen, attended the 2020 Northwestern Mutual Chicago Awards Dinner at the Morgan Manufacturer in Chicago. This year marks Steve's 34th anniversary with the company. It was a very special night as over 300 colleagues came together to share honors for their impact in providing financial security and their leadership in the community. Today, Steve ranks in the top 75 in all-time career production in the company.
A Night At The Museum, hosted by Northwestern Mutual - Chicago and Steve Braun
Steve Braun and Northwestern Mutual - Chicago hosted a private client appreciation event on Sunday, October 10, 2015 at the Museum of Science and Industry. Our clients had exclusive access to all of the exhibits in the main space of the museum, as well as the flight simulators. Along with a delicious dinner, everyone enjoyed a night of endless fun and exploring. Funds raised throughout the evening were donated to nonprofit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Northwestern Mutual's research partner, to help fight childhood cancer.
Steve Braun hosts table at Cures Within Reach 2nd Annual BioScience Awards Midwest
On June 17th, 2014, Steve Braun, as Executive Board member of the non-profit Cures Within Reach, hosted a table at their annual fund/awareness-raising event at the Standard Club in downtown Chicago. There were 300 attendees, and awards were given to honor leaders creating patient impact through their philanthropic, scientific and business efforts. 2014 awardees included Judy Goldman, of Goldman Philanthropic Partnerships, researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine working to repurpose an existing drug for Parkinson’s disease, and Dr. Norbert Riedel, CEO of Naurex Inc. IL Governor Pat Quinn stopped by to deliver remarks.
All Day Golf Raises Money for Autism Research and Cures Within Reach
On June 24th, 2013, 24 golfers took to the course in support of autism research at the Ravinia Green Country Club in Riverwoods, Illinois. The Longest Day of Golf, now in its 20th year, has been raising funds for research into new treatments and, since 2009, all proceeds have been managed by Chicago philanthropic organization, Cures Within Reach.
Fighting Childhood Cancer in the Chicagoland Area
Supporting Northwestern Mutual's Childhood Cancer Program, Steve Braun and his family enjoyed the Starlight Children's Foundation Midwest Chapter's 2013 Gala. Funds raised will help kids fighting cancer and their families forget about fear and find happiness. Learn more at nmfoundation.com.
Steve Braun and The McTigue Financial Group host Dan Buettner Cocktail Event
Steve Braun and Northwestern Mutual - Chicago, formerly The McTigue Financial Group, recently hosted a client appreciation event featuring Dan Buettner, a New York Times best-selling author and world-renowned explorer. Dan shared his observations for a longer, healthier and happier life from his book, Blue Zones, which was well received by guests.
The Presidents' Symposium of Chicago
The 2013 Presidents' Symposium will be held on Tuesday, October 1st, 2013.
The symposium is an invitation-only, annual, all-day event dedicated solely to presidents and CEOs. In 2013, Steve Braun will host the Chicago Chapter's 29th Presidents' Symposium. In his 23rd year on the advisory board and as an active board member of The Entrepreneurship Institute, Steve believes this program is unique because of the attention given to business owners telling their real life stories. A testimony to the success of the program is that 100% of attendees request to be invited back each year.
Steve Forbes on "Rebuilding, Reviving and Learning From the Great Recession"
Northwestern Mutual - Chicago, formerly The McTigue Financial Group, hosted an event at the Standard Club with Steve Forbes, which focused on insights of the key lessons learned in the Great Recession, and how to rebuild and revive the economy. The event was part of a six-city tour and saw more than 3,000 attendees in total.
