Steven L. Braun
“Helping clients turn dreams and ideas into action that makes a difference.”
Steve is an expert connector who leverages the expertise of other top professionals in order to best serve his clients. With over 35 years of financial planning experience, he has a broad foundational knowledge that allows him to identify his clients’ unique needs, and then bring the right mix of resources to the table to meet them. He specializes in leveraging the strength of his carefully crafted network to provide clients with innovative financial planning solutions that address their wants and needs holistically.
Steve is passionate about sharing his knowledge with clients and other advisors and colleagues, and he’s been a featured speaker at events hosted by Northwestern Mutual and Forbes Media, as well as Crain's Small Business Forum.
AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
- National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
- Greater North Shore Estate & Financial Planning Council
- Association of Advanced Life Underwriters (AALU)
- Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative Association (FRA) Board—past president and board member
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
In 2021, Northwestern Mutual awarded Steve with membership in its Forum group, which recognizes individuals for an outstanding year of helping clients achieve financial security. This was the 20th year that he received the Forum honor, an annual award that only five percent of Northwestern Mutual's more than 7,000 financial representatives achieve. Steve is one of only 49 active financial representatives who have qualified for this honor at least 20 times. Other awards and recognition include:
- Million Dollar Round Table Life Member (2017-2018, 2020)
- Million Dollar Round Table Qualifying/Life Member (1999-2016, 2019)
- Million Dollar Round Table Qualifying Member (1991-1998)
- Million Dollar Round Table Provisional Member (1990)
- NAIFA Quality Award (2011-2015, 2018-2019)
- National Quality Award (1989-1990, 1992-2010)
- National Sales Achievement Award (1988, 1991-2010)
PERSONAL
Steve resides in Highland Park with his wife, Karen. Their daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Jacob, live in downtown Chicago with the family's first grandchild, Ben. David, their son, is also a graduate student at Stanford University and is married to Yeonjae. Steve enjoys theater, tennis, camping, photography and golf, and he also has a passion for supporting the community through a variety of great organizations. Click here to learn more about Steve’s philanthropic work.
KAREN & STEVE
JACOB, LAUREN & BEN
YEONJAE & DAVID
Recommended Books – Retirement
These books explore practical advice, scientific research, and philosophical perspectives on aging, health, and retirement planning:
1. The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner - This book explores regions of the world where people live exceptionally long lives and distills their habits into lessons for longevity.
2. How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor by Ernie J. Zelinski - Offers inspirational advice on how to enjoy life to its fullest in retirement.
3. Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge - Focuses on how exercise, nutrition, and a positive outlook can reverse the aging process.
4. The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time by Cameron Diaz and Sandra Bark - A comprehensive look at the aging process and how to age with strength and grace.
5. The Longevity Economy: Unlocking the World's Fastest-Growing, Most Misunderstood Market by Joseph F. Coughlin - Explores the economic potential of the aging population and how businesses can cater to this demographic.
6. Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives by Daniel J. Levitin - This book delves into the neuroscience of aging and how to optimize the later years of life.
7. Retire Inspired: It's Not an Age, It's a Financial Number by Chris Hogan - Offers financial advice for planning a retirement that's rich in both wealth and personal fulfillment.
8. AgeProof: Living Longer Without Running Out of Money or Breaking a Hip by Jean Chatzky and Michael F. Roizen - Combines financial planning with health advice to prepare for a long and active retirement.
9. Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body & Defy Aging by Ben Greenfield - A comprehensive guide to biohacking for longevity, covering diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
10. The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott - Discusses the implications of increased lifespans for careers, finances, and social structures.
