Steven L. Braun

About Steven L. Braun

I help successful families move confidently from earning a paycheck to living on a portfolio. After 39+ years at Northwestern Mutual, my focus is simple: build tax-efficient retirement income, prepare for healthcare/LTC what-ifs without over-insuring, and design generational legacies that favor family and charity—not excess tax. If you’re entering your “Distribution Decade,” I’ll bring clear modeling (Roth conversion roadmaps, QCD timing, RMD minimization), coordinated investment/insurance strategies, and practical guidance on the non-financial side of retirement (identity, purpose, routines).

Experience

1. Private Wealth Advisor

   Northwestern Mutual

   Mar 1986 — Present

   Not many companies have the integrity and client focus of Northwestern Mutual. We believe in building trust and that the client truly comes first. People can perceive the financial planning process as complex, overwhelming and boring, but my team and I make it simple, interesting, and relevant.My first role is to educate clients about financial planning, investments and insurance products. I want them to understand the full value and benefits of the service my team offers in order to help guide them down a path to reach their financial goals. Financial planning is not just for the wealthy. It is for the benefit of everyone. Financial planning is not about deprivation and cutting spending. It is about learning how to manage your money and plan for the future.My second role is connector. I am genuinely curious about people and their story. I want to know about my clients, their families and their dreams. As a generalist, I may not be able to help with every aspect of the full vision, but I provide a thorough exam from top to bottom of personal and financial situations. Similar to any general practitioner, I diagnose the problem and find an expert. Our clients count on me to match them with the appropriate specialist on my team or in my network for any specific situation. My areas of focus include:For Individuals:• Educating clients on investing the safe segment of their money to help increase yield • Retirement planning to replicate cash flow and help keep up with inflation• Long term care financial planning, including cost recovery For Business Owners:• Maintaining control and access to cash flow while at the same time considering estate tax exposure• Funding key executive compensation plans and offering attractive deferral plans• Selling your business internally in a more tax and cost-efficient wayFeel free to contact me if I can be of help to you or someone you

Education

• Nicolet High School

  Diploma

  1976 — 1979

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Marketing

  1979 — 1983

Skills

• Finance
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Services
• Financial Planning
• Strategic Planning
• Wealth Management
• Investments
• Leadership
• Management
• Retirement Planning