Life, Money, and Living Well

Everyone that knows Ben knows he is a huge Ted Lasso fan. And one line from season one sets the tone for this conversation: "Be curious, not judgmental." Ben is joined by Kim Botto, an advocate, trainer, author, and longtime champion for kids and teens whose voices are often minimized, especially those impacted by neurodivergence, disability, trauma, adoption, and foster care. Kim has spent decades equipping church and nonprofit leaders to create spaces that are safe and welcoming for everyone. She is also a mom of five and a grandmother of eleven. In her book, Boundless Hope for Every Child, Kim shares lessons from more than 30 years of experience working with children and teenagers, with a simple but powerful takeaway: disruptive behavior is often communication, and curiosity is the first step toward connection. In this episode, Ben and Kim talk about: Why "fixing behavior" often misses what a child actually needs What trauma can look like in everyday moments, and why kids may resist adults What neurodivergence means, and how environments can overwhelm without us noticing How to choose your parenting battles and focus on long term formation, not short term compliance How curiosity improves every relationship, including with coworkers, spouses, and ourselves Why hope matters, and how speaking identity into kids can change the trajectory of a life You do not have to be a parent to benefit from Kim's wisdom. This conversation is about becoming the kind of person who seeks to understand first and leads with compassion.   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they have the corner office, sit in a trusted seat on a board, or make decisions that influence thousands. But you'll also find incredibly effective leaders at home, in schools, and among friends. Leadership guru, John Maxwell, said that "Everyone is a leader, because everyone influences someone else." So whether you've got a nameplate on your desk, or your wiping snotty noses at home, your leadership—your influence—is key. Today, we're going to talk about how we can become better and more effective leaders with one of the most effective leadership coaches around, Dr. Doug Howe. Doug has been a trusted advisor to companies and leaders in business, non-profits, education, and government for over three decades. He's worked with clients like Procter & Gamble and Duke Energy, had advisory meetings with government leadership including President George W. Bush, and founded the Insignia Foundation, a nationwide non-profit helping leaders overcome the past, grow toward the future, and become better versions of themselves. With experience as a business owner, social entrepreneur, non-profit director and pastor, Doug's wisdom around leadership has come from being on the front-lines. He's going to help us all improve, no matter where we're leading and influencing. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Ben and Dave look at the past year in podcast guests, television, life highs, and what to look foward to in the new year. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.  Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

If you could get a snapshot into your future, would that simplify your life now? To know if the decisions you are making will pan out; if the financial finish lines you are chasing will be met; if the health and fitness goals will be worth the time and effort. Time travel into the future has long been the realm of science-fiction… but professor Hal Hershfield thinks it also might be the key to making better decisions today.    A professor of Marketing, Behavioral Decision Making, and Psychology at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, Dr. Hershfield is a leading researcher and expert on the intersection of time, decision-making, and imagination. Why do you choose the fatty steak over the salad? Why is it easier to go for the instant gratification of spending instead of saving? Why is it more compelling to sleep-in than get up and exercise? Dr. Hershfield believes it's because we're not considering, or seeing, our future selves correctly. He believes better decision making today begins with correctly understanding how each of those decisions influences our future selves. He recently distilled over a decade of his incredible research into a new book, Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today. In it, Dr. Hershfield explores the power that considering your future self can have on improving our lives, and how we can begin to do that today.   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Specializing in the intersection of health, longevity, and place, Ryan has reached tens of thousands of people through books, workshops, and online courses—and shared his insights everywhere from CBS News to Forbes. Ryan believes that where you live has an enormous influence on your quality of life and longevity. The right place elevates your well-being by helping promote purpose, facilitate relationships, catalyze physical health, support financial health, and inspire community engagement. On the flip side of that coin, the wrong place can do all the opposite. His best-selling book, Right Place, Right Time, is a guide helping readers find the right place for the 2nd half of their life. In it, he explores everything from different living situations (from staying in your current home, to downsizing, to intergenerational living and beyond), to exploring how different regions and neighborhoods have an influence on your health. GET THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/4muTz5k (affiliate link) While his book was decidedly focused on the 2nd half of life, Ryan has since founded Here, a company helping people of all ages and life stages unlock the power of place to transform their lives. The Internet has caused the largest migration in human history: from living in place to living online. The result? More and more of us disconnected from the places we call home. But those places profoundly affect every aspect of our wellbeing and lives. Through his work with Here, Ryan is looking to help people thrive by finding their right place. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

The most important things in life—the topics we like to cover on this podcast—have one thing in common: they take time. A strong financial portfolio doesn't happen overnight. Relationships that thrive require daily investment. Success at work comes from years of effort. Physical health is built by hitting the gym day-after-day-after day. Overnight success doesn't exist. Tenacity is the key to building the life you want. Which is why I'm so excited to introduce you to Mark Batterson. Mark is a prolific leader, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. A New York Times Best-Seller, he's written 24 books on topics such as building faith, improving relationships, establishing productive habits, and developing tenacity. Mark's entrepreneurial spirit led the church to open Ebenezers Coffeehouse, which, in its nearly 20 years of operation, has become the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. Serving government workers, locals, and tourists, 100% of profits are funnelled back out to fund local and global outreach efforts. But none of this success came easy. When Batterson held his first worship gathering in D.C., in 1996, only three people showed up—his wife, his son, and himself. But tenacity, grit, and faithfulness wrote a different story. Even if you don't count yourself a religious person, there will be so much gold in this conversation for you. So stick with us!   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

For better or worse, so much of you are—and the person you become—is tied to your family of origin. Now, imagine if everything you knew about that family began to unravel overnight. That's exactly what happened to Steve Osborne. A successful tech entrepreneur, sales trainer, and commercial real estate investor, Steve's family roots and heritage seemed to not stray too far from his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. A dedicated family man, at the encouragement of his wife, Steve took an at-home DNA test to answer some questions about his ethnicity. What he learned was much more than he bargained for. That simple DNA test led Steve to the earthshattering realization that his dad was not his biological father. From there, dominoes about his family and heritage began to fall in rapid succession. With the help of his wife, Becky, a part-time forensic genealogist, Steve walked the arduous, emotionally taxing, and ultimately freeing journey of trying to untangle just exactly who he is. Overnight, Steve had become a member of a group he previously didn't even know existed—DNA orphans.  A few months ago, Steve released his first book detailing his incredible journey: DNA—Did Not Anticipate: How One Man's Search For His Roots Changed His Past, Future, and Definition of Family. https://amzn.to/3IC82y5 Steve's stranger-than-fiction story has to be heard to be believed. He has so much to share with us about identity, connection, and resilience,   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

When it comes to living well, there's a major portion of the American population being left behind.   Compared to their peers, they're 3x more likely to overdose; 4x more likely to commit suicide; and 14x more likely to be incarcerated. They graduate college at ½ the rate of their peers; make up 98% of all mass shooters; and are in the midst of record levels of mental illness.   Who is it? Young men.   For much of American history, women were passed over and ignored. Much has been done to remedy this—it's incredibly important work that is necessary and should continue. But while championing the continued rights of women, we can't ignore the fact that young men and boys are falling by the wayside at an alarming rate.   Experts point to any number of reasons, but one statistic jumps out to me. From 1960 until today, the percentage of single-parent households in America grew a whopping 311%.   Author, thought-leader, and pastor, Jon Tyson, wasn't willing to take a chance with his own son. Knowing that men are made, not born, he got to work. He read all that he could. He researched. He talked to experts. He experimented.   No matter who you are, I'm confident there is a boy or young man in your life that you could positively influence. This episode just might change their life… and yours.   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Attorney. Entrepreneur. Novelist. Just one of those titles is enough to keep most people busy. But Nathaniel Sizemore is doing all three… and more. A graduate of the Vanderbilt Law School, where he served as the associate editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review, Nathaniel moved to the Washington, D.C. metro area after graduation to serve at a prominent law firm. There's the attorney. From there, he moved back to the Cincinnati area to join the family business, Sizemore & Company, where he serves as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel. He is also the co-founder and Division President of The Premier Resources Group, which he started from the ground up in 2014. There's the entrepreneur. Since then, he's somehow also managed to find the time to write two gripping legal thrillers. His first book, Deadly Division, was named a finalist for the prestigious Hawthorne Prize for American fiction. His follow up novel, The Cohort, climbed to the top of the new release legal thriller list on Amazon. And there's the novelist. Today, we're going to talk about what makes for a compelling story, how we can leverage it to create a great life, what it means to find balance, and how to switch back-and-forth between roles. All of this is important to building life, money, and a life well-lived. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Retirement is coming. Your plan, and your preparation, can be the difference between twilight years that are a pleasure… and those that are a pain. Consider this: the last 30 years has seen the first generation retiring primarily without a pension. As life expectancy increases, the need for retirement funds, and to use them wisely, has never been more important. To put it bluntly, retirement is a balancing act trying to avoid having more years of life than funds in the bank. That's where financial adviser Bill Bengen comes in. Bill first articulated the 4% percent rule for retirement funds—a now common strategy that suggests retirees can safely withdraw 4% of their total retirement savings during the first year of retirement, then adjust that amount annually for inflation. While the 4% rule is so common today, you'd be hard-pressed to find a financial adviser who doesn't recommend and practice it, it literally took a rocket scientist to get us there. A native of Brooklyn, Bill received a degree from MIT in aeronautics and astrophysics, even publishing a book on model rocketry. After working in his family's soda business for 17 years, Bill moved to California and opened a financial planning firm. He ran the business as fee-only (no commission) for 20 years, before selling it and retiring in 2013. Today, we're going to chat with this living legend about preparing for retirement, the research that led to the 4% rule, and how we can use it to our advantage. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

We dig into the podcast episode library to bring back one of the all time favorites. Ben digs into a great conversation with Bill Perkins to cover a lot of ground on a variety of topics that all relate to life, money, and living well. A can't miss episode!     Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.     Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show.     This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

What does it take to become a legend? Excellence? Drive? Work ethic? A little bit of luck? Now, imagine becoming a legend not only in one avenue of life... but two. That's what Stan Smith has done.     At the age of 16, a young Stan set some simple (if not audacious) tennis-related goals for himself: to make the US Davis Cup Team; to become the best player in the US, to win Wimbledon; and to become the best player in the world. And then, he went about checking things off his list.     He was the #1 player in the US four times between 1969-1973. In 1972, he won Wimbledon's singles title. Later that same year, he was named the #1 player in the world.     In 1978, Stan changed the fashion world when Adidas took his name for their classic tennis shoe. One of the most popular, and iconic, shoes in history, Adidas continues to make Stan Smiths, and estimates it has sold over 40 million pairs since their introduction.     Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987, Stan continues to take new ground. He is involved with a tennis academy in Hilton Head for young players, works with charitable organizations like The Boys and Girls Club & the Heritage Foundation, and is preparing to release a book in March called "Winning Trust."     Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.     Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show.     This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

The first Bengal inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Anthony Munoz is widely considered the greatest offensive linemen in the history of the NFL. In his 13 seasons with the team, Munoz was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl 11 times.   Although his on-field accomplishments are the stuff of legend, it's the life he's built after leaving the gridiron that has cemented him to many as the most-beloved Bengal in our franchise's history.   Among other things, Anthony oversees the Munoz Foundation, an initiative that has impacted the lives of 55,000 local kids and teens through work as varied as scholarship awards, character camps, football clinics, and tutoring programs. He is a family man of deep faith, who is committed to his city and making the biggest positive impact possible.   After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life.   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.   Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show.   This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Steven Jarvis is "the most interesting CPA in the world!" Steven is a CPA and the founder of Retirement Tax Services, a tax firm that aims to bridge the gap between tax professionals, financial advisors, and their clients with one goal in mind—to reduce most people's largest expense in retirement: taxes! He's also the author of the book Don't Get Killed On Taxes — 20 of the Most Common Reasons You're Sending Too Much Money To The IRS. When he's not helping his clients keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets, Steven co-hosts "The Retirement Tax Podcast," which promises to be the "least-boring podcast about taxes." He spends his free time going on adventures with his family, running, and applying positive peer pressure to friends who want to train for their first race or triathlon. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.  Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Ben and Dave look at the past year in podcast guests, television, life highs, and what to look foward to in the new year. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.  Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

While we may all like different genres of music, there's one thing we can agree on: songwriting is an artform. Today, we get to connect with a living legend of songwriting. While you may not immediately recognize his name, if you've spent any time around country music, I'm betting you'll recognize his songs. Rivers Rutherford has written 29 Top-40 country songs for artists like Brooks and Dunn, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton. River's won so many songwriting awards we could fill the rest of our time together with them—and for his hard work, he was inducted in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.  Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Is money a source of stress in your life? If you answered "yes," you aren't alone. A recent study, from August 2024, uncovered some pretty stunning insights into the relationship between Americans, stress, and their wallets. When it comes to money, too many of us aren't living well. That's why I'm so excited to have James Lenhoff as our guest today. James is an entrepreneur, a certified financial planner, an author and podcaster, with one simple goal: to help release the pressure of financial stress that so many people feel. James is also the author of Living a Rich Life: The No-Regrets Guide to Building and Spending Wealth. Instead of focusing solely on spending, as many financial planners do, James looks below the surface to what is motivating our money habits. His book is filled to the brim with simple, actionable wisdom that could change the state of your bank account—and life. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.  Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show.   This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

It's been said that a great father doesn't tell his kids how to live—instead, he lives well and lets them watch. I can say that's been the story for me. And today, you're going to get your own front row seat as I spend time with one of the most inspiring, motivational, and encouraging men I know. He also just happens to be my father.   Ron Beshear served over five decades at Northwestern Mutual, starting as a financial advisor and eventually becoming a managing partner at the Fortune 500 company. Alongside his wife, and my amazing mom, Mary, he started "Serving Your Purpose" in 1987, helping individuals and organizations clarify their purpose, generate greater personal satisfaction, and reach their highest potential.   With three published books, 10,000+ one-on-one interviews, and 55 years of marriage between them, Ron and Mary are highly sought after speakers, coaches, and experts on living lives of purpose.   I know he's my father, but it's not an exaggeration to say Ron has an outsized impact wherever he goes. His mission statement is to "live an outward-focused, others-centered life, serving individuals and institutions both personally and professionally for God's glory." As his son, I can say, he's done exactly that… and more.   After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life.   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.    Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show.   This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

  Blake has formed The Legacy Letter Challenge. His goal? Equipping 1 million mothers and fathers to pen letters that will help their children move into confidence, hope, resilience and success upon the time of their death.   Blake travels the country leading workshops on writing legacy letters, and delivering keynote addresses and leadership around the topic.   What Blake has to share today just might change the trajectory of your loved one's life after you are gone. It really is that important.   After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life.   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.    Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show.   This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

  Today, we're catching up with John Schlifske, the soon-to-be-retiring CEO of Northwestern Mutual. Under his leadership, Northwestern Mutual has reached new heights of success, excellence, and customer service.   As a private wealth advisor for Northwestern Mutual, I have been profoundly influenced by John's tenure, and count myself among the many people touched by his leadership and vision.   After joining Northwestern Mutual in 1987 as an investment specialist, John moved from portfolio manager to senior executive overseeing a variety of the company's operations. Besides serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman for Northwestern Mutual, John also serves as a director on the board of Kohl's Corporation, a member of the Executive Committee of the American Council of Life Insurers' Board of Directors, and on the board of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.   Today, we celebrate his legacy, learn from the challenges he's overcome, and glean some of the invaluable wisdom he has picked up along the way.   Today, we hit all three: life, money, and living well.   After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life.   Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.    Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show.   This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.