Your Money. Your Mission.

Are you interested in learning more about building your dream home and all that it entails? On this episode, host Kelly Mould is joined by Loren Fellows, Vice President and Construction Financing Specialist, and Zach Knutson, Managing Partner of Next Generation, a leading builder and general contractor. They delve into the differences between building a new home and buying an existing one, discussing the nuances of customization, energy efficiency, and the evolving landscape of home buying. Tune in to uncover the key considerations, risks, and options available to those ready to embark on the journey of building their dream home. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, this episode will provide you with valuable insights to navigate the construction financing process with confidence.

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Statistically, women feel less confident in investing compared to men. Therefore, many women avoid starting to save money at the same rates as men, even though surveys show that when women do invest, they actually outperform men. In this episode of “Your Money. Your Mission.” Kelly sits down with Merissa Slowik, a Wealth Advisor and Financial Planner at Johnson Financial Group, to discuss the pivotal role of financial literacy in empowering women. Merissa emphasizes the importance of confidence, comfortability, and curiosity in navigating financial decisions, encouraging women to break free from hesitations and take control of their financial futures. Addressing common concerns, Merissa provides actionable advice on budgeting, investing, and building emergency funds, stressing the significance of starting early and seeking reliable resources.This is a great episode for women looking to enhance their financial literacy and grow their financial independence!

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In marriage, things don't always go as planned. Amidst the vows and promises lies a complex financial landscape that can profoundly impact the course of a relationship. In this episode of "Your Money. Your Mission," we cover all aspects of finances related to marriage – from prenuptial agreements to navigating divorce, exploring what makes couples successful and where things can go wrong. Additionally, we share some unbelievable stories. Joining us in this episode is Attorney Susan Hansen, a seasoned expert in collaborative divorce and mediation from the firm Hansen & Hildebrand.

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What's on tap for 2024? How do you navigate the potentially volatile financial markets during an election year? Those are the two main topics we cover in this episode of "Your Money, Your Mission." Host Kelly is joined by Johnson Financial Group CEO Jim Popp and newly appointed CIO, Dominic CeCi. In this episode, you'll get an introduction to Dominic, learn more about what's to come on the podcast in 2024, and take a look at what you can expect in the market. Additionally, we'll discuss how to handle an election season and offer more advice on achieving your long-term financial goals.

Look out for more episodes in 2024 including episodes covering financial considerations for marriage and highlighting women’s roles in finance and business during Women’s History Month in March.

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Welcome to a special episode of the "Your Money. Your Mission." podcast, where our CEO, Jim Popp, joins host Kelly Mould to reflect on 2023 and share insights into what lies ahead in 2024. From the podcast's success to economic volatility and generational shifts, Jim and Kelly discuss the surprises of the past year. They also preview what is to come on YMYM in 2024, as well as the financial market expectations for the year ahead.

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President of Wealth and CIO Brian Andrew reflects back on 2023 and discusses key insights into investing for 2024. Reflecting on 2023, he notes the surprising resilience of the economy despite earlier concerns and anticipates a potential economic slowdown in 2024, possibly leading to a contraction. Brian suggests that the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes, while impactful, are taking time to manifest due to the lingering effects of pandemic stimulus. As the conversation shifts to the 2024 presidential election, he emphasizes the potential market volatility associated with policy changes, particularly in areas like tax policy and defense spending. Looking at sectors, Brian highlights the significance of energy policy changes and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on productivity. Talking points for 2024 also include the real estate market, including commercial real estate sectors as well as advice for homebuyers. He also touches on the appreciation of cryptocurrencies and what to expect moving forward. If you’re looking for valuable insights on investing in 2024 make sure to tune into this episode of YMYM!

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Wondering how to build a strong foundation for financial success? In this episode of “Your Money. Your Mission.”, Kelly speaks with Dominic Ceci, Senior Vice President and Director of Portfolio Management & Trading at Johnson Financial Group, to shed light on some key insights to help new investors navigate the complex financial landscape. This episode dives into the difference between bull and bear markets, how investors should focus on their emotional state to make smart long term decisions, the difference between equities and fixed income, active vs passive investing strategies, and more! Tune in to mitigate financial risk and build a strong foundation for the future.

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How do you leave a lasting legacy and set your family up for future success? In this episode of “Your Money. Your Mission.”, Kelly speaks with Joe Maier, an attorney and Wealth Strategy Director at Johnson Financial Group, to help guide you through the importance of legacy planning. They explore the pivotal difference between estate planning and legacy planning. Listeners will learn the pitfalls to avoid, including how to communicate with family members, the importance of the right estate planning documents, and separating asset ownership from decision-making. This episode provides the guidance you need for securing your family's financial future while leaving a meaningful legacy.

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Wondering how to navigate today’s housing market when it comes to buying your first home, next home or the potential benefits of investing in rental properties? In this episode we help answer your questions on the housing market with Loren Fellows, Vice President of Mortgage Production at Johnson Financial Group, bringing over two decades of expertise to the table. In a housing market with rising prices, low inventory, and increasing interest rates, Loren provides valuable insights on how to navigate the current landscape and still purchase your home/rental property. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, patience, working with a buyer's agent, and obtaining a fully underwritten pre-approval letter to enhance your competitiveness as a buyer. In addition, Loren discusses the option of building a new home if you can't find what you're looking for in the current market, offering valuable advice on the construction loan process. Finally, she delves into the world of investment properties, sharing tips on financing, occupancy, and building a solid real estate portfolio. Tune in to get the guidance you need to make informed decisions in today's housing market.

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Are you looking to generate safe returns in volatile times? In this episode of "Your Money, Your Mission.", financial experts Eric Bernal and Luke Kasten, both from Johnson Financial Group, provide valuable insights into cash strategies. The conversation revolves around various scenarios, including managing surplus cash for businesses, transitioning to safer investment options for retirement, and preparing for emergencies while seeking conservative yet lucrative options. They emphasize the importance of aligning cash strategies with financial goals and highlight the value of a comprehensive financial plan in optimizing returns. Tune in to learn practical advice for individuals and businesses seeking to make the most of their cash assets in uncertain times.

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