Money isn’t just math, it’s emotions, values, and tough conversations. In this bonus episode, financial therapist Aja Evans and Northwestern Mutual’s Lauren Yoder join host Jennifer to unpack two common money challenges: balancing priorities while raising kids and navigating financial secrets in relationships. They explore why emotions run high with money, how values shape decisions, and how planning with an advisor can ease stress and build alignment. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website:https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/how-to-resolve-financial-conflict 
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/ 

Have you ever felt anxious that you’re not living out your life’s purpose... or worried you don’t even know what it is? Jordan Grumet, author of Taking Stock and The Purpose Code, is a hospice physician who left private practice to follow his passion for conversations about money, purpose and life. He joins Jennifer Borget to explore why purpose doesn’t have to be one big “what” but can be a series of meaningful “whys.” Jordan shares how you can define purpose on your own terms and align your financial life to support it. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/how-to-identify-your-purpose-and-build-your-life-around-it 
• Link to No Regrets Bingo Card: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/assets/pdf/no-regrets-bingo-card.pdf 
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/ 

Between school drop-offs, back-to-back meetings and skyrocketing summer camp costs, parenting today can feel like a never-ending juggling act. In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares, pediatrician, author and founder of Modern Mommy Doc, opens up about her journey from burnout to balance. She shares the moment that led her to redefine what truly matters and how she now helps other parents align their time, money and energy with their values. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/how-to-find-balance-in-parenthood/ 
• Link to Parenting Prioritization Worksheet: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/assets/pdf/prioritizing-finances-with-kids.pdf 
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/ 

Worrying about the future is inevitable, but it doesn't need to be all consuming. Kate Sweeny, Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs at the UC Riverside Life Events Lab, has spent her career studying how we approach periods of uncertainty. She shares why the unknown is stressful and how we can reduce this stress with strategies like planning ahead. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/why-we-worry-about-money-and-how-to-stop  
• Link to our Readiness Checklist to meet with your advisor for the first time: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/assets/pdf/meeting-with-your-financial-advisor-for-the-first-time.pdf 
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/ 

If the thought of managing your money has you feeling stressed, you're not alone. In this episode, best-selling author and entrepreneur Kate Northrup joins Jennifer to explore how to bring a sense of peace back into your money life. 

Kate shares how changing your mindset around money can help you break free from the cycle of constant busyness. You'll hear her insights on the importance of slowing down and learn practical tips on how to stay in control of your finances without being overwhelmed. Tune in for a conversation on money, wellness, and living with intention. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/living-your-best-money-life 
• Link to your free E-Book: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/a-better-way-to-money/#chapter-4 
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/ 

Starting or growing your family is exciting, but it can also raise tough questions about your career and finances. In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Allison Whalen, founder and CEO of Parentaly, to talk about how to build a smarter, more supportive leave plan. From protecting your career momentum to budgeting for time off, Allison shares practical advice for parents-to-be. Plus, Northwestern Mutual offers financial tips to help you prepare for your time away. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/taking-parental-leave-without-falling-behind 
• Link to your Parental Leave Checklist: 29-5697-08 Podcast Season 2 Episode 4 - Parental Leave Checklist 
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/ 

Whether you're eyeing your first place, considering an upgrade or weighing the benefits of renting, navigating today’s real estate market can feel overwhelming. Beyond price, there are many factors that can impact your decision—like location, amenities and even which side of the street you want your windows facing. In this episode, Jennifer sits down with real estate agent and YouTube personality Jeb Smith to cut through the noise. Together, they unpack what matters most when it comes to homeownership, from timing and financing to the emotional side of buying a home. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/planning-for-home-ownership/
• Complete Guide to Buying a Home: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/complete-guide-to-buying-a-home/
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

Live from New York City, host Jennifer Borget sits down with Lo Bosworth, former TV personality, wellness entrepreneur and CEO of Love Wellness, and Lauren Yoder, VP of Product Management at Northwestern Mutual. They explore the major transitions Lo has navigated, from becoming a reality TV star at 17 to building a successful wellness brand and planning her upcoming wedding. Along the way, Lauren shares valuable financial insights to help listeners understand how big life changes can impact their money and how to stay prepared and feel confident through every phase of adulthood. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/lo-bosworth-on-conquering-the-next-phase-of-adulthood/
• Download the Vision Board Template: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/assets/pdf/make-a-virtual-vision-board.pdf
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

Disclaimer: Utilizing the accumulated value through policy loans, surrenders or cash withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and may necessitate greater outlay than anticipated and/or result in an unexpected taxable event. 

Money can be one of the hardest topics to talk about—especially with family. But avoiding these conversations can hold you back. In this episode, financial researcher Sonya Lutter, Ph.D., CFP®, LMFT, joins host Jennifer Borget to explore where attitudes toward money come from. She’ll also share how open, honest dialogue about money can build trust, reduce stress and boost financial confidence. From navigating differing money beliefs with a partner to teaching kids about spending and saving, Sonya offers tips to make these talks easier and more impactful. 

• Listen to this episode and more on our website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/understanding-family-money-dynamics/
• Download the Financial Conversation Starters for Couples: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/assets/pdf/financial-conversation-starters-for-couples.pdf
• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide advisory services. 

Sonya Lutter, PhD, CFP, LMFT, "The Trust Factor: Key Insights into Planner-Client Relationships," Commissioned research from Northwestern Mutual, 2024. 

Sonya Lutter is not affiliated with Northwestern Mutual and the views expressed by Sonya Lutter do not necessarily represent those of Northwestern Mutual or its subsidiaries. 

Welcome back to A Better Way to Money™ :the podcast that helps to uncover your blind spots and find smarter ways to make your money work for you. This season, we’re digging into life’s big milestones — from getting married to buying your first home and everything in between. 

Join host Jennifer Borget and a lineup of expert guests for Season 2, where real life meets real financial advice. 

• Connect with A Better Way to Money® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/posts/?feedView=all