The Financial States of America

The Financial States of America – a podcast produced by Reuters Plus for Northwestern Mutual – explores where people are in their financial journeys, the many routes that can be taken and the lessons learned along the way. Hosted by Christian Mitchell, former chief customer officer at Northwestern Mutual, and Bryan Falchuk, author, speaker and a veteran of the financial services industry, this podcast series features wide-ranging conversations with leading experts in the fields of finance and technology exploring the biggest trends and research shaping Americans’ attitudes toward money and practical tips to achieving financial security.

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Episodes

An Open Conversation About the State of Retirement in America

Every day, 11,000 people turn 65 in the U.S., bringing to the forefront questions about what they’ll need to retire comfortably. In this episode of The Financial States of America podcast, Christian Mitchell and Bryan Falchuk tackle questions surrounding one of the biggest mountains people need to climb in their financial lives: retirement. Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study found that U.S. adults believe they will need $1.46 million to retire comfortably – a 15% increase f...

Oct 18, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 3

A Closer Look at American Debt and College Savings

Debt is not something to fear, nor is it something to take lightly. In this episode of The Financial States of America podcast, Christian Mitchell and Bryan Falchuk examine the role of debt in financial planning. Drawing from Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study, they discuss how different generations approach borrowing and saving and explore the differences between “bad” debt and “good” debt. Debt is an important tool in the financial planning toolbox that – when used respon...

Oct 18, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 2

AI and Money: Gauging Americans’ Comfort Levels with Using AI for Financial Planning

In the Season 2 kickoff of The Financial States of America podcast, Christian Mitchell and Bryan Falchuk revisit a hot topic that continues to be a gamechanger for how we work and live: artificial intelligence (AI). Joining the conversation is Lareina Yee , Senior Partner at McKinsey, who calls generative AI a superpower that can lift productivity and quality. The technology is being deployed more widely than we may realize, but how can businesses make the most of it? And what does it mean for o...

Oct 18, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 1

How to Cope with Economic Uncertainty

Uncertain economic times can have a big impact on financial habits and behaviors. In this episode of “The Financial States of America,” Christian Mitchell and Bryan Falchuk discuss ways to manage decision-making during periods of financial uncertainty. Joining the conversation is Peter Hooper, vice-chair of research for Deutsche Bank Securities, who draws on his experience in the Federal Reserve to examine factors contributing to market volatility and how people can prepare for periods of uncert...

Oct 30, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 2

From Gen Z to Baby Boomers: How Different Generations Approach Personal Finance

We all have different wants and needs, and our attitudes toward money change as we move through different phases of life. In this episode of “The Financial States of America,” Christian Mitchell and Bryan Falchuk discuss how different generations view their personal finances. While America’s youngest adults (Gen Z) and Millennials are optimistic about their prospects for their financial futures, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers have more uncertainty as retirement comes into view. Tanya Van Court, found...

Oct 30, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Can AI Transform Your Finances?

In the third episode of “The Financial States of America,” Christian Mitchell and Bryan Falchuk delve into the rapidly progressing world of artificial intelligence to explore its transformative potential in financial services and its vast implications for financial decision-making going forward. Vasant Dhar, professor at the Stern School of Business and the Center for Data Science at New York University and host of the Brave New World podcast, joins the conversation to discuss the forward-lookin...

Oct 30, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 3

What Financial Lessons Can Be Gained from Learning a New Skill?

In the inaugural episode of “The Financial States of America,” Christian Mitchell and Bryan Falchuk explore the process of building good financial habits and discuss the parallels to learning a new skill – whether it’s playing the guitar or running a marathon. In most situations, getting started is the hardest part. Kristy Archuleta, professor in the Financial Planning program at the University of Georgia and author of “ Financial Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice” , joins the conversation...

Oct 30, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introducing: The Financial States of America

The Financial States of America – a podcast produced by Reuters Plus for Northwestern Mutual – explores where people are in their financial journeys, the many routes that can be taken and the lessons learned along the way. Hosted by Christian Mitchell, former chief customer officer at Northwestern Mutual, and Bryan Falchuk , author, speaker and a veteran of the financial services industry, this podcast series features wide-ranging conversations with leading experts in the fields of finance and t...

Oct 20, 2023•1 min

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