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Steve Braun

Founder and President

Steve Braun is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he received a BA in Communications and an MBA in Finance and Marketing, with Honors. He has over 30 years of financial services experience through various assignments at GMAC (now Ally Financial), Chrysler Capital, and for the last 23 years as the owner of Liberty Financial Planning.

Steve founded Liberty in August 2001 in the depths of the 2000-2002 stock market "tech meltdown" and just two weeks before 9-11. Needless to say it was a challenging time and tough environment to strike out on his own. He could have joined any established financial planning firm or brokerage house, but instead had a vision for transforming how the industry treats clients – the bold idea that client interests should always come first! Steve believes adviser compensation should be based on value delivered and benefits provided rather than just for selling products or charging "percentage of assets" fees. He has been an advocate for, and pioneer in, the use of hourly rates and flat fees for services rendered.

Steve's emphasis on client-focused services and sensible compensation has created the close working relationships he enjoys with clients from all over the financial spectrum. He particularly enjoys hearing from them about how his work has made a positive difference in their lives – on a personal level, not just financially.

When he is not working with clients or spending time with family, Steve enjoys his trail running addiction. He especially likes to compete in ultra marathon trail races in the mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Steve's most important accomplishment and greatest joy, however, is a strong relationship with his wife of 38 years, Karen. Together they have raised six children and enjoy their nine grandchildren.