Kari Smith - Northwestern Mutual

05/28/2026

13 years ago, I stepped through the doors of Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities as a college intern.

Last night, I was honored to speak alongside my dad, Dave Lundberg at our family night where we welcome our incoming summer interns and their parents.

The internship is close to my heart. I was a marketing major in college, unsure of what my career would be. I needed an internship and through a friend's recommendation, found NM.

I wasn't sure if the financial planning industry was for me, but I knew I would be surrounded by amazing people who would help me grow into the best version of myself. And worst case, I'd learn a lot.

When I told my dad I was accepting the internship, he shared with me the financial strength of Northwestern Mutual and how our career opportunity has unlimited impact and opportunity. He shared how he was a client and how much peace of mind NM gave him and my mom.

I am so thankful my parents were supportive and encouraging as I stepped into the internship. It has opened a door to an incredible life of impact and meaningful relationships.

Thank you BJ, Aubrey, and team for having us!

And thank you Dad for always being my biggest supporter.

05/05/2026

A year ago, I made the decision to invest in myself and my health💪💥

I was about a year postpartum...

I had back pain...

I 'worked out' and had a fairly healthy lifestyle, but just didn't feel like myself.

My whole life, I was a competitive athlete. 🏒

I LOVED the mental and physical part of being an athlete. The preparation, the visualization, the extra gym sessions, the nutrition, following a plan to be at your best performance for your sport.

Then, hockey came to an end.

I still enjoyed all of those things and maintained a super healthy lifestyle...

Running marathons, lifting weights, all the fun workout classes, recipes, meal plans 'X" amount of day nutritional challenges.

Then, I became a mother.👶💕

The greatest gift in the world. I was blessed to have healthy, active pregnancies, healthy births and healthy babes.

Postpartum was a difficult process for me.

The recovery, the need to slow down and listen to my body, and the thing that was most challenging was not feeling like an athlete.

Then, I found Optimum!

Dr. Matt and Dr. Danny got to know me where I was at in my journey.

It all started with some chiro work and PT for my sore back.

I was exercising, but what I needed was a GOAL and a PLAN created by a professional.

Just like we build plans for our clients who have goals in financial planning. 💵

I've chased a number on a scale before, I've chased doing different types of races, so this time, I wanted to go after something that meant I am STRONG. Strong for my kids, my husband, my clients, those I lead, my friends, and for myself💜

THE GOAL:
I reached out to Dr. Matt asking if he could build me a plan to work towards doing an unassisted pull-up, something I had not done since college athletics.

THE PLAN: evolved into Dr. Matt building me a weekly strength and cardio plan.

At the 6-month mark, on my 34th birthday in December, I did 5 unassisted pull-ups and I felt more like an athlete than I have in 10+ years.

Today, I am feeling better in my 30s than I did in my 20s.

The best investment is in yourself.

Goals + Plan = Results🌟

Thank you Dr. Matt for these awesome photos!

04/28/2026

Be a BUFFALO. 💥

Not a cow.

A cow sees the storm and run away from it. Prolonging the misery. Delaying the discomfort.

A buffalo charges DIRECTLY into the storm, passing through it quickly to minimize the pain. Faces it head on.

Our brains need symbols, because our brains want to keep us safe and more cow-like.

Thank you BJ Hellyer for this symbol to remind myself to be courageous, be proactive, face the discomfort, have the hard conversation... Be the buffalo.

Where are you falling into the comfort trap?

Where do you need to be more proactive and courageous today?

03/19/2026

We're Hiring | Financial Advisors
🔹 NM-Twin Cities

I’m currently growing my firm and looking to mentor and coach the next generation of financial advisors. This is an opportunity for individuals who are motivated, competitive, and ready to build something of their own—with the support and structure to succeed. No finance degree or background is required.

What I am looking for:
• Someone who is sick of having a 'job' and wants their forever CAREER
• Athletic/Military/Sales/Leadership background
• High levels of bravery and competitiveness
• Excellent communication skills and cares about people
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Those craving more impact, independence, control, and income

If you or someone in your network comes to mind, I’d love to connect.

Posting this picture because we are fun 🤣 !

📩 Message me if you’re interested in learning more!

03/09/2026

Happy International Women's Day 💕 💪

I am grateful to be a part of a firm who uplifts, encourages and supports women!

This year, Hilary and I are honored to lead the support of our women advisors called MAC:

Mentorship 🙌

Acceleration 🏃‍♀️

Community 🤝

Our industry has come a long way, and still has work to do! 51% of the population are women and only ~15%-20% of advisors are women.

This career has been a blessing, and it was not necessarily the career I said I would be in when we had career day in 4th grade (pro hockey player, duh 😍).

If you are craving more impact, freedom, leadership opportunity, and a place where you get to determine your worth, let's have a conversation. 💥

02/18/2026

5 years ago... Walking into my first RSP fall experience, I had no idea what to expect. That day was PIVOT-al in my life, and it was the community I didn't know I needed.

Fast-forward to today. I am honored to host a pop-up experience rooted in the PLAY pillar of RSP to celebrate International Women's Day in March!

Join me at FlowFit yoga and fitness for a class taught by the incredible Alex Johnson.

We will move, stretch, play, give, and get!

Details below!

Shout-out to our fellow pop-up hosts, I cannot wait to attend these incredible events in March to celebrate IWD!

Feel the power of movement in community. Come to sweat, laugh, and connect — and stay for the real talk, resource swaps, and shared wisdom that fills your cup and your calendar.

02/12/2026

Your annual tax return can highlight key money moves you should be making 💥 .

Here’s where to look...

Your annual tax return can highlight opportunities to adjust your approach. Here’s where to look.

02/10/2026

A financial plan you’ll love starts with a simple conversation. Let’s connect.

01/21/2026

💥 "FUELED" 💥

My word for 2026.

It came to me out of nowhere. I was in a full day of meetings with amazing clients, potential clients, friends, people who push me and people who I lead. I looked up, and it was 4pm, time flew by! My mind, body and heart felt so much energy from the day that I felt like I could go for a run.

Then it popped into my head...

I feel FUELED!

"Supplied or powered up"

"Something that is powered or excited by a strong emotion or feeling"

If you aren't sure what fuels you right now (I have been there, especially in the postpartum trenches)... Ask yourself: "What is something I do where I am so fully immersed, I forget to look at the clock or my phone?". Trust that... and do more of that!

Pretty fitting that the year was kicked off with a Purpose Fueled event hosted by my amazing friend, Jasmine and an incredible guest, Jen.

Thank you to both of you for sharing your story and wisdom.

Here was my takeaway from the morning:

Don't overlook serendipity around you: Happy accidents!

You don't have to know where you are going to be headed in the right direction.

That invisible thing that is holding you back could be your greatest gift.

Let's fuel ourselves and one another this year! 💥

12/29/2025

Entering a new year starts with CLARITY ✨

Clarity on your goals 💪

Clarity about your money 💵 and if your current plan is working ⁉️

And clarity about if your current career trajectory can get you the quality of life you desire 💥

If 2026 is the year you want to STOP guessing, and start planning with confidence, a consultation with our team is a great first step. No judgement, no 'shoulds', no comparison, just meeting you where you are at on your journey and giving you a customized plan, so you can free up more space for JOY! 🙌

And if you are feeling stuck, capped, or not in control in your career, let's talk. I did not know I would become an advisor (marketing major here), and this career has been a huge blessing. We are hiring career-changers in 2026 and this could be your year to build something incredible! 🙌

BJ always told me. Fulfillment is where joy and hunger meet. I can say that I have found that here at NM TC.

2026: New Year. Better plan. Let's talk! 💕