Financial Advisor

About the role

Education at Northwestern Mutual offers a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help clients achieve their financial goals. Beginning as a financial representative, you'll focus on client-building and obtaining necessary licenses. Our award-winning training programs provide education, skill-building, and development strategies to help you succeed in establishing a financial planning practice. Key areas of focus include:

• Planning Experience
• Asset & Income Protection
• Education Funding
• Investment & Advisory Services
• Trust Services
• Retirement Solutions
• Business Needs Analysis

Northwestern Mutual’s proprietary planning software enables you to educate clients and deliver holistic financial plans, covering investments, insurance, and annuities for retirement income. As a business owner, you can shape your workday around your life and achieve uncapped earning potential through a performance-based compensation structure. We support multiple pathways to build and grow your practice, whether you aim to open an office, join a sophisticated team, or become an advanced advisor.

Responsibilities

• Grow your client base by making new connections, maintaining a strong referral network, and providing a great client experience
• Build personalized, holistic financial plans tailored to every client’s unique needs
• Manage your client’s financial plans to help them achieve their goals
• Grow relationships with clients to support them through every stage of life

Training, licensing & designations

Northwestern Mutual is recognized for maintaining one of the best-trained sales forces in the country, with a commitment to continuous training and development throughout your career. Our award-winning curriculum supports your first three years in the business, featuring:

• Industry expert insights
• Client acquisition strategies to drive career longevity
• Access to a national network of tenured financial advisors for first-hand business learning

To become a financial advisor, you must obtain the following licenses: Life/Accident & Health Certifications, Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), and Series 6, 7, and 63. Northwestern Mutual provides pre-payment or reimbursement for course tuition fees and books.

Compensation & Benefits

• Performance-based earnings and revenue:
  • Average advisor annual earnings of $61K–$119K (based on 2018–2023 company average for representatives in the first 3 years)
  • Top 25% advisor annual earnings of $137K–$250K (based on 2018–2023 company data for top quartile advisors in the first 3 years)
• Additional income structure to support training and early development
• Renewal income earned for continued client support and policy management
• Bonus programs and expense allowances
• Support for insurance licensing, Securities Industry Essentials®, Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and more
• Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) licensing support
• Fully company-funded retirement package and pension plan
• Competitive and comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
• Life Insurance and Disability Income Insurance
• Parental benefits at every stage of family planning

Note: No level of income is guaranteed. Revenue includes First Year and Renewal Commissions, Bonuses, NMIS and NMWMC commissions and fees, Strategic Employee Benefits Services commissions, and Expense Allowances. Data reflects average revenue from 2018–2023 for full-time, active Financial Representatives producing for the entire year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Entrepreneurial ambitions to be a business owner
• History of success in relationship-building or client-facing roles
• Excellent time-management skills
• Desire for continuous learning and collaboration
• Proficient critical thinking skills
• Strong communicator
• Strong sense of motivation and drive
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Financial Advisors are independent contractors for income tax purposes and statutory employees for FICA tax purposes.