Financial Advisor

Overview

Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual offers a unique opportunity to start your own business and help clients achieve their financial goals through comprehensive planning. As a financial representative, you'll focus on client acquisition and obtaining necessary licenses. Our award-winning training programs provide the education, skill development, and strategies needed to build a successful financial planning practice centered on:

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

Utilizing Northwestern Mutual’s proprietary planning software, you'll educate clients and deliver holistic financial plans—including investments, insurance, and annuities—to make a meaningful impact. As a business owner, you can tailor your workday to fit your life and enjoy uncapped earning potential through a performance-based compensation structure.

We support diverse paths to grow your practice, whether opening an office, joining a team, or becoming an advanced advisor, aligning with your long-term goals.

Responsibilities

As a financial advisor, you will:

• Grow your client base through networking, referrals, and delivering excellent service
• Create personalized financial plans tailored to each client’s needs
• Manage client plans to help them reach their goals
• Build enduring relationships to support clients through all life stages

Training, Licensing & Designations

Northwestern Mutual is recognized for its highly trained sales force. We are committed to your ongoing development, starting with our award-winning curriculum designed for your first three years. The program includes industry expert insights, client acquisition techniques, and mentorship from experienced advisors.

To qualify as a financial advisor, you must obtain:

• Life, Accident & Health Certifications
• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
• Series 6, 7, and 63 licenses

We offer pre-payment or reimbursement of course fees and books.

Compensation & Benefits

• Performance-based earnings, with average annual income of $61K-$119K and top advisors earning $137K-$250K (based on data from 2018-2023)
• Additional income support during training and early stages
• Renewal income for ongoing client support
• Bonuses, expense allowances, and licensing support
• Company-funded retirement and pension plans
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Parental benefits at all family planning stages

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ambitions to own a business
• Success in relationship-building or client-facing roles
• Excellent time management
• Desire for continuous learning and teamwork
• Strong critical thinking and communication skills
• Motivation and drive
• Legal authorization to work in the US without sponsorship

As independent contractors, our advisors are valued business partners and considered statutory employees for FICA taxes.

Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries, based in Milwaukee, WI, include NM, NLTC, NMIS, and NMWMC, operating under various licenses and memberships.

*Note: Individuals must have at least three years of service at Northwestern Mutual to qualify for the pre-payment/reimbursement program.