Deals & People January 12, 2010

Northwestern Mutual Plans to Ramp up Adviser Recruitment Effort

To meet “Americans' growing need for financial guidance,” Northwestern Mutual said it plans to recruit more than 2,300 financial representatives and more than 2,500 financial representative interns in 2010.
Reported by

Northwestern Mutual said it had a “record-setting” year in 2009, recruiting 10% more financial professionals than in 2008.

“There’s a high-demand for trained financial professionals and our forecasts show that this demand will continue to climb in the foreseeable future,” said Michael Van Grinsven, Northwestern Mutual field recruitment director, in a news release.  “With all the market uncertainty and confusing options, people are seeking guidance and clarity in their long-term planning.”

Northwestern Mutual is using the social-networking site Facebook to reach young professionals and college students. The firm plans to launch a Facebook application called “Dress to Impress,” which lets users rate peoples’ style as “career-makers” or “deal-breakers.” The point is to demonstrate that “the market for today’s top careers is very competitive,” the firm said.

More information about careers at Northwestern Mutual is available at www.northwesternmutual.com/career-opportunities

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In Practice January 12, 2010

Advisers Say Clients Still Confident in Ability to Retire

Despite reports that many Americans are delaying retirement, the majority of surveyed advisers said their clients’ confidence in their ability to retire remains steady.
Reported by

In a survey of Ameriprise Financial advisers, 54% of respondents said their clients’ confidence in their ability to retire on schedule is remaining steady. An additional 14% reported that their clients’ confidence is increasing, according to a release of the survey results.

“While we know the economic downturn has changed the way many people envision their retirement, in our experience, those who work with a financial adviser tend to feel more financially secure,” said Craig Brimhall, vice president of retirement wealth strategies at Ameriprise Financial, in the release. “On the heels of a hard-hitting recession, it’s an especially positive sign that a majority of our advisers perceive that their clients remain confident they’ll reach this major milestone at the time they planned.”

Ameriprise Financial surveyed 1,300 of its advisers via email in November.

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