Financial planning firm moves downtown [The Frederick News-Post, Md.]

May 23--Josh Parish hopes when people see the name Northwestern Mutual Insurance, they won't think of only life or disability insurance policies.

"Our service is a planning culture, not a selling culture," said Parish, field director and financial adviser at the new office of Northwestern at Carroll Creek Plaza.

"We help people identify needs, not just wants, and products are secondary," Parish said.

Parish has been with Northwestern for more than six years. He heads a staff of eight financial advisers and five employees at the 4,000-square-foot space overlooking Carroll Creek.

"We needed more room and growing," Parish said. "I plan to add five to seven new advisers a year."

Northwestern, once known as "the quiet company," is hoping to get its name out as a major force in the field of retirement planning, estate planning and investment. The company continues to offer life, disability and long-term care policies.

Parish is looking for career-changers who may have experience in fields such as accounting, but also young men and women who are willing to work hard to help clients plan for their future.

In Maryland, Northwestern expects to add 76 financial representatives in 2013 at its six offices.

Parish said the company has an impact on the community and plans to continue that and expand it. Many clients will know Dan Schiffman, a certified financial planner who has been with the company for more than 15 years.

"We help people find financial security. We customize financial solutions, individually tailored," Parish said. The company can work on complex estate planning as wekk as basic life insurance.

Northwestern has been serving the nation for 156 years and has more than 4 million clients. It is the largest direct provider of individual life insurance and has more than $202 billion in assets. Northwestern has been paying double the dividends of its nearest competitor, Parish said, and holds the highest financial strength ratings from industry rating agencies.

"We wanted to stay downtown," Parish said of the move to 50 Citizens Way. "We enjoy the downtown location, and our clients like it. We want to live in the communities we serve."

Northwestern Mutual Insurance

50 Citizens Way, Suite 303

301-302-8730

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