Northwestern Mutual Launches Tool to Help Americans Gauge their Retirement Preparedness

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent study from Northwestern Mutual revealed that only 56 percent of Americans feel financially prepared to live past 75, even though longevity research shows people are living longer than ever before¹. To get Americans thinking about their financial security and retirement, Northwestern Mutual has introduced the "9-Hole Retirement Challenge."

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"Retirement planning is a lifelong journey, so it's never too soon to start thinking about it," said Rebekah Barsch, Vice President – Retirement Market Strategy at Northwestern Mutual. "This game offers an engaging and fun way for individuals to consider their retirement readiness, no matter how far along they are in the planning process."

How it works
Through a series of nine golf-themed questions, participants can assess their knowledge of key risks and learn how certain financial decisions can affect their retirement income goals. Topics include:

• Longevity
• Health care costs
• Long-term care needs
• Market volatility
• Budgeting
• Inflation
• Taxes
• Social Security
• Leaving a Legacy

At the end of the game, players are given a scorecard with tips for long-term planning success. Participants also have the option to invite friends and family to play, or to share their results with a financial representative.

The "9-Hole Retirement Challenge" is available free at the following URL: http://9holeretirementchallenge.com. In addition, the tool is also available on Northwestern Mutual's Facebook page. 

About Northwestern Mutual
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) – among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2012 according to FORTUNE® magazine – has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 155 years. As a mutual company with $1.4 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time.  Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.

¹ Annuity 2000 Mortality Table

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual