Northwestern Mutual began in 1857 in Wisconsin as a mutual life insurance company and has grown into a financial services firm serving families and businesses. The company offers life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory services through a planning-based approach. As a mutual organization, Northwestern Mutual returns profits to policyowners through dividends and has paid a dividend every year since 1872. The business continues to focus on insurance, wealth accumulation, asset protection, retirement planning, and related financial solutions.