Each and every one of us is surrounded by risk every day. Driving to work is a risk. Going on a business trip or vacation is a risk. Playing first base for the company softball team is a risk. Even leaving the house on a cloudy day without an umbrella is a risk.

Some risks are trivial—like changing the oil in your car after work while still wearing your dress shirt. Others are significant—like the loss of income due to disability or premature death. Proper risk management is essential to securing your financial future. This means effectively using insurance to protect against those things that would significantly impact your financial future if they occurred.

Insurance is the means by which you secure protection for yourself and your family against unforeseen circumstances. Auto insurance helps protect you from financial loss on an automobile due to accident or theft. Health insurance provides financial support for medical-related costs. Life insurance, on the other hand, was initially designed not to protect the insured, but rather to protect those left behind by the insured when the insured died.

Life insurance was intended to provide a means for the insured's family to help pay outstanding debts, funeral expenses and settle estate taxes—without having to take on the financial burden themselves—and to supplement the family's income now depleted of the contributions of the deceased.

Life insurance has evolved significantly over the years to also help provide financial protection to the insured during their lifetime as well. The values that accumulate in permanent life insurance can provide for you and your family in the event of an emergency, or when funds are needed for things such as college tuition, a mortgage down payment or retirement income.

Making the decision to buy life insurance is taking an important step toward your future financial security. Choosing a life insurance company is just as significant. Northwestern Mutual has been committed to providing insurance for more than 145 years. In a world of continuous change, isn't it nice to know there are some things you can count on.