A look at how a strong permanent life insurance policy can provide lifelong benefits.

A young couple finished college at 22 and began establishing their careers. They've recently gotten married and are planning to start a family in the next few years. The excitement is overwhelming, but with their eyes on the future, they begin to plan.

They meet with a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative who discusses their options with them. They decide to purchase a life insurance policy. They want their future family to be well taken care of financially should anything unforeseen happen.

They also want the peace of mind permanent life insurance offers with its many "living benefits." They like the idea of having the option to rely on their accumulated cash value in the case of an emergency or great opportunity they may be presented with in the future. They also know that if they manage their plan intelligently, they may be able to rely on the policy to provide funds for their child's education when the time comes or for additional income during retirement.

Their oldest has just finished her first year at a state university, and their youngest is already submitting applications. The couple, now 45 years old, is well prepared for the financial obligations they face. They have faithfully paid premiums on their life insurance policy, knowing the time would come when their policy would be needed for specific financial goals.

Due to several years of strong dividend returns, they were able to purchase paid-up additions to increase their coverage.* They then chose to surrender part of the cash value to help pay for their oldest child's tuition.** They have planned to meet with their Financial Representative to do the same for their younger daughter, as well as look at how things are shaping up for the future.

Now 65, the couple's children have nearly grown children of their own. They're celebrating life and looking forward to retirement. The couple was conscientious in maintaining their insurance policy throughout the years and can now surrender another portion of their cash value to supplement their income during retirement.

With these funds in addition to investments they have made over the years, pension funds from their employers and Social Security—they feel confident they will have enough retirement income to pursue their interests and live comfortably. They plan to meet with their representative again to review their policy's death benefit and their estate analysis approach.

Life seems to begin all over again for the couple, but if something unforeseen should occur, they know they have peace of mind. They know their children and grandchildren will be well taken care of and not burdened with any outstanding debts or taxes. Their life insurance policy will adequately handle the costs of their funeral and estate taxes, with some left over for their family.