This document summarizes the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network internship program. It notes that the program has trained over 25,000 interns since 1967 and that 1 in 3 eligible interns become full-time representatives. The internship focuses on personal and professional growth through business experience, networking skills development, and potential licensing. Interns can earn up to $2,000 per period through commissions in addition to valuable training and experience.

1. 10 Top Reasons Ridgefield Financial Group The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company-Milwaukee, WI

2. Northwestern MutualFinancial Network Northwestern Mutual Financial Network is the marketing name for the sale and distribution arm of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) and its subsidiaries and affiliates. All financial representatives and college interns are independent contractors, and are not employees of Northwestern Mutual. All financial representatives and college interns are compensated on a commission basis, and do not receive salary or wages.

3. 1 One of “America’sTop 10 Internships” Vault Guide to Internships, 2009 edition Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Apple, Inc. Citi Markets & Banking Google, Inc. INROADS Morris Arboretum National Institutes of Health Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Pricewaterhouse Coopers XM Radio

4. The Most Sought After College Experience In Fairfield County The ambition of the Northwestern Mutual Internship program has been less to sell product than to develop people. Valuing quality above quantity our aim is to empower students for personal and professional growth.

5. Our Program’sHistory & Success 2 Facts More than 25,000 individuals have entered the program since its inception in 1967 Northwestern Mutual contracted over 2,400 students in 2009 1 in 3 eligible interns becomes a full-time Financial Representative upon graduation 32% of Field Management are former College Interns 22% of the Top 100 Financial Representatives are former College Interns Source: Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee-WI, 2007

6. The Bender Financial Group Core Values »Personal Growth To achieve and sustain lasting success one must continue to grow by taking personal, emotional and professional risks. Real confidence comes from acting in the face of fear and accomplishing goals in the face of obstacles. »Enduring Relationships Relationships are based in intimacy and mutual trust. We achieve this standard by listening, challenging, and sharing direct feedback and support. »Commitment to Self and Others Commitments should be honored through mutual accountability and personal responsibility. The examples we set in our own lives are the strongest testimonials and bring out the best in ourselves and those around us.

7. The Advantage toYOU the Student Actual business experience for your resume Opportunities to develop your networking and business relationship skills Flexible work schedule Assists with career selection process Opportunity for Investment Company/Variable Contracts Limited Representative Exam and Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam “Head start” program for the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network career 3

8. 4 Our Internship = A NetworkshipEffectiveness of Job Search Tools *This information is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being least effective* Source: Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. 2009

9. 5a Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company as of 2009Assets: $155 BillionRanks 118 on the Fortune 500 List Best possible insurance financial strength ratings from all four rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s AAA Moody’s Aaa FitchRatings AAA A.M. Best Company A++ . The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual), the nation’s largest direct provider of individual life insurance, according to statistics compiled from A.M. Best data, has always received the best possible insurance financial strength ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings, A.M. Best, and Moody’s. Third party ratings are subject to change.

11. Quality of products/services

12. Long-term investment

13. Quality of management

14. Use of corporate assets

15. People management

16. Social responsibility Northwestern Mutual achieved the longest record at number one in any industry in the history of FORTUNE® magazine’s “most admired” survey, after leading the life insurance industry for 25 years. March 16, 2009 issue, FORTUNE® magazine survey

17. The Products and Services 6a The products and services references are offered and sold only by appropriately appointed and licensed Financial Representatives.

18. The Products and Services 6b The products and services references are offered and sold only by appropriately appointed and licensed Financial Representatives.

19. The TrainingTraining Phases Phase I - Fastrack Basics Phase II- Fastrack College Intern Phase III- Continuing Education & Coaching Northwestern Mutual ranked 16th in Selling Power’s Best Service Companies to Sell For - Selling Power Magazine: “50 Best Companies to Sell For”, November/December 2009

20. Intern Training and Development »Seven Full Days May 27th–June 4th, 2010 »Designed to give interns knowledge, skills and confidence to work in the business world »Must earn the CT Life, Health and Accident License in order to be admitted »Weekly on going training and

21. How We Sell 8 People Process Product Schedule appointments Consult with clients Uncover client needs Make recommendations Build enduring relationships

22. Compensation 9 Interns have an opportunity to earn up to $2,000 per stipend period(summer, fall, spring) in addition to commissions. The internship program can provide a solid base for those who choose to pursue a full-time contract after graduation.

23. The Opportunity The Entrepreneurial Experience The Company The Rewards Your Future 10

24. If you discipline yourself to do the things you need to do when youneed to do them, the day will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them!! Life By Design vs. Life By Default

25. Ridgefield Financial Group Leadership Team Walter Pierz, MD, CLU Sam Lauria CUD Tim Weber Phil Bender Managing Partner Jeff Post Director of Training