My Mission

"As a steward of the talents God has blessed me with, my mission is to help families protect their earning power and financial assets from the devastating effects of a premature death or disability, and to assist in creating financial security for families with children of special needs. I strive to help families achieve the security of a comfortable retirement. I want to be viewed by the families that I serve as a trusted educator and professional.

Developing a plan for a family with a dependent with special needs is complicated. It is important to work with a team of professionals who are experienced and well versed with these complexities. A team often consists of an attorney, a financial professional and social services professional. Using our five-step process for planning, I bring experience, passion and dedication to helping you plan for your loved one with special needs."

–Jim Atnip

Close up of woman in deli with two workers in background

An Expert in Special Needs Planning

Jim Atnip, a member of Northwestern Mutual’s Special Steps program, is passionate about assisting families with special needs. Jim is experienced in special needs planning including navigating third-party benefits and the legal issues involved in planning for a dependent with special needs.

Jim understands the importance of balancing the complex needs and goals of a family – from retirement to education funding along with the needs of a loved one with special needs. Call Jim to learn more about how Northwestern Mutual’s Special Steps Program can help guide you through the process to secure a future of financial security for every member of your family today.

To provide families with an in-depth and coordinated special needs planning process, Jim works as an integral part of a team of experts including National Care Advisors (NCA) who help families find and establish eligibility to optimize the benefits available to them.

Financial Literacy for Kids

TheMint.org is an interactive website designed to help parents raise "money smart" kids. Visit this award winning site for fun activities, games, and challenges for students; tips for parents; and extensive resources for teachers. Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and the National Council on Economic Education (NCEE).

The Northwestern Mutual difference

No. 1

Best life insurance company for consumer experience, 2023. (NerdWallet)1

Top 5

We're one of the Top U.S. Independent Investment Broker-Dealers.2

$8.2B

In dividends expected to be paid in 2025.3

A++

AAA, Aaa, and AA+ - we've earned the highest financial strength ratings awarded to life insurers from all four major rating agencies.4

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