There's not reason he can't sell it, he'd have to simply choose not to. Now, Northwestern is a very drink-the-kool-aid-like company, they replace insurance contracts all the time simply because they don't say Northwestern Mutual at the top. So it might be tough for him to admit his home team might not be the best choice in this case.
My guess is your agent would disagree with me. Based on the fact that you are looking to accumulate assets and retire rather early, I'm having a hard time seeing NMFN as the right carrier.
The following is a lot of stuff, but here goes...
1.) The Fee NMFN is going to charge for over funding is quite high 9% compare others in the industry Massmutual at 7.5% Guardian at 5% and NYLife at 3%.
2.) You haven't stated, but my guess is he's recommending NMFN's adjustable comp life, which is a guaranteed paid up policy at age 90. The sooner something is guaranteed paid up the higher the premium. both Guardian and Massmutual have products that are paid up later, bringing a lower premium, meaning more over funding, which will yield higher cash values.
3.) Northwestern's waiver of premium rider (this should definitely be on your policy) has a 2 year own occupation disability definition, Guardian is 5. Meaing you can be sick or hurt and unable to practice, but still able to work doing something else and still receive benefits (in this case your policy premiums will be paid for by the insurance company).
4.) Northwestern will charge a higher modal factor when you pay your premiums monthly than Guardian. This one won't be a huge difference, especially at this point. It translates to about something in the range of 1-2 dollars more per month as a fee to NMFN.
5.) When it comes to loan interest rates (and this is only an issue if you never plan on repaying the loan, there are times when you might I'll explain more later if you wish) Northwestern will offer either a variable rate or a permanently fixed 8% rate. Guardian stats at 8% and drops to 5% after 20 years or age 65, which ever is sooner.
6.) Something we haven't talked about. Both companies will offer a excellerated benefit so you can access a portion of the death benefit if you become very sick. Northerwestern will give you access if you are terminally ill only and caps the benefit at $250,000. Guardian offers the benefit for both chronic and terminal illnesses (or the loss of two acitivites of daily living--no it's not long term care insurance, but it can act as a supplement) with no cap. Of course, the viatical and life settlement guys will tell you there are other options. There are, but this one leaves you in the most control
Both are strong, both have been around for a long time, and both have remained on the top of the financial strength lists for a long time. Northwestern is bigger, has slightly higher ratings from the crediting agencies, and likes to boast about paying the most dividends to it's policy holders out of all the companies in the industry. Guardian has been able to compete toe to toe for over 100 years, and had an amazing year last year and has maintained it's impressive financial strength this year, they also currently have a higher dividend rate, but as I and others have mentioned earlier that number is only a piece of the puzzle.
. obama is a jerk
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