MFS NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
485BPOS, 1996-04-16
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<PAGE>

   
                                                               File No. 2-66542
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              File No. 811-2997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549
                                                                 EXECUTED COPY
                                   FORM N-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                  /X/

   
     Pre-Effective Amendment No.                                         / /
                                ----
     Post-Effective Amendment No. 18                                     /X/
                                 ----
    


                                   and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940           /X/

   
     Amendment No.  20                                                    /X/
                   ----
    

                          MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                          (Exact Name of Registrant)

                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of Depositor)

             20 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (612) 372-1810

                               Jeffrey A. Proulx
                  Northwestern National Life Insurance Company
                           20 Washington Avenue South
                          Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

                  Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:
  As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective.


               It is proposed that this filing will become effective
                           (check appropriate space)

   
/ /  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
/X/  on April 30, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
/ /  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
/ /  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
    

   
Registrant has chosen to register an indefinite amount of securities in 
accordance with Rule 24f-2. The Rule 24f-2 Notice for Registrant's most 
recent fiscal year was filed on or about February 23, 1996.
    

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>

                               MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                      Cross Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a)

   
 Form N-4
Item Number    Part A Heading in Prospectus
- -----------    ----------------------------
    
     1.        Cover Page
     2.        Definitions
     3.        Summary
     4.        Condensed Financial Information
     5.        The Company; The Variable Account; Investments of the Variable
               Account
     6.        Charges Made by the Company
     7.        The Contracts
     8.        Annuity Provisions
     9.        The Contracts
    10.        The Contracts
    11.        The Contracts
    12.        Federal Tax Status
    13.        Legal Proceedings
    14.        Statement of Additional Information Table of Contents

               Part B Heading in Statement of Additional Information
               -----------------------------------------------------

    15.        Cover Page
    16.        Table of Contents
    17.        Introduction
    18.        Administration of the Contracts
    19.        Distribution of the Contracts
    20.        Distribution of the Contracts
    21.        Calculation of Yield and Return
    22.        Annuity Provisions (In Prospectus)
    23.        Financial Statements

               Part C Headings
               ---------------

    24.        Financial Statements and Exhibits
    25.        Directors and Officers of the Depositor
    26.        Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the
               Depositor or Registrant
    27.        Number of Contract Owners
    28.        Indemnification
    29.        Principal Underwriters
    30.        Location of Accounts and Records
    31.        Not Applicable
    32.        Undertakings




<PAGE>


[LOGO]


   
                                                      -------------------------
                                                      April 30, 1996 Prospectus
                                                      -------------------------
    


                                                            INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED

                                                               VARIABLE ANNUITY

                                                                       CONTRACT







                 NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY



<PAGE>
               [LOGO]      NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
 
                           20 Washington Avenue South
                          Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
 
                       ----------------------------------
 
                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                                   ISSUED BY
                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    The  Individual  Deferred  Variable  Annuity  Contracts  described  in  this
Prospectus are flexible purchase payment contracts. The Contracts are sold to or
in connection  with  retirement plans  which  qualify for  special  federal  tax
treatment  under the  Internal Revenue Code.  (See "Federal Tax  Status" on page
20.) Annuity payments under  the Contracts are deferred  until a selected  later
date.
 
   
    Purchase  payments are allocated to one or more Sub-Accounts, as selected by
the Contract Owner, of  MFS/ NWNL Variable Account  (the "Variable Account"),  a
separate   account  of   Northwestern  National  Life   Insurance  Company  (the
"Company"). Each Sub-Account is invested in shares at net asset value of one  of
a  group of  Mutual Funds  (the "Funds")  which utilize  the investment advisory
services of  Massachusetts Financial  Services Company,  Boston,  Massachusetts.
Each Fund pays its investment adviser certain fees charged against the assets of
the  Fund. The  Contract Value  and the  amount of  annuity payments  will vary,
primarily based on the investment performance of the Funds whose shares are held
in the Sub-Accounts selected. The Funds are currently MFS-Registered  Trademark-
Money  Market Fund, MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund, Massachusetts Investors
Trust, Massachusetts  Investors  Growth Stock  Fund,  MFS-Registered  Trademark-
Research Fund, MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund,
MFS-Registered  Trademark- Growth Opportunities  Fund, MFS-Registered Trademark-
High  Income  Fund,  MFS-Registered   Trademark-  World  Governments  Fund   and
MFS-Registered  Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund. (For more information about the
Funds, see "Investments of the Variable Account" on page 12.)
    
 
    The Variable Account Contract Value is subject to daily charges which are  a
mortality  risk premium equal to 0.9% annually  and an expense risk charge equal
to 0.4% annually.  There is  also an annual  administrative charge  of $30,  and
there  may be a surrender charge (contingent deferred sales charge) of 5% of the
amount surrendered  which  will, with  certain  exceptions, apply  to  whole  or
partial  surrenders made  within five years  of the last  purchase payment. (For
more information about charges see "Charges Made By the Company" on page 14.)
 
   
    Additional information about  the Contracts,  the Company  and the  Variable
Account,  contained in  a Statement  of Additional  Information dated  April 30,
1996, has  been  filed  with  the Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  and  is
available   upon  request  without  charge   by  writing  to  Washington  Square
Securities, Inc., 20 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401.  The
Statement  of Additional Information  relating to the  Contracts having the same
date as this  Prospectus is incorporated  by reference in  this Prospectus.  The
Table  of Contents for the  Statement of Additional Information  may be found on
page 23 of this Prospectus.
    
 
    NO  PERSON  IS  AUTHORIZED   TO  GIVE  ANY  INFORMATION   OR  TO  MAKE   ANY
REPRESENTATIONS  OTHER THAN THOSE  CONTAINED IN THIS  PROSPECTUS OR ACCOMPANYING
FUND PROSPECTUSES AND,  IF GIVEN  OR MADE, SUCH  INFORMATION OR  REPRESENTATIONS
MUST  NOT BE  RELIED UPON  AS HAVING BEEN  AUTHORIZED. THIS  PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY  SECURITIES
OTHER  THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO  WHICH IT RELATES. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
 
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONTRACTS THAT  A
PROSPECTIVE  INVESTOR OUGHT TO KNOW BEFORE  INVESTING AND SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE. IT IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT  PROSPECTUSES
OF THE FUNDS.
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
SHARES OF  THE  FUNDS  AND  INTERESTS  IN THE  CONTRACTS  ARE  NOT  DEPOSITS  OR
OBLIGATIONS  OF,  OR GUARANTEED  OR  ENDORSED BY,  A  BANK, AND  THE  SHARES AND
INTERESTS  ARE  NOT   FEDERALLY  INSURED  BY   THE  FEDERAL  DEPOSIT   INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
 
   
                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS APRIL 30, 1996
    
 
   
N4000.15m
    
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Definitions..................................          3
Summary of Contract Expenses.................          4
Summary......................................          6
Condensed Financial Information..............          7
Performance Information......................         11
The Company..................................         11
The Variable Account.........................         11
Investments of the Variable Account..........         12
Charges Made by the Company..................         14
  Surrender Charge (Contingent
    Deferred Sales Charge)...................         14
  Administrative Charge......................         14
  Mortality Risk Premium.....................         14
  Expense Risk Charge........................         15
  Sufficiency of Charges.....................         15
  Premium Taxes..............................         15
  Expenses of the Funds......................         15
Administration of the Contracts..............         15
The Contracts................................         15
  Allocation of Purchase Payments............         15
  Sub-Account Accumulation Unit Value........         16
  Net Investment Factor......................         16
  Death Benefit Before the
    Annuity Commencement Date................         16
  Death Benefit After the
    Annuity Commencement Date................         17
  Surrender (Redemption).....................         17
  Transfers Between Sub-Accounts.............         17
  Assignments................................         18
  Contract Owner and Beneficiaries...........         18
  Contract Inquiries.........................         18
Annuity Provisions...........................         18
  Annuity Commencement Date..................         18
  Annuity Form Selection - Change............         19
  Annuity Forms..............................         19
  Automatic Annuity Form.....................         19
  Frequency and Amount
    of Annuity Payments......................         19
  Variable Annuity Payments..................         19
  Sub-Account Annuity Unit Value.............         20
  Assumed Investment Rate....................         20
Federal Tax Status...........................         20
  Introduction...............................         20
  Qualified Plans............................         20
Voting of Fund Shares........................         21
Distribution of the Contracts................         21
Return Privilege.............................         22
Reports to Owners............................         22
Legal Proceedings............................         22
Financial Statements and Experts.............         22
Further Information..........................         22
Statement of Additional
  Information Table of Contents..............         23
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
ACCUMULATION  UNIT -  A unit of  measure, similar to  a share of  stock, used to
    determine the Contract Value before annuity payments start.
 
ANNUITANT - The person who is named by the Owner to receive annuity payments.
 
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE (COMMENCEMENT  DATE) - The date  on which the  annuity
    payments are to start, which must be the first day of a month. The date will
    be the first day of the month following the Annuitant's 75th birthday unless
    an  earlier or later date has been selected by the Owner and, if the date is
    later, it has  been agreed to  by the Company.  If the Annuity  Commencement
    Date  selected by the Owner does not occur  on a Valuation Date, at least 60
    days after the date on which  the Contract was issued, the Company  reserves
    the  right to adjust the Commencement Date to the first Valuation Date after
    the Commencement Date selected by  the Owner and which  is at least 60  days
    after the Contract issue date.
 
BENEFICIARY - The person who is named by the Owner to receive the Contract Value
    upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuity Commencement Date or to
    receive  the balance of the annuity payments  if the Annuitant does not live
    to receive all payments due.
 
CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY - Occurs yearly on the same day and month the Contract  was
    issued.
 
CONTRACT  OWNER  (OWNER) -  The person  who  controls all  the rights  under the
    Contract until the earlier of Annuity Commencement Date or the date of death
    of the annuitant.
 
CONTRACT VALUE  - The  value of  the Sub-Account  Accumulation Units  under  the
    Contract.
 
CONTRACT YEAR - The twelve-month period starting on a Contract Anniversary.
 
QUALIFIED  PLAN - A retirement plan under Sections  401, 403, 404, 408 or 457 or
    similar provisions of the Federal Internal Revenue Code.
 
SUB-ACCOUNT - A sub-division of  the Variable Account. Each Sub-Account  invests
    exclusively in the shares of a specified Fund.
 
SUCCESSOR  BENEFICIARY  - The  person  named to  become  the Beneficiary  if the
    Beneficiary is not alive.
 
SUCCESSOR OWNER - The person named to  become the Owner if the Owner dies  prior
    to the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
VALUATION DATE - The close of the market each day the New York Stock Exchange is
    open  for trading and  valuations have not been  suspended by the Securities
    and Exchange Commission.
 
VALUATION PERIOD  - The  time interval  between a  Valuation Date  and the  next
    Valuation Date.
 
VARIABLE  ACCOUNT  - MFS/NWNL  Variable Account,  a separate  investment account
    established by  us  to  receive  and  invest  purchase  payments  under  the
    Contract. See "The Variable Account" on page 11.
 
VARIABLE  ANNUITY - A  series of periodic  payments to the  Annuitant which will
    vary in amount, primarily  based on the investment  results of the  Variable
    Account Sub-Accounts under the Contract.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES
 
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                               <C>
Sales Charges Imposed on Purchases..............................................................       None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (a)............................................................      5.00%
  (as a percentage of purchase payments paid in last 5 years)
Surrender Fees..................................................................................       None
Exchange Fee....................................................................................       None
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                               <C>
ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE....................................................................        $30
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
  (as a percentage of average account value)
Mortality and Expense Risk Fees.................................................................      1.30%
Account Fees and Expenses.......................................................................       None
Total Separate Account Annual Expenses..........................................................      1.30%
</TABLE>
    
 
ANNUAL PORTFOLIO COMPANY EXPENSES
(as a percentage of portfolio company average net assets)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 TOTAL
                                                                                                               PORTFOLIO
                                                                    MANAGEMENT                     OTHER     COMPANY ANNUAL
                                                                       FEES       12B-1 FEE (B)   EXPENSES      EXPENSES
                                                                   ------------   -------------   --------   --------------
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>             <C>        <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund......................        0.48%           0.00%        0.28%          0.76%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)....................        0.43%           0.30%        0.32%          1.05%
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)..........................        0.26%           0.305%       0.22%          0.785%
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A)..............        0.31%           0.19%        0.23%          0.73%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)................        0.41%           0.35%        0.29%          1.05%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A)............        0.39%           0.35%        0.23%          0.97%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund (Class A)....        0.43%           0.13%        0.29%          0.85%
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A).............        0.45%           0.27%        0.32%          1.04%
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class A).......        0.90%           0.25%        0.36%          1.51%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class A).........        0.75%           0.25%        0.28%          1.28%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
   
EXAMPLES
    
 
   
If  you surrender your  contract at the  end of the  applicable time period, you
would pay the  following expenses  on a  $1,000 investment,  assuming 5%  annual
return on assets:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                                                   ------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                                                                <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund......................   $67      $113      $117       $252
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)....................    70       122       132        281
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)..........................    67       114       119        255
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A)..............    67       113       116        249
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)................    70       122       132        281
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A)............    69       120       128        273
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund (Class A)....    68       116       122        261
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A).............    70       122       131        280
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class A).......    75       136       155        326
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class A).........    72       129       143        304
</TABLE>
    
 
   
If  you annuitize at the end of the applicable period or if you do not surrender
your contract, you  would pay  the following  expenses on  a $1,000  investment,
assuming 5% annual return on assets:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                                                   ------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                                                                <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund......................   $22       $68      $117       $252
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)....................    25        77       132        281
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)..........................    22        69       119        255
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A)..............    22        68       116        249
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)................    25        77       132        281
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A)............    24        75       128        273
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund (Class A)....    23        71       122        261
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A).............    25        77       131        280
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class A).......    30        91       155        326
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class A).........    27        84       143        304
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(a)  The  Contingent Deferred  Sales Charge  may  be less  than 5%,  since under
    certain situations  amounts may  be  surrendered or  withdrawn free  of  any
    surrender  charge.  For more  information on  the Contingent  Deferred Sales
    Charge, see page 14, "Surrender Charge (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge)."
    
 
   
(b) Each fund (except for the  MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund)  has
    adopted  a Distribution Plan for its Class  A shares in accordance with Rule
    12b-1 under the Investment Company Act  of 1940, as amended, which  provides
    that  it  will  pay distribution/service  fees  aggregating up  to  (but not
    necessarily all  of)  0.35%  per  annum of  the  average  daily  net  assets
    attributable  to Class A shares. Currently, 0.10% of the distribution fee is
    being   waived   for    Massachusetts   Investors    Growth   Stock    Fund,
    MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund,
    MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund and
    MFS-Registered  Trademark- Emerging  Growth Fund; 0.05%  of the distribution
    fee  is  being   waived  for   MFS-Registered  Trademark-   Bond  Fund   and
    MFS-Registered  Trademark- High Income Fund;  and 0.025% of the distribution
    fee is being waived for Massachusetts Investors Trust.
    
 
   
THE EXAMPLES SHOWN IN THE ABOVE TABLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A  REPRESENTATION
OF  PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES, AND ACTUAL EXPENSES  MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE
SHOWN.
    
 
THE 5% ANNUAL  RETURN ASSUMED  IS HYPOTHETICAL AND  SHOULD NOT  BE CONSIDERED  A
REPRESENTATION  OF PAST OR FUTURE  ANNUAL RETURNS, WHICH MAY  BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THE ASSUMED RATE.
 
   
The purpose of this table is to  assist the Contract Owner in understanding  the
various  costs and expenses that  a Contract Owner will  bear either directly or
indirectly. The table reflects the expenses  of the Separate Account as well  as
those  of  the  Portfolio Companies.  The  $30 Annual  Administrative  Charge is
reflected as an annual percentage charge in this table based on the average  net
assets  in the Variable Account during the preceding year, which translates to a
charge equal to an annual rate of 0.128% of the Variable Account Values.
    
 
In addition to the costs and expenses  shown in this table, state premium  taxes
may  also be applicable. For  more information on state  premium taxes, see page
15, "Premium Taxes."
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                                    SUMMARY
 
    The Contracts are individual deferred  variable annuity contracts issued  by
the  Variable Account. (See "The Variable Account" on page 11.) They are sold to
or in connection  with retirement plans  which qualify for  special Federal  tax
treatment  under the  Internal Revenue Code.  (See "Federal Tax  Status" on page
20.) Annuity payments under the Contracts are deferred until a later date.
 
   
    Purchase payments  may be  allocated  to one  or  more Sub-Accounts  of  the
Variable Account. Purchase payments allocated to one or more Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account will be invested in shares at net asset value of one or more of
the  Funds.  The Variable  Account  Contract Value  and  the amount  of variable
annuity payments will vary, primarily based on the investment performance of the
Funds whose shares are held in  the Sub-Accounts selected. (See "Investments  of
the Variable Account" on page 12.)
    
 
    No  deduction for a sales charge is  made from the purchase payments for the
Contracts. However, if  all or  any part of  the Contract  Value is  surrendered
within  five years from the date of the last purchase payment, the Company will,
with certain  exceptions, deduct  a  surrender charge  (which  may be  deemed  a
contingent  deferred sales charge). (See  "Surrender Charge (Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge)" on page 14.)
 
    In addition,  on each  Contract  Anniversary and  on  the surrender  of  the
Contract  for full value if it is not surrendered on a Contract Anniversary, the
Company will deduct  from the Contract  Value an administrative  charge of  $30.
During  the annuity  period the  annual administrative  charge will  be deducted
proportionately from each monthly annuity payment. The administrative charge  is
to  reimburse the Company for administrative  expenses relating to the issue and
maintenance of the Contracts. (See "Administrative Charge" on page 14.)
 
   
    The Company  also deducts  a  Mortality Risk  Premium  and an  Expense  Risk
Charge,  equal to an  annual rate of  1.3% of the  daily net asset  value of the
Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account, for mortality and expense risks assumed by
the Company. (See "Mortality Risk Premium" and "Expense Risk Charge" on pages 14
and 15, respectively.)
    
 
    The minimum amount of purchase payments  the Company will accept during  the
first  Contract Year will  be $600, with  no individual payment  to be less than
$50. The Company may choose not to accept any subsequent purchase payment if  it
is  less than $50 or if the purchase payment together with the Contract Value at
the next Valuation Date exceeds $250,000.
 
    If the Contract Value at the Annuity Commencement Date is less than  $2,500,
the Contract Value may be distributed in a single sum payment in lieu of annuity
payments.  If any annuity payment would be less than $50, the Company shall have
the right to change the frequency of  payments to such intervals as will  result
in  payments  of  at least  $50  each.  (See "Frequency  and  Amount  of Annuity
Payments" on page 19.)
 
    Premium taxes payable to any governmental entity will be charged against the
Contracts. (See "Premium Taxes" on page 15.)
 
    The Contract  Owner may  request early  withdrawal  of all  or part  of  the
Contract   Value  before   the  Annuity   Commencement  Date.   (See  "Surrender
(Redemption)" on page 17.)
 
    The Contract Owner  may return  the Contract within  ten days  after it  was
delivered  to the Owner, and  the full amount of  the purchase payments received
will be refunded. (See "Return Privilege" on page 22.)
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
              QUALIFIED CONTRACTS CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The following table shows, for each Sub-Account of the Variable Account, the
value of the  Sub-Account Accumulation Unit  at the dates  shown, and the  total
number of Sub-Account Accumulation Units outstanding at the end of each period.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTING IN                      1995         1994         1993         1992         1991         1990         1989
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market
 Fund
    Beginning of period..................     $23.1844     $22.6883     $22.4486     $22.0738     $21.1776     $19.9100     $18.5307
    End of period........................     $24.0892     $23.1844     $22.6883     $22.4486     $22.0738     $21.1776     $19.9100
    Units outstanding at end of period...  112,836.517  165,050.913  173,003.069  246,544.750  332,101.019  498,184.172  550,092.886
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period..................     $37.8779     $40.1676     $35.7423     $34.0697     $29.2428     $27.4126     $24.6562
    End of period........................     $45.3978     $37.8779     $40.1676     $35.7423     $34.0697     $29.2428     $27.4126
    Units outstanding at end of period...   35,793.566   40,693.818   50,303.414   50,760.586   61,379.164   76,944.303   90,129.412
 
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)
    Beginning of period..................     $42.2011     $43.1946     $39.7739     $37.5272     $29.7806     $29.9787     $22.6133
    End of period........................     $58.0438     $42.2011     $43.1946     $39.7339     $37.5272     $29.7806     $29.9787
    Units outstanding at end of period...   23,606.537   24,462.862   26,533.906   28,801.024   25,691.195   26,253.540   27,220.098
 
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period..................     $37.5531     $40.7906     $36.1050     $34.3668     $23.5708     $25.0703     $18.7279
    End of period........................     $47.5723     $37.5531     $40.7906     $36.1050     $34.3668     $23.5708     $25.0703
    Units outstanding at end of period...   28,425.391   33,994.422   37,131.591   45,779.800   44,197.888   43,415.688   44,626.073
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period..................     $40.6617     $41.1909     $34.2990     $31.2699     $23.8879     $25.5621     $20.6858
    End of period........................     $55.6243     $40.6617     $41.1909     $34.2990     $31.2699     $23.8879     $25.5621
    Units outstanding at end of period...   26,841.846   34,805.269   32,670.590   33,475.816   39,710.220   41,836.136   51,087.289
 
<CAPTION>
 
SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTING IN                      1988         1987         1986
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market
 Fund
    Beginning of period..................     $17.5305     $16.7252     $15.9295
    End of period........................     $18.5307     $17.5305     $16.7252
    Units outstanding at end of period...  720,965.605  773,423.071  869,277.255
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period..................     $23.1007     $23.5486     $20.4932
    End of period........................     $24.6562     $23.1107     $23.5486
    Units outstanding at end of period...  103,919.882  146,226.646  164,136.783
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)
    Beginning of period..................     $20.6330     $19.4532     $16.8154
    End of period........................     $22.6133     $20.6330     $19.4532
    Units outstanding at end of period...   32,187.062   45,607.981   28,220.297
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period..................     $18.2258     $17.4467     $15.7136
    End of period........................     $18.7279     $18.2258     $17.4467
    Units outstanding at end of period...   50,004.130   52,074.825   52,562.339
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period..................     $19.0013     $18.2716     $16.2257
    End of period........................     $20.6858     $19.0013     $18.2716
    Units outstanding at end of period...   47,219.438   63,981.972   70,806.122
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
         QUALIFIED CONTRACTS CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION, CONTINUED
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTING IN                         1995         1994          1993          1992         1991         1990
                                             ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
 
<S>                                          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................      $46,2480     $48.1422      $42.3443      $38.9773     $32.4698     $33.1965
    End of period..........................      $57.9570     $46.2480      $48.1422      $42.3443     $38.9773     $32.4698
    Units outstanding at end of period.....    62,015.823   81,547.990    89,906.122   101,079.955  100,558.308  101,405.128
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth
 Opportunities Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................      $37.5616     $39.7037      $34.6197      $32.5672     $26.9555     $28.5310
    End of period..........................      $49.8621     $37.5616      $39.7037      $34.6197     $32.5672     $26.9555
    Units outstanding at end of period.....    94,854.760  111,690.329   120,669.763   143,707.314  181,334.581  210,152.529
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................      $41.3000     $42.9477      $36.4478      $31.5507     $21.4681     $28.8509
    End of period..........................      $47.7827     $41.3000      $42.9477      $36.4478     $31.5507     $21.4681
    Units outstanding at end of period.....    83,394.363   95,772.845   120,857.156   134,205.074  136,839.759  148,819.003
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments
 Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................      $41.9946     $45.5372      $38.9695      $38.9589     $34.8019     $29.9073
    End of period..........................      $47.8696     $41.9946      $45.5372      $38.9695     $38.9589     $34.8019
    Units outstanding at end of period.....    13,675.919   15,677.993    20,279.064    17,835.352   17,705.770   17,146.001
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth
 Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................      $35.6893     $34.4899      $27.5093      $25.9117     $15.4281     $17.6564
    End of period..........................      $49.7321     $35.6893      $34.4899      $27.5093     $25.9117     $15.4281
    Units outstanding and end of period....    39,184.416   39,191.298    34,652.403    38,879.705   32,126.322   37,795.519
 
<CAPTION>
 
SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTING IN                        1989         1988         1987         1986
                                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................     $27.7245     $24.4227     $23.9005     $20.2050
    End of period..........................     $33.1965     $27.7245     $24.4227     $23.9005
    Units outstanding at end of period.....  103,008.700   72,821.194   86,749.679   41,391.966
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth
 Opportunities Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................     $22.5166     $20.9239     $20.3963     $19.5445
    End of period..........................     $28.5310     $22.5166     $20.9239     $20.3963
    Units outstanding at end of period.....  246,495.335  310,042.666  369,380.225  435,724.558
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................     $27.0011     $24.3481     $24.5978     $22.4661
    End of period..........................     $28.8509     $27.0011     $24.3481     $24.5978
    Units outstanding at end of period.....  241,925.212  323,005.671  434,092.003  587,328.901
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments
 Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................     $28.2198     $27.3900     $22.2821     $17.3424
    End of period..........................     $29.9073     $28.2198     $27.3900     $22.2821
    Units outstanding at end of period.....   15,573.269   23,380.332   21,335.577   27,497.493
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth
 Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period....................     $14.2228     $12.5553     $14.1713     $12.7364
    End of period..........................     $17.6564     $14.2228     $12.5553     $14.1713
    Units outstanding and end of period....   44,821.897   48,903.090   51,913.604   41,826.052
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
             NONQUALIFIED CONTRACTS CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The following table shows, for each Sub-Account of the Variable Account, the
value  of the Sub-Account  Accumulation Unit at  the dates shown,  and the total
number of Sub-Account Accumulation Units outstanding at the end of each period.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                          ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1995       1994       1993       1992        1991        1990
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------
 
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund
    Beginning of period.................................   $23.2253   $22.7283   $22.4883   $22.1128    $21.2150    $19.9452
    End of period.......................................   $24.1318   $23.2253   $22.7283   $22.4883    $22.1128    $21.2150
    Units outstanding at end of period..................      0.000  2,191.338  2,811.472  2,814.571   2,991.702   3,510.691
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period.................................   $37.1401   $39.3852   $35.0461   $33.4060    $28.6731    $26.8786
    End of period.......................................   $44.5135   $37.1401   $39.3852   $35.0461    $33.4060    $28.6731
    Units outstanding at end of period..................      0.000      0.078      0.342      0.000     536.534     490.048
 
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)
    Beginning of period.................................   $41.1381   $42.1066   $38.7721   $36.5820    $29.0305    $29.2236
    End of period.......................................   $56.5818   $41.1381   $42.1066   $38.7721    $36.5820    $29.0305
    Units outstanding at end of period..................      0.000      0.069      0.300      0.000       0.000       4.880
 
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of Period.................................   $36.7003   $39.8644   $35.2851   $33.5864    $23.0355    $24.5010
    End of Period.......................................   $46.4920   $36.7003   $39.8644   $35.2851    $33.5864    $23.0355
    Units outstanding at end of period..................     37.471     37.970     38.043    299.068     348.026     301.242
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period.................................   $42.7553   $43.3118   $36.0651   $32.8800    $25.1178    $26.8782
    End of period.......................................   $58.4883   $42.7553   $43.3118   $36.0651    $32.8800    $25.1178
    Units outstanding at end of period..................    263.912    264.515    265.364    489.836     491.318     492.819
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             1989        1988        1987        1986
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund
    Beginning of period.................................    $18.5634    $17.5614    $16.7547    $15.9576
    End of period.......................................    $19.9452    $18.5634    $17.5614    $16.7547
    Units outstanding at end of period..................   5,944.240   5,110.834   5,484.860   7,207.659
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period.................................    $24.1759    $22.6605    $23.0899    $20.0940
    End of period.......................................    $26.8786    $24.1759    $22.6605    $23.0899
    Units outstanding at end of period..................   1,012.197   1,984.447   2,049.323   2,437.008
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)
    Beginning of period.................................    $22.0437    $20.1133    $18.9632    $16.3918
    End of period.......................................    $29.2236    $22.0437    $20.1133    $18.9632
    Units outstanding at end of period..................       9.359     501.036     501.873     749.774
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of Period.................................    $18.3026    $17.8119    $17.0505    $15.3568
    End of Period.......................................    $24.5010    $18.3026    $17.8119    $17.0505
    Units outstanding at end of period..................      40.803      41.608      41.608       7.331
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period.................................    $21.7509    $19.8976    $19.1335         $--
    End of period.......................................    $26.8782    $21.7509    $19.8976         $--
    Units outstanding at end of period..................     269.360     270.482     271.861          --
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
       NONQUALIFIED CONTRACTS CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION, CONTINUED
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1995       1994       1993        1992        1991        1990
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period................................   $46.3716   $48.2709   $42.4575    $39.0816         $--         $--
    End of period......................................   $58.1120   $46.3716   $48.2709    $42.4575    $39.0816         $--
    Units outstanding at end of period.................      0.000         --         --       0.000      37.482          --
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period................................   $34.2102   $36.1611   $31.5308    $29.6614    $24.5502    $25.9853
    End of period......................................   $45.4132   $34.2102   $36.1611    $31.5308    $29.6614    $24.5502
    Units outstanding at end of period.................     35.025     35.633     36.176      37.089      38.133      45.163
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of Period................................        $--        $--        $--         $--         $--         $--
    End of Period......................................   $48.2415        $--        $--         $--         $--         $--
    Units outstanding at end of period.................      0.000         --         --          --          --          --
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class
 A)
    Beginning of period................................        $--        $--        $--         $--    $34.8241    $29.9263
    End of period......................................   $47.9001        $--        $--         $--         $--    $34.8241
    Units outstanding at end of period.................      0.000         --         --          --      0.0000       0.303
 
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class
 A)
    Beginning of period................................        $--        $--        $--         $--         $--         $--
    End of period......................................   $49.7321        $--        $--         $--         $--         $--
    Units outstanding at end of period.................      0.000         --         --          --          --          --
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                            1989        1988        1987        1986
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of period................................         $--         $--         $--          $--
    End of period......................................         $--         $--         $--          $--
    Units outstanding at end of period.................          --          --          --           --
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund
 (Class A)
    Beginning of period................................    $20.5076    $19.0570    $18.5765     $17.8007
    End of period......................................    $25.9853    $20.5076    $19.0570     $18.5765
    Units outstanding at end of period.................   1,362.300   2,400.206   3,623.602    4,722.596
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A)
    Beginning of Period................................    $27.2603    $24.5818    $24.8339     $22.6817
    End of Period......................................         $--    $27.2603    $24.5818     $24.8339
    Units outstanding at end of period.................       0.000      76.541   1,078.930    8,675.686
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class
 A)
    Beginning of period................................    $28.2380    $27.4075    $22.2963     $17.3535
    End of period......................................    $29.9263    $28.2380    $27.4075     $22.2963
    Units outstanding at end of period.................       0.799       1.368       1.979        2.588
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class
 A)
    Beginning of period................................    $14.2228    $12.5553    $14.1713     $12.7364
    End of period......................................         $--    $14.2228    $12.5553     $14.1713
    Units outstanding at end of period.................       0.000   1,561.312   1,563.342    1,565.034
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
    The  Variable  Account  may,  on  occasion,  advertise  certain  performance
information concerning its Sub-Accounts. The performance information is based on
historical results and  is not intended  to indicate past  performance under  an
actual  contract or future performance. More detailed information discussing the
calculation of performance  information appears in  the Statement of  Additional
Information.
 
    The  yield  of the  Sub-Account investing  in the  MFS-Registered Trademark-
Money Market Fund refers to the annualized income generated by an investment  in
the  Sub-Account over a  specified seven-day period. The  yield is calculated by
assuming that the income is generated  for that seven-day period over a  52-week
period  and is shown as  a percentage of the  investment. The effective yield is
calculated similarly but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment in
the Sub-Account  is  assumed to  be  reinvested.  The effective  yield  will  be
slightly higher than the yield because of the compounding effect of this assumed
reinvestment.
 
    The  total return of  a Sub-Account refers to  return quotations assuming an
investment under a Contract has been held in the Sub-Account for various periods
of time including,  but not  limited to,  a period  measured from  the date  the
Sub-Account  commenced operations. When a Sub-Account  has been in operation for
one, five, and ten years, respectively, the total return for these periods  will
be provided.
 
    The  average  annual total  return quotations  represent the  average annual
compounded rates of  return that would  equate an initial  investment of  $1,000
under  a Contract to the redemption value of  that investment as of the last day
of each of the periods for  which total return quotations are provided.  Average
annual total return information shows the average percentage change in the value
of  an investment in  the Sub-Account from  the beginning date  of the measuring
period to the end of  that period. This version  of average annual total  return
reflects  all  historical investment  results, less  all charges  and deductions
applied against the Sub-Account (including any surrender charge that would apply
if an Owner terminated  the Contract at  the end of  each period indicated,  but
excluding any deductions for premium taxes).
 
    Average  total return  information may  be presented,  computed on  the same
basis as  described above,  except  deductions will  not include  the  surrender
charge.  In addition, the Company may from  time to time disclose average annual
total return in non-standard formats  and cumulative total return for  Contracts
funded by the Sub-Accounts.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
    The   Company,  organized  in  1885,  is  a  stock  life  insurance  company
incorporated under the  laws of  the State  of Minnesota.  Effective January  3,
1989,  the Company converted from a stock and mutual life insurance company to a
stock  life  insurance  company  and,   through  a  merger,  became  a   direct,
wholly-owned   subsidiary  of  ReliaStar  Financial  Corp.,  a  holding  company
incorporated under  the  laws of  the  State  of Delaware.  The  Company  offers
individual  life  insurance  and  annuities,  employee  benefits  and retirement
contracts. The Company is  admitted to do business  in the District of  Columbia
and  all states  except New  York. Its  home office  is at  20 Washington Avenue
South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 (telephone 612/372-5507).
    
 
    The Contracts described in this Prospectus are nonparticipating. The capital
and surplus of the Company should be considered as bearing only upon the ability
of the Company to meet its obligations under the Contracts.
 
                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    The Variable Account is a Separate Account of the Company established by the
Board of Directors of the Company on September 13, 1979, pursuant to the laws of
the State  of Minnesota.  The Company  has  caused the  Variable Account  to  be
registered  with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission  as a  unit investment
trust under  the Investment  Company Act  of 1940.  Such registration  does  not
involve  supervision by such Commission of the management or investment policies
or practices of the Variable Account, the Company or the Funds.
 
    The assets of the Variable Account are owned by the Company, and the Company
is not a trustee with respect to such assets. However, the Minnesota laws  under
which  the Variable  Account was established  provide that  the Variable Account
shall not be chargeable with liabilities  arising out of any other business  the
Company  may conduct. The Company does  not guarantee the investment performance
of the Variable Account. The Contract  Value and the amount of annuity  payments
will  vary, primarily  based on the  investment performance of  the Funds, whose
shares are held in the Variable Account Sub-Accounts selected by the Owner.
 
    Purchase payments under a Contract are allocated to one or more Sub-Accounts
of the Variable Account. Each  Sub-Account is invested in  shares of one of  the
Mutual   Funds   on  the   list   of  Funds   provided   by  the   Company.  The
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
purchase  payments  under  a  Contract  are  allocated  to  the  Sub-Account  or
Sub-Accounts  selected  by  the Owner,  and  the future  Contract  Value depends
primarily on the investment  performance of the Funds  whose shares are held  in
the Sub-Accounts selected.
 
                      INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    When  a Contract is applied for, the  Owner elects to have purchase payments
allocated to one or more Sub-Accounts, each of which invests in shares of one of
the Mutual Funds on the list provided by the Company. The Sub-Accounts invest in
shares of the Funds at  their net asset value,  subject to any minimum  purchase
requirements  that may be imposed by the  Funds. The Owner may change a purchase
payment allocation for future purchase payments and may at any time transfer all
or part of  any existing  values in a  Sub-Account to  another Sub-Account  that
invests  in  shares  of another  Fund  on the  list,  subject to  any  terms and
conditions the  Funds  may impose  on  transfers from  one  Fund to  another  in
addition to transfer requirements under the Contract.
 
   
    Massachusetts  Financial  Services  Company, Boston,  Massachusetts,  is the
investment adviser for each of  the Funds and is paid  fees for its services  by
the  Funds. The Funds currently offered are  described below. Each of the Funds,
with the exception of  the MFS-Registered Trademark-  Money Market Fund,  offers
more  than one class  of shares. The Sub-Accounts  offered through the Contract,
with the exception of  the MFS-Registered Trademark-  Money Market Fund,  invest
only in Class A shares of the Funds. A brief summary of investment objectives is
contained  in the  description of  each Fund.  More detailed  information may be
found in the current prospectus for each Fund offered. Such a prospectus for the
Fund being  considered must  accompany this  Prospectus and  should be  read  in
conjunction herewith.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- MONEY MARKET FUND
    
 
   
    MFS-Registered  Trademark- Money Market Fund has as its investment objective
to seek as high a level of  current income as is considered consistent with  the
preservation  of capital and liquidity. The Fund invests primarily in short-term
money market  instruments,  including obligations  issued  or guaranteed  as  to
interest  and principal by the U.S.  government or any agency or instrumentality
thereof (including  repurchase agreements  collateralized by  such  securities),
obligations  of  larger  banks,  and  certain  commercial  paper  and short-term
corporate obligations.  All  of the  assets  of the  Fund  will be  invested  in
obligations  maturing in 13 months  or less; however, securities collateralizing
repurchase agreements may have maturities in excess of 13 months.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- BOND FUND (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    The Fund  invests  at least  80%  of its  assets  in "investment  grade"  or
equivalent  debt securities.  The MFS-Registered Trademark-  Bond Fund's primary
investment objective is  to provide  as high  a level  of current  income as  is
believed to be consistent with prudent investment risk. A secondary objective is
to seek protection of shareholders' capital.
    
 
   
    In  the event of  a sudden rise in  interest rates, the  net asset value per
share of the Fund may decrease. During the annuity payout period, this may cause
a temporary decrease in monthly annuity  payments. Because the portfolio of  the
Fund will be managed, this effect may be minimized but there can be no guarantee
that it will be eliminated.
    
 
   
MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS TRUST (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    The  objectives of Massachusetts  Investors Trust are  to provide reasonable
current income and long-term growth of capital and income. The Fund is  believed
to  constitute a conservative  medium for that portion  of an investor's capital
which he wishes  to have  invested in  securities considered  to be  of high  or
improving  investment  quality.  The  Fund's  assets  are  normally  invested in
securities or securities convertible into  common stocks. However, the Fund  may
hold  its assets in cash or invest in commercial paper, repurchase agreements or
other forms of debt securities either  to provide reserves for future  purchases
of common stock or as a defensive measure in certain economic environments.
    
 
   
MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund has as its investment objective to
provide  long-term  growth  of capital  and  future income  rather  than current
income. To achieve  this objective  it is  the policy of  the Fund  to keep  its
assets  invested, except  for working  cash balances,  in the  common stocks, or
securities convertible  into common  stocks, of  companies believed  to  possess
better-than-average  prospects for long-term  growth. Emphasis is  placed on the
selection of progressive, well-managed companies.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- RESEARCH FUND (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    MFS-Registered Trademark-  Research Fund  has as  its objective  to  provide
long-term growth of capital and future income.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- TOTAL RETURN FUND (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    MFS-Registered  Trademark- Total Return  Fund has as  its primary investment
objective to  obtain  above-average income  (compared  to a  portfolio  entirely
invested  in  equity  securities)  consistent  with  the  prudent  employment of
capital. While current income is the  primary objective, the Fund believes  that
there  also should be a reasonable opportunity for growth of capital and income,
since many securities  offering a better-than-average  yield may possess  growth
potential.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    MFS-Registered  Trademark- Growth  Opportunities Fund has  as its investment
objective to seek growth of capital.  Dividend income, if any, is incidental  to
the  objective  of  growth  of  capital. To  achieve  this  objective,  the Fund
maintains a flexible  approach towards types  of companies as  well as types  of
securities,   depending  upon   the  economic   environment  and   the  relative
attractiveness of the  various security markets.  Generally, emphasis is  placed
upon smaller companies believed to possess above-average growth opportunities.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- HIGH INCOME FUND (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    The investment objective of MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund is to
seek  high current  income by  investing primarily  in a  professionally managed
diversified portfolio  of fixed  income securities,  some of  which may  involve
equity  features. Securities offering the high current income sought by the Fund
are ordinarily in the lower rating  categories of recognized rating agencies  or
are  unrated  and generally  involve  greater volatility  of  price and  risk of
principal and income than  securities in the  higher rating categories.  Capital
growth,  if any,  is a consideration  incidental to the  investment objective of
high current income.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- WORLD GOVERNMENTS FUND (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    The objective of MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund is to seek
not only preservation but also growth of capital, together with moderate current
income through a professionally  managed, internationally diversified  portfolio
consisting  primarily  of  debt  securities  and,  to  a  lesser  extent, equity
securities.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- EMERGING GROWTH FUND (CLASS A)
    
 
   
    MFS-Registered  Trademark-  Emerging  Growth  Fund  has  as  its  investment
objective  to seek long-term growth  of shareholders' capital, primarily through
investing in common stocks  of small and medium-sized  companies early in  their
life  cycle  but  which  may  have the  potential  to  become  major enterprises
(emerging growth companies). Dividend and interest income, if any, is incidental
to the Fund's  investment objective.  Investments may  also be  made in  limited
amounts of foreign securities, warrants and restricted securities and may invest
in  repurchase agreements. Accordingly,  the Fund is  intended for investors who
understand and are  willing to accept  the risks entailed  in seeking  long-term
growth of capital through these kinds of investments.
    
 
REINVESTMENT
 
    The  Funds  described above  have  as a  policy  the reinvestment  of income
dividends and capital gains  unless another option is  chosen by a  shareholder.
However,  under the Contracts described in this Prospectus there is an automatic
reinvestment of such distributions.
 
SUBSTITUTION OF FUND SHARES
 
    If the shares of any  of the above Funds should  no longer be available  for
investment  by a Sub-Account or  if in the judgment  of the Company's management
investment in such Fund shares has become inappropriate in view of the  purposes
of  the Contract,  the Company  may substitute shares  of another  Fund for Fund
shares already purchased. No substitution of shares in any Sub-Account may  take
place  without a prior favorable vote of a  majority of the votes entitled to be
cast by persons having a  voting interest in the  Fund shares allocated to  such
Sub-Account and prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
    If  a purchase payment for  a selected Sub-Account is  unable to be invested
because shares of the applicable Fund are no longer available for investment  or
if  in the judgment of the Company's  management further investment in such Fund
shares would be inappropriate in view of the purposes of the Contract, the Owner
will be so  notified and  may direct  investment of  the purchase  payment in  a
different  Sub-Account, which investment will be made on the next Valuation Date
after such  direction  is  received  by  the  Company.  Until  receipt  of  such
direction,    the   purchase   payment   will   be   invested   in   shares   of
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money  Market Fund,  if available,  or, if  not, in  a
daily interest-bearing bank savings account.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                          CHARGES MADE BY THE COMPANY
 
SURRENDER CHARGE (CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE)
 
    No  deduction for a sales charge is  made from the purchase payments for the
Contracts. However, the surrender charge described below (which may be deemed  a
contingent  deferred  sales  charge),  when it  is  applicable,  is  intended to
reimburse the  Company for  expenses  relating to  the  sale of  the  Contracts,
including  commissions to  sales personnel,  costs of  sales material  and other
promotional activities  and sales  administration costs.  Commissions and  other
distribution  compensation to be paid  on the sale of  the Contracts will not be
more than 5.11% of the purchase payments.
 
    If part or all of a  Contract's value is surrendered, surrender charges  may
be  made  by  the  Company.  For  purposes  of  the  following  surrender charge
description, "New  Purchase  Payments"  are  those  Contract  purchase  payments
received  by the Company during the Contract  Year in which the surrender occurs
or in the four  immediately preceding Contracts  Years; "Old Purchase  Payments"
are  those Contract purchase payments not  defined as New Purchase Payments; and
"Accumulated Value" at any Valuation Date is the Contract Value less the sum  of
New Purchase Payments and Old Purchase Payments.
 
    For  purposes of  determining surrender  charges, surrenders  shall first be
taken from  Old  Purchase Payments  until  they  are exhausted,  then  from  New
Purchase  Payments  until they  are exhausted,  and thereafter  from Accumulated
Value.
 
    The following amounts  ("Free Surrenders")  are not subject  to a  surrender
charge  during  any Contract  Year: (a)  any Old  Purchase Payments  not already
surrendered; (b) 10% of all New Purchase Payments that have been received by the
Company (however,  this does  not  apply to  surrenders  made during  the  first
Contract Year); and (c) any Accumulated Value being surrendered.
 
    Partial  surrenders may be made in an amount not greater than the sum of the
following: (a)  amounts eligible  for a  Free Surrender  (including  Accumulated
Value);  and (b) 95% of New Purchase Payments not eligible for a Free Surrender.
In the event of a partial surrender, the amount of the partial surrender subject
to  a  surrender  charge  will  be  determined  by  dividing  the  amount  being
surrendered  which is not eligible  for a Free Surrender  by 0.95. The surrender
charge to be assessed by the Company in the event of a partial surrender will be
equal to 5% of the amount of the partial surrender subject to a surrender charge
determined as described in the preceding sentence.
 
    In the event  of a total  surrender of a  Contract for its  full value,  the
surrender  charge to  be assessed  by the Company,  will be  equal to  5% of the
amount being surrendered which is not eligible for a Free Surrender.
 
    If the  surrender  charge is  less  than  the Contract  Value  that  remains
immediately  after  surrender,  it  will be  deducted  proportionately  from the
Sub-Accounts that make up such Contract  Value. If the surrender charge is  more
than such remaining Contract Value, the portion of the surrender charge that can
be  deducted from  such remaining  Contract Value  will be  so deducted  and the
balance will be deducted  from the surrender  payment. In computing  surrenders,
any  portion of a surrender charge that  is deducted from the remaining Contract
Value will be deemed a part of the surrender.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE
 
    Each year on the Contract Anniversary, the Company deducts from the Contract
Value an annual administrative charge of $30 to reimburse it for  administrative
expenses relating to the Contract, the Variable Account and the Sub-Accounts. In
any  Contract Year when  a Contract is  surrendered for its  full value on other
than the Contract Anniversary, the administrative charge will be deducted at the
time of  such surrender.  During the  annuity period  the annual  administrative
charge  will be divided by  the number of payments to  be made in a twelve-month
period and the resulting amount will be deducted from each payment. If more than
one  Sub-Account  is  selected  under  a  Contract,  an  equal  portion  of  the
administrative charge will be deducted from each Sub-Account.
 
MORTALITY RISK PREMIUM
 
    The  variable annuity  payments made to  Annuitants will  vary in accordance
with the  investment performance  of  the Sub-Accounts  selected by  the  Owner.
However,  they will not be affected by  the mortality experience (death rate) of
persons receiving  annuity  payments  from the  Variable  Account.  The  Company
assumes  this "mortality risk" and has guaranteed the annuity rates incorporated
in the Contract, which cannot be changed.
 
    To compensate the Company for assuming this mortality risk and the mortality
risk that Beneficiaries of Annuitants dying before the Annuity Commencement Date
may receive amounts  in excess of  the then current  Contract Value (see  "Death
Benefit Before the Annuity Commencement Date" on page 16), the Company deducts a
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
Mortality  Risk Premium from the Contract Value.  The deduction is made daily in
an amount that is equal to an annual  rate of 0.9% of the daily Contract  Values
under  the Variable Account. The Company may not change the rate charged for the
Mortality Risk Premium under any Contract.
 
EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
 
    The Company will not increase charges for administrative expenses regardless
of its actual  expenses. To  compensate the  Company for  assuming this  expense
risk,  the  Company deducts  an  Expense Risk  Charge  from Contract  Value. The
deduction is made daily in an amount that is equal to an annual rate of 0.4%  of
the daily Contract Values under the Variable Account. The Company may not change
the rate of the Expense Charge under any Contract.
 
SUFFICIENCY OF CHARGES
 
    If  the  amount of  all  charges assessed  in  connection with  the Variable
Account, i.e.,  surrender charges,  administrative charges,  the Mortality  Risk
Premium  and  the Expense  Risk  Charge, is  not  enough to  cover  all expenses
incurred in  connection  therewith, the  loss  will  be borne  by  the  Company.
Conversely,  if the amount of  such charges proves more  than enough, the excess
will be retained by the Company. Any expenses borne by the Company will be  paid
out  of  its general  account which  may include,  among other  things, proceeds
derived from the Mortality Risk Premiums and Expense Risk Charges deducted  from
the Variable Account.
 
PREMIUM TAXES
 
   
    Various states and other governmental entities levy a premium tax, currently
ranging  up to 3.50%, on annuity contracts issued by insurance companies. If the
Owner of a Contract lives in a governmental jurisdiction that levies such a tax,
the Company  will deduct  from the  Contract Value  the amount  of the  tax.  If
premium  taxes are applicable to  a Contract, they will  be deducted either from
purchase payments as they are received or from the Contract Value applied to  an
Annuity Form at the Annuity Commencement Date.
    
 
    The  current premium tax rates are a guide  only and should not be relied on
to determine actual premium  taxes on any purchase  payment or Contract  because
the  taxes are  subject to  change from  time to  time by  legislative and other
governmental action. In addition,  other governmental units  within a state  may
levy such taxes.
 
    The  timing of tax levies also varies  from one taxing authority to another.
Consequently, in many  cases the purchaser  of a  Contract will not  be able  to
accurately  determine the premium tax applicable to the Contract by reference to
the state tax rates described above.
 
EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS
 
    There are deductions from and expenses paid  out of the assets of the  Funds
that are described in the accompanying prospectuses for the Funds.
 
                        ADMINISTRATION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
   
    The  Company  has  entered  into a  contract  with  Continuum Administrative
Services Corporation  ("CASC")  (formerly  known as  Vantage  Computer  Systems,
Inc.),  Kansas City,  Missouri, under which  CASC has agreed  to perform certain
administrative functions relating  to the  Contracts and  the Variable  Account.
These  functions include, among other things,  maintaining the books and records
of the Variable  Account and the  Sub-Accounts, and maintaining  records of  the
name, address, taxpayer identification number, Contract number, type of Contract
issued  to each Owner, Contract Value  and other pertinent information necessary
to the administration and operation of the Contracts.
    
 
                                 THE CONTRACTS
 
    The Contracts described in this Prospectus are designed for retirement plans
which are Qualified Plans. The minimum  amount of purchase payments the  Company
will  accept during  the first  Contract Year will  be $600,  with no individual
payment to be less than $50. The Company may choose not to accept any subsequent
purchase payment if it is less than $50 or if the purchase payment together with
the Contract  Value  at the  next  Valuation  Date exceeds  $250,000  (any  such
purchase payment not accepted by the Company will be refunded).
 
ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
    The purchase payment is allocated to the Sub-Accounts selected by the Owner.
 
    Purchase  payments  will be  allocated to  the appropriate  Sub-Accounts not
later than  two  business  days  after  receipt,  if  the  application  and  all
information  necessary  for processing  the Contract  are complete.  The Company
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
may retain purchase payments  for up to five  business days while attempting  to
complete  an incomplete application. If the  application cannot be made complete
within this period, the applicant will be informed of the reasons for the  delay
and  the  purchase payment  will be  returned  immediately unless  the applicant
consents to retention  of the payment  by the Company  until the application  is
made  complete. Thereafter  the payment  must be  allocated within  two business
days.
 
    Upon allocation to  the appropriate  Sub-Accounts, the  purchase payment  is
converted into Accumulation Units of the Sub-Account. The amount of the purchase
payment  allocated to  a particular  Sub-Account is divided  by the  value of an
Accumulation Unit for the  Sub-Account to determine  the number of  Accumulation
Units  of the Sub-Account to be held in the Variable Account with respect to the
Contract. The net investment results of each Sub-Account vary primarily with the
investment performance of the Fund whose shares are held in the Sub-Account.
 
    In the event any Fund in  the future imposes a minimum purchase  requirement
that  is in  excess of the  aggregate of  all purchase payments  received on any
given day that are to  be applied to the purchase  of shares of such Fund,  such
purchase payments will be refunded.
 
SUB-ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
 
    Each  Sub-Account Accumulation  Unit was  initially valued  at $10  when the
first Fund  shares were  purchased.  Thereafter the  value of  each  Sub-Account
Accumulation  Unit varies up or down according to a Net Investment Factor, which
is primarily based on  the investment performance of  the applicable Fund.  Fund
shares in the Sub-Accounts will be valued at their net asset value.
 
    Dividend  and  capital  gain  distributions from  a  Fund  are automatically
reinvested in additional shares  of such Fund and  allocated to the  appropriate
Sub-Account.  The  number of  Sub-Account Accumulation  Units does  not increase
because of the additional shares, but the Accumulation Unit value may increase.
 
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR
 
    The Net Investment Factor is an index number which is primarily based on the
investment performance during a  Valuation Period of the  Fund whose shares  are
held in the particular Sub-Account. If the Net Investment Factor is greater than
one,  the value  of a  Sub-Account Accumulation Unit  has increased.  If the Net
Investment Factor is less than one, the value of a Sub-Account Accumulation Unit
has decreased. The Net  Investment Factor is determined  by dividing (1) by  (2)
and then subtracting (3) from the result, where:
 
    (1) is the net result of:
 
        (a) the  net  asset value  per  share of  the  Fund shares  held  in the
            Sub-Account, determined at the end of the current Valuation  Period,
            plus
 
        (b) the  per share amount of any  dividend or capital gain distributions
            made on the Fund shares held  in the Sub-Account during the  current
            Valuation Period, plus or minus
 
        (c) a  per share charge or  credit for any taxes  provided for which the
            Company determines to have  resulted from the investment  operations
            of the Sub-Account and to be applicable to the Contract;
 
    (2) is the net result of:
 
        (a) the  net  asset value  per  share of  the  Fund shares  held  in the
            Sub-Account, determined  at  the end  of  the last  prior  Valuation
            Period, plus or minus
 
        (b) a  per share charge or credit for  any taxes reserved for during the
            last prior Valuation  Period which  the Company  determined to  have
            resulted from the investment operations of the Sub-Account and to be
            applicable to the Contract; and
 
    (3) is a factor representing the Mortality Risk Premium and the Expense Risk
        Charge  deducted  from the  Sub-Account, which  factor  is equal,  on an
        annual basis, to 1.3% of the daily net asset value of the Sub-Account.
 
DEATH BENEFIT BEFORE THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
 
    If the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, the  Beneficiary
will  be entitled to  receive the Contract  Value as of  the Valuation Date next
after the Company receives (a) proof of the Annuitant's death and (b) a  written
request from the Beneficiary for either a single sum payment or an Annuity Form.
For this purpose the Contract Value will be:
 
    (1) if  the Annuitant dies on or before the first day of the month following
        the Annuitant's 75th birthday, the greater of (i) the Contract Value  at
        such  Valuation Date, or (ii) the  sum of the purchase payments received
        by the  Company under  the Contract  to such  Valuation Date,  less  any
        surrender payments previously made by the Company; or
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
    (2) if  the Annuitant dies  after the first  day of the  month following the
        Annuitant's 75th birthday, the Contract Value at such Valuation Date.
 
    If a single sum is requested, it  will be paid within seven days after  such
Valuation  Date. If an Annuity Form is requested, it may be any Annuity Form the
Owner could have selected before the Annuity Commencement Date. An Annuity  Form
selection  must be in writing  and received by the  Company within 90 days after
such Valuation Date, otherwise the Contract Value as of such Valuation Date will
be paid in a single sum to the Beneficiary and the Contract will be canceled.
 
DEATH BENEFIT AFTER THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
 
    If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Commencement Date, the death benefit
shall be as stated in the Annuity Form in effect.
 
SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)
 
    If a written  request therefor  from the Owner  is received  by the  Company
before  the Annuity Commencement Date, all or part of the Contract Value will be
paid to  the  Owner  after  deducting  any  applicable  surrender  charge.  (See
"Surrender  Charge (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge)" on page 14). In addition,
if a total  surrender occurs  other than on  a Contract  Anniversary the  annual
administrative  charge  will  be deducted  from  the Contract  Value  before the
surrender payment  is  made  and if  in  excess  of $50,000  must  be  signature
guaranteed  by  a  member  firm  of the  New  York,  American,  Boston, Midwest,
Philadelphia, or Pacific Stock Exchange, or by a commercial bank (not a  savings
bank)  which is a  member of the  Federal Deposit Insurance  Corporation, or, in
certain cases,  by a  member  firm of  the  National Association  of  Securities
Dealers, Inc. that has entered into an appropriate agreement with the Company.
 
    The  Company may  require that the  Contract be returned  before a surrender
takes places. A surrender will take place  on the next Valuation Date after  the
requirements  for surrender are completed and  payment will be made within seven
days after such Valuation Date. If a  surrender is partial and unless the  Owner
requests  the surrender to  be made from  particular Sub-Accounts, the surrender
payments will be  taken proportionately from  all Sub-Accounts on  a basis  that
reflects each Sub-Account's proportionate percentage of the Contract Value.
 
    The  Company may cancel the Contract on any Contract Anniversary, or if such
Contract Anniversary  is  not  a  Valuation Date  on  the  next  Valuation  Date
thereafter,  by paying to the Owner the Contract Value as of such Valuation Date
if such Contract Value after all charges is less than $1,000.
 
    If this Contract  is purchased  as a "tax-sheltered  annuity" under  Section
403(b)  of the  Internal Revenue  Code (the  "Code"), it  is subject  to certain
restrictions on  redemption  imposed by  Section  403(b)(11) of  the  Code  (See
"Taxation of Annuities in General" on page 20). These restrictions on redemption
are  imposed by the Variable Account and the Company in full compliance with and
in reliance upon the terms  and conditions of a  no-action letter issued by  the
Office of Insurance Products and Legal Compliance of the Securities and Exchange
Commission  to  the  American  Council  of  Life  Insurance  (publicly available
November 28, 1988).
 
TRANSFERS BETWEEN SUB-ACCOUNTS
 
    Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date  the Owner may request a transfer  in
writing,  (or by telephone if a  telephone authorization form has been completed
and is in effect), subject to any conditions the Funds whose shares are involved
may impose, of all or part of  a Sub-Account's value to other Sub-Accounts.  The
transfer  will be  made by  the Company  on the  first Valuation  Date after the
request for such  a transfer  is received by  the Company  (provided that  under
certain circumstances large transfers may be delayed until proceeds from related
Fund  share redemptions are received, which may  be for up to seven days). There
is no charge  for such  a transfer, other  than those  that may be  made by  the
Funds.   To  accomplish  the  transfer,  the  Variable  Account  will  surrender
Accumulation Units in  the particular  Sub-Accounts and reinvest  that value  in
Accumulation Units of other particular Sub-Accounts appropriate for the Contract
as  directed in the request. After  the Annuity Commencement Date, the Annuitant
may request transfer of Annuity  Unit values in the  same manner and subject  to
the  same requirements as for an Owner-transfer of Sub-Account Accumulation Unit
values.
 
    If the Owner elects to complete the telephone transfer form, the Owner in so
doing agrees that the Company and its Contract Administrator will not be  liable
for  any loss, liability, cost or expense  when the Company, and/or the Contract
Administrator act in accordance with  the telephone transfer instructions  which
are received and recorded on voice recording equipment. If a telephone transfer,
processed  after the Owner  has completed the telephone  transfer form, is later
determined not to have been  made by the Owner or  was made without the  Owner's
authorization,  and a  loss results from  such unauthorized  transfer, the Owner
bears the risk of this loss. The
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
Company  will  employ  reasonable   procedures  to  confirm  that   instructions
communicated  by telephone are genuine. In the event the Company does not employ
such procedures, the Company may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. Such  procedures may include,  among others,  requiring
forms  of personal identification  prior to acting  upon telephone instructions,
providing written  confirmation  of  such  instructions  and/or  tape  recording
telephone instructions.
 
ASSIGNMENTS
 
    Contracts  are issued pursuant to or in connection with Qualified Plans, and
may not be sold, transferred, pledged or assigned to any person or entity  other
than the Company.
 
CONTRACT OWNER AND BENEFICIARIES
 
    Unless  someone  else is  named  as the  Owner  in the  application  for the
Contract, the applicant  is the  Owner of the  Contract and  before the  Annuity
Commencement Date may exercise all of the Owner's rights under the Contract. The
Owner  may name a  Successor Owner who becomes  the Owner if  the Owner does not
survive until the Annuity Commencement Date.  If a Successor Owner is not  named
or  does not survive to become the Owner, then in the event of the Owner's death
the Annuitant becomes the Owner.
 
    The Owner may name a Beneficiary  and a Successor Beneficiary. In the  event
the  Annuitant dies before the Annuity  Commencement Date, the Beneficiary shall
receive the Contract  Value according  to the  death benefit  provisions of  the
Contract.  In the event the Annuitant dies  on or after the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Beneficiary shall  receive payments according to  the Annuity Form  in
effect.   The  Successor  Beneficiary  shall   become  the  Beneficiary  if  the
Beneficiary does not survive. If a Beneficiary is not named or does not  survive
the  Annuitant, the  Owner becomes  the Beneficiary. If  none of  the Owner, the
Annuitant and the Beneficiary is living, payments due under the Contract or  any
Annuity Form shall be paid to the estate of the last of them to survive.
 
    A  person  named  as  a  Successor  Owner,  a  Beneficiary  or  a  Successor
Beneficiary shall  not  be entitled  to  exercise  any rights  relating  to  the
Contract  or to receive  any payments or  settlements under the  Contract or any
Annuity Form, unless such  person is living  on the earlier of  (a) the day  due
proof  of death  of the  Owner, the Annuitant  or the  Beneficiary, whichever is
applicable, is received by the Company or  (b) the tenth day after the death  of
the Owner, the Annuitant or the Beneficiary, whichever is applicable.
 
    Unless  different arrangements have been made with the Company by the Owner,
if more  than one  Beneficiary is  entitled  to payments  from the  Company  the
payments shall be in equal shares.
 
    Before  the  Annuity  Commencement Date  and  while the  named  Annuitant is
living, the Owner may change the Annuitant, the Successor Owner, the Beneficiary
or the Successor Beneficiary by giving the Company written notice of the change,
but the change shall  not be effective until  actually received by the  Company.
Upon  receipt by the Company of  a notice of change, it  will be effective as of
the date it was signed but shall  not affect any payments made or actions  taken
by the Company before the Company received the notice, and the Company shall not
be responsible for the validity of any change.
 
CONTRACT INQUIRIES
 
    Inquiries regarding a Contract may be made by writing to the Annuity Service
Center at P.O. Box 13208, Kansas City, Missouri 64199-3208.
 
                               ANNUITY PROVISIONS
 
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
 
    The Owner selects the Annuity Commencement Date, which must be the first day
of a month, when making application for the Contract. The date will be the first
day  of the month following  the Annuitant's 75th birthday  unless an earlier or
later date has been selected by the Owner and, if the date is later, it has been
agreed to by  the Company.  The Owner may  change an  Annuity Commencement  Date
selection by written notice received by the Company at least 30 days before both
the   Annuity  Commencement  Date  currently  in  effect  and  the  new  Annuity
Commencement Date. The new  date selected must satisfy  the requirements for  an
Annuity  Commencement Date.  If the  Annuity Commencement  Date selected  by the
Owner does not occur  on a Valuation Date,  at least 60 days  after the date  on
which  the Contract  was issued,  the Company reserves  the right  to adjust the
Annuity Commencement  Date  to  the  first  Valuation  Date  after  the  Annuity
Commencement  Date selected by the Owner and which is at least 60 days after the
Contract issue date.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
ANNUITY FORM SELECTION - CHANGE
 
    The Owner may select an Annuity  Form with payments starting at the  Annuity
Commencement  Date when making application for  the Contract. The Owner may also
change a choice of Annuity Form by written notice received by the Company before
the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
ANNUITY FORMS
 
    Any one of  the following  Annuity Forms may  be selected  (all provide  for
variable payments):
 
    LIFE  ANNUITY - An annuity payable on the first day of each month during the
Annuitant's life, starting with the first payment due according to the Contract.
Payments cease with the payment made on the first day of the month in which  the
Annuitant's  death occurs. IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE  UNDER THIS ANNUITY FORM FOR THE
ANNUITANT TO  RECEIVE ONLY  ONE PAYMENT  IF HE  OR SHE  DIED BEFORE  THE  SECOND
ANNUITY  PAYMENT, ONLY TWO PAYMENTS  IF HE OR SHE  DIED BEFORE THE THIRD ANNUITY
PAYMENT, ETC.
 
    LIFE ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS GUARANTEED FOR 10 YEARS (120 MONTHS) OR 20  YEARS
(240  MONTHS) -  An annuity payable  on the first  day of each  month during the
Annuitant's life, starting with the first payment due according to the Contract.
If the Annuitant receives all of the guaranteed payments, payments will continue
thereafter but cease  with the payment  made on the  first day of  the month  in
which  the Annuitant's death occurs. If all  of the guaranteed payments have not
been  made  before  the  Annuitant's  death,  the  unpaid  installments  of  the
guaranteed payments will be continued to the Beneficiary.
 
    JOINT  AND FULL SURVIVOR  ANNUITY - An  annuity payable on  the first day of
each month during  the Annuitant's  life and  the life  of a  named person  (the
"Joint  Annuitant"),  starting  with  the first  payment  due  according  to the
Contract. Payments  will  continue  while  either the  Annuitant  or  the  Joint
Annuitant  is living  and cease with  the payment made  on the first  day of the
month in which  the death  of the Annuitant  or the  Joint Annuitant,  whichever
lives  longer, occurs. THERE  IS NO MINIMUM NUMBER  OF PAYMENTS GUARANTEED UNDER
THIS ANNUITY FORM. PAYMENTS  CEASE UPON THE  DEATH OF THE  LAST SURVIVOR OF  THE
ANNUITANT AND THE JOINT ANNUITANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF PAYMENTS RECEIVED.
 
    The  Company also  has other annuity  forms available  and information about
them can be obtained by writing to the Company.
 
AUTOMATIC ANNUITY FORM
 
    If no  valid selection  of an  Annuity Form  has been  made by  the  Annuity
Commencement  Date, the Life Annuity with  Payments Guaranteed for 10 Years (120
Months) shall be automatically effective.
 
FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
    Annuity payments will be paid as monthly installments, unless the  Annuitant
and  the Company agree to a different payment schedule. However, if the Contract
Value at the Annuity Commencement Date is less than $2,500, the Company may  pay
the  Contract Value in a single sum and the Contract will be canceled. Also if a
monthly payment would be  or become less  than $50, the  Company may change  the
frequency  of payments to intervals that will result in payments of at least $50
each.
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
    The amount  of the  first  annuity payment  is  determined by  applying  the
Contract  Value at  the Annuity  Commencement Date to  the annuity  table in the
Contract for  the Annuity  Form selected.  The  table shows  the amount  of  the
initial  annuity  payment  for  each  $1,000  of  Contract  Value  applied.  The
appropriate portion of the  annual administrative charge  is deducted from  such
amount and the remainder is the actual amount of the first annuity payment.
 
    Subsequent  variable annuity payments vary in  amount in accordance with the
investment performance of the applicable Sub-Account. Assuming annuity  payments
are  based on the unit values of a  single Sub-Account, the dollar amount of the
first annuity  payment,  determined  as  set forth  above,  is  divided  by  the
Sub-Account  Annuity Unit Value as of the Annuity Commencement Date to establish
the number of Annuity  Units representing each annuity  payment. This number  of
Annuity Units remains fixed during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount
of  the second and subsequent payments is  not predetermined and may change from
month to month. The dollar amount of  the second and each subsequent payment  is
determined  by multiplying the fixed number  of Annuity Units by the Sub-Account
Annuity Unit Value for the Valuation Period with respect to which the payment is
due. If the monthly payment is based  upon the Annuity Unit Values of more  than
one  Sub-Account,  the  foregoing  procedure  is  repeated  for  each applicable
Sub-Account and the sum of the payments based on each Sub-Account is the  amount
of   the  monthly  annuity  payment.  The  appropriate  portion  of  the  annual
administrative charge is then deducted from each monthly annuity payment.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    The annuity tables in the Contracts are based on the 1971 Individual Annuity
Mortality Table (set back two years).
 
    The Company guarantees  that the  dollar amount  of each  payment after  the
first  payment will not  be affected by  variations in expenses  or in mortality
experience from the mortality assumptions used to determine the first payment.
 
SUB-ACCOUNT ANNUITY UNIT VALUE
 
    A Sub-Account's Annuity Units  will initially be valued  at $10 each at  the
time Accumulation Units with respect to the Sub-Account are first converted into
Annuity  Units. The Sub-Account Annuity Unit  Value for any subsequent Valuation
Period is determined by multiplying the  Sub-Account Annuity Unit Value for  the
immediately  preceding Valuation  Period by  the Net  Investment Factor  for the
Sub-Account for  the Valuation  Period for  which the  Sub-Account Annuity  Unit
Value  is being calculated, and multiplying the  result by an interest factor to
neutralize the assumed investment  rate of 4% per  annum built into the  annuity
tables contained in the Contracts. (See "Net Investment Factor" on page 16.)
 
ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE
 
    A  4% assumed investment rate is built  into the annuity tables contained in
the Contracts. A higher assumption would mean a higher initial payment but  more
slowly  rising and more rapidly falling  subsequent payments. A lower assumption
would have the opposite effect.  If the actual net  investment rate were at  the
annual rate of 4%, the annuity payments would be level.
 
                               FEDERAL TAX STATUS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    The  Contracts are sold to or in  connection with retirement plans which are
Qualified Plans under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the  "Code").
The  ultimate effect of Federal income taxes depends upon the type of retirement
plan for which the Contract is purchased, and upon the tax and employment status
of the  individual concerned.  The  discussion contained  herein is  general  in
nature and is not intended as tax advice. EACH PERSON CONCERNED SHOULD CONSULT A
QUALIFIED  TAX ADVISER. No attempt  is made to consider  any applicable state or
other tax laws.  Moreover, the  discussion contained  herein is  based upon  the
Company's  understanding of Federal income tax laws as currently interpreted. No
representation is  made  regarding  the  likelihood  of  continuation  of  these
interpretations  by the Internal Revenue Service.  THE COMPANY DOES NOT MAKE ANY
GUARANTEE REGARDING THE TAX STATUS OF ANY CONTRACT OR ANY TRANSACTION  INVOLVING
THE CONTRACT.
 
QUALIFIED PLANS
 
    The  Contracts are designed  for use with several  types of Qualified Plans.
The tax rules applicable to participants in such Qualified Plans vary  according
to  the type of plan and its terms and conditions. Therefore, no attempt is made
herein to provide more than general  information about the use of the  Contracts
with  the various  types of Qualified  Plans. Participants  under such Qualified
Plans as well  as Owners, Annuitants  and Beneficiaries are  cautioned that  the
rights  of any person to any benefits  under such Qualified Plans may be subject
to the terms and conditions of the plans themselves regardless of the terms  and
conditions of the Contracts issued in connection therewith.
 
    TAXATION OF ANNUITIES IN GENERAL
 
    Generally,  no tax  is imposed on  the increase  in the value  of a Contract
until a  distribution  occurs.  Monthly  annuity  payments  made  as  retirement
distributions,  and lump-sum payments or cash withdrawals (when permitted by the
applicable Plan) are  generally taxable as  ordinary income to  the extent  that
such  payments  are  not  deemed  to  come  from  the  Owner's  previously taxed
investment in the Contract. Distributions made prior to age 59-1/2 generally are
subject to  a 10%  penalty tax,  although this  tax will  not apply  in  certain
circumstances.
 
    The  Unemployment  Compensation Amendments  of 1992  require us  to withhold
Federal income  tax at  the rate  of 20%  on most  distributions from  qualified
plans, unless the distribution is an "eligible rollover distribution" as defined
by  the Unemployment  Compensation Act  of 1992  and the  Owner files  a written
request with us  for a direct  rollover to an  individual retirement account  as
described  in  Sections 408(a)  and 408(b)  of  the Code,  or as  applicable, to
another qualified plan or a Section 403(b) arrangement that accepts rollovers.
 
    Following are brief descriptions of the various types of Qualified Plans and
of the use of the Contracts in connection therewith.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES
 
    Sections 219 and 408 of the Code permits eligible individuals to  contribute
to  an individual retirement program known as an "individual retirement annuity"
(IRA's), excluding  IRA's established  under  Section 408(b).  These  individual
retirement  annuities  are subject  to  limitations on  the  amount that  may be
contributed, the persons who may be eligible, and on the time when distributions
may commence. In addition, distributions  from certain other types of  Qualified
Plans  may  be placed  on  a tax-deferred  basis  into an  individual retirement
annuity. Sales of the Contracts for use with individual retirement annuities may
be subject  to special  requirements imposed  by the  Internal Revenue  Service.
Purchasers  of  the  Contracts for  such  purposes  will be  provided  with such
supplementary information as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service  or
other  appropriate  agency. Purchasers  of  the Contracts  for  establishment of
individual retirement  annuities will  have  the right  to revoke  the  Contract
within  seven days after the earlier of  the establishment of the annuity or the
purchase of the Contract.
 
    CORPORATE PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS
 
    Corporate employers and certain associations may establish various types  of
retirement  plans for employees,  as permitted by Sections  401(a) and 401(k) of
the Code, including those purchasers who would have been covered under the rules
governing old  H.R. 10  (Keogh)  Plans. Such  retirement  plans may  permit  the
purchase  of  the  Contracts  to provide  benefits  under  the  plans. Corporate
employers intending to use  the Contracts in connection  with such plans  should
seek qualified advice in connection therewith.
 
                             VOTING OF FUND SHARES
 
    As  long as the  Variable Account is  registered as a  unit investment trust
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the assets of the Variable  Account
are  allocated to Sub-Accounts that are invested in Fund shares, the Fund shares
held in  the  Sub-Accounts will  be  voted by  the  Company in  accordance  with
instructions  received  from  the  persons  having  voting  interests  under the
Contracts as described below. If  the Company determines pursuant to  applicable
law  or regulation that Fund shares held in the Sub-Accounts and attributable to
the Contracts need not be voted  pursuant to instructions received from  persons
otherwise  having  the voting  interests, then  the Company  may vote  such Fund
shares held in the Sub-Accounts in its own right.
 
    Before the  Annuity  Commencement Date,  the  Owner shall  have  the  voting
interest with respect to the Fund shares attributable to the Contract.
 
    On  and after  the Annuity  Commencement Date,  the person  then entitled to
receive annuity payments shall have the voting interest with respect to the Fund
shares. Such voting interest will  generally decrease during the annuity  payout
period.
 
    Any  Fund shares held  in the Variable  Account for which  we do not receive
timely voting instructions, or  which are not  attributable to Contract  Owners,
will be voted by us in proportion to the instructions received from all Contract
Owners  having a voting interest in the Fund.  Any Fund shares held by us or any
of our affiliates in general accounts will, for voting purposes, be allocated to
all separate accounts having voting interests in the Fund in proportion to  each
account's  voting interest in the respective Fund  and will be voted in the same
manner as are the respective account's votes.
 
    All Fund proxy  material will  be sent  to persons  having voting  interests
together  with appropriate forms which may  be used to give voting instructions.
Persons entitled to voting interests and the number of votes which they may cast
shall be determined as of a record date, to be selected by the Company, not more
than 90 days before the meeting of the applicable Fund.
 
    Persons having voting interests under the Contracts as described above  will
not,  as a result thereof, have voting interests with respect to meetings of the
stockholders and/or policyholders of the Company.
 
                         DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
    The Contracts will  be sold  by licensed  insurance agents  in those  states
where  the  Contracts  may be  lawfully  sold.  Such agents  will  be registered
representatives of broker-dealers registered  under the Securities Exchange  Act
of  1934 who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
The  Contracts  will  be  distributed  by  the  General  Distributor,  Clarendon
Insurance  Agency, Inc., 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, which
is controlled by Massachusetts Financial Services Company. Commissions and other
distribution compensation will be paid by the Company and will not be more  than
5.11% of the purchase payments.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                                RETURN PRIVILEGE
 
    As  soon as the  Owner of a Contract  receives it, he or  she should read it
carefully to see if  it is what is  wanted. If the Owner  desires to return  the
Contract,  it must  be returned within  ten days  after it was  delivered to the
Owner. It may be  returned to the Company  or to the agent  through whom it  was
purchased.  When the Company receives the returned Contract, it will be canceled
and the full amount  of the purchase  payments received by  the Company will  be
refunded.
 
    Under  the  Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act  of  1974,  an Owner
establishing  an  individual  retirement  annuity  must  be  furnished  with   a
disclosure statement containing certain information about the Contract and about
applicable  legal requirements. Such a statement  must be furnished on or before
the date the  individual retirement  annuity is established.  If the  disclosure
statement  is furnished  after the  seventh day  preceding establishment  of the
individual retirement annuity, then  the Owner may revoke  the annuity any  time
within  seven days after the establishment date. Upon such revocation, the Owner
will receive the purchase payments made by the Owner. If the Owner is  furnished
with such disclosure statement not later than the seventh day preceding the date
the individual retirement annuity is established, the Owner will not have such a
right  of  revocation. The  foregoing  right of  revocation  with respect  to an
individual retirement annuity is in addition  to the return privilege set  forth
in the preceding paragraph.
 
    The  liability of the Variable Account under the foregoing is limited to the
Contract Value  on the  Valuation Date  of cancellation.  Any additional  amount
necessary  to make the refund  to the Owner equal  the purchase payments will be
paid by the Company.
 
                               REPORTS TO OWNERS
 
    The Company will mail to  the Contract Owner, at  the last known address  of
record  at the  home office of  the Company,  at least annually  after the first
Contract Year, a report  containing such information as  may be required by  any
applicable law or regulation and a statement showing the Contract Value.
 
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    There are no legal proceedings to which the Variable Account is a party. The
Company is a defendant in various lawsuits in connection with the normal conduct
of its operations. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such
litigation will not result in any significant liability to the Company.
 
                        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXPERTS
 
   
    The  financial statements  of MFS/NWNL Variable  Account as  of December 31,
1995 and for each  of the three years  in the period then  ended and the  annual
financial  statements of Northwestern National Life Insurance Company, which are
included in  the  Statement of  Additional  Information, have  been  audited  by
Deloitte  & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in the reports which are
included herein, and have been so included in reliance upon the reports of  such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
                              FURTHER INFORMATION
 
    A  Registration Statement  under the Securities  Act of 1933  has been filed
with the  Securities and  Exchange  Commission, with  respect to  the  Contracts
described  herein. This Prospectus  does not contain all  of the information set
forth in the Registration Statement and exhibits thereto, to which reference  is
hereby made for further information concerning the Variable Account, the Company
and  the  Contracts.  The  information  so  omitted  may  be  obtained  from the
Commission's principal  office in  Washington,  D.C., upon  payment of  the  fee
prescribed  by  the Commission,  or  examined there  without  charge. Statements
contained in this  Prospectus as to  the provisions of  the Contracts and  other
legal  documents are summaries, and reference is  made to the documents as filed
with the Commission for a complete statement of the provisions thereof.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
Introduction.......................................................................................          2
Administration of the Contracts....................................................................          2
Custody of Assets..................................................................................          2
Independent Auditors...............................................................................          3
Distribution of the Contracts......................................................................          3
Calculation of Yield and Return....................................................................          3
Calculation of Average Annual Total Return.........................................................          4
Financial Statements...............................................................................          7
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
If you would like to receive a  copy of the MFS/NWNL Variable Account  Statement
of Additional Information, please return this request to:
 
WASHINGTON SQUARE SECURITIES, INC.
20 WASHINGTON AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55401
Your name ______________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________
City ________________________ State __________________ Zip ____________
 
Please send me a copy of the MFS/NWNL Variable Account Statement of Additional
Information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                  This Page Has Been Left Blank Intentionally
<PAGE>
                  This Page Has Been Left Blank Intentionally
<PAGE>

Contract Administrator
Annuity Service Center
301 West 11th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105


General Distributor
Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc.
600 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116




[LOGO]  NORTWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
        A RELIASTAR COMPANY
   
        Select*Annuity Prospectus
        N4000.15m (April 30, 1996)
    



<PAGE>
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
                             ---------------------
 
                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
 
                                   ISSUED BY
                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                      AND
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
   
    This  Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus, but should be
read  in  conjunction   with  the   Prospectus,  dated  April   30,  1996   (the
"Prospectus"),  relating to  the Individual Deferred  Variable Annuity Contracts
issued by MFS/NWNL  Variable Account (the  "Variable Account") and  Northwestern
National  Life  Insurance Company.  Much of  the  information contained  in this
Statement of  Additional  Information expands  upon  subjects discussed  in  the
Prospectus.  A copy  of the  Prospectus may  be obtained  from Washington Square
Securities, Inc., 20 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401.
    
 
    Capitalized terms used in this Statement of Additional Information that  are
not  otherwise  defined herein  shall have  the  meanings given  to them  in the
Prospectus.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PAGE
                                                                   -------
<S>                                                                <C>
Introduction.....................................................        2
Administration of the Contracts..................................        2
Custody of Assets................................................        2
Independent Auditors.............................................        3
Distribution of the Contracts....................................        3
Calculation of Yield and Return..................................        3
Calculation of Average Annual Total Return.......................        4
Financial Statements.............................................        7
</TABLE>
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
   
     The date of this Statement of Additional Information is April 30, 1996
    
<PAGE>
                                  INTRODUCTION
 
    The  Individual  Deferred  Variable  Annuity  Contracts  described  in   the
Prospectus are flexible purchase payment contracts. The Contracts are sold to or
in  connection  with  retirement plans  which  qualify for  special  federal tax
treatment under the Internal Revenue Code. (See "Federal Tax Status" on page  20
of  the Prospectus.) Annuity  payments under the Contracts  are deferred until a
selected later date.
 
    The Contract  Owner  allocates purchase  payments  to  one or  more  of  the
Sub-Accounts  of the Variable  Account, a separate account  of the Company. Each
Sub-Account is  invested in  shares at  net asset  value of  one of  a group  of
Investment  Funds (the "Investment Funds") which utilize the investment advisory
services of  Massachusetts Financial  Services Company,  Boston,  Massachusetts.
Each  Investment Fund pays  its investment adviser  certain fees charged against
the assets of the Investment Fund. The Contract Value and the amount of  annuity
payments  will  vary,  primarily  based on  the  investment  performance  of the
Investment Funds  whose  shares  are  held in  the  Sub-Accounts  selected.  The
Contract Owner may allocate purchase payments to the following Investment Funds:
 
    MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund
    MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)
    Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)
    Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A)
    MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)
    MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A)
    MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund (Class A)
    MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A)
    MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class A)
    MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class A)
 
    (For  more information  about the  Funds, see  "Investments of  the Variable
Account" on page 12 of the Prospectus.)
 
                        ADMINISTRATION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
   
    Northwestern National Life Insurance Company ("Company") has entered into  a
contract  with Continuum Administrative  Services Corporation ("CASC") (formerly
known as Vantage Computer Systems, Inc.), Kansas City, Missouri, as assignee  of
the  Company's  contract  with  State Street  Bank  and  Trust  Company, Boston,
Massachusetts, under which  CASC has  agreed to  perform certain  administrative
functions  relating to the Contracts and  the Variable Account, effective May 6,
1991. These functions  include, among  other things, maintaining  the books  and
records of the Variable Account and the Sub-Accounts, and maintaining records of
the  name,  address, taxpayer  identification number,  Contract number,  type of
Contract issued to each  Owner, Contract Value  and other pertinent  information
necessary  to the administration  and operation of the  Contracts. For the years
ended December 31, 1993, 1994, and 1995, the Company paid fees to CASC under the
Contract of $41,972, $50,162 and $36,836, respectively.
    
 
                               CUSTODY OF ASSETS
 
    The Company, whose address appears on the cover of the Prospectus, maintains
custody of the assets of the Variable Account.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>

                              INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
    The financial  statements  of  MFS/NWNL Variable  Account  and  Northwestern
National  Life  Insurance  Company,  which  are  included  in  the  Statement of
Additional Information, have  been audited  by Deloitte  & Touche  LLP, 400  One
Financial   Plaza,  120  South  Sixth   Street,  Minneapolis,  Minnesota  55402,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports which are included herein, 
and have been so included in reliance  upon the reports of  such firm given upon
their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
                         DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
   
    The  Contracts will  be sold  by licensed  insurance agents  in those states
where the  Contracts  may be  lawfully  sold.  Such agents  will  be  registered
representatives  of broker-dealers registered under  the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc.
The  Contracts  will  be  distributed  by  the  General  Distributor,  Clarendon
Insurance Agency, Inc., which is controlled by Massachusetts Financial  Services
Company.  For the  years ended  December 31,  1993, 1994  and 1995,  the General
Distributor was paid  fees by the  Company with respect  to distribution of  the
Contracts aggregating $6,000, $8,000 and $4,000, respectively.
    
 
    The offering of the Contracts is continuous.
 
   
    There  are no special purchase plans or exchange privileges not described in
the Prospectus. (See "The Contracts" at page 15 of the Prospectus.)
    
 
    No deduction for a sales charge is  made from the purchase payments for  the
Contracts.  However,  if  part or  all  of  a Contract's  value  is surrendered,
surrender charges (which may be deemed to be contingent deferred sales  charges)
may  be made  by the Company.  The method used  to determine the  amount of such
charge is described in the Prospectus at page 14 under the heading "Charges Made
By The Company -- Surrender Charge (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge)". There is
no difference in the amount of this charge or any of the other charges described
in the Prospectus  as between Contracts  purchased by members  of the public  as
individuals  or groups, on the one hand, and Contracts purchased by any class of
individuals, such  as officers,  directors or  employees of  the Company  or  of
Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc., on the other hand.
 
                        CALCULATION OF YIELD AND RETURN
 
Current Yield and Effective Yield:
 
   
    Current   yield  and  effective  yield  will  be  calculated  only  for  the
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund Sub-Account.
    
 
    The current yield is based on a seven-day period (the "base period") and  is
calculated  by determining the  "net change in value"  on a hypothetical account
having a  balance of  one Accumulation  Unit  at the  beginning of  the  period,
dividing  the net  change in account  value by the  value of the  account at the
beginning of the base period to  obtain the base period return, and  multiplying
the  base period return by 365/7 with  the resulting yield figure carried to the
nearest hundredth of one percent. The  effective yield is computed in a  similar
manner,  except that the base  period return is compounded  by adding 1, raising
the sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 7, and subtracting 1 from the result,
according to the following formula:
 
                                       3
<PAGE>

                                                        365/7
             EFFECTIVE YIELD = [(Base Period Return + 1)     ] - 1.
 
    Net changes in value of a  hypothetical account will include net  investment
income   of  the   account  (accrued   daily  dividends   as  declared   by  the
MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund Sub-Account, less daily expense  and
contract  charges to the account) for the  period, but will not include realized
gains or losses on its underlying fund shares.
 
    The MFS-Registered  Trademark- Money  Market  Fund Sub-Account's  yield  and
effective  yield will vary in response to any fluctuations in interest rates and
expenses of the Sub-Account.
 
   
    The yield and effective  yield of the Sub-Account  for the seven day  period
ending December 29, 1995 were as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
Yield..........................................................       5.09%
Effective Yield................................................       5.22%
</TABLE>
    
 
                   CALCULATION OF AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
 
   
    Average  annual total returns represent  the average annual compounded rates
of return that would equate an initial investment of $1,000 under a Contract  to
the  redemption value  of that  investment as  of the  last day  of each  of the
periods. The ending date for each  period for which total return quotations  are
provided will be for the most recent month-end practicable, considering the type
and media of the communication and will be stated in the communication.
    
 
    Average  annual  total returns  will  be calculated  using  Sub-Account unit
values which  the  Company  calculates  on each  Valuation  Date  based  on  the
performance  of the Sub-Account's  underlying Portfolio, the  deductions for the
Mortality Risk Premium and  Expense Risk Charge,  and the Annual  Administrative
Charge. The calculation assumes that the Annual Administrative Charge is $30 per
year  per Contract deducted  at the end  of each Contract  Year. For purposes of
calculating  average  annual  total  return,   an  average  per  dollar   Annual
Administrative  Charge  attributable  to the hypothetical account for the period
is used. The  calculation  also  assumes  surrender  of the Contract  at the end
of the period  for the return quotation.  Total  returns  will therefore reflect
a  deduction  of  the  Surrender Charge for any period less than five years. The
total return will then be calculated  according to the following formula:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>       <C>  <C>
                           1/N
     TR          =  (ERV/P)     - 1
 
     Where:
 
     TR          =  The average annual total return net of Sub-Account
                    recurring charges.
 
     ERV         =  the ending redeemable value (net of any applicable
                    surrender charge) of the hypothetical account at the
                    end of the period.
 
     P           =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
 
     N           =  the number of years in the period.
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>

   
    Following are the average annual returns for each of the Sub-Accounts, as of
December 31, 1995, for the relevant listed periods:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUB-ACCOUNT                                                                   INCEPTION DATE     1 YEAR      5 YEARS    10 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>          <C>        <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)...............................       03/16/81         15.22%      9.09%       8.19%
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A).....................................       03/05/81         32.91%     14.18%      13.11%
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A).........................       05/13/81         22.05%     14.99%      11.63%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)...........................       04/03/81         32.17%     18.33%      13.03%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A).......................       03/24/81         20.69%     12.18%      11.03%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund (Class A)...............       02/04/81         28.12%     12.99%       9.72%
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A)........................       02/09/81         11.07%     17.27%       7.74%
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class A)..................       06/19/81          9.36%      6.47%      10.61%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class A)....................       02/29/84         34.72%     26.30%      14.50%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>

    OTHER  TOTAL RETURNS.  From time to time, sales literature or advertisements
may quote average annual total returns that do not reflect the Surrender Charge.
These are calculated  in exactly the  same way as  average annual total  returns
described  above, except  that the ending  redeemable value  of the hypothetical
account for the period is replaced with an ending value for the period that does
not take into  account any  charges on  amounts surrendered  or withdrawn.  Such
information is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUB-ACCOUNT                                                                   INCEPTION DATE     1 YEAR      5 YEARS    10 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>          <C>        <C>
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)...............................       03/16/81         19.72%      9.09%       8.19%
Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A).....................................       03/05/81         37.41%     14.18%      13.11%
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A).........................       05/13/81         26.55%     14.99%      11.63%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)...........................       04/03/81         36.67%     18.33%      13.03%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A).......................       03/24/81         25.19%     12.18%      11.03%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund (Class A)...............       02/04/81         32.62%     12.99%       9.72%
MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A)........................       02/09/81         15.57%     17.27%       7.74%
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class A)..................       06/19/81         13.86%      6.47%      10.61%
MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class A)....................       02/29/84         39.22%     26.30%      14.50%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>

    The  Company may disclose  Cumulative Total Returns  in conjunction with the
standard  formats  described  above.  The  Cumulative  Total  Returns  will   be
calculated using the following formula:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>      <C>   <C>
     CTR         =  ERV/P - 1
 
     Where:
 
     CTR         =  the Cumulative Total Return net of Sub-Account
                    recurring charges for the period.
 
     ERV         =  the ending redeemable value of the hypothetical
                    investment at the end of the period.
 
     P           =  a hypothetical single payment of $1,000.
</TABLE>
 
   
    EFFECT  OF  THE  ANNUAL  ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE  ON  PERFORMANCE  DATA.   The
Contract provides for a $30 Annual Administrative Charge to be deducted annually
at  the   end  of   each  Contract   Year,  from   the  Sub-Accounts   and   the
Fixed  Account based on the proportion that the value of each such account bears
to  the  total   Contract  Value.   For  purposes  of   reflecting  the   Annual
Administrative Charge in yeild and total return quotations, the annual charge is
converted into a per-dollar of per-day charge based on the Annual Administrative
Charges  collected from  the average  total assets  of the  Variable Account and
Fixed Account during the calendar year ending December 31, 1995.
    
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
    This Statement of Additional  Information contains Financial Statements  for
the  Variable Account as of December 31, 1995 and for each of the three years in
the period then ended. Deloitte & Touche LLP serves as independent auditors  for
the Variable Account. Although the financial statements are audited, the 
period they cover is not necessarily indicative of the longer term performance 
of the assets held in the Variable Account.
    
 
   
    The  Company's statements of financial condition as of December 31, 1995 and
1994, and the related  statements of operations,  shareholder's equity and  cash
flows  for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 which are included in this
Statement of Additional Information, should be considered only as bearing on the
Company's ability to meet its obligations  under the Contracts. They should  not
be considered as bearing on the investment performance of the assets held in the
Variable Account.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>

   
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
Board of Directors
Northwestern National Life Insurance
Company and Contract Owners of
MFS/NWNL Variable Account:
 
    We  have audited  the accompanying  statement of  assets and  liabilities of
MFS/NWNL Variable  Account as  of December  31, 1995  and the  related  combined
statements  of operations and changes in Contract Owners' equity for each of the
three years in the  period ended December 31,  1995. These financial  statements
are the responsibility of the management of Northwestern National Life Insurance
Company.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these financial
statements based on our audits.
 
    We have conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures  include
confirmation  of the securities owned as of December 31, 1995, by correspondence
with the Account  custodians. An  audit also includes  assessing the  accounting
principles  used  and  significant  estimates made  by  management,  as  well as
evaluating the overall  financial statement  presentation. We  believe that  our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In  our opinion, the financial statements  referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of MFS/NWNL Variable Account as
of December 31, 1995, and the results of its operations and changes in  Contract
Owners'  equity for  each of the  three years  in the period  ended December 31,
1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 2, 1996
 
                                       i

    

<PAGE>

   
                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND UNIT DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       MFS
                                       MFS                 MFS                                MASSACHUSETTS        -REGISTERED
                                   -REGISTERED         -REGISTERED        MASSACHUSETTS         INVESTORS          TRADEMARK-
                                TRADEMARK- MONEY     TRADEMARK- BOND        INVESTORS         GROWTH STOCK          RESEARCH
                                     MARKET               FUND                TRUST               FUND                FUND
                                      FUND              (CLASS A)           (CLASS A)           (CLASS A)           (CLASS A)
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
<S>                             <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in mutual funds at
 market value:
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Money Market Fund
    2,720,961 shares (cost
    $2,721)...................  $          2,721
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Bond Fund -- Class A
    120,449 shares (cost
    $1,631)...................                      $           1,648
  Massachusetts Investors
    Trust -- Class A 109,399
    shares (cost $1,355)......                                          $          1,390
  Massachusetts Investors
    Growth Stock Fund -- Class
    A 127,504 shares (cost
    $1,392)...................                                                              $          1,355
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Research Fund -- Class A
    96,542 shares (cost
    $1,240)...................                                                                                  $           1,510
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Total Return Fund -- Class
    A 249,715 shares (cost
    $3,199)...................
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Growth Opportunities Fund
    -- Class A 403,389 shares
    (cost $4,501).............
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    High Income Fund -- Class
    A 770,685 shares (cost
    $3,805)...................
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    World Governments Fund --
    Class A 62,188 shares
    (cost $734)...............
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Emerging Growth Fund --
    Class A 73,023 shares
    (cost $1,405).............
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
    Total Assets..............  $          2,721    $           1,648   $          1,390    $          1,355    $           1,510
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT
 OWNERS' EQUITY:
Due to Northwestern National
 Life Insurance Company for
 accrued contract charges and
 reserve transfers............  $              3    $               3   $              1    $              1    $               2
Contract Owners' Equity.......             2,718                1,645              1,389               1,354                1,508
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
    Total Liabilities and
      Contract Owners'
      Equity..................  $          2,721    $           1,648   $          1,390    $          1,355    $           1,510
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
      Units Outstanding:......       112,836.517           35,793.566         23,606.537          28,462.862           27,105.758
      Net Asset Value per
        Unit:
        Tax Qualified.........  $      24.089226    $       45.397825   $      58.043826    $      47.572288    $       55.624290
        Non-Tax Qualified.....  $      24.131759    $       44.513521   $      56.581787    $      46.492000    $       58.488303
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       ii

    

<PAGE>

   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       MFS
                                       MFS                 MFS                 MFS                 MFS             -REGISTERED
                                   -REGISTERED         -REGISTERED         -REGISTERED         -REGISTERED         TRADEMARK-
                                TRADEMARK- TOTAL    TRADEMARK- GROWTH    TRADEMARK- HIGH    TRADEMARK- WORLD        EMERGING
                                     RETURN           OPPORTUNITIES          INCOME            GOVERNMENTS           GROWTH
                                      FUND                FUND                FUND                FUND                FUND
                                    (CLASS A)           (CLASS A)           (CLASS A)           (CLASS A)           (CLASS A)
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
<S>                             <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in mutual funds at
 market value:
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Money Market Fund
    2,720,961 shares (cost
    $2,721)...................
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Bond Fund -- Class A
    120,449 shares (cost
    $1,631)...................
  Massachusetts Investors
    Trust -- Class A 109,399
    shares (cost $1,355)......
  Massachusetts Investors
    Growth Stock Fund -- Class
    A 127,504 shares (cost
    $1,392)...................
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Research Fund -- Class A
    96,542 shares (cost
    $1,240)...................
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Total Return Fund -- Class
    A 249,715 shares (cost
    $3,199)...................  $          3,598
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Growth Opportunities Fund
    -- Class A 403,389 shares
    (cost $4,501).............                      $          4,817
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    High Income Fund -- Class
    A 770,685 shares (cost
    $3,805)...................                                          $           3,992
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    World Governments Fund --
    Class A 62,188 shares
    (cost $734)...............                                                              $            685
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Emerging Growth Fund --
    Class A 73,023 shares
    (cost $1,405).............                                                                                  $           1,951
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
    Total Assets..............  $          3,598    $          4,817    $           3,992   $            685    $           1,951
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT
 OWNERS' EQUITY:
Due to Northwestern National
 Life Insurance Company for
 accrued contract charges and
 reserve transfers............  $              4    $              5    $               4   $      --           $               2
Contract Owners' Equity.......             3,594               4,812                3,988                685                1,949
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
    Total Liabilities and
      Contract Owners'
      Equity..................  $          3,598    $          4,817    $           3,992   $            685    $           1,951
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
      Units Outstanding:......        62,014.906          94,889.785           83,394.363         13,675.919           39,184.416
      Net Asset Value per
        Unit:
        Tax Qualified.........  $      57.956980    $      49.862122    $       47.782748   $      47.869578    $       49.732075
        Non-Tax Qualified.....  $      58.111989    $      45.413197    $       48.241464   $      47.900110    $       49.732075
 
<CAPTION>
                                      TOTAL
                                -----------------
<S>                             <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in mutual funds at
 market value:
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Money Market Fund
    2,720,961 shares (cost
    $2,721)...................  $           2,721
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Bond Fund -- Class A
    120,449 shares (cost
    $1,631)...................              1,648
  Massachusetts Investors
    Trust -- Class A 109,399
    shares (cost $1,355)......              1,390
  Massachusetts Investors
    Growth Stock Fund -- Class
    A 127,504 shares (cost
    $1,392)...................              1,355
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Research Fund -- Class A
    96,542 shares (cost
    $1,240)...................              1,510
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Total Return Fund -- Class
    A 249,715 shares (cost
    $3,199)...................              3,598
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Growth Opportunities Fund
    -- Class A 403,389 shares
    (cost $4,501).............              4,817
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    High Income Fund -- Class
    A 770,685 shares (cost
    $3,805)...................              3,992
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    World Governments Fund --
    Class A 62,188 shares
    (cost $734)...............                685
  MFS-Registered Trademark-
    Emerging Growth Fund --
    Class A 73,023 shares
    (cost $1,405).............              1,951
                                -----------------
    Total Assets..............  $          23,667
                                -----------------
                                -----------------
LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT
 OWNERS' EQUITY:
Due to Northwestern National
 Life Insurance Company for
 accrued contract charges and
 reserve transfers............  $              25
Contract Owners' Equity.......             23,642
                                -----------------
    Total Liabilities and
      Contract Owners'
      Equity..................  $          23,667
                                -----------------
                                -----------------
      Units Outstanding:......        520,964.629
      Net Asset Value per
        Unit:
        Tax Qualified.........
        Non-Tax Qualified.....
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      iii

    

<PAGE>

   

               MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED
                                                              DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  1995           1994           1993
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
Net investment income:
  Reinvested dividend income................................  $       960    $       844    $     1,289
  Reinvested capital gains..................................        1,107            751          1,347
  Administrative expenses...................................         (350)          (365)          (407)
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
    Net investment income and capital gains.................        1,717          1,230          2,229
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
  Net realized gains on redemption of fund shares...........          388            268            774
  Increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation of
    investments.............................................        2,731         (2,242)           209
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)..............        3,119         (1,974)           983
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
      Net additions (reductions) from operations............        4,836           (744)         3,212
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
Contract Owners' transactions:
  Net purchase payments.....................................          339            492            661
  Surrenders................................................       (4,519)        (3,049)        (4,598)
  Annuity payments..........................................         (283)           (54)           (24)
  Transfers (from) to required reserves.....................      --                 (18)             2
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
    Net reductions for Contract Owners' transactions........       (4,463)        (2,629)        (3,959)
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
      Net additions (reductions) for the year...............          373         (3,373)          (747)
Contract Owners' Equity, beginning of the year..............       23,269         26,642         27,389
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
Contract Owners' Equity, end of the year....................  $    23,642    $    23,269    $    26,642
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                              ------------   ------------   ------------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       iv

    

<PAGE>

   

                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
  ORGANIZATION AND CONTRACTS:
  MFS/NWNL   Variable  Account  (the   "Account")  is  a   separate  account  of
  Northwestern  National  Life  Insurance  Company  ("NWNL"),  a  wholly   owned
  subsidiary  of ReliaStar Financial Corp.  (formerly The NWNL Companies, Inc.).
  The Account is  registered as  a unit  investment trust  under the  Investment
  Company Act of 1940.
 
  Purchase  payments received under the  contracts are allocated to Sub-Accounts
  of the Account, each of  which invested in one  of the following Funds  during
  the year.
 
  MFS-Registered Trademark- Money Market Fund (Class A)
  MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (Class A)
  Massachusetts Investors Trust (Class A)
  Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (Class A)
  MFS-Registered Trademark- Research Fund (Class A)
  MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (Class A)
  MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund (Class A)
  MFS-Registered Trademark- High Income Fund (Class A)
  MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund (Class A)
  MFS-Registered Trademark- Emerging Growth Fund (Class A)
 
  SECURITIES VALUATION TRANSACTIONS:
  The  market value of investments  in the Sub-Accounts is  based on the closing
  net asset values of the  Fund shares held at the  end of the year.  Investment
  transactions  are accounted for on the trade  date (date the order to purchase
  or redeem is executed) and dividend income and capital gain distributions  are
  recorded on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains and losses on redemptions
  of  shares of the Funds are determined on the basis of specific identification
  of Fund share costs.
 
  VARIABLE ANNUITY RESERVES:
  The amount  of  the reserves  for  contracts  in the  distribution  period  is
  determined  by actuarial assumptions which  meet statutory requirements. Gains
  or losses resulting from actual mortality experience, the full  responsibility
  for which is assumed by NWNL, are offset by transfers to, or from, NWNL.
 
2. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:
 
  The  MFS/NWNL Variable  Account has not  provided for income  taxes because in
  1981 the Internal Revenue Service  issued Revenue Ruling 81-225, which  holds,
  in  part, that for  certain types of variable  annuity contracts, the Contract
  Owner is considered the owner of the underlying mutual fund shares for federal
  income tax purposes and any earnings and/or gains from the shares are included
  in the  gross income  of the  Contract  Owner. The  Ruling requires  that  all
  long-term realized gains or losses on nontax qualified accounts be reported to
  the Contract Owners'.
 
3. CONTRACT CHARGES:
 
  No  deduction is made for  a sales charge from  the purchase payments made for
  the contracts.  However, on  certain  surrenders, NWNL  will deduct  from  the
  contract value a surrender charge as set forth in the contract.
 
  Charges  by NWNL on the contracts include: (a) an annual administrative charge
  of $30 from each contract on the anniversary date or at the time of  surrender
  if  other than the anniversary date and (b) a charge for mortality and expense
  risk assumed by NWNL equal to an  annual rate of 0.9% and 0.4%,  respectively,
  of  each  participant's  account. NWNL  bears  the risk  of  adverse mortality
  experience and any costs  for sales and  administrative services and  expenses
  which exceed the periodic charge.
 
  Various  states and  other governmental  units levy  a premium  tax on annuity
  contracts issued by insurance companies. If the owner of a contract lives in a
  state which levies such a tax, NWNL may deduct the amount of the tax from  the
  purchase payments received or the value of the contract at annuitization.
 
                                       v

    

<PAGE>

   

                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
4. INVESTMENTS:
 The  net realized gains (losses) on redemptions of fund shares during the years
 ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 were as follows, (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-MONEY MARKET
                                                     TOTAL                                  FUND
                                     -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
                                     Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended
                                      Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
                                        1995         1994         1993         1995         1994         1993
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........     $6,671       $12,719      $9,252       $2,050       $4,904       $3,004
Cost...............................      6,283        12,451       8,478        2,050        4,904        3,004
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......       $388          $268        $774          $--          $--          $--
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS                        MFS-REGISTERED
                                                GROWTH STOCK FUND                      TRADEMARK-RESEARCH FUND
                                                    (CLASS A)                                 (CLASS A)
                                     ----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                                      Year ended    Year ended    Year ended    Year ended    Year ended    Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,
                                         1995          1994          1993          1995          1994          1993
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........       $290          $226          $442          $503          $273          $104
Cost...............................        244           201           301           395           214            76
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......        $46           $25          $141          $108           $59           $28
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 MFS-REGISTERED                           MFS-REGISTERED
                                           TRADEMARK-HIGH INCOME FUND            TRADEMARK-WORLD GOVERNMENTS FUND
                                                   (CLASS A)                                (CLASS A)
                                     --------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                                      Year ended   Year ended   Year ended    Year ended    Year ended    Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,
                                         1995         1994         1993          1995          1994          1993
                                     ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........       $913        $4,304       $1,803         $220          $354          $124
Cost...............................        959         4,196        1,536          227           379           111
                                     ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......       $(46)         $108         $267          $(7)         $(25)          $13
                                     ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                     ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       vi

    

<PAGE>

   

                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-BOND FUND     MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS TRUST (CLASS A)
                                                    (CLASS A)
                                     ----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                                      Year ended    Year ended    Year ended    Year ended    Year ended    Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,
                                         1995          1994          1993          1995          1994          1993
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........       $276          $682          $382          $190          $157          $207
Cost...............................        292           705           335           220           182           220
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......       ($16)         ($23)          $47          ($30)         ($25)         ($13)
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        MFS-REGISTERED
                                                MFS-REGISTERED                         TRADEMARK-GROWTH
                                          TRADEMARK-TOTAL RETURN FUND                 OPPORTUNITIES FUND
                                                   (CLASS A)                               (CLASS A)
                                     -------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
                                     Year ended   Year ended   Year ended    Year ended    Year ended   Year ended
                                      Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
                                        1995         1994         1993          1995          1994         1993
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........     $1,025       $1,031       $1,300         $924          $586        $1,201
Cost...............................        844          901        1,081          790           557         1,111
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......       $181         $130         $219         $134           $29           $90
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  MFS-REGISTERED
                                          TRADEMARK-EMERGING GROWTH FUND
                                                    (CLASS A)
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                      Year ended    Year ended    Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,
                                         1995          1994          1993
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
Proceeds from redemptions..........       $280          $202          $685
Cost...............................        262           212           703
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------
Net realized gains (losses) on
  redemptions of fund shares.......        $18          $(10)         $(18)
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------
                                     ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      vii

    

<PAGE>

   

                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
5. CONTRACT OWNERS' TRANSACTIONS:
 Unit transactions in each Sub-Account during the years ended December 31, 1995,
 1994 and 1993 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-MONEY       MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-BOND FUND
                                                  MARKET FUND                             (CLASS A)
                                     -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
                                     Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended
                                      Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
                                        1995         1994         1993         1995         1994         1993
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................  167,242.251  175,814.541  249,359.321  40,693.896   50,303.756   50,761.189
Units purchased....................    2,492.450    3,150.590    4,421.159     446.925      550.518      471.219
Units redeemed.....................  (60,956.726) (41,227.550) (68,847.244) (5,794.078)  (4,984.507)  (3,803.303)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts.....................    4,058.542   29,504.670   (9,118.695)    446.823   (5,175.871)   2,874.651
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Units outstanding, end of year.....  112,836.517  167,242.251  175,814.541  35,793.566   40,693.896   50,303.756
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                               MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-GROWTH
                                        MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-TOTAL                  OPPORTUNITIES
                                                  RETURN FUND                               FUND
                                                   (CLASS A)                              (CLASS A)
                                     -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
                                     Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended   Year ended
                                      Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
                                        1995         1994         1993         1995         1994         1993
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................  81,547.990   89,906.122   101,079.955  111,725.962  120,705.939  143,744.403
Units purchased....................   1,366.667    2,564.594     4,026.884    1,166.607    1,677.949    1,916.269
Units redeemed.....................  (15,678.477) (13,630.791) (21,200.524) (18,109.828)  (9,521.122) (16,522.653)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts.....................  (5,221.274)   2,708.065     5,999.807      107.044   (1,136.804)  (8,432.080)
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Units outstanding, end of year.....  62,014.906   81,547.990    89,906.122   94,889.785  111,725.962  120,705.939
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      viii

    

<PAGE>

   

                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   MASSACHUSETTS
                                               MASSACHUSETTS                      INVESTORS GROWTH
                                              INVESTORS TRUST                        STOCK FUND
                                                 (CLASS A)                           (CLASS A)
                                     ----------------------------------  ----------------------------------
                                     Year ended  Year ended  Year ended  Year ended  Year ended  Year ended
                                      Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
                                        1995        1994        1993        1995        1994        1993
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................  24,462.931  26,534.206  28,801.024  34,032.392  37,169.634  46,078.868
Units purchased....................    697.792     764.201   2,229.713     695.880     837.386   1,317.191
Units redeemed.....................  (2,385.827) (1,997.585) (2,354.560) (5,171.989) (4,276.482) (7,653.972)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts.....................    831.641    (837.891 ) (2,141.971) (1,093.421)   301.854   (2,572.453)
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Units outstanding, end of year.....  23,606.537  24,462.931  26,534.206  28,462.862  34,032.392  37,169.634
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                     MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-RESEARCH
                                                    FUND
                                                 (CLASS A)
                                     ----------------------------------
                                     Year ended  Year ended  Year ended
                                      Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
                                        1995        1994        1993
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................  35,069.784  32,935.954  33,965.652
Units purchased....................    345.673     439.089     612.508
Units redeemed.....................  (6,975.455) (3,194.020) (2,167.924)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts.....................  (1,334.244) 4,888.761     525.718
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
Units outstanding, end of year.....  27,105.758  35,069.784  32,935.954
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                           MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-WORLD
                                             MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-HIGH                          GOVERNMENTS
                                                      INCOME FUND                                       FUND
                                                       (CLASS A)                                     (CLASS A)
                                    -----------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
                                      Year ended       Year ended      Year ended     Year ended     Year ended     Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,         Dec. 31,        Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                         1995             1994            1993           1995           1994           1993
                                    ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                 <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................     95,772.845       120,857.156    134,205.074    15,677.993     20,279.064    17,835.352
Units purchased....................        343.909         1,627.949      1,824.158       128.349        254.406       302.815
Units redeemed.....................    (16,544.601)      (21,586.502)   (17,638.627)   (1,615.579)    (2,420.053)     (846.695)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts.....................      3,822.210        (5,125.758)     2,466.551      (514.844)    (2,435.424)    2,987.592
                                    ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
Units outstanding, end of year.....     83,394.363        95,772.845    120,857.156    13,675.919     15,677.993    20,279.064
                                    ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
                                    ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                         MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-EMERGING
                                                      GROWTH
                                                       FUND
                                                     (CLASS A)
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                      Year ended     Year ended    Year ended
                                       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,
                                         1995           1994          1993
                                     -------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>           <C>
Units outstanding, beginning of
  year.............................    39,191.298    34,652.403    36,879.705
Units purchased....................     1,016.229     1,145.168     1,297.358
Units redeemed.....................    (1,275.193)   (2,853.696)   (8,941.467)
Units transferred between
  Sub-Accounts.....................       252.082     6,247.423     5,416.807
                                     -------------  ------------  ------------
Units outstanding, end of year.....    39,184.416    39,191.298    34,652.403
                                     -------------  ------------  ------------
                                     -------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       ix

    

<PAGE>

   

                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
6. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY.
   Operations and changes in Contract Owners' equity for the year ended December
   31, 1995 were as follows, (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   MFS              MFS                              MASSACHUSETTS
                                               -REGISTERED      -REGISTERED       MASSACHUSETTS        INVESTORS
                                                TRADEMARK-    TRADEMARK- BOND       INVESTORS         GROWTH STOCK
                                               MONEY MARKET         FUND              TRUST               FUND
                                   TOTAL           FUND          (CLASS A)          (CLASS A)          (CLASS A)
                                ------------   ------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>            <C>                <C>                <C>
Net investment income:
  Reinvested dividend
    income....................  $        960   $       175    $           118    $            25                 --
  Reinvested capital gains....         1,107            --                 --                104                179
  Administrative expenses.....          (350)          (60)               (24)               (18)               (19)
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
    Net investment income and
     capital gains............         1,717           115                 94                111                160
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
Realized and unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Net realized gains (losses)
    on redemptions of fund
    shares....................           388            --                (16)               (30)                46
  Increase in unrealized
    appreciation of
    investments...............         2,731            --                207                296                105
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
    Net realized and
     unrealized gains.........         3,119            --                191                266                151
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
      Net additions from
       operations.............         4,836           115                285                377                311
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
Contract Owners' transactions:
  Net purchase payments.......           339            59                 18                 36                 26
  Surrenders..................        (4,519)       (1,336)              (159)              (117)              (220)
  Transfers between
    Sub-Accounts..............            --            92                 20                 47                (42)
  Annuity payments............          (283)          (90)               (79)                (2)                --
  Transfers from required
    reserves..................            --            --                 --                 --                 --
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
    Net (reductions) additions
     for Contract Owners'
     transactions.............        (4,463)       (1,275)              (200)               (36)              (236)
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
      Net additions
       (reductions) for the
       year...................           373        (1,160)                85                341                 75
Contract Owners' Equity,
 beginning of the year........        23,269         3,878              1,560              1,048              1,279
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
Contract Owners' Equity, end
 of the year..................  $     23,642   $     2,718    $         1,645    $         1,389    $         1,354
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
                                ------------   ------------            ------             ------             ------
</TABLE>
 
                                       x

    

<PAGE>

   

                           MFS/NWNL VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  MFS
                                      MFS                MFS                MFS                MFS            -REGISTERED
                                  -REGISTERED        -REGISTERED        -REGISTERED        -REGISTERED         TRADEMARK-
                                   TRADEMARK-      TRADEMARK- TOTAL   TRADEMARK- GROWTH  TRADEMARK- HIGH       WORLDWIDE
                                    RESEARCH            RETURN         OPPORTUNITIES          INCOME          GOVERNMENTS
                                      FUND               FUND               FUND               FUND               FUND
                                   (CLASS A)          (CLASS A)          (CLASS A)          (CLASS A)          (CLASS A)
                                ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------
<S>                             <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
Net investment income:
  Reinvested dividend
    income....................  $             5    $           201    $            --    $           350    $            86
  Reinvested capital gains....               88                131                605                 --                 --
  Administrative expenses.....              (21)               (52)               (67)               (55)               (10)
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
    Net investment income and
     capital gains............               72                280                538                295                 76
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
Realized and unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Net realized gains (losses)
    on redemptions of fund
    shares....................              108                181                134                (46)                (7)
  Increase in unrealized
    appreciation of
    investments...............              264                353                622                338                 23
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
    Net realized and
     unrealized gains.........              372                534                756                292                 16
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
      Net additions from
       operations.............              444                814              1,294                587                 92
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
Contract Owners' transactions:
  Net purchase payments.......               16                 70                 48                 17                  7
  Surrenders..................             (341)              (696)              (790)              (736)               (73)
  Transfers between
    Sub-Accounts..............              (37)              (265)                 5                163                (25)
  Annuity payments............               --               (100)                (9)                --                 (3)
  Transfers from required
    reserves..................               --                 --                  1                 (1)                --
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
    Net (reductions) additions
     for Contract Owners'
     transactions.............             (362)              (991)              (745)              (557)               (94)
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
      Net additions
       (reductions) for the
       year...................               82               (177)               549                 30                 (2)
Contract Owners' Equity,
 beginning of the year........            1,426              3,771              4,263              3,958                687
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
Contract Owners' Equity, end
 of the year..................  $         1,508    $         3,594    $         4,812    $         3,988    $           685
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
                                         ------             ------             ------             ------              -----
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                      MFS
                                  -REGISTERED
                                   TRADEMARK-
                                EMERGING GROWTH
                                      FUND
                                   (CLASS A)
                                ----------------
<S>                             <C>
Net investment income:
  Reinvested dividend
    income....................  $            --
  Reinvested capital gains....               --
  Administrative expenses.....              (24)
                                         ------
    Net investment income and
     capital gains............              (24)
                                         ------
Realized and unrealized gains
 (losses):
  Net realized gains (losses)
    on redemptions of fund
    shares....................               18
  Increase in unrealized
    appreciation of
    investments...............              523
                                         ------
    Net realized and
     unrealized gains.........              541
                                         ------
      Net additions from
       operations.............              517
                                         ------
Contract Owners' transactions:
  Net purchase payments.......               42
  Surrenders..................              (51)
  Transfers between
    Sub-Accounts..............               42
  Annuity payments............               --
  Transfers from required
    reserves..................               --
                                         ------
    Net (reductions) additions
     for Contract Owners'
     transactions.............               33
                                         ------
      Net additions
       (reductions) for the
       year...................              550
Contract Owners' Equity,
 beginning of the year........            1,399
                                         ------
Contract Owners' Equity, end
 of the year..................  $         1,949
                                         ------
                                         ------
</TABLE>
 
                                       xi

    

<PAGE>

   

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
    
 
   
Board of Directors and Shareholder
Northwestern National Life Insurance Company
(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of ReliaStar Financial Corp.)
Minneapolis, Minnesota
    
 
   
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Northwestern
National  Life Insurance  Company and Subsidiaries  as of December  31, 1995 and
1994, and the related statements of income, shareholder's equity, and cash flows
for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial
statements  are   the   responsibility   of  the   Company's   management.   Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion  on these financial statements based on
our audits.
    
 
   
    We conducted  our  audits in  accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the  amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles used  and  significant estimates  made  by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
    
 
   
    In our  opinion, the  consolidated financial  statements referred  to  above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Northwestern
National  Life Insurance  Company and Subsidiaries  as of December  31, 1995 and
1994 and the results of  their operations and their cash  flows for each of  the
two  years in the  period ended December  31, 1995 in  conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
    
 
   
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
    
 
   
Minneapolis, Minnesota
    
   
February 1, 1996
    
 
                                       i
<PAGE>
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
                                     ASSETS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               DECEMBER 31
                                                                                         ------------------------
                                                                                            1995         1994
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                      <C>          <C>
Investments
  Fixed Maturity Securities
    Available-for-Sale (Amortized Cost: 1995, $8,485.4; 1994, $3,638.6)................  $   9,053.7  $   3,470.6
    Held-to-Maturity (Fair Value: $2,253.0)............................................           --      2,310.4
  Equity Securities (Cost: 1995, $34.8; 1994, $45.9)...................................         35.9         43.7
  Mortgage Loans on Real Estate........................................................      1,948.4      1,570.3
  Real Estate and Leases...............................................................         97.9        111.0
  Policy Loans.........................................................................        499.8        306.8
  Other Invested Assets................................................................         47.0         42.3
  Short-Term Investments...............................................................        122.4         59.9
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
    Total Investments..................................................................     11,805.1      7,915.0
Cash...................................................................................         43.0         19.8
Accounts and Notes Receivable..........................................................        150.9        118.2
Reinsurance Receivable.................................................................        162.9         93.9
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs......................................................        860.7        885.2
Present Value of Future Profits........................................................        192.0           --
Property and Equipment, Net............................................................        122.6        121.1
Accrued Investment Income..............................................................        164.7        112.2
Other Assets...........................................................................        275.0        128.4
Participation Fund Account Assets......................................................        319.6        323.4
Assets Held in Separate Accounts.......................................................      1,369.0        623.6
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
    Total Assets.......................................................................  $  15,465.5  $  10,340.8
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
 
                                                   LIABILITIES
Future Policy and Contract Benefits....................................................  $  11,033.2  $   7,823.6
Pending Policy Claims..................................................................        257.7        193.5
Other Policyholder Funds...............................................................        174.4        157.2
Notes and Mortgages Payable - Unaffiliated.............................................        144.6         74.8
Note Payable - Parent..................................................................        100.0        100.0
Income Taxes...........................................................................        169.2           --
Other Liabilities......................................................................        328.9        235.0
Participation Fund Account Liabilities.................................................        319.6        323.4
Liabilities Related to Separate Accounts...............................................      1,362.9        623.6
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
    Total Liabilities..................................................................     13,890.5      9,531.1
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
 
                                              SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common Stock (2.0 Million Shares Issued in 1995 and 1994)..............................          2.5          2.5
Additional Paid-In Capital.............................................................        538.9        216.4
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) ..............................................        246.8        (79.4)
Retained Earnings......................................................................        786.8        670.2
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
    Total Shareholder's Equity.........................................................      1,575.0        809.7
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
      Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity.......................................  $  15,465.5  $  10,340.8
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
    
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                           ----------------------
                                                                                              1995        1994
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>
REVENUES
  Premiums...............................................................................  $    851.5  $    726.9
  Net Investment Income..................................................................       890.3       618.1
  Realized Investment Gains (Losses).....................................................         7.4       (27.4)
  Policy and Contract Charges............................................................       218.5       136.2
  Other Income...........................................................................        94.4       111.1
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
    Total................................................................................     2,062.1     1,564.9
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
  Benefits to Policyholders..............................................................     1,321.9     1,025.8
  Sales and Operating Expenses...........................................................       344.4       281.8
  Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future
   Profits...............................................................................        90.5        56.7
  Interest Expense.......................................................................        13.5        15.2
  Dividends and Experience Refunds to Policyholders......................................        23.4        19.0
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
    Total................................................................................     1,793.7     1,398.5
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes....................................       268.4       166.4
  Income Tax Expense.....................................................................        94.4        57.9
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
    Income from Continuing Operations....................................................       174.0       108.5
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
  Loss from Discontinued Operations......................................................        (5.4)       (2.6)
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
    Net Income...........................................................................  $    168.6  $    105.9
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
    
 
                                      iii
<PAGE>
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                                    31
                                                                                           ---------------------
                                                                                              1995       1994
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common Stock
  Beginning and End of Year..............................................................  $      2.5  $     2.5
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
Additional Paid-In Capital
  Beginning of Year......................................................................       216.4      216.4
  Capital Contributions from Parent......................................................       322.5         --
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
    End of Year..........................................................................       538.9      216.4
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
  Beginning of Year......................................................................       (79.4)       1.8
  Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change -- Securities...................................          --       85.3
  Change for the Year....................................................................       326.2     (166.5)
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
    End of Year..........................................................................       246.8      (79.4)
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
Retained Earnings
  Beginning of Year......................................................................       670.2      588.3
  Net Income.............................................................................       168.6      105.9
  Dividends to Shareholder...............................................................       (52.0)     (24.0)
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
    End of Year..........................................................................       786.8      670.2
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
Total Shareholder's Equity...............................................................  $  1,575.0  $   809.7
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
                                                                                           ----------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
    
 
                                       iv
<PAGE>
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                           ----------------------
                                                                                              1995        1994
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income...............................................................................  $     168.6  $   105.9
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net
 Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  Interest Credited to Insurance Contracts...............................................        500.1      364.7
  Future Policy Benefits.................................................................       (117.5)     (60.1)
  Capitalization of Policy Acquisition Costs.............................................       (176.6)    (119.0)
  Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
   and Present Value of Future Profits...................................................         90.5       56.7
  Deferred Income Taxes..................................................................         11.5        9.2
  Net Change in Receivables and Payables.................................................          8.5       45.2
  Other Assets...........................................................................        (83.4)       4.0
  Realized Investment (Gains) Losses, Net................................................         (7.4)      27.4
  Other..................................................................................         (3.5)      15.7
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities............................................        390.8      449.7
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from Sales of Fixed Maturity Securities.........................................        190.5      158.5
Proceeds from Maturities or Repayment of Fixed Maturity Securities
  Available-for-Sale.....................................................................        329.9      177.2
  Held-to-Maturity.......................................................................        415.6      390.2
Cost of Fixed Maturity Securities Acquired
  Available-for-Sale.....................................................................       (971.4)    (720.7)
  Held-to-Maturity.......................................................................       (519.8)    (617.5)
Sales (Purchases) of Equity Securities, Net..............................................         31.0       (9.0)
Proceeds of Mortgage Loans Sold, Matured or Repaid.......................................        314.2      358.2
Cost of Mortgage Loans Acquired..........................................................       (385.2)    (149.4)
Sales of Real Estate and Leases, Net.....................................................         28.8       14.5
Policy Loans Issued, Net.................................................................        (63.0)     (49.4)
Sales of Other Invested Assets, Net......................................................         39.0       19.6
Sales (Purchases) of Short-Term Investments, Net.........................................        (56.4)      13.8
Cash Acquired with Acquisition of USLICO.................................................           .4         --
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
    Net Cash Used by Investing Activities................................................       (646.4)    (414.0)
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Deposits to Insurance Contracts..........................................................      1,265.6      862.6
Maturities and Withdrawals from Insurance Contracts......................................     (1,015.3)    (849.7)
Increase in Notes and Mortgages Payable..................................................         72.1         --
Repayment of Notes and Mortgages Payable.................................................         (2.3)     (35.8)
Dividends to Shareholder.................................................................        (41.3)     (24.0)
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
    Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities.....................................        278.8      (46.9)
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash..............................................................         23.2      (11.2)
Cash at Beginning of Year................................................................         19.8       31.0
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
Cash at End of Year......................................................................  $      43.0  $    19.8
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
    
 
                                       v
<PAGE>
   
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 1. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
    
 
   
    ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN
    
 
   
    Effective  January  1, 1995,  Northwestern  National Life  Insurance Company
(Northwestern) and its subsidiaries (the Company) adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment  of
a  Loan" and SFAS No.  118 "Accounting by Creditors for  Impairment of a Loan --
Income Recognition and  Disclosure." SFAS  No. 114 and  SFAS No.  118 require  a
company  to measure impairment  based upon the present  value of expected future
cash flows  discounted  at  the  loan's  effective  interest  rate,  the  loan's
observable  market price  or the  fair value  of the  collateral if  the loan is
collateral dependent. If foreclosure is probable, the measurement of  impairment
must  be based  upon the  fair value  of the  collateral. The  adoption of these
standards did not  have a  significant effect on  the financial  results of  the
Company.
    
 
   
    ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES
    
 
   
    Effective January 1, 1994, the Company adopted SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for
Certain  Investments in  Debt and  Equity Securities."  SFAS No.  115 requires a
company to  classify its  securities into  categories based  upon the  company's
intent relative to the eventual disposition of the securities.
    
 
   
    SFAS No. 115 establishes three categories of securities. The first category,
held-to-maturity  securities, is composed of debt securities which a company has
the positive  intent and  ability  to hold  to  maturity. These  securities  are
carried  at amortized cost. The  second category, available-for-sale securities,
may be sold  to address the  liquidity and other  needs of a  company. Debt  and
equity  securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value on
the balance sheet  with unrealized  gains and  losses excluded  from income  and
reported  as a separate  component of shareholder's  equity. The third category,
trading securities, is for debt and  equity securities acquired for the  purpose
of  selling them  in the near  term. The Company  has not classified  any of its
securities as trading securities.
    
 
   
    The December  31, 1995  balance  of shareholder's  equity was  increased  by
$246.8 million (comprised of an increase in the carrying value of the securities
of  $569.9 million, reduced by $189.4 million of related adjustments to deferred
policy acquisition costs and $133.7 million in deferred income taxes), while the
December 31, 1994 balance of shareholder's  equity was reduced by $79.4  million
(comprised  of a  decrease in  the carrying  value of  the securities  of $170.2
million, reduced  by $48.1  million of  related adjustments  to deferred  policy
acquisition costs and $42.7 million in deferred income taxes) to reflect the net
unrealized  gain/loss on fixed maturity  securities classified as available-for-
sale.
    
 
   
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    
 
   
    NATURE OF OPERATIONS
    
 
   
    The Company  is  principally  engaged  in the  business  of  providing  life
insurance and related financial service products. The Company operates primarily
in  the United States and, through its subsidiaries is authorized to do business
in all 50 states.
    
 
   
    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
    
 
   
    The consolidated financial statements  include the accounts of  Northwestern
and  its subsidiaries.  Northwestern is a  wholly owned  subsidiary of ReliaStar
Financial Corp. (ReliaStar). Northwestern's principal subsidiaries are  Northern
Life Insurance Company (Northern), United Services Life Insurance Company (USL),
Bankers  Security Life  Insurance Society (BSL),  ReliaStar Mortgage Corporation
and Washington  Square  Advisors, Inc.  During  1995, The  North  Atlantic  Life
Insurance  Company of America was merged  into BSL. These consolidated financial
statements exclude the effects of all material intercompany transactions.
    
 
                                       vi
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    
   
    USE OF ESTIMATES
    
 
   
    The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions that  affect the  reported amounts  of assets  and liabilities,  the
disclosure  of contingent  assets and liabilities  at the date  of the financial
statements and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
    
 
   
    INVESTMENTS
    
 
   
    Fixed  maturity securities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks) which may
be sold to  meet liquidity and  other needs  of the Company  are categorized  as
available-for-sale and are valued at fair value. Fixed maturity securities which
the  Company  has  the positive  intent  and  ability to  hold  to  maturity are
categorized as held-to-maturity and are valued at amortized cost less write-offs
for other than temporary declines in fair value.
    
 
   
    Equity securities  (common stocks  and nonredeemable  preferred stocks)  are
valued at fair value.
    
 
   
    Mortgage  loans  on  real  estate  are carried  at  amortized  cost  less an
impairment allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts.
    
 
   
    Investment real estate owned directly by the Company is carried at cost less
accumulated depreciation  and allowances  for estimated  losses. Investments  in
real  estate  joint ventures  are accounted  for using  the equity  method. Real
estate acquired through foreclosure is carried at the lower of fair value  minus
estimated costs to sell or cost.
    
 
   
    Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost.
    
 
   
    Unrealized  investment  gains  and  losses of  equity  securities  and fixed
maturity securities classified  as available-for-sale, net  of related  deferred
acquisition  costs and tax  effects, are accounted  for as a  direct increase or
decrease in shareholder's equity.
    
 
   
    Realized investment gains  and losses  enter into the  determination of  net
income.  Realized  investment  gains  and  losses  on  sales  of  securities are
determined on the specific identification method. Write-offs of investments that
decline in value below cost  on other than a temporary  basis and the change  in
the  allowance for mortgage loans and wholly owned real estate are included with
realized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
    
 
   
    The Company records write-offs or allowances for its investments based  upon
an  evaluation  of  specific  problem investments.  The  Company  reviews,  on a
continual basis,  all  invested  assets  (including  marketable  bonds,  private
placements,  mortgage loans and real estate investments) to identify investments
where the Company has credit concerns. Investments with credit concerns  include
those  the  Company  has identified  as  problem investments,  which  are issues
delinquent in a required payment of principal or interest, issues in  bankruptcy
or   foreclosure  and  restructured  or  foreclosed  assets.  The  Company  also
identifies investments as potential  problem investments, which are  investments
where  the Company  has serious  doubts as  to the  ability of  the borrowers to
comply with the present loan repayment terms.
    
 
   
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
    
 
   
    Property and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated  depreciation
of  $79.8 million and $67.5 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The Company provides for depreciation of
    
 
                                      vii
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    
   
property and  equipment using  straight-line and  accelerated methods  over  the
estimated  useful lives of the assets.  Buildings are generally depreciated over
35 to 50 years. Depreciation expense for 1995 and 1994 amounted to $9.1  million
and $8.4 million, respectively.
    
 
   
    PARTICIPATION FUND ACCOUNT
    
 
   
    On  January 3, 1989, the Commissioner of  Commerce of the State of Minnesota
approved a  Plan of  Conversion and  Reorganization (the  Plan) which  provided,
among other things, for the conversion of Northwestern from a combined stock and
mutual insurance company to a stock life insurance company.
    
 
   
    The  Plan provided  for the  establishment of  a Participation  Fund Account
(PFA) for  the  benefit  of  certain  participating  individual  life  insurance
policies and annuities issued by Northwestern prior to the effective date of the
Plan.  Under the  terms of  the PFA, the  insurance liabilities  and assets with
respect  to  such  policies  are   segregated  in  the  accounting  records   of
Northwestern  to  assure  the  continuation  of  current  policyholder  dividend
practices. Assets and liabilities  of the PFA are  presented in accordance  with
statutory  accounting practices. Earnings derived from  the operation of the PFA
will inure solely  to the benefit  of the policies  covered by the  PFA, and  no
benefit  will inure to  the Company. Accordingly, results  of operations for the
PFA are excluded from  the Company's Consolidated Statements  of Income. In  the
event  that the assets  of the PFA  are insufficient to  provide the contractual
benefits guaranteed by  the affected  policies, Northwestern  must provide  such
contractual benefits from its general assets.
    
 
   
    SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
    
 
   
    The Company operates separate accounts. The assets (principally investments)
and  liabilities (principally  to contractholders)  of each  account are clearly
identifiable and  distinguishable  from  other assets  and  liabilities  of  the
Company. Assets are valued at fair value.
    
 
   
    PREMIUM REVENUE AND BENEFITS TO POLICYHOLDERS
    
 
   
    RECOGNITION  OF  TRADITIONAL LIFE,  GROUP  AND ANNUITY  PREMIUM  REVENUE AND
BENEFITS TO POLICYHOLDERS -- Traditional  life insurance products include  those
products   with  fixed  and  guaranteed   premiums  and  benefits,  and  consist
principally of whole  life insurance  policies and certain  annuities with  life
contingencies  (immediate  annuities).  Life  insurance  premiums  and immediate
annuity premiums are  recognized as  premium revenue when  due. Group  insurance
premiums  are recognized as  premium revenue over  the time period  to which the
premiums relate. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as
to result  in  recognition of  profits  over the  life  of the  contracts.  This
association is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future
policy benefits and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.
    
 
   
    RECOGNITION  OF  UNIVERSAL  LIFE-TYPE  CONTRACTS  REVENUE  AND  BENEFITS  TO
POLICYHOLDERS -- Universal life-type policies are insurance contracts with terms
that are not fixed and guaranteed. The  terms that may be changed could  include
one  or more  of the  amounts assessed  the policyholder,  premiums paid  by the
policyholder or interest accrued to  policyholder balances. Amounts received  as
payments for such contracts are not reported as premium revenues.
    
 
   
    Revenues  for  universal  life-type  policies  consist  of  charges assessed
against policy  account values  for  deferred policy  loading  and the  cost  of
insurance and policy administration. Policy benefits and claims that are charged
to expense include interest credited to contracts and benefit claims incurred in
the period in excess of related policy account balances.
    
 
                                      viii
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    
   
    RECOGNITION  OF INVESTMENT CONTRACT REVENUE AND BENEFITS TO POLICYHOLDERS --
Contracts that do  not subject the  Company to risks  arising from  policyholder
mortality  or  morbidity are  referred  to as  investment  contracts. Guaranteed
Investment Contracts  (GICs)  and  certain  deferred  annuities  are  considered
investment  contracts. Amounts received  as payments for  such contracts are not
reported as premium revenues.
    
 
   
    Revenues for investment  contracts consist of  investment income and  policy
administration  charges. Contract benefits  that are charged  to expense include
benefit claims incurred in  the period in excess  of related contract  balances,
and interest credited to contract balances.
    
 
   
    POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
    
 
   
    Those  costs of  acquiring new business,  which vary with  and are primarily
related to the production of new business, have been deferred to the extent that
such costs are deemed recoverable. Such costs include commissions, certain costs
of policy issuance and underwriting and certain variable agency expenses.
    
 
   
    Costs deferred related to traditional life insurance are amortized over  the
premium  paying period of  the related policies,  in proportion to  the ratio of
annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. Such  anticipated
premium  revenues are  estimated using the  same assumptions  used for computing
liabilities for future policy benefits.
    
 
   
    Costs deferred  related  to  universal  life-type  policies  and  investment
contracts  are amortized  over the  lives of  the policies,  in relation  to the
present value of estimated gross profits from mortality, investment and  expense
margins.
    
 
   
    PRESENT VALUE OF FUTURE PROFITS
    
 
   
    The present value of future profits (PVFP) reflects the estimated fair value
of  the acquired insurance business  in force and represents  the portion of the
cost to acquire USLICO  Corporation (USLICO) that is  allocated to the value  of
future  cash flows from insurance contracts existing at the date of acquisition.
Such value is the present value of the actuarially determined projected net cash
flows from the acquired insurance contracts. The weighted average discount  rate
used to determine such value was approximately 15%.
    
 
   
    An  analysis of  the present  value of the  future profits  asset account is
presented below:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             YEAR ENDED
                                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                1995
                                                                                            -------------
                                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                         <C>
Balance at Acquisition....................................................................    $   300.0
Imputed Interest..........................................................................         17.6
Amortization..............................................................................        (32.6)
Adjustment for Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities..........................        (93.0)
                                                                                            -------------
Balance, December 31, 1995................................................................    $   192.0
                                                                                            -------------
                                                                                            -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Based on current conditions and assumptions as to future events on  acquired
policies  in  force,  the  Company  expects that  the  net  amortization  of the
beginning balance of the  PVFP will be between  5% and 6% in  each of the  years
1996  through 2000. The interest  rates used to determine  the amount of imputed
interest on the unamortized PVFP balance ranged from 5% to 8%.
    
 
                                       ix
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    
   
    GOODWILL
    
 
   
    Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid to acquire a Company over the fair
value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis
over 40 years.  The carrying value  of goodwill is  monitored for impairment  of
value  based on the Company's estimate of future earnings. The carrying value of
goodwill is reduced and  a charge to  income is recorded  when an impairment  in
value is identified. No goodwill impairment charges have been recorded.
    
 
   
    FUTURE POLICY AND CONTRACT BENEFITS
    
 
   
    Liabilities  for future policy  benefits for traditional  life contracts are
calculated using the net level premium  method and assumptions as to  investment
yields,  mortality,  withdrawals and  dividends.  The assumptions  are  based on
projections of past experience and  include provisions for possible  unfavorable
deviation. These assumptions are made at the time the contract is issued or, for
purchased contracts, at the date of acquisition.
    
 
   
    Liabilities  for future policy and  contract benefits on universal life-type
and investment-type contracts are based on the policy account balance.
    
 
   
    The liabilities for future policy  and contract benefits for group  disabled
life  reserves and  long-term disability reserves  are based  upon interest rate
assumptions and morbidity and termination rates from published tables,  modified
for Company experience.
    
 
   
    INCOME TAXES
    
 
   
    The  provision  for  income  taxes includes  amounts  currently  payable and
deferred income taxes resulting  from the cumulative  differences in the  assets
and liabilities determined on a tax return and financial statement basis.
    
 
   
    INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS
    
 
   
    Interest  rate  swap  agreements  are  used  as  hedges  for asset/liability
management of adjustable rate and  short-term invested assets. The Company  does
not  enter  into any  interest rate  swap agreements  for trading  purposes. The
interest rate swap transactions involve the exchange of fixed and floating  rate
interest  payments without the  exchange of underlying  principal amounts and do
not contain other optional provisions.  The difference between amounts paid  and
amounts received on interest rate swaps is reflected in net investment income.
    
 
   
    INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS
    
 
   
    Futures contracts are used as hedges for asset/liability management of fixed
maturity  securities and liabilities arising  from GICs. Realized and unrealized
gains and losses on futures contracts  are deferred and amortized over the  life
of the hedged asset or liability.
    
 
   
NOTE 3. ACQUISITION
    
   
    On January 17, 1995, ReliaStar acquired USLICO. USLICO was a holding company
with  two primary subsidiaries: USL of Arlington, Virginia and BSL of Uniondale,
New York.  Concurrent with  the acquisition,  ReliaStar contributed  all of  the
capital  stock of USL and BSL to  the Company. The acquisition was accounted for
using the  purchase  method  of  accounting  and,  therefore,  the  consolidated
financial  statements include  the accounts  of USL  and BSL  since the  date of
acquisition. Goodwill  totaling $44.3  million representing  the excess  of  the
purchase  price allocated to USL  and BSL over the fair  value of the net assets
acquired has been recorded.
    
 
                                       x
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 3. ACQUISITION (CONTINUED)
    
   
    The following pro forma consolidated financial information has been prepared
assuming the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 1994:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             YEAR ENDED
                                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                1994
                                                                                            ------------
                                                                                                (IN
                                                                                             MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                         <C>
Revenues..................................................................................   $  1,961.1
Net Income................................................................................        139.0
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The pro forma  financial information  is not necessarily  indicative of  the
results  of operations that would have  occurred had the acquisition taken place
at the beginning of 1994 or of future operations of the combined companies.
    
 
   
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS
    
   
    Investment income summarized by type of investment was as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                              31
                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                       1995       1994
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Fixed Maturity Securities..........................................................  $   673.4  $   449.6
Equity Securities..................................................................        3.1        1.6
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate......................................................      184.3      160.0
Real Estate and Leases.............................................................       16.8       15.7
Policy Loans.......................................................................       28.9       17.6
Other Invested Assets..............................................................        7.8        3.6
Short-Term Investments.............................................................        7.6        4.2
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Gross Investment Income..........................................................      921.9      652.3
Investment Expenses................................................................       31.6       34.2
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Net Investment Income............................................................  $   890.3  $   618.1
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       xi
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    Net pretax realized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                               31
                                                                                      --------------------
                                                                                        1995       1994
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                   <C>        <C>
Net Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investments
  Fixed Maturity Securities.........................................................  $     3.3  $     2.1
  Equity Securities.................................................................       15.1         .6
  Mortgage Loans....................................................................        (.1)        --
  Foreclosed Real Estate............................................................         .6         .7
  Real Estate.......................................................................        1.7        (.2)
  Other.............................................................................        2.2        3.2
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                           22.8        6.4
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
Provisions for Losses on Investments
  Fixed Maturity Securities.........................................................       (3.0)     (13.9)
  Equity Securities.................................................................        (.1)      (1.0)
  Mortgage Loans....................................................................       (6.3)      (4.9)
  Foreclosed Real Estate............................................................       (5.2)     (11.8)
  Real Estate.......................................................................        (.8)        --
  Other Assets......................................................................         --       (2.2)
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (15.4)     (33.8)
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
  Net Pretax Realized Investment Gains (Losses).....................................  $     7.4  $   (27.4)
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Gross realized investment gains of $8.3  million and $5.0 million and  gross
realized  investment losses of $5.0 million  and $2.9 million were recognized on
sales of fixed maturity securities during the years ended December 31, 1995  and
1994,  respectively. All 1995  and 1994 fixed maturity  security sales were from
the available-for-sale portfolio.
    
 
                                      xii
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    The  amortized  cost  and  fair  value  of  investments  in  fixed  maturity
securities by type of investment were as follows:
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                     --------------------------------------------
                                                                                   GROSS UNREALIZED
                                                                     AMORTIZED   --------------------
                                                                        COST       GAINS    (LOSSES)   FAIR VALUE
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
  United States Government and Government Agencies and
   Authorities.....................................................  $    172.8  $    13.2         --  $    186.0
  States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions................        64.4        4.2  $     (.1)       68.5
  Foreign Governments..............................................        82.1        6.8        (.2)       88.7
  Public Utilities.................................................       775.3       74.5        (.9)      848.9
  Corporate Securities.............................................     5,330.7      392.2      (21.6)    5,701.3
  Mortgage-Backed/Structured Finance Securities....................     2,058.0      102.7       (2.4)    2,158.3
  Redeemable Preferred Stock.......................................         2.1         --        (.1)        2.0
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
    Total..........................................................  $  8,485.4  $   593.6  $   (25.3) $  9,053.7
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                                                     --------------------------------------------
                                                                                   GROSS UNREALIZED
                                                                     AMORTIZED   --------------------
                                                                        COST       GAINS    (LOSSES)   FAIR VALUE
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
  United States Government and Government Agencies and
   Authorities.....................................................  $      5.8         --  $     (.3) $      5.5
  States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions................         5.7         --         --         5.7
  Foreign Governments..............................................        56.4         --       (3.4)       53.0
  Public Utilities.................................................       309.4  $     1.3      (17.5)      293.2
  Corporate Securities.............................................     2,649.8       13.3     (136.4)    2,526.7
  Mortgage-Backed/Structured Finance Securities....................       608.5        2.5      (27.1)      583.9
  Redeemable Preferred Stock.......................................         3.0         --        (.4)        2.6
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
    Total Available-for-Sale.......................................     3,638.6       17.1     (185.1)    3,470.6
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
HELD-TO-MATURITY
  States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions................          .7         --        (.1)         .6
  Public Utilities.................................................        42.5         .8       (1.8)       41.5
  Corporate Securities.............................................     1,202.1       15.0      (37.7)    1,179.4
  Mortgage-Backed/Structured Finance Securities....................     1,065.1         .6      (34.2)    1,031.5
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
    Total Held-to-Maturity.........................................     2,310.4       16.4      (73.8)    2,253.0
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
    Total..........................................................  $  5,949.0  $    33.5  $  (258.9) $  5,723.6
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
                                                                     ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      xiii
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    The   amortized  cost  and  fair  value  of  fixed  maturity  securities  by
contractual maturity  are  shown below.  Expected  maturities will  differ  from
contractual  maturities because borrowers  may have the right  to call or prepay
obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                                           ----------------------
                                                                                             AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
                                                                                           ----------------------
                                                                                           AMORTIZED      FAIR
                                                                                              COST       VALUE
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>
Due in One Year or Less..................................................................  $    123.1  $    122.8
Due After One Year Through Five Years....................................................     2,497.4     2,634.3
Due After Five Years Through Ten Years...................................................     2,750.4     2,965.4
Due After Ten Years......................................................................     1,056.5     1,172.9
Mortgage-Backed/Structured Finance Securities............................................     2,058.0     2,158.3
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
  Total..................................................................................  $  8,485.4  $  9,053.7
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE       HELD-TO-MATURITY             TOTAL
                                               ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
                                               AMORTIZED      FAIR     AMORTIZED      FAIR     AMORTIZED      FAIR
                                                  COST       VALUE        COST       VALUE        COST       VALUE
                                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Due in One Year or Less......................  $     63.4  $     63.0  $     47.7  $     47.8  $    111.1  $    110.8
Due After One Year Through Five Years........       928.2       898.3       425.9       422.1     1,354.1     1,320.4
Due After Five Years Through Ten Years.......     1,697.3     1,600.7       445.0       437.2     2,142.3     2,037.9
Due After Ten Years..........................       341.2       324.7       326.7       314.4       667.9       639.1
Mortgage-Backed/Structured Finance
 Securities..................................       608.5       583.9     1,065.1     1,031.5     1,673.6     1,615.4
                                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total......................................  $  3,638.6  $  3,470.6  $  2,310.4  $  2,253.0  $  5,949.0  $  5,723.6
                                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The fair  values for  the marketable  bonds are  determined based  upon  the
quoted  market prices for bonds actively  traded. The fair values for marketable
bonds without an active market  are obtained through several commercial  pricing
services  which  provide the  estimated fair  values.  Fair values  of privately
placed bonds  which  are not  considered  problems are  determined  utilizing  a
commercially  available pricing model. The model  considers the current level of
risk-free interest rates, current corporate  spreads, the credit quality of  the
issuer  and cash flow characteristics of the security. Utilizing these data, the
model generates estimated market values  which the Company considers  reflective
of  the fair  value of  each privately  placed bond.  Fair values  for privately
placed bonds which are considered  problems are determined though  consideration
of  factors such  as the  net worth  of borrower,  the value  of collateral, the
capital structure of the borrower, the presence of guarantees and the  Company's
evaluation of the borrower's ability to compete in the relevant market.
    
 
   
    At  December 31,  1995, the  largest industry  concentration of  the private
placement portfolio was consumer products/services, where 18.9% of the portfolio
was invested,  and the  largest industry  concentration of  the marketable  bond
portfolio  was structured finance/mortgage-backed securities, where 31.9% of the
portfolio  was  invested.   At  December  31,   1995,  the  largest   geographic
concentration  of commercial  mortgage loans  was in  the midwest  region of the
United States,  where  approximately  32.5%  of  the  commercial  mortgage  loan
portfolio was invested.
    
 
                                      xiv
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    At  December  31, 1995  and 1994,  gross  unrealized appreciation  of equity
securities was $3.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively, and gross unrealized
depreciation was $1.9 million and $9.7 million, respectively.
    
 
   
    Invested assets which were nonincome  producing (no income received for  the
12 months preceding the balance sheet date) were as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1995       1994
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Fixed Maturity Securities............................................................  $      .7  $     7.8
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate........................................................        2.8        2.5
Real Estate and Leases...............................................................       17.6       29.9
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
  Total..............................................................................  $    21.1  $    40.2
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Allowances  for  losses on  investments  are reflected  on  the Consolidated
Balance Sheets as a reduction of the related assets and were as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1995       1994
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Mortgage Loans.......................................................................  $    12.4  $     4.1
Foreclosed Real Estate...............................................................       10.6       11.9
Investment Real Estate...............................................................        1.0         .2
Other Invested Assets................................................................        2.3        2.5
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    At December  31,  1995, the  total  investment in  impaired  mortgage  loans
(before  allowances  for credit  losses) and  the  related allowance  for credit
losses on these  impaired mortgage loans  was $25.4 million  and $12.4  million,
respectively.  Increases to the  allowance for credit  losses account charged to
income and the amount  of decreases to the  allowance account were $6.3  million
and  $9.5 million,  respectively, during the  year ended December  31, 1995. The
average investment  in impaired  mortgage loans  (before allowances  for  credit
losses)  and the  amount of the  related interest income  recognized on impaired
mortgage loans during 1995,  were approximately $2.0  million and $1.7  million,
respectively.  The Company does not accrue  interest income on impaired mortgage
loans when the likelihood of collection is doubtful. Cash receipts for  interest
payments are recognized as income in the period received.
    
 
   
    Noncash investing activities consisted of the following:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                                31
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1995       1994
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Real Estate Assets Acquired Through Foreclosure......................................  $    28.0  $    24.9
Mortgage Loans Acquired in Sales of Real Estate Assets...............................       15.3       27.9
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    During  1994, the Company transferred four fixed maturity securities with an
amortized cost of  $31.0 million  and a  fair value  of $27.1  million from  the
held-to-maturity  portfolio  to the  available-for-sale  portfolio. Each  of the
securities transferred  were private  placement securities  which experienced  a
significant  deterioration in  the issuers' creditworthiness  during the period.
None of the securities transferred were sold during the year.
    
 
                                       xv
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    Effective December 31, 1995, the Company adopted the implementation guidance
contained in  the  Financial  Accounting  Series Special  Report,  "A  Guide  to
Implementation  of Statement 115  on Accounting for  Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity  Securities." Concurrent  with the  adoption of  this  implementation
guidance,  the Company  reclassified all  of its  held-to-maturity securities to
available-for-sale based  upon  a reassessment  of  the appropriateness  of  the
classifications  of all securities held at that time. The amortized cost and net
unrealized appreciation of  the securities reclassified  were $2.42 billion  and
$108.1  million,  respectively, at  December 31,  1995.  In accordance  with the
special report, financial statements  prior to December 31,  1995 have not  been
restated  to  reflect  the  effects  of  initially  adopting  the implementation
guidance.
    
 
   
NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES
    
   
    The income tax liability  (asset) as reflected  on the Consolidated  Balance
Sheets consisted of the following:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                       1995       1994
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Current Income Taxes...............................................................  $     6.4  $     5.4
Deferred Income Taxes..............................................................      162.8       (5.6)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Total............................................................................  $   169.2  $     (.2)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The  provision for income taxes reflected  on the Consolidated Statements of
Income consisted of the following:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                                31
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1995       1994
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Currently Payable....................................................................  $    82.9  $    47.3
Deferred.............................................................................       11.5       10.6
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
  Total..............................................................................  $    94.4  $    57.9
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The Internal Revenue Service has completed  its review of the Company's  tax
return for all years through 1991.
    
 
                                      xvi
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    
   
    Deferred  income taxes reflect the  impact for financial statement reporting
purposes of  "temporary differences"  between the  financial statement  carrying
amounts  and tax  bases of assets  and liabilities.  The "temporary differences"
that give rise to  a significant portion of  the deferred tax liability  (asset)
relate to the following:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      DECEMBER 31
                                                                                  --------------------
                                                                                    1995       1994
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>
Future Policy and Contract Benefits.............................................  $  (269.7) $  (221.2)
Investment Write-Offs and Allowances............................................      (35.0)     (17.7)
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans........................................       (8.3)      (6.3)
Employee Benefits...............................................................       (9.3)      (5.2)
Deferred Futures Gains..........................................................       (1.8)      (5.1)
Net Unrealized Investment Losses................................................         --      (42.7)
Other ..........................................................................      (42.0)     (35.8)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
Gross Deferred Tax Asset........................................................     (366.1)    (334.0)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs...............................................      267.9      260.4
Present Value of Future Profits.................................................       99.0         --
Net Unrealized Investment Gains.................................................       90.2         --
Property and Equipment..........................................................       27.1       26.3
Real Estate Joint Ventures......................................................       12.2       14.3
Accrual of Market Discount......................................................        8.4        3.2
Policyholder Dividends..........................................................        4.4        3.0
Other...........................................................................       19.7       21.2
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
Gross Deferred Tax Liability....................................................      528.9      328.4
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
  Net Deferred Tax Liability (Asset)............................................  $   162.8  $    (5.6)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Federal  income tax regulations allowed  certain special deductions for 1983
and prior years which are accumulated in a memorandum tax account designated  as
"policyholders'  surplus." Generally,  this policyholders'  surplus account will
become subject to tax at the then current rates only if the accumulated  balance
exceeds  certain maximum limitations or if certain cash distributions are deemed
to be paid out of the account.  At December 31, 1995, Northwestern and its  life
insurance  subsidiaries have  accumulated approximately  $51.0 million  in their
separate policyholders' surplus accounts. Deferred taxes have not been  provided
on this temporary difference.
    
 
   
    There  have been  no deferred  taxes recorded  for the  unremitted equity in
subsidiaries as the earnings are considered  to be permanently invested or  will
be remitted only when tax effective to do so.
    
 
   
    The difference between the U.S. federal income tax rate and the consolidated
tax provision rate is summarized as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     ------------------------
                                                                                        1995         1994
                                                                                     -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>
Statutory Tax Rate.................................................................       35.0%        35.0%
Other..............................................................................         .2          (.2)
                                                                                         ---          ---
  Provision for Income Taxes.......................................................       35.2%        34.8%
                                                                                         ---          ---
                                                                                         ---          ---
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      xvii
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
    Cash  paid to ReliaStar for federal income taxes was $90.3 million and $29.8
million for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
    
 
   
NOTE 6. NOTES AND MORTGAGES PAYABLE
    
   
    A summary of notes and mortgages payable is as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        DECEMBER 31
                                                                                    --------------------
                                                                                      1995       1994
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>
Unaffiliated:
  Commercial Paper................................................................  $   135.6  $    65.6
  Other Indebtedness -- Current Portion...........................................         .1         .1
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Short-Term Debt...............................................................      135.7       65.7
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
  Other Indebtedness -- Noncurrent Portion........................................        8.9        9.1
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Total Unaffiliated............................................................  $   144.6  $    74.8
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Note Payable to Parent........................................................  $   100.0  $   100.0
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    At December  31, 1995  and 1994,  other indebtedness  is primarily  mortgage
notes  assumed in connection with certain  real estate investments with interest
rates ranging from 6.2% to 11.5%.
    
 
   
    The weighted average interest  rate on the  commercial paper outstanding  at
December  31, 1995 and  1994 was 6.06% and  6.10%, respectively, with maturities
ranging from 5 to 44 days at December 31, 1995.
    
 
   
    Principal payments required on notes  and mortgages payable to  unaffiliated
companies in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     (IN MILLIONS)
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>
1996 - $135.7                               1999 - $ .2
1997 - $   .1                               2000 - $ .2
1998 - $   .2                2001 and thereafter - $8.2
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    ReliaStar  has loaned $100.0  million to Northwestern  under a surplus note.
The  original  note,  dated  April  1,  1989,  was  issued  in  connection  with
Northwestern's  demutualization  and was  used to  offset the  surplus reduction
related  to  the  cash   distribution  to  the   mutual  policyholders  in   the
demutualization.  This original  note was replaced  by a  successor surplus note
(the 1994 Note) dated November 1, 1994.  The 1994 Note provides, subject to  the
regulatory constraints discussed below, that (i) it is a surplus note which will
mature on September 15, 2003 with principal due at maturity, but payable without
penalty, in whole or in part before maturity; (ii) interest is at 6 5/8% payable
semi-annually;  and (iii) in  the event that  Northwestern is in  default in the
payment of  any required  interest or  principal, Northwestern  cannot pay  cash
dividends  on its capital stock  (all of which is  owned directly by ReliaStar).
The 1994 Note  further provides  that there  may be  no payment  of interest  or
principal without the express approval of the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
    
 
   
    Interest paid on debt was $14.2 million and $16.0 million for 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
    
 
                                     xviii
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
    
 
   
    PENSION PLANS
    
 
   
    The  Company has  noncontributory defined benefit  retirement plans covering
substantially all employees. The plans, which may be terminated as to accrual of
additional benefits at any time by  the Board of Directors, provide benefits  to
employees upon retirement.
    
 
   
    The  benefits  under  the  plans  are based  on  years  of  service  and the
employee's compensation during the last five years of employment. The  Company's
policy  is  to fund  the  minimum required  contribution  necessary to  meet the
present and  future obligations  of  the plans.  Contributions are  intended  to
provide  not only for benefits attributed to  service to date but also for those
expected to be  earned in  the future. Contributions  are made  to a  tax-exempt
trust.  Plan assets consist principally of  investments in stock and bond mutual
funds, common stock  and corporate bonds.  Included in plan  assets are  616,491
shares of ReliaStar common stock with a fair value of $27.4 million.
    
 
   
    The Company and ReliaStar also have unfunded noncontributory defined benefit
plans  providing for  benefits to  employees in  excess of  limits for qualified
retirement plans and for benefits to nonemployee members of the ReliaStar  Board
of Directors.
    
 
   
    Net periodic pension expense for ReliaStar and its subsidiaries included the
following components:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                               31
                                                                                      --------------------
                                                                                        1995       1994
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                   <C>        <C>
Service Cost -- Benefits Earned During the Year.....................................  $     3.4  $     3.1
Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation.......................................       11.9        5.2
Actual Return on Plan Assets........................................................      (33.7)       2.4
Net Amortization and Deferral.......................................................       19.1       (7.5)
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
  Net Periodic Pension Expense......................................................  $      .7  $     3.2
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
                                                                                      ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The following table sets forth for ReliaStar and its subsidiaries the funded
status of the plans as of December 31:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                FUNDED PLANS         UNFUNDED PLANS
                                                                            --------------------  --------------------
                                                                              1995       1994       1995       1994
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
  Vested..................................................................  $  (157.1) $   (48.5) $   (10.7) $    (3.5)
  Nonvested...............................................................       (5.1)      (3.2)      (1.2)       (.2)
Effect of Projected Future Compensation Increases.........................      (10.6)      (8.1)      (2.1)      (2.3)
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Projected Benefit Obligation..............................................     (172.8)     (59.8)     (14.0)      (6.0)
Plan Assets at Fair Value.................................................      169.9       53.3         --         --
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Plan Assets Less Than Projected Benefit Obligation........................       (2.9)      (6.5)     (14.0)      (6.0)
Unrecognized Net Loss.....................................................       24.2        8.4        6.2        1.8
Unrecognized Transition Obligation (Asset)................................        (.8)      (1.1)        .1         .1
Additional Minimum Liability..............................................         --         --       (4.2)       (.1)
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net Pension Asset (Liability)...........................................  $    20.5  $      .8  $   (11.9) $    (4.2)
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      xix
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    The  above amounts are  for ReliaStar and its  subsidiaries as the Company's
portion is not determinable.  The net periodic pension  expense relating to  and
billed to ReliaStar was insignificant.
    
 
   
    The  projected benefit obligation  was determined using  an assumed discount
rate of  7.25%  and 8.5%,  and  a  weighted-average assumed  long-term  rate  of
compensation   increase  of  4.5%  and  5.0%   at  January  1,  1996  and  1995,
respectively. The assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets was 9.5%.
    
 
   
    POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
    
 
   
    The Company  provides certain  health care  and life  insurance benefits  to
retired  employees  (and their  eligible dependents).  Substantially all  of the
Company's employees  will  become  eligible  for those  benefits  if  they  meet
specified  age and service  requirements and reach  retirement age while working
for the Company, unless the plans are terminated or amended. The  postretirement
health  care plan is contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually;
the life insurance plan is noncontributory  and benefits are primarily based  on
the employee's final compensation levels.
    
 
   
    The Company's postretirement health care plans currently are not funded. The
accumulated   postretirement   benefit   obligation  (APBO)   and   the  accrued
postretirement benefit liability were as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            DECEMBER 31
                                                                                        --------------------
                                                                                          1995       1994
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>
Retirees..............................................................................  $    10.3  $     8.4
Fully Eligible Active Plan Participants...............................................        4.5        2.4
Other Active Plan Participants........................................................        4.9        2.6
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
  Unfunded APBO.......................................................................       19.7       13.4
Unrecognized Prior Service Cost.......................................................         .1         .3
Unrecognized Gain (Loss)..............................................................        (.3)       1.6
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
  Accrued Postretirement Benefit Liability............................................  $    19.5  $    15.3
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Net  periodic  postretirement  benefit  costs  consisted  of  the  following
components:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                YEAR ENDED
                                                                                               DECEMBER 31
                                                                                           --------------------
                                                                                             1995       1994
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                        <C>        <C>
Service Cost -- Benefits Earned..........................................................  $     1.2  $     1.1
Interest Cost on APBO....................................................................        1.3        1.0
Amortization of Prior Service Cost.......................................................        (.1)       (.1)
                                                                                                 ---        ---
  Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Costs..............................................  $     2.4  $     2.0
                                                                                                 ---        ---
                                                                                                 ---        ---
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The  assumed health care  cost trend rate  used in measuring  the APBO as of
January 1, 1996 was  10.0%, decreasing gradually  to 5.0% in  the year 2010  and
thereafter.  The assumed health care cost trend  rate used in measuring the APBO
as of January 1, 1995 was 10.0%,  decreasing gradually to 6.0% in the year  2009
and thereafter. The assumed discount rate used in determining the APBO was 7.25%
and 8.5% at January 1, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The assumed health care cost
trend  rate has  a significant  effect on the  amounts reported.  For example, a
one-percentage-point increase in  the assumed  health care cost  trend rate  for
each  year would increase  the APBO as  of December 31,  1995 approximately $2.4
million and  1995  net postretirement  health  care cost  by  approximately  $.4
million.
    
 
                                       xx
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    SUCCESS SHARING PLAN AND ESOP
    
 
   
    The  Success Sharing  Plan and ESOP  (Success Sharing Plan)  was designed to
increase  employee  ownership   and  reward  employees   when  certain   Company
performance  objectives  are  met.  Essentially all  employees  are  eligible to
participate in  the Success  Sharing Plan.  The Success  Sharing Plan  has  both
qualified  and nonqualified components.  The nonqualified component  is equal to
25% of  the  annual award  and  is paid  in  cash to  employees.  The  qualified
component  is  equal to  75%  of the  annual award,  with  25% contributed  to a
deferred investment  account  and the  remaining  50% contributed  to  the  ESOP
portion  of the Success Sharing  Plan. Costs charged to  expense for the Success
Sharing Plan were $8.6 million and $8.4 million in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
    
 
   
NOTE 8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    
   
    The Company and ReliaStar have entered into agreements whereby ReliaStar and
the  Company  provide  certain  management,  administrative,  legal,  and  other
services  to each other. The  net amounts billed resulted  in the Company making
payments of  $25.1 million  and $13.6  million to  ReliaStar in  1995 and  1994,
respectively.  During  1995  the  Company paid  dividends  of  $52.0  million to
ReliaStar consisting of $41.3 million paid  in cash and 10.7 million in  noncash
dividends.
    
 
   
NOTE 9. SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
    
 
   
    DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
    
 
   
    The ability of Northwestern to pay cash dividends to ReliaStar is restricted
by  law  or  subject to  approval  of  the insurance  regulatory  authorities of
Minnesota. These authorities recognize  only statutory accounting practices  for
the ability of an insurer to pay dividends to its shareholders.
    
 
   
    Under  Minnesota  insurance  law  regulating  the  payment  of  dividends by
Northwestern,  any  such   payment  must   be  an  amount   deemed  prudent   by
Northwestern's  Board  of  Directors  and,  unless  otherwise  approved  by  the
Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce (the Commissioner), must be
paid solely from the  adjusted earned surplus  of Northwestern. Adjusted  earned
surplus  means the  earned surplus  as determined  in accordance  with statutory
accounting practices (unassigned funds), less 25%  of the amount of such  earned
surplus  which is attributable to net unrealized capital gains. Further, without
approval of the Commissioner, Northwestern may not pay in any calendar year  any
dividend  which, when combined with other dividends paid within the preceding 12
months, exceeds the greater  of (i) 10% of  Northwestern's statutory surplus  at
the  prior  year-end or  (ii)  100% of  Northwestern's  statutory net  gain from
operations (not including realized capital  gains) for the prior calendar  year.
For  1996, the  amount of  dividends which can  be paid  by Northwestern without
commissioner approval is $117.7 million.
    
 
   
    STATUTORY SURPLUS AND NET INCOME
    
 
   
    Net income of Northwestern and its subsidiaries, as determined in accordance
with statutory accounting practices was $97.8 million and $57.6 million for 1995
and 1994, respectively. Northwestern's statutory surplus was $728.3 million  and
$565.2 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
    
 
   
NOTE 10. REINSURANCE
    
   
    The  Company is  a member  of reinsurance  associations established  for the
purpose of  ceding  the excess  of  life  insurance over  retention  limits.  In
addition,  Northwestern's Life and Health Reinsurance Division assumes and cedes
reinsurance  on  certain  life  and  health  risks  as  its  primary   business.
Reinsurance  contracts  do  not  relieve the  Company  from  its  obligations to
policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result  in
losses  to  the Company;  consequently, allowances  are established  for amounts
deemed  uncollectible.   The  amount   of   the  allowance   for   uncollectible
    
 
                                      xxi
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 10. REINSURANCE (CONTINUED)
    
   
reinsurance  receivables  was  immaterial  at  December  31,  1995.  The Company
evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors  concentrations
of  credit risk  to minimize its  exposure to significant  losses from reinsurer
insolvencies. The Company's retention limit is $400,000 per life for  individual
coverage and, to the extent that Northwestern reinsures life policies written by
Northern and North Atlantic, the limit is increased up to $600,000 per life. For
group  coverage and reinsurance assumed, the retention is $500,000 per life with
per occurrence  limitations, subject  to certain  maximums. As  of December  31,
1995, $12.0 billion of life insurance in force was ceded to other companies. The
Company  has assumed $36.7 billion of life insurance in force as of December 31,
1995 (including  $32.0  billion of  reinsurance  assumed pertaining  to  Federal
Employees'  Group Life  Insurance and  Servicemans' Group  Life Insurance). Also
included in  these amounts  are $513.1  million of  reinsurance ceded  and  $4.7
billion  of reinsurance  assumed by  Northwestern's Life  and Health Reinsurance
Division.
    
 
   
    The effect of reinsurance on premiums and recoveries is as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                       1995       1994
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Direct Premiums....................................................................  $   643.8  $   533.2
Reinsurance Assumed................................................................      297.6      261.8
Reinsurance Ceded..................................................................      (89.9)     (68.1)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
Net Premiums ......................................................................  $   851.5  $   726.9
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
Reinsurance Recoveries.............................................................  $    80.4  $    59.0
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
NOTE 11. LIABILITY FOR UNPAID ACCIDENT AND HEALTH CLAIMS AND CLAIM ADJUSTMENT
         EXPENSE
    
   
    The change in the liability for unpaid accident and health claims and  claim
adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1995       1994
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Balance at January 1...............................................................  $   322.9  $   244.6
Less Reinsurance Recoverables......................................................       59.5       32.8
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
    Net Balance at January 1.......................................................      263.4      211.8
Incurred Related to:
  Current Year.....................................................................      273.1      266.2
  Prior Year.......................................................................       (2.7)     (16.6)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
    Total Incurred.................................................................      270.4      249.6
Paid Related to:
  Current Year.....................................................................      157.0      140.3
  Prior Year.......................................................................       89.0       66.7
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
    Total Paid.....................................................................      246.0      207.0
Net Balance at December 31.........................................................      287.8      254.4
Plus Reinsurance Recoverables......................................................       81.6       50.5
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
  Balance at December 31...........................................................  $   369.4  $   304.9
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      xxii
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 11. LIABILITY FOR UNPAID ACCIDENT AND HEALTH CLAIMS AND CLAIM ADJUSTMENT
         EXPENSE (CONTINUED)
    
   
    The  liability for  unpaid accident and  health claims  and claim adjustment
expenses is included in Future Policy and Contract Benefits on the  Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
    
 
   
NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    
 
   
    LITIGATION
    
 
   
    The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits arising out of the normal
course  of  the business  of  the Company.  In  the opinion  of  Management, the
ultimate resolution of such litigation will  not result in any material  adverse
impact to operations or financial condition of the Company.
    
 
   
    JOINT GROUP LIFE AND ANNUITY CONTRACTS
    
 
   
    Northwestern  has issued certain participating  group annuity and group life
insurance contracts  jointly with  another insurance  company. Northwestern  has
entered  into  an  arrangement  with  this  insurer  whereby  Northwestern  will
gradually transfer these liabilities  (approximately $328.4 million at  December
31,  1995) to the other insurer over a  ten year period which commenced in 1993.
The terms of the  arrangement specify the interest  rate on the liabilities  and
provide  for  a  transfer  of  assets  and  liabilities  scheduled  in  a manner
consistent with the expected cash flows  of the assets allocated to support  the
liabilities.  A contingent liability exists with  respect to the joint obligor's
portion of the  contractual liabilities attributable  to contributions  received
prior  to July  1, 1993 in  the event  the joint obligor  is unable  to meet its
obligations.
    
 
   
    RESERVE INDEMNIFICATION
    
 
   
    In March 1992, the  Company sold Chartwell  Re Corporation (Chartwell),  its
property  and  casualty reinsurance  subsidiary. The  Company and  the acquiring
company  entered  into  a  separate  agreement  which  provides  for  reciprocal
indemnity  (but with different ultimate exposure amounts) between the parties to
the agreement  with respect  to the  adequacy of  the loss  and loss  adjustment
expense  reserves of Chartwell for  all accident years which  ended on or before
December 31, 1991. The indemnity is  measured for the period ending on  December
31,  1996. Under the terms  of the agreement, the  maximum amount payable by the
Company would be $23.0 million and the maximum amount payable by the acquirer to
the Company would be $5.0 million.
    
 
   
    Based upon analyses completed during the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company
has accrued a cumulative total of $8.0 million of the maximum potential  payment
under  the indemnification  agreement. The  ultimate amount  to be  paid will be
affected by subsequent favorable or adverse claims development.
    
 
   
    The amounts accrued  under the  indemnification agreement  are presented  as
discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
    
 
   
    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
    
 
   
    The  Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk
in the  normal course  of business  to reduce  its exposure  to fluctuations  in
interest  rates.  These  financial  instruments  include  commitments  to extend
credit, financial guarantees, futures contracts  and interest rate swaps.  Those
instruments  involve, to varying  degrees, elements of  credit, interest rate or
liquidity risk in excess  of the amount recognized  in the Consolidated  Balance
Sheets.
    
 
   
    The  Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party to  the financial instrument  for commitments to  extend credit  and
financial  guarantees written is represented by  the contractual amount of those
instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and
conditional  obligations  as  it  does  for  on-balance-sheet  instruments.  For
    
 
                                     xxiii
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    
   
futures  contracts and interest rate swap transactions, the contract or notional
amounts do  not represent  exposure to  credit loss.  For swaps,  the  Company's
exposure  to credit  loss is  limited to  those swaps  where the  Company has an
unrealized gain. For futures  contracts, the Company has  no exposure to  credit
risk, as the contracts are marked to market daily.
    
 
   
    Unless  otherwise noted,  the Company does  not require  collateral or other
security to support financial instruments with credit risk.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           CONTRACT OR NOTIONAL
                                                                                                  AMOUNT
                                                                                               DECEMBER 31
                                                                                          ----------------------
                                                                                             1995        1994
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
                                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                       <C>         <C>
Financial Instruments Whose Contract Amounts Represent Credit Risk
  Commitments to Extend Credit..........................................................  $     82.6  $     36.4
  Financial Guarantees..................................................................        41.8        47.5
Financial Instruments Whose Notional or Contract Amounts Exceed the Amount of Credit
 Risk
  Futures Contracts.....................................................................        80.4        84.4
  Interest Rate Swap Agreements.........................................................     1,222.5     1,320.0
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND  CREDIT --  Commitments to extend  credit are  legally
binding  agreements  to lend  to a  customer.  Commitments generally  have fixed
expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a  fee.
They generally may be terminated by the Company in the event of deterioration in
the  financial  condition of  the borrower.  Since some  of the  commitments are
expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not
necessarily represent future liquidity requirements. The Company evaluates  each
customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.
    
 
   
    FINANCIAL  GUARANTEES  -- Financial  guarantees are  conditional commitments
issued by the Company  guaranteeing the performance of  the borrower to a  third
party.  Those  guarantees are  primarily issued  to  support public  and private
commercial  mortgage  borrowing  arrangements.  The  credit  risk  involved   is
essentially the same as that involved in issuing commercial mortgage loans.
    
 
   
    Northwestern  is a partner in eight real  estate joint ventures where it has
guaranteed the repayment of loans of  the partnership. As of December 31,  1995,
Northwestern  had  guaranteed  repayment  of  $41.8  million  ($47.5  million at
December 31, 1994) of such loans including the portion allocable to the PFA.  If
any  payments were made under these guarantees, Northwestern would be allowed to
make a claim for repayment  from the joint venture,  foreclose on the assets  of
the  joint  venture  including  its  real  estate  investment  and,  in  certain
instances, make a claim against the joint venture's general partner.
    
 
   
    For  certain   of  these   partnerships,  Northwestern   has  made   capital
contributions from time to time to provide the partnerships with sufficient cash
to  meet its obligations, including  operating expenses, tenant improvements and
debt service. Capital  contributions during  1995 and  1994 were  insignificant.
Further  capital contributions are  likely to be required  in future periods for
certain of the joint  ventures with the guarantees.  The Company cannot  predict
the amount of such future contributions.
    
 
   
    FUTURES CONTRACTS -- Futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of
securities  or  money market  instruments  in which  the  seller agrees  to make
delivery at a specified future date of a specified
    
 
                                      xxiv
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    
   
instrument, at a specified price or  yield. These contracts are entered into  to
manage  interest  rate  risk  as  part  of  the  Company's  asset  and liability
management. Risks arise  from the  movements in securities  values and  interest
rates.
    
 
   
    INTEREST  RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS -- The Company also enters into interest rate
swap agreements to  manage interest rate  exposure. The primary  reason for  the
interest  rate  swap agreements  is to  extend the  duration of  adjustable rate
investments. Interest rate swap transactions  generally involve the exchange  of
fixed and floating rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the
underlying  principal amounts.  Changes in  market interest  rates impact income
from adjustable  rate  investments  and  have  an  opposite  (and  approximately
offsetting)  effect on  the reported income  from the swap  portfolio. The risks
under interest rate swap  agreements are generally similar  to those of  futures
contracts.  Notional principal amounts  are often used to  express the volume of
these transactions but  do not  represent the much  smaller amounts  potentially
subject to credit risk.
    
 
   
    LEASES
    
 
   
    The  Company  has operating  leases for  office  space and  certain computer
processing and other equipment. Rental expense for these items was $13.6 million
and $11.0 million for 1995 and 1994, respectively.
    
 
   
    Future minimum  aggregate  rental  commitments  at  December  31,  1995  for
operating leases were as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     (IN MILLIONS)
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>
1996 - $7.6                                 1999 - $4.6
1997 - $6.8                                 2000 - $5.4
1998 - $5.7                  2001 and thereafter - $4.4
</TABLE>
    
 
   
NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
    
   
    The  following disclosures are  made in accordance  with the requirements of
SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments." SFAS  No.
107  requires disclosure of fair  value information about financial instruments,
whether or not recognized in the balance  sheet, for which it is practicable  to
estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair
values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.
Those  techniques are significantly affected  by the assumptions used, including
the discount  rate and  estimates of  future  cash flows.  In that  regard,  the
derived  fair value estimates, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate
settlement of the instrument.
    
 
   
    SFAS No. 107  excludes certain  financial instruments  and all  nonfinancial
instruments  from its  disclosure requirements. Accordingly,  the aggregate fair
value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
    
 
   
    The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information
available to Management as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. Although Management is
not aware of  any factors  that would  significantly affect  the estimated  fair
value  amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes
of these financial statements since  that date; therefore, current estimates  of
fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
    
 
   
    The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating
its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
    
 
   
    FIXED  MATURITY SECURITIES -- The estimated  fair value disclosures for debt
securities satisfy the fair value disclosure  requirements of SFAS No. 107  (See
Note 4).
    
 
                                      xxv
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    EQUITY  SECURITIES -- Fair  value equals carrying  value as these securities
are carried at quoted market value.
    
 
   
    MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE -- The fair values for mortgage loans on  real
estate  are estimated using discounted cash  flow analyses, using interest rates
currently being offered in the marketplace  for similar loans to borrowers  with
similar  credit ratings. Loans  with similar characteristics  are aggregated for
purposes of the calculations.
    
 
   
    CASH, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND  POLICY LOANS --  The carrying amounts  for
these assets approximate the assets' fair values.
    
 
   
    OTHER  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS REPORTED AS ASSETS  -- The carrying amounts for
these financial instruments  (primarily premiums and  other accounts  receivable
and accrued investment income) approximate those assets' fair values.
    
 
   
    INVESTMENT CONTRACT LIABILITIES -- The fair value for deferred annuities was
estimated  to be  the amount payable  on demand  at the reporting  date as those
investment contracts  have no  defined maturity  and are  similar to  a  deposit
liability.  The  amount payable  at  the reporting  date  was calculated  as the
account balance less applicable surrender charges.
    
 
   
    The fair value for GICs was  estimated using discounted cash flow  analyses.
The discount rate used was based upon current industry offering rates on GICs of
similar durations.
    
 
   
    The  fair values for supplementary  contracts without life contingencies and
immediate annuities  were estimated  using discounted  cash flow  analyses.  The
discount rate was based upon treasury rates plus a pricing margin.
    
 
   
    The  carrying amounts reported for other investment contracts which includes
participating pension contracts and retirement plan deposits, approximate  those
liabilities' fair value.
    
 
   
    CLAIM  AND OTHER DEPOSIT FUNDS  -- The carrying amounts  for claim and other
deposit funds approximate the liabilities' fair value.
    
 
   
    NOTES AND  MORTGAGES PAYABLE  -- The  fair  value for  the note  payable  to
ReliaStar  was  based upon  the  quoted market  price  of the  related ReliaStar
publicly traded debt. For other debt obligations, discounted cash flow  analyses
were  used. The  discount rate  was based  upon the  Company's estimated current
incremental borrowing rates.
    
 
   
    OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS REPORTED AS LIABILITIES -- The carrying  amounts
for  other  financial instruments  (primarily  normal payables  of  a short-term
nature) approximate those liabilities' fair values.
    
 
   
    FINANCIAL GUARANTEES  --  The  fair values  for  financial  guarantees  were
estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based upon the expected future net
amounts to be expended. The estimated net amounts to be expended were determined
based on projected cash flows and a valuation of the underlying collateral.
    
 
   
    INTEREST  RATE SWAPS -- The fair value for interest rate swaps was estimated
using discounted cash  flow analyses.  The discount  rate was  based upon  rates
currently  being offered for similar interest  rate swaps available from similar
counterparties.
    
 
                                      xxvi
<PAGE>
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
 
   
                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    
   
            (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.)
    
 
   
NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
    
   
    The carrying amounts and  estimated fair values  of the Company's  financial
instruments were as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    DECEMBER 31
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                                                                           1995                      1994
                                                                 ------------------------  ------------------------
                                                                  CARRYING       FAIR       CARRYING       FAIR
                                                                   AMOUNT        VALUE       AMOUNT        VALUE
                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                   (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Financial Instruments Recorded as Assets
  Fixed Maturity Securities
    Available-for-Sale.........................................  $   9,053.7  $   9,053.7  $   3,470.6  $   3,470.6
    Held-to-Maturity...........................................           --           --      2,310.4      2,253.0
  Equity Securities............................................         35.9         35.9         43.7         43.7
  Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
    Commercial.................................................      1,465.0      1,525.8      1,120.1      1,068.8
    Residential and Other......................................        483.4        496.1        450.2        443.1
  Policy Loans.................................................        499.8        499.8        306.8        306.8
  Cash and Short-Term Investments..............................        165.4        165.4         79.7         79.7
  Other Financial Instruments Recorded as Assets...............        503.3        503.3        349.7        349.7
Financial Instruments Recorded as Liabilities
  Investment Contracts
    Deferred Annuities.........................................     (6,704.9)    (6,285.6)    (4,690.0)    (4,369.3)
    GICs.......................................................       (115.0)      (148.6)      (239.9)      (261.5)
    Supplementary Contracts and Immediate Annuities............        (99.8)       (99.7)       (99.1)       (93.9)
    Other Investment Contracts.................................       (529.2)      (529.2)      (539.4)      (539.4)
  Claim and Other Deposit Funds................................       (114.9)      (114.9)      (101.2)      (101.2)
  Notes and Mortgages Payable..................................       (243.6)      (244.4)      (173.7)      (159.4)
  Other Financial Instruments Recorded as Liabilities..........       (224.8)      (224.8)      (167.8)      (167.8)
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
  Financial Guarantees.........................................           --         (4.6)          --         (5.2)
  Interest Rate Swaps..........................................           --         42.7           --        (46.5)
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant
market  information  and  information  about  the  financial  instrument.  These
estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering
for  sale  at  one  time  the  Company's  holdings  of  a  particular  financial
instrument.  Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's
financial instruments, fair  value estimates  are based  on judgments  regarding
future   expected   loss   experience,   current   economic   conditions,   risk
characteristics of  various  financial  instruments  and  other  factors.  These
estimates  are subjective  in nature  and involve  uncertainties and  matters of
significant judgment  and,  therefore,  cannot  be  determined  with  precision.
Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
    
 
   
    Fair  value  estimates  are  based  on  existing  on  and  off-balance sheet
financial instruments without  attempting to estimate  the value of  anticipated
future  business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered
financial instruments.  In  addition,  the  tax  ramifications  related  to  the
realization  of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on
fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
    
 
                                     xxvii
<PAGE>


                           PART C.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 24.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

     (a)    Financial Statements:

            Part A:      None
   
            Part B: MFS/NWNL SELECT VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    Independent Auditors' Report
                    Statement of Assets and Liabilities, December 31, 1995
                    Combining Statements of Operations and Changes 
                     in Contract Owners' Equity, Years Ended
                     December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993
                    Notes to Financial Statements
    

   
                    NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    Independent Auditors' Report
                    Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 1995 and 1994
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations,
                     Years Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994
                    Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's
                     Equity, Years Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994
                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,
                     Years Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994
                    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    

     (b)    Exhibits:

     1.     Resolution of the Board of Directors of Northwestern National Life
            Insurance Company ("Depositor") authorizing the establishment of
            MFS/NWNL Variable Account ("Registrant") (filed with Form N-8B-2
            dated January 29, 1980).

     2.     Not Applicable.

     3. (a) Form of General Distributor Agreement between Depositor and
            Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Clarendon") (filed with Form N-
            8B-2 dated November 10, 1980).

        (b) Forms of agreements between Depositor and broker-dealers with
            respect to the sale of Contracts (filed with Securities Act of 1933
            ("1933 Act") Post-Effective Amendment No. 8).

   
     4.     Form of Contract (filed with 1933 Act Post-Effective Amendment
            No. 17).
    

   
     5.     Contract Application Form (filed with 1933 Act Post-Effective
            Amendment No. 17).
    

     6. (a) Articles of Incorporation of Depositor (filed with 1933 Act Post-
            Effective Amendment No. 11).

        (b) Bylaws of Depositor (filed with 1933 Act Post-Effective Amendment
            No. 11).

     7.     Not Applicable.


                                     Page 1

<PAGE>

     8. (a) Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (filed with 1933
            Act Post-Effective Amendment No. 14).

   
        (b) Agreement with Continuum Administrative Services Corporation
            (formerly known as Vantage Computer Systems, Inc.) and Amendment
            numbers 1 through 3 (filed with 1933 Act Post-Effective Amendment
            No. 14).  Amendment numbers 4, 5 and 6 to Agreement with Continuum
            Administrative Services Corporation.
    

     9.     Consent and Opinion of Jeffrey A. Proulx as to the legality of the
            securities being registered.

     10.    Independent Auditors' Consent.

     11.    Not Applicable.

     12.    Not Applicable.

     13.    Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations.

   
     14.    Financial Data Schedule.
    

   
     15.    Powers of Attorney.
    

ITEM 25.    DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

     DIRECTORS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Name and Principal Business Address          Principal Occupation
- -----------------------------------          --------------------
<S>                                          <C>
R. Michael Conley                            Senior Vice President of ReliaStar
20 Washington Avenue South                   Financial Corp. since 1991; Senior
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401                 Vice President, ReliaStar Employee
                                             Benefits of Northwestern National
                                             Life Insurance Company since 1986;
                                             President of NWNL Benefits 
                                             Corporation since 1988; Director
                                             of subsidiaries of ReliaStar 
                                             Financial Corp.


                                     Page 2

<PAGE>

Richard R. Crowl                             Senior Vice President, General 
20 Washington Avenue South                   Counsel and Secretary of ReliaStar
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401                 Financial Corp. since 1996; Senior
                                             Vice President and General Counsel
                                             of Northwestern National Life 
                                             Insurance Company since 1996; 
                                             Executive Vice President and 
                                             General Counsel of Washington
                                             Square  Advisers, Inc. since 1986;
                                             Vice President and Associate 
                                             General Counsel of ReliaStar 
                                             Financial Corp. from 1989 to 1996;
                                             Vice  President and Associate
                                             General Counsel of Northwestern 
                                             National Life Insurance Company 
                                             from 1985 to 1996; Director and 
                                             Vice President of subsidiaries of 
                                             ReliaStar Financial Corp.


John H. Flittie                              President and Chief Operating
20 Washington Avenue South                   Officer of ReliaStar Financial
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401                 Corp. and Northwestern National
                                             Life Insurance Company since 1993;
                                             Vice Chairman of United Services
                                             Life Insurance Company and Bankers
                                             Security Life Insurance Society
                                             since 1995; Senior Executive Vice
                                             President and Chief Operating
                                             Officer of ReliaStar Financial
                                             Corp. and Northwestern National
                                             Life Insurance Company from 1992 to
                                             1993; Senior Executive Vice
                                             President from 1991 to 1992;
                                             Executive Vice President and Chief
                                             Financial Officer from 1989 to
                                             1991; Director of Community First
                                             BankShares, Inc. and subsidiaries
                                             of ReliaStar Financial Corp.

Wayne R. Huneke                              Senior Vice President, Chief
20 Washington Avenue South                   Financial Officer and Treasurer of 
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401                 ReliaStar Financial Corp. and
                                             Northwestern National Life 
                                             Insurance Company since 1994; Vice
                                             President, Treasurer and Chief
                                             Accounting Officer from 1990 to 
                                             1994; Director of subsidiaries of 
                                             ReliaStar Financial Corp.

Kenneth U. Kuk                               Vice President, Strategic Marketing
20 Washington Avenue South                   of ReliaStar Financial Corp. and 
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401                 Northwestern National Life
                                             Insurance Company since 1996; Vice
                                             President, Investments of ReliaStar
                                             Financial Corp. from 1991 to 1996;
                                             President and Chief Executive
                                             Officer of Washington Square
                                             Advisers, Inc. since 1996; Executive 
                                             Vice President of Washington Square 
                                             Advisers, Inc. from 1985 to 1995;
                                             Director of National Commercial 
                                             Finance Association and
                                             subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial
                                             Corp.

                                     Page 3

<PAGE>

William R. Merriam                           Senior Vice President, Life & 
20 Washington Avenue South                   Health Reinsurance of Northwestern
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55401                National Life Insurance Company
                                             since 1991; Vice President from
                                             1984 to 1991.

Craig R. Rodby                               Senior Vice President, Financial
20 Washington Avenue South                   Management of ReliaStar Financial
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55401                Corp. since 1994; President and 
                                             Chief Executive Officer of Northern
                                             Life Insurance Company from 1991 to
                                             1994; President and Chief Operating
                                             Officer of Northern Life Insurance
                                             Company from 1990 to 1991; Director
                                             of subsidiaries of ReliaStar
                                             Financial Corp.

David H. Roe                                 Senior Vice President of ReliaStar
4601 Fairfax Drive                           Financial Corp. since 1995; Vice
Arlington, Virginia 22203                    Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
                                             of Bankers Security Life Insurance
                                             Society since 1995; President and
                                             Chief Executive Officer of United
                                             Services Life Insurance Company
                                             since 1995; Chairman & Chief
                                             Executive Officer of United
                                             Services Life Insurance Company and
                                             Bankers Security Life Insurance
                                             Society from 1992 to 1995;
                                             President and Chief Operating
                                             Officer of USLICO Corp. from 1992
                                             to 1995; President of United
                                             Services Life Insurance Company
                                             from 1991 to 1992; Executive Vice
                                             President and Chief Financial
                                             Officer of USAA from 1990 to 1991;
                                             Director and President of
                                             subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial
                                             Corp.

Robert C. Salipante                          Senior Vice President, Technology 
20 Washington Avenue South                   of ReliaStar Financial Corp. and
Minneapolis, MN 55401                        Northwestern National Life
                                             Insurance Company since 1996;
                                             Senior Vice President, Individual
                                             Division of Northwestern National
                                             Life Insurance Company since 1996;
                                             Senior Vice President, Strategic
                                             Marketing and Technology of
                                             ReliaStar Financial Corp. and
                                             Northwestern National Life
                                             Insurance Company from 1994 to
                                             1996; Senior Vice President and
                                             Chief Financial Officer from 1992
                                             to 1994; Executive Vice President
                                             of Ameritrust Corporation from 1988
                                             to 1992; Director of subsidiaries
                                             of ReliaStar Financial Corp.

Donald L. Swanson                            Senior Vice President, ReliaStar   
20 Washington Avenue South                   Retirement Plans of Northwestern
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401                 National Life Insurance Company
                                             since 1993; Vice President from
                                             1990 to 1993.


                                     Page 4

<PAGE>

John G. Turner                             Chairman and Chief Executive
20 Washington Avenue South                 Officer of ReliaStar Financial 
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401               Corp. and Northwestern National Life
                                           Insurance Company since 1993;
                                           Chairman of United Services Life
                                           Insurance Company and Bankers 
                                           Security Life Insurance Society 
                                           since 1995; Chairman of Northern
                                           Life Insurance Company since 1992;
                                           Chairman, President and Chief 
                                           Executive Officer of ReliaStar 
                                           Financial Corp. and Northwestern 
                                           National Life Insurance Company in
                                           1993; President and Chief Executive
                                           Officer from 1991 to 1993; President
                                           and Chief Operating Officer from 
                                           1989 to 1991; President and Chief 
                                           Operating Officer of Northwestern 
                                           National Life Insurance Company 
                                           from 1986 to 1991; Director of 
                                           subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial
                                           Corp.
                                              
Steven W. Wishart                          Senior Vice President and Chief
20 Washington Avenue South                 Investment Officer of ReliaStar
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401               Financial Corp. since 1989; Senior
                                           Vice President of Northwestern
                                           National Life Insurance Company
                                           since 1981; President and Chief
                                           Executive Officer of ReliaStar
                                           Investment Research, Inc. since
                                           1996; President of Washington
                                           Square Capital Inc. from 1981 to
                                           1996; President of WSCR, Inc. from
                                           1986 to 1996; Director of National
                                           Benefit Resources Group Services
                                           Inc. and subsidiaries of ReliaStar
                                           Financial Corp.

</TABLE>
    

     EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

       Name                             Positions and Offices with Depositor
       ----                             ------------------------------------
     <S>                           <C>
     John G. Turner                Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     John H. Flittie               President and Chief Operating Officer
     R. Michael Conley             Senior Vice President - Employee Benefits
     Richard R. Crowl              Senior Vice President and General Counsel
     Wayne R. Huneke               Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 
                                    Officer and Treasurer
     William R. Merriam            Senior Vice President - Life and Health
                                    Reinsurance
     Craig R. Rodby                Senior Vice President - Financial Management
     Robert C. Salipante           Senior Vice President - Technology and
                                    Individual Insurance
     Donald L. Swanson             Senior Vice President - Retirement Plans
     Steven W. Wishart             Senior Vice President and Chief Investment
                                    Officer
</TABLE>
    

The principal business address of each of the foregoing executive officers is 20
Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota  55401.


ITEM 26.    PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR OR
            REGISTRANT

     Registrant is a separate account of Depositor, established by the Board of
Directors of Depositor on September 13, 1979 pursuant to the laws of the State
of Minnesota.  Depositor is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of ReliaStar
Financial Corp., a Delaware Corporation.

     The following chart identifies the subsidiaries of ReliaStar Financial
Corp. and their relationship to one another, all of which, except where
indicated, are either directly or indirectly wholly-owned by ReliaStar Financial
Corp., except for directors' qualifying shares.


                                     Page 5

<PAGE>

                            RELIASTAR FINANCIAL CORP.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>            <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>                   <C>          
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      |             |            |              |             |               |                 |                       |
    100%          100%         100%           100%          100%            100%              100%                     80%
      |             |            |              |             |               |                 |                       |
NORTHWESTERN   RELIASTAR    WASHINGTON                   WASHINGTON        BANKERS      IB HOLDINGS, INC.     NWNL NORTHSTAR, INC.
NATIONAL LIFE  INVESTMENT     SQUARE         USLICO        SQUARE        CENTENNIAL             |                       |
  INSURANCE     RESEARCH,    ADVISERS      SECURITIES    SECURITIES,     MANAGEMENT             |                       |
   COMPANY        INC.         INC.        CORPORATION      INC.            CORP.               |                     100%
      |                                                                                         |                       |
    100%                                                                       -------------------------    -----------------
      |                                                                        |            |    |     |    |      |        |
      --------------------------------------------------------|                |            |    |     |    |      |    NORTHSTAR
      |                          |        |          UNITED SERVICES LIFE      |            |    |     |    |      |  ADMINISTRATORS
  NORTHERN LIFE              RELIASTAR    |           INSURANCE COMPANY        |            |    |     |    |      |   CORPORATION
INSURANCE COMPANY            MORTGAGE     |                   |                |            |    |     |    |      |
      |                     CORPORATION   |         ----------------------     |            |    |     |    |      |
    100%                         |        |         |           |         | INTERNATIONAL   |    |     |    |   NORTHSTAR
      |                       JAMES       |         |      DELAWARE       |  RISKS, INC.    |    |     |    |  DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
      |------------          MORTGAGE     |         | ADMINISTRATORS,INC. |                 |    |     |    |
NORLIC, INC.      |        CORPORATION    |         |                     |       NORTHEASTERN   |     |    NORTHSTAR INVESTMENT
                  |                       |         |                     |       CORPORATION    |     |    MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
              NOVA, INC.                  |    USL SERVICES, INC.         |                      |     |            |
                                          |                               |                      |     |            |
                                          |              BANKERS SECURITY LIFE                   |     |            |
                                          |                INSURANCE SOCIETY     THE NEW PROVIDENCE    |    HSC ADVISORS, INC.
                                          |                      |               INSURANCE COMPANY,    |
                                    NWNL BENEFITS      NORTH ATLANTIC LIFE            LIMITED          |
                                     CORPORATION           AGENCY, INC.                                |
                                     |         |                                                IB RESOLUTION, INC.
                                    100%      50%
                                     |         |
                              NWNL HEALTH    SELECT CARE
                              MANAGEMENT       HEALTH
                                CORP.          NETWORK


                                                                                     [LOGO]
</TABLE>
                                     Page 6

<PAGE>

ITEM 27.       NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

   
     As of February 29, 1996, there were 788 owners of Contracts issued by
Registrant, 784 of which were owned by Qualified Plans as defined in the
Prospectus.
    

ITEM 28.       INDEMNIFICATION

     Reference is hereby made to Section 5.01 of Depositor's Bylaws, filed as an
Exhibit to this Registration Statement.  The Bylaws of Depositor mandate
indemnification by Depositor of its directors, officers and certain others,
under certain conditions.  Section 8 of Article V of the Bylaws of Clarendon
mandates indemnification by Clarendon of its directors and officers under
certain conditions.  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under
the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of Depositor or Clarendon, pursuant to the foregoing
provisions or otherwise, Depositor and Clarendon have been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. 
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by Depositor of expenses incurred or paid by a director or
officer or controlling person of Depositor or Clarendon in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer
or controlling person of Depositor or Clarendon in connection with the
securities being registered, Depositor or Clarendon, as the case may be, will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether
or not such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

     An insurance company blanket bond is maintained providing $25,000,000
coverage for Depositor, subject to a $500,000 deductible.

ITEM 29.       PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS

     (a)  Clarendon, the principal underwriter of the Contracts, also acts as
the General Distributor of insurance contracts issued by Sun Life Insurance and 
Annuity Company of New York, Nationwide Life Insurance Company, and Sun Life 
Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.)

     (b)  The directors and officers of Clarendon are as follows:

       DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   
    Name                        Positions and Offices with Clarendon
    ----                        ------------------------------------
     <S>                        <C>
     Cynthia M. Orcutt                  President
     Bruce C. Avery                     Vice President
     Joseph W. DelloRusso               Treasurer
     Thomas B. Hastings                 Assistant Treasurer
     Stephen E. Cavan                   Secretary and Clerk
     Robert T. Burns                    Assistant Secretary
     A. Keith Brodkin                   Chairman
     Arnold D. Scott                    Director
     Jeffrey L. Shames                  Director
    
</TABLE>

     The principal business address of each of the foregoing executive officers
is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

   
     (c)  For the year ended December 31, 1995, Clarendon received $4,000 in
fees  in  connection with sales of the Contracts.
    


                                     Page 7

<PAGE>

ITEMS 30.      LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

     The accounts and records of Registrant are located at the offices of 
Depositor at 20 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 and at 
the offices of Continuum Administrative Services Corporation (formerly known 
as Vantage Computer Systems, Inc.), 301 West 11th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64105.

ITEM 31.       MANAGEMENT SERVICES

     Not applicable.

ITEM 32.       UNDERTAKINGS

     Registrant will file a post-effective amendment to this Registration
Statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited financial
statements in this Registration Statement are never more than 16 months old for
so long as payments under the Contracts may be accepted.

     Registrant will include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
Contract offered by the Prospectus, a space that an applicant can check to
request a Statement of Additional Information, or (2) a postcard or similar
written communication affixed to or included in the Prospectus that the
applicant can remove to send for a Statement of Additional Information.

     Registrant will deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
financial statements required to be made available under this form promptly upon
written or oral request.

     The Company and the Variable Account rely on a no-action letter issued by
the Division of Investment Management to the American Council of Life Insurance
on November 28, 1988 and represent that the conditions enumerated therein have
been or will be complied with.


                                     Page 8


<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    As  required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940, Registrant  certifies  that  it  meets all  of  the  requirements  of  the
effectiveness  of this Amendment to the  Registration Statement pursuant to Rule
485(b) under the Securities  Act of 1933  and has caused  this Amendment to  the
Registration  Statement to be signed  on its behalf, in  the City of Minneapolis
and State of Minnesota, on this 12th day of April, 1996.
    
 
                                          MFS/NWNL SELECT VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                                 (Registrant)
 
                                          By  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
                                             INSURANCE COMPANY
                                                  (Depositor)
 
                                          By          /s/ JOHN G. TURNER
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       John G. Turner
                                            CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
   
    As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act  of
1940,  Depositor has caused  this Amendment to the  Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf, in the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota,  on
this 12th day of April, 1996.
    
 
                                          By  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
                                             INSURANCE COMPANY
                                                  (Depositor)
 
                                          By          /s/ JOHN G. TURNER
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       John G. Turner
                                            CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
   
    As   required  by  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this  Amendment  to  the
Registration Statement has been  signed on this 12th day  of April, 1996 by  the
following directors and officers of Depositor in the capacities indicated:
    
 
      /s/ John G. Turner
- ------------------------------    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
        John G. Turner
 
     /s/ Wayne R. Huneke          Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
- ------------------------------     Officer and Treasurer (Principal
       Wayne R. Huneke             Accounting Officer)
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>                    <C>
R. MICHAEL CONLEY     KENNETH U. KUK         ROBERT C. SALIPANTE
RICHARD R. CROWL      WILLIAM R. MERRIAM     DONALD L. SWANSON
JOHN H. FLITTIE       CRAIG R. RODBY         JOHN G. TURNER
WAYNE R. HUNEKE       DAVID H. ROE           STEVEN W. WISHART
</TABLE>
    
 
   
- ------------------------
A majority of the Board of Directors
    

   
    Jeffrey A. Proulx by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document
on  behalf of  each of the  above-named directors of  Northwestern National Life
Insurance Company pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons.
    
 
   
                                                   /s/ JEFFREY A PROULX
    
                                          --------------------------------------
   
                                                    Jeffrey A. Proulx
                                                     ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
    
<PAGE>

   

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

(b)

8.   (b)  Agreement with Continuum Administrative Services Corporation (formerly
          known as Vantage Computer Systems, Inc.) and Amendment numbers 1
          through 3 (filed with 1933 Act Post-Effective Amendment No. 14).
          Amendment numbers 4, 5 and 6 to Agreement with Continuum
          Administrative Services Corporation.

9.   Consent and Opinion of Jeffrey A. Proulx as to the legality of the
     securities being registered.

10.  Independent Auditors' Consent.

13.  Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations.

14.  Financial Data Schedule.

15.  Powers of Attorney.
    


<PAGE>


                                FOURTH AMENDMENT


Effective June 4, 1995,  Northwestern  National Life Insurance  Company ("NWNL")
and  Vantage  Computer  Systems,  Inc.  ("Vantage")  hereby  amend  the  Service
Agreement  dated August 1, 1983, as amended May 9, 1991,  February 6, 1992, June
5, 1992, and November 1, 1994 (the "Agreement") as follows:

The term of the  Agreement  is hereby  extended to August 4, 1995.  Both parties
shall use their best efforts to execute a final agreement before August 4, 1995,
regarding the terms of the service agreement between NWNL and Vantage.


In all other  respects,  the Agreement  shall  continue in full force and effect
until August 4, 1995.

Dated this 2nd day of June, 1995.


VANTAGE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.                 NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
                                               INSURANCE COMPANY

By:      /s/ John E. Connell                   By:   /s/ Robert C. Salipante
         (authorized signature)                      (authorized signature)

Name:    John E. Connell                       Name:   Robert C. Salipante

Title:   Senior Vice President                 Title:  Senior Vice President

Date:    June 7, 1995                          Date:   June 2, 1995


                                               By:    /s/ John A. Johnson
                                                      (authorized signature)

                                               Name:   John A. Johnson, FSA

                                               Title:  Vice President

                                               Date:   June 2, 1995

<PAGE>

                                                                       CONTINUUM



                                 FIFTH AMENDMENT



Effective August 4, 1995,  Northwestern National Life Insurance Company ("NWNL")
and  Vantage  Computer  Systems,  Inc.  ("Vantage")  hereby  amend  the  Service
Agreement  dated August 1, 1983, as amended May 9, 1991,  February 6, 1992, June
5, 1992, November 1, 1994 and June 2, 1995, (the "Agreement") as follows:

The term of the Agreement is hereby  extended to October 31, 1995.  Both parties
shall use their best  efforts to execute a final  agreement  before  October 31,
1995, regarding the terms of the service arrangement between NWNL and Vantage.

In all other  respects,  the Agreement  shall  continue in full force and effect
until October 31, 1995.



Dated this 10th day of July, 1995.


VANTAGE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.      NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL
                                    LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


By: /s/ Robert S. Maltempo          By: /s/ Robert C. Salipante

Name:  Robert S. Maltempo           Name:  Robert C. Salipante

Title: Attorney-In-Fact             Title:  Senior Vice President

Date:  7/31/95                      Date:  7/12/95


                                    By: /s/ John A. Johnson

                                    Name:  John A. Johnson

                                    Title:  Vice President

                                    Date:  July 14, 1995



<PAGE>

                                 SIXTH AMENDMENT

         This Amendment shall amend the Service  Agreement dated August 1, 1993,
between  Northwestern  National Life  Insurance  Company  ("NWNL") and Continuum
Administrative Services Corporation (formerly known as Vantage Computer Systems,
Inc.) ("CASC"), as amended (the "Agreement").

         The  parties  hereby  agree to amend the term of the  Agreement  to the
earliest of the following dates: (a) thirty days after NWNL gives written notice
to CASC that the migration of processing  from CASC to NWNL has been  completed;
(b)  December 31,  1996;  and (c) a date  mutually  agreed in  writing  by the
parties.

        Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary within the Service  Agreement,
in the  event  of any  claim  against  CASC  relating  to the  Agreement  or any
transaction  affected  by the  Agreement,  except  where NWNL  establishes  that
liability  is  directly  resulting  from  CASC's  gross  negligence  or  willful
misconduct,  including without limitation any right of indemnification from CASC
as provided in Section 5.02 of the Agreement,  CASC's liability shall be limited
as follows:

         (a) With respect to claims against NWNL made by NWNL policyholders:

                  (i) CASC shall have no liability  for the first $5,000 in loss
                  incurred  by NWNL as a result  of any  single  occurrence  for
                  which CASC may otherwise be responsible under the Agreement.

                  (ii) CASC shall,  however, be responsible for reimbursing NWNL
                  for  any loss  incurred by which  exceeds the first $5,000 but
                  only up to an aggregate loss incurred by NWNL of $100,000 with
                  respect to any single  occurrence  for which CASC is liable as
                  provided  in the  Agreement;  provided,  however,  that CASC's
                  aggregate  liability for reimbursement as described under this
                  part (ii) for all occurrences after the effective date of this
                  Amendment  shall not exceed an amount equal to $274 multiplied
                  by the number of days between the date of this Sixth Amendment
                  and the last day of the term of the Agreement.

                  (iii) NWNL shall have the right to recover  any loss  incurred
                  by it as a result of any single  occurrence  for which CASC is
                  liable as provided in the Agreement which exceeds  $500,000 in
                  loss to NWNL,  but only to the extent  that it is  collectible
                  under a valid insurance  policy covering the subject matter of
                  this  Agreement.  CASC  agrees  to use  its  best  efforts  to
                  maintain   the  errors  &  omissions   insurance   policy  (or
                  equivalent) it holds as of the date of this Sixth Amendment.

         (b) With respect to all other liability:

                  (i) CASC shall have no liability  for the first $5,000 in loss
                  incurred  by NWNL as a result  of any  single  occurrence  for
                  which CASC may otherwise be responsible under the Agreement.

                  (ii) CASC shall,  however,  be responsible for reimbursing for
                  any loss  incurred by NWNL which  exceeds the first $5,000 but
                  only up to an aggregate loss incurred by NWNL of $100,000 with
                  respect to any single  occurrence  for which CASC is liable as
                  provided  in the  Agreement;  provided,  however,  that CASC's
                  aggregate  liability for reimbursement as described under this
                  part (ii) for all occurrences after the effective date of this
                  Amendment  shall not exceed an amount equal to $274 multiplied
                  by the number of days between the date of this Sixth Amendment
                  and the last day of the term of the Agreement.

                  (iii) NWNL shall have the right to recover  any loss  incurred
                  by it as a result of any  single  occurrence for which CASC is
                  liable as provided in the Agreement which exceeds  $500,000 in
                  loss to NWNL,  but only to the extent  that it is  collectible
                  under a valid CASC  insurance  policy  covering  the  subject
                  matter of this Agreement.

This Sixth Amendment is entered into as of December 6 , 1995.


CONTINUUM ADMINISTRATIVE                   NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL
SERVICES CORPORATION                       LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


By: /s/ John C. Bower                      By: /s/ Robert C. Salipante

Name:  John C. Bower                       Name:   Robert C. Salipante

Title: President                           Title:  Senior Vice President
                                                   Strategic Mktg. & Technology

Date:  December 26, 1995                   Date:   December 6, 1995


                                            By: /s/ David F. Hill

                                            Name:   David F. Hill

                                            Title:  Senior Vice President
                                                    Individual Insurance

                                            Date:   December 6, 1995




<PAGE>

                     [NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE LETTERHEAD]





April 12, 1996

Northwestern National Life
  Insurance Company
20 Washington Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55440

Gentlemen:

     In connection with the proposed registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, of individual variable annuity contracts (the "Contracts") and
interests in MFS/NWNL Variable Account (the "Separate Account"), I have examined
documents relating to the establishment of the Separate Account by the Board of
Directors of Northwestern National Life Insurance Company (the "Company") as a
separate account for assets applicable to variable annuity contracts, pursuant
to Minnesota Statutes Sections 61A.13 to 61A.21, as amended, and the
Registration Statement, on Form N-4, as amended by Post-Effective Amendment No.
18 thereto, File No. 2-66542 (the "Registration Statement"), and I have examined
such other documents and have reviewed such matters of law as I deemed necessary
for this opinion, and I advise you that in my opinion:

     1.   The Separate Account is a separate account of the Company duly created
and validly existing pursuant to the laws of the State of Minnesota.

     2.   The contracts, when issued in accordance with the Prospectus
constituting a part of the Registration Statement and upon compliance with
applicable local law, will be legal and binding obligations of the Company in
accordance with their respective terms.

     3.   The portion of the assets held in the Separate Account equal to
reserves and other contract liabilities with respect to the Separate Account are
not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business the Company
may conduct.

     I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the use of my name under the heading "Legal Opinions" in the
Prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement and to the
references to me wherever appearing therein.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Jeffrey A. Proulx

Jeffrey A. Proulx
Attorney


<PAGE>





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

Board of Directors and Contract Holders
MFS/NWNL Variable Account

We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 and No. 20 to
Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 2-66542) of MFS/NWNL Variable
Account filed under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940, respectively, of our report dated February 2, 1996 on the audit of the
financial statements of MFS/NWNL Variable Account as of December 31, 1995 and
for each of the three years in the period then ended, and our report dated
February 1, 1996, on the audit of the consolidated financial statements of
Northwestern National Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of and for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, appearing in the Prospectus, which is a
part of such Registration Statement, and to the references to us under the
heading "Financial Statements and Experts" appearing in the Prospectus and under
the headings "Independent Auditors" and "Financial Statements" in the Statement 
of Additional Information, all of which are part of such Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 12, 1996

<PAGE>


         DESCRIPTION OF RETURNS BASED ON UNDERLYING FUND PERFORMANCE



The company may at times quote average annual returns for periods prior to 
the Sub-Accounts commenced operations. Such performance information for the 
Sub-Accounts will be calculated based on the performance of the Portfolios 
and the assumption that the Sub-Accounts were in existence for the same 
periods as those indicated for the portfolios, with the level of Contract 
charges currently in effect. The following provides the details in providing 
such returns.



                        AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS



The company may at times quote average annual returns that reflect net 
recurring charges and any applicable surrender charges. The following is the 
formula used to provide such returns.

TR    =   ((1 + TRsa - SC)^(1/N)) - 1

Where:

TR    =   The average annual total return of the Sub-Account net of recurring
          charges and any applicable surrender charge for the period.

TRf   =   Total return of the fund for the period, provided by the investment 
          company.

TRsa  =   Total return of the fund for the period, provided by the investment 
          company, adjusted for the annual contract charge (AP) and separate 
          account annual expenses (AE) or the following formula:

          ((1 + TRf)*(((1 - AE)*(1 - AP))^N)) - 1.

SC    =   Applicable surrender charge at the end of period.

AP    =   Annual Contract Charge as an equivalent annual percent charge (AP)
          based on the average net assets in the Variable Account and Fixed
          Account during the preceeding year. (ie Select Annuity I would be
          .128%)

AE    =   Total Seperate Account Annual Expenses consisting of the mortality 
          and expense risk premium and the administration charge. (ie Select
          Annuity I would be 1.30%)

N     =   The number of years (N) in the period.



                          OTHER AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS



In addition, the company may at times quote average annual returns that do 
not reflect the Surrender Charge. These are calculated in exactly the same 
way as the average annual total returns described above, except that the 
surrender charge is ignored as the following formula demonstrates.

TR    =   ((1 + TRsa)^(1/N)) - 1

Where:

TR    =   The average annual total return of the Sub-Account net of recurring 
          charges for the period.


<PAGE>


SELECT*ANNUITY I
CALCULATION OF MONEY MARKET YIELDS



CURRENT & EFFECTIVE YIELD (NET OF ALL CONTRACT FEES) DECEMBER, 1995



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            UNIT VALUE    UNIT VALUE           NET     7 DAY     CURRENT    EFFECTIVE
FUND          12/29/95      12/22/95        CHANGE    RETURN       YIELD        YIELD
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
MCM         $24.089226    $24.065152     $0.023483     0.098%      5.09%        5.22%

</TABLE>



  Note:  Net Change = 12/29 unit value - 12/22 unit value - Hypothetical 
                      weekly fee.
         Current Yield = 7 Day Return* 365/7
         Effective Yield = [(7 Day Return + 1)^(365/7)] - 1



CALCULATION OF AVERAGE WEEKLY CONTRACT FEE PER MONEY MARKET UNIT DECEMBER, 1995



<TABLE>

         ANNUAL FEE       STATED AS           UNIT VALUE
      AS PERCENT OF        A WEEKLY             12/22/95        HYPOTHETICAL
     AVG INVESTED $             FEE         (INVESTED $)          WEEKLY FEE
     <S>                  <C>               <C>                  <C>
            0.128%        0.00245%           $24.065152           $0.000591
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND:MFB

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>            <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>                 <C>               <C>
  12/31/85       $1,000.00      $20.493200      48.797
  12/31/86                      $23.548550      48.797          $1,149.09           $1,147.81          48.742
  12/31/87                      $23.110680      48.742          $1,126.47           $1,125.19          48.687
  12/30/88                      $24.656205      48.687          $1,200.43           $1,199.15          48.635
  12/29/89                      $27.412612      48.635          $1,333.21           $1,331.93          48.588
  12/31/90                      $29.242756      48.588          $1,420.86           $1,419.58          48.545
  12/31/91                      $34.069670      48.545          $1,653.90           $1,652.62          48.507
  12/31/92                      $35.742302      48.507          $1,733.75           $1,732.47          48.471
  12/31/93                      $40.167643      48.471          $1,946.97           $1,945.69          48.439
  12/30/94                      $37.877935      48.439          $1,834.78           $1,833.50          48.406
  12/29/95                      $45.397825      48.406          $2,197.50           $2,196.22          48.377
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $2,196.22
                                 Total Return Ten Years      119.62%
                                 Average Annual Return         8.19%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>            <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/90       $1,000.00      $29.242756      34.197
  12/31/91                      $34.069670      34.197          $1,165.06           $1,163.78          34.159
  12/31/92                      $35.742302      34.159          $1,220.92           $1,219.64          34.123
  12/31/93                      $40.167643      34.123          $1,370.65           $1,369.37          34.091
  12/30/94                      $37.877935      34.091          $1,291.31           $1,290.03          34.057
  12/29/95                      $45.397825      34.057          $1,546.13           $1,544.85          34.029
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $1,544.85
                                 Total Return Five Years      54.49%
                                 Average Annual Return         9.09%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS

  <S>              <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>                 <C>                <C>
  12/30/94       $1,000.00      $37.877935      26.401
  12/29/95                      $45.397825      26.401          $1,198.53           $1,197.25          26.372
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          --------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value       $1,197.25          $1,152.25
                                 Total Return One Year          19.72%             15.22%
                                 Average Annual Return          19.72%             15.22%
                                 -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND: MIT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>            <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>
  12/31/85       $1,000.00      $16.815390      59.469
  12/31/86                      $19.453240      59.469          $1,156.87           $1,155.59          59.404
  12/31/87                      $20.632966      59.404          $1,225.67           $1,224.39          59.341
  12/30/88                      $22.613310      59.341          $1,341.91           $1,340.63          59.285
  12/29/89                      $29.978722      59.285          $1,777.29           $1,776.01          59.242
  12/31/90                      $29.780639      59.242          $1,764.27           $1,762.99          59.199
  12/31/91                      $37.527249      59.199          $2,221.58           $2,220.30          59.165
  12/31/92                      $39.773892      59.165          $2,353.23           $2,351.95          59.133
  12/31/93                      $43.194599      59.133          $2,554.22           $2,552.94          59.103
  12/30/94                      $42.201074      59.103          $2,494.22           $2,492.94          59.073
  12/29/95                      $58.043826      59.073          $3,428.82           $3,427.54          59.051
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $3,427.54
                                 Total Return Ten Years      242.75%
                                 Average Annual Return        13.11%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>            <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>                 <C>                <C>
  12/31/90       $1,000.00      $29.780639      33.579
  12/31/91                      $37.527249      33.579          $1,260.12           $1,258.84          33.545
  12/31/92                      $39.773892      33.545          $1,334.21           $1,332.93          33.513
  12/31/93                      $43.194599      33.513          $1,447.56           $1,446.28          33.483
  12/30/94                      $42.201074      33.483          $1,413.02           $1,411.74          33.453
  12/29/95                      $58.043826      33.453          $1,941.72           $1,940.44          33.431
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $1,940.44
                                 Total Return Five Years      94.04%
                                 Average Annual Return        14.18%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>
  12/30/94      $1,000.00       $42.201074      23.696
  12/29/95                      $58.043826      23.696          $1,375.41           $1,374.13          23.674
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          -------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $1,374.13            $1,329.13
                                 Total Return One Year        37.41%               32.91%
                                 Average Annual Return        37.41%               32.91%
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND: MIG
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>
  12/31/85      $1,000.00       $15.713620      63.639
  12/31/86                      $17.446710      63.639          $1,110.29           $1,109.01          63.566
  12/31/87                      $18.225832      63.566          $1,158.54           $1,157.26          63.495
  12/30/88                      $18.727906      63.495          $1,189.14           $1,187.86          63.427
  12/29/89                      $25.070268      63.427          $1,590.13           $1,588.85          63.376
  12/31/90                      $23.570755      63.376          $1,493.82           $1,492.54          63.322
  12/31/91                      $34.366813      63.322          $2,176.17           $2,174.89          63.285
  12/31/92                      $36.105009      63.285          $2,284.89           $2,283.61          63.249
  12/31/93                      $40.790647      63.249          $2,579.97           $2,578.69          63.218
  12/30/94                      $37.553063      63.218          $2,374.02           $2,372.74          63.184
  12/29/95                      $47.572288      63.184          $3,005.79           $3,004.51          63.157
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $3,004.51
                                 Total Return Ten Years      200.45%
                                 Average Annual Return        11.63%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>
  12/31/90      $1,000.00       $23.570755      42.425
  12/31/91                      $34.366813      42.425          $1,458.03           $1,456.75          42.388
  12/31/92                      $36.105009      42.388          $1,530.43           $1,529.15          42.353
  12/31/93                      $40.790647      42.353          $1,727.60           $1,726.32          42.321
  12/30/94                      $37.553063      42.321          $1,589.30           $1,588.02          42.287
  12/29/95                      $47.572288      42.287          $2,011.70           $2,010.42          42.260
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $2,010.42
                                 Total Return Five Years     101.04%
                                 Average Annual Return        14.99%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE          UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>                <C>                 <C>             <C>
  12/30/94      $1,000.00       $37.553063      26.629
  12/29/95                      $47.572288      26.629            $1,266.80           $1,265.52          26.602
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          -------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                               Cash Surrender Value        $1,265.52             $874.35
                                 Total Return One Year         26.55%              22.05%
                                 Average Annual Return         26.55%              22.05%
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND: MFD (NOW CALLED MFR)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>            <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>
  12/31/85       $1,000.00      $16.225650      61.631
  12/31/86                      $18.271580      61.631          $1,126.09           $1,126.81          61.561
  12/31/87                      $19.001281      61.561          $1,169.73           $1,168.45          61.493
  12/30/88                      $20.685782      61.493          $1,272.04           $1,270.76          61.432
  12/29/89                      $25.562058      61.432          $1,570.32           $1,569.04          61.381
  12/31/90                      $23.887871      61.381          $1,466.27           $1,464.99          61.328
  12/31/91                      $31.269954      61.328          $1,917.72           $1,916.44          61.287
  12/31/92                      $34.299043      61.287          $2,102.08           $2,100.80          61.250
  12/31/93                      $41.190937      61.250          $2,522.93           $2,521.65          61.219
  12/30/94                      $40.661683      61.219          $2,489.25           $2,487.97          61.187
  12/29/95                      $55.624290      61.187          $3,403.49           $3,402.21          61.164
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $3,402.21
                                 Total Return Ten Years      240.22%
                                 Average Annual Return        13.03%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>            <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/90       $1,000.00      $23.887871      41.862
  12/31/91                      $31.269954      41.862          $1,309.03           $1,307.75          41.821
  12/31/92                      $34.299043      41.821          $1,434.43           $1,433.15          41.784
  12/31/93                      $41.190937      41.874          $1,721.12           $1,719.84          41.753
  12/30/94                      $40.661683      41.753          $1,697.74           $1,696.46          41.721
  12/29/95                      $55.624290      41.721          $2,320.73           $2,319.45          41.698
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $2,319.45
                                 Total Return Five Years     131.94%
                                 Average Annual RETURN        18.33%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/30/94      $1,000.00       $40.661683      24.593
  12/29/95                      $55.624290      24.593          $1,367.98           $1,366.70          24.570
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          -------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $1,366.70           $1,321.70
                                 Total Return One Year         36.67%              32.17%
                                 Average Annual Return         36.67%              32.17%
                                 -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND: MTR

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>            <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/85       $1,000.00      $20.204960      49.493
  12/31/86                      $23.900500      49.493          $1,182.90           $1,181.62          49.439
  12/31/87                      $24.422711      49.439          $1,207.44           $1,206.16          49.387
  12/30/88                      $27.724456      49.387          $1,369.22           $1,367.94          49.341
  12/29/89                      $33.196490      49.341          $1,637.94           $1,636.66          49.302
  12/31/90                      $32.469839      49.302          $1,600.83           $1,599.55          49.263
  12/31/91                      $38.977384      49.263          $1,920.13           $1,918.85          49.230
  12/31/92                      $42.344262      49.230          $2,084.60           $2,083.32          49.200
  12/31/93                      $48.142169      49.200          $2,368.58           $2,367.30          49.173
  12/30/94                      $46.247967      49.173          $2,274.15           $2,272.87          49.145
  12/29/95                      $57.956980      49.145          $2,848.04           $2,847.04          49.123
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $2,847.04
                                 Total Return Ten Years       184.70%
                                 Average Annual Return         11.03%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/90      $1,000.00       $32.469839      30.798
  12/31/91                      $38.977384      30.798          $1,200.42           $1,199.14          30.765
  12/31/92                      $42.344262      30.765          $1,302.72           $1,301.44          30.735
  12/31/93                      $48.142169      30.735          $1,479.64           $1,478.36          30.708
  12/30/94                      $46.247967      30.708          $1,420.19           $1,418.91          30.680
  12/29/95                      $57.956980      30.680          $1,778.15           $1,776.87          30.658
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $1,776.87
                                 Total Return Five Years       77.69%
                                 Average Annual Return         12.18%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE            UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                 <C>
  12/30/94      $1,000.00       $46.247967      21.623
  12/29/95                      $57.956980      21.623          $1,253.18            1,251.90           21.600
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          -------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $1,251.90           $1,206.90
                                 Total Return One Year        25.19%              20.69%
                                 Average Annual Return        25.19%              20.69%
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND: MCD(NOW CALLED MGO)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/85      $1,000.00       $19.544460      51.165
  12/31/86                      $20.396290      51.165          $1,043.58           $1,042.30          51.103
  12/31/87                      $20.923917      51.103          $1,069.27           $1,067.99          51.041
  12/30/88                      $22.516602      51.041          $1,149.28           $1,148.00          50.985
  12/29/89                      $28.530980      50.985          $1,454.64           $1,453.36          50.940
  12/31/90                      $26.955274      50.940          $1,373.10           $1,371.82          50.940
  12/31/91                      $32.567212      50.892          $1,657.42           $1,656.14          50.853
  12/31/92                      $34.619746      50.853          $1,760.52           $1,759.24          50.816
  12/31/93                      $39.703692      50.816          $2,017.58           $2,016.30          50.784
  12/30/94                      $37.561604      50.784          $1,907.52           $1,906.24          50.750
  12/29/95                      $49.862122      50.750          $2,530.49           $2,529.21          50.724
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $2,529.21
                                 Total Return Ten Years       152.92%
                                 Average Annual Return          9.72%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                 <C>                <C>
  12/31/90      $1,000.00       $26.955274      37.098
  12/31/91                      $32.567212      37.098          $1,208.19           $1,206.91          37.059
  12/31/92                      $34.619746      37.059          $1,282.98           $1,281.70          37.022
  12/31/93                      $39.703692      37.022          $1,469.92           $1,468.64          36.990
  12/30/94                      $37.561604      36.990          $1,389.40           $1,388.12          36.956
  12/29/95                       49.862122      36.956          $1,842.70           $1,841.42          36.930
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $1,841.42
                                 Total Return Five Years       84.14%
                                 Average Annual Return         12.99%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/30/94      $1,000.00       $37.561604      26.623
  12/29/95                      $49.862122      26.623          $1,327.48           $1,326.20          26.597
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          -------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $1,326.20           $1,281.20
                                 Total Return One Year        32.62%              28.12%
                                 Average Annual Return        32.62%              28.12%
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND: MFH
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/85      $1,000.00       $22.466140      44.511
  12/31/86                      $24.597770      44.511          $1,094.88           $1,093.60          44.459
  12/31/87                      $24.348075      44.459          $1,082.50           $1,081.22          44.407
  12/30/88                      $27.001137      44.407          $1,199.03           $1,197.75          44.359
  12/29/89                      $25.850854      44.359          $1,146.73           $1,145.45          44.310
  12/31/90                      $21.468050      44.310            $951.25             $949.97          44.250
  12/31/91                      $31.550779      44.250          $1,396.13           $1,394.85          44.210
  12/31/92                      $36.447848      44.210          $1,611.35           $1,610.07          44.175
  12/31/93                      $42.947744      44.175          $1,897.20           $1,895.92          44.145
  12/30/94                      $41.299950      44.145          $1,823.18           $1,821.90          44.114
  12/29/95                      $47.782748      44.114          $2,107.88           $2,106.60          44.087
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $2,106.60
                                 Total Return Ten Years       110.66%
                                 Average Annual Return          7.74%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/90      $1,000.00       $21.468050      46.581
  12/31/91                      $31.550779      46.581          $1,469.66           $1,468.38          46.540
  12/31/92                      $36.447848      46.540          $1,696.29           $1,695.01          46.505
  12/31/93                      $42.947744      46.505          $1,997.29           $1,996.01          46.475
  12/30/94                      $41.299950      46.475          $1,919.43           $1,918.15          46.444
  12/29/95                       47.782748      46.444          $2,219.24           $2,217.96          46.418
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $2,217.96
                                 Total Return Five Years      121.80%
                                 Average Annual Return         17.27%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/30/94      $1,000.00       $41.299950      24.213
  12/29/95                      $47.782748      24.213          $1,156.97           $1,155.69          24.186
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          -------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $1,155.69           $1,110.69
                                 Total Return One Year        15.57%              11.07%
                                 Average Annual Return        15.57%              11.07%
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND: MFI(NOW CALLED MWG)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/85      $1,000.00       $17.342370      57.662
  12/31/86                      $22.282090      57.662          $1,284.84           $1,283.56          57.605
  12/31/87                      $27.390006      57.605          $1,577.80           $1,576.52          57.558
  12/30/88                      $28.219806      57.558          $1,624.28           $1,623.00          57.513
  12/29/89                      $29.907264      57.513          $1,720.05           $1,718.77          57.470
  12/31/90                      $34.801896      57.470          $2,000.06           $1,998.78          57.433
  12/31/91                      $38.958961      57.433          $2,237.54           $2,236.26          57.400
  12/31/92                      $38.969543      57.400          $2,236.86           $2,235.58          57.367
  12/31/93                      $45.537165      57.367          $2,612.35           $2,611.07          57.339
  12/30/94                      $41.994564      57.339          $2,407.94           $2,406.66          57.309
  12/29/95                      $47.869578      57.309          $2,743.35           $2,742.07          57.282
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $2,742.07
                                 Total Return Ten Years       174.21%
                                 Average Annual Return         10.61%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE         DEPOSIT            Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/90      $1,000.00      $34.801896      28.734
  12/31/91                      $38.958961      28.734          $1,119.45           $1,118.17          28.701
  12/31/92                      $38.969543      28.701          $1,118.47           $1,117.19          28.668
  12/31/93                      $45.537165      28.668          $1,305.48           $1,304.20          28.640
  12/30/94                      $41.994564      28.640          $1,202.74           $1,201.46          28.610
  12/29/95                      $47.869578      28.610          $1,369.54           $1,368.26          28.583
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $1,368.26
                                 Total Return Five Years       36.83%
                                 Average Annual Return          6.47%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/30/94      $1,000.00       $41.994564      23.813
  12/29/95                      $47.869578      23.813          $1,139.90           $1,138.62          23.786
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          -------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $1,138.62           $1,093.62
                                 Total Return One Year        13.86%               9.36%
                                 Average Annual Return        13.86%               9.36%
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

SELECT*ANNUITY I RETURNS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


FUND: MEG

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/85      $1,000.00       $12.736452      78.515
  12/31/86                      $14.171256      78.515          $1,112.65           $1,111.37          78.424
  12/31/87                      $12.555314      78.424            $984.64             $983.36          78.323
  12/30/88                      $14.222831      78.323          $1,113.97           $1,112.69          78.233
  12/29/89                      $17.656350      78.233          $1,381.30           $1,380.02          78.160
  12/31/90                      $15.428076      78.160          $1,205.86           $1,204.58          78.077
  12/31/91                      $25.911773      78.077          $2,023.12           $2,021.84          78.028
  12/31/92                      $27.509258      78.028          $2,146.48           $2,145.20          77.981
  12/31/93                      $34.489854      77.981          $2,689.56           $2,688.28          77.944
  12/30/94                      $35.689345      77.944          $2,781.77           $2,780.49          77.908
  12/29/95                      $49.732075      77.908          $3,874.53           $3,873.25          77.882
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $3,873.25
                                 Total Return Ten Years       287.33%
                                 Average Annual Return         14.50%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/31/90      $1,000.00       $15.428076      64.817
  12/31/91                      $25.911773      64.817          $1,679.52           $1,678.24          64.767
  12/31/92                      $27.509258      64.767          $1,781.71           $1,780.43          64.721
  12/31/93                      $34.489854      64.721          $2,232.22           $2,230.94          64.684
  12/31/94                      $35.689345      64.684          $2,308.52           $2,307.24          64.648
  12/29/95                      $49.732075      64.648          $3,215.08           $3,213.80          64.622
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                 -----------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value      $3,213.80
                                 Total Return Five Years      221.38%
                                 Average Annual Return         26.30%
                                 -----------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR END          LESS "AVG"        YEAR END
      DATE        DEPOSIT             Q UV     # UNITS              VALUE            CONT FEE           UNITS
  <S>           <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
  12/30/94      $1,000.00       $35.689345      28.020
  12/29/95                      $49.732075      28.020          $1,393.47           $1,392.19          27.994
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Contract Value  Surrender Value
                                                          -------------------------------
                                 <S>                      <C>             <C>
                                 Cash Surrender Value     $1,392.19           $1,347.19
                                 Total Return One Year        39.22%              34.72%
                                 Average Annual Return        39.22%              34.72%
                                 --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM MFS/NWNL
VAIRABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 12-31-95, ANNUAL REPORT (FORM
N-SAR) FILING PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(D) OF THE 1934 ACT AND SECTION 30(B) OF THE
1940 ACT, FORM 24F-2 ANNUAL NOTICE OF SECURITIES SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           21,983
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          23,667
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  23,667
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           25
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 25
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        21,983
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          520,965
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          645,417
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                        1,717
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                            388
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         1,684
<NET-ASSETS>                                    23,667
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                  960
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                   1,107
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     350
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          1,717
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                           388
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        2,731
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            4,836
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         10,056
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    134,508
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                             371
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ R. MICHAEL CONLEY
                                ------------------------------
                                R. Michael Conley



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 11th day of March, 1996.



                                /s/ RICHARD R. CROWL
                                ------------------------------
                                Richard R. Crowl



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ JOHN H. FLITTIE
                                ------------------------------
                                John H. Flittie



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ WAYNE R. HUNEKE
                                ------------------------------
                                Wayne R. Huneke


MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 14th day of March, 1996.



                                /s/ KENNETH U. KUK
                                ------------------------------
                                Kenneth U. Kuk



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 2nd day of January, 1996.



                                /S/ WILLIAM R. MERRIAM
                                ------------------------------
                                William R. Merriam



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ CRAIG R. RODBY
                                ------------------------------
                                Craig R. Rodby



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ DAVID H. ROE
                                ------------------------------
                                David H. Roe



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ ROBERT C. SALIPANTE
                                ------------------------------
                                Robert C. Salipante



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ DONALD L. SWANSON
                                ------------------------------
                                Donald L. Swanson



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ JOHN G. TURNER
                                ------------------------------
                                John G. Turner



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95

<PAGE>


                  NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                             OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER



     The undersigned director and/or officer of NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation, does hereby make, constitute and
appoint ROYCE N. SANNER, RICHARD R. CROWL, MICHAEL S. FISCHER, JAMES E. NELSON,
ROBERT B. SAGINAW, and JEFFREY A. PROULX, and each or any one of them, the
undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and
stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer
of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, under
the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1940 Act) and any other forms applicable to such registrations, and all
amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC, in
connection with the registration under the 1933 and 1940 Acts, as amended, of
variable annuity contracts and accumulation units in the MFS/NWNL Variable
Account, the NWNL Select Variable Account, the Northstar/NWNL Variable Account,
and of variable life insurance policies and accumulation units in the
Select*Life Variable Account, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the
powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand
this 19th day of October, 1995.



                                /s/ STEVEN W. WISHART
                                ------------------------------
                                Steven W. Wishart



MFS/NWNL
NWNL Select
Northstar/NWNL
Select*Life
Rev. 12/95


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