When it's time to start financial planning, we all need some guidance along the way. Anita Cruise as a Modern Woodmen Financial Representative can help.

I am so blessed to make a living by helping others and their communities. Each day, I sit down and help people overcome financial concerns and obstacles. I also get to help my community with our fraternal programs and activities. It’s very rewarding.

I can help you plan for life using a variety of tools, including…
life insurance, annuities, stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds and variable annuities.

I enjoy working with…
all people at every stage of life – whether you are a recent college graduate just starting out, a seasoned professional with an emptying nest and dreams of retirement, or somewhere in between.

I attended…
Northwestern University and Marquette University Law School.

Before Modern Woodmen, I…
was a practicing attorney. I worked with domestic violence victims, abused children, and the many grandparents and other relatives who were willing to step in and help.

I chose Modern Woodmen because…
I believe in the organization – not only for how it supports members to reach their financial goals, but also for the way Modern Woodmen supports my community and allows me to give back.

The best part of my career is…
helping my members. Whether it's planning for their retirement, protecting their families with life insurance, or providing for the causes and organizations they support, I feel good knowing I helped make a positive impact on their lives.

A favorite moment in my career was when…
a member told me she loved me because I had shown concern for her. I convinced her to take steps to protect her long-term interests even while she is a caregiver for others.

Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. Together with our more than 750,000 members, we’ve been touching lives and securing futures since 1883.

The vision behind our name

We have no woodworking in our history. No cabinet making. No lumberjacks.

Our name was inspired by pioneer woodmen. They cleared forests to build homes and communities and provide security for their families. Modern Woodmen’s founder, Joseph Cullen Root, felt this was the perfect symbol to illustrate his goal of clearing away financial burdens for families.

On Jan. 5, 1883, Modern Woodmen of America was born in Lyons, Iowa. We moved across the Mississippi River to Fulton, Illinois, in 1884. Our home office relocated downriver to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1897. Rock Island remains our home office hometown to this day.

Check out the timeline on our Facebook page for more history highlights.

What is a fraternal benefit society?

How Modern Woodmen fraternalism works

Modern Woodmen of America is the nation’s third-largest fraternal benefit society in terms of assets. Fraternalism is a unique combination of business and giving back to those we serve – a continuous cycle of positive impact.

• Our representatives provide financial products to help members protect their families and their futures.
• These sales help fund member benefits and social, educational and volunteer programs that identify and meet local needs.
• These activities build relationships, allowing for membership growth and greater community impact.

Learn more about how fraternals are different from other financial services organizations.