Producers stew as insurers slow to process life and annuity applications
{January 31st, 2023} by John Hilton
Sheryl Moore is president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc. She also has an influential social network and posted about the delay issue last week on LinkedIn. The responses flooded in from irritated producers. Speculation on the source of the delays ranged from staffing shortages to technology deficiencies to insurers just caught […]
It Gets Better
{January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I APPRECIATE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! Thank you for your generous gifts to the It Gets Better Project, in memory of my son, AJ Betts. In a moment of vulnerability, I want to admit to you that I am TERRIFIED that my son will be forgotten. Terrified! While he looms in my memory daily, everyone […]
North American and Annexus Continue to Define Industry with Launch of North American Secure Horizon Choice Fixed Index Annuity
{January 31st, 2023} by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance and Annexus
North American Secure HorizonSM fixed index annuity suite expanded with new Secure HorizonSM Choice DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® (North American), a member company of Sammons® Financial Group and one of the largest issuers of fixed index annuities (FIAs) in the U.S.,1 has once again joined forces with Annexus, a premier independent […]
This one, unfortunately, just cannot be simplified.
{January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Just reviewed, literally, THE most complex rider that I have ever seen in the 24 years that I have been in this business. I am an expert at reading specimen contracts. I love to simplify complex terminology into easy-to-understand terms. This one, unfortunately, just cannot be simplified. If I cannot understand it, I don’t know […]
Lincoln Financial Group Offers Faster Route From Planning to Protection With New, Fully Automated Life Product
{January 31st, 2023} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) continues to advance the life insurance business model while improving the customer experience with the introduction of Lincoln WealthAccelerateSM, an indexed universal life (IUL) product offering a fully digital and automated experience to consumers. As the world becomes more digitally focused, consumers expect ease and accessibility from their financial […]
Advisors Excel Raises Nearly $1.1 Million for Folds of Honor
{January 31st, 2023} by Insurance Forums Staff
In keeping with its commitment to the local community and the communities our advisors serve, Advisors Excel and its affiliated financial professionals recently raised $1,080,250 for Folds of Honor during a training event in San Diego. The gift will help fund more than 216 scholarships for families of fallen and disabled military heroes and first […]
CFP Board to Split Into 2 Nonprofit Groups
{January 31st, 2023} by Janet Levaux
The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards says it is setting up a separate nonprofit organization to promote careers in financial planning and the public image of financial planners. The new 501(c)(6) organization will be called CFP Board of Standards, while the existing 501(c)(3) organization will be renamed the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning […]
I wonder- what specifically are “large, undisclosed commissions?”
{January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Do you guys remember when California had a bounty program, where they would pay professionals to turn in sheisty insurance agents? Well, remembering that got my attention, when I saw this article promoted in my Google alerts. I wonder- what specifically are “large, undisclosed commissions?” This guy makes it sound like annuities pay 10% comp and life […]
Are Annuities Good Investments? Weighing the Pros and Cons
{January 31st, 2023} by Nate Miller
Some people may love annuities. Some people may loathe them. Of course, in many instances, a person’s views on annuities often come down to not just personal preferences, but also to whether they make money from them. A financial professional who sells annuities but has nothing else to offer prospective clients will likely point you in the […]
Beware of Private Equity Gobbling Up Life Insurance and Annuity Companies
{January 31st, 2023} by Eileen Applebaum
Private equity (PE) firms have had their eye on individual retirement savings since 2013 when they were first allowed to market directly to individuals. Pension funds already allocate workers’ retirement savings to PE firms, which use these assets to fund a range of risky equity and debt investments. Access to personal retirement savings, including IRAs […]
AIG sacks top financial exec after alleged disclosure breach
{January 31st, 2023} by Staff Reports
American International Group today announced that it terminated Mark Lyons from his position as AIG’s interim chief financial officer and executive vice president, global chief actuary and head of portfolio management “after the company became aware that he violated his confidentiality/non-disclosure obligations to the company.” These violations were unrelated to the company’s financial statements, financial […]
Investors scrambling to lock in rates propel annuity sales to record highs
{January 31st, 2023} by Staff Reports
In the aftermath of the 2008-09 financial crisis, Americans flocked to the safe gains provided by fixed annuities and sales soared. It is happening again. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
How Life Expectancy Perceptions Affect Annuity Purchases
{January 31st, 2023} by Allison Bell
Researchers’ own “objective” life expectancy estimates have a bigger correlation with how likely U.S. consumers are to own annuities than the consumers’ own life expectancy estimates do, researchers say. When Karolos Arapakis and Gal Wettstein calculated a consumer’s life expectancy themselves, one year of extra life expectancy correlated with an increase in the probability that […]
Biggest Threat to Life and Annuity Issuers This Year Might Be Themselves
{January 31st, 2023} by Allison Bell
Earnings releases for the fourth quarter of 2022 could continue a period that’s just fine for U.S. life and annuity issuers, as long as they don’t do anything to sink the boat. The issuers posted pretty good earnings for the first three quarters of 2022, and life insurance analysts at an S&P Global insurance conference […]
Higher Rates Rocket Fixed Annuities to New Sales Growth Dimension
{January 31st, 2023} by Allison Bell
Rising credit rates and a strong market led to stunning growth numbers for U.S. sales of individual fixed deferred annuities in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to new, preliminary issuer survey results from LIMRA. Total sales of individual annuities soared 39% between the fourth quarter of 2021 and the latest quarter, to $87 billion. […]
Mutual of Omaha Begins Building Headquarters Tower
{January 31st, 2023} by Allison Bell
Mutual of Omaha began construction Wednesday of a 44-story tower that will add 800,000 square feet to its headquarters office space in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The policyholder-owned mutual insurer already has 1.7 million square feet of office space in Omaha. Mutual of Omaha sells life insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, long-term care insurance, annuities and other […]
Some Life Insurance Producers Might Need Planners: Survey
{January 31st, 2023} by Allison Bell
Financial advisors could find pockets of demand for their services at life insurance agencies. About 14% of independent life insurance producers surveyed said their agencies hire outside firms to provide financial planning and wealth management services for the clients, according to a life producer survey conducted by LIMRA and the National Association of Independent Life […]
Web-Based Life Marketer Sues Swiss Re
{January 31st, 2023} by Allison Bell
Cayo, a company that developed a system for selling life insurance through the web, is suing U.S. subsidiaries of Swiss Re over problems with a digital life insurance sales initiative. Cayo filed a complaint against Swiss Re America Corp. and two other Swiss Re businesses — Lumico Life Insurance Co. and iptiQ Americas — in […]
FINRA Asks Members to Check RILA Disclosures
{January 31st, 2023} by Allison Bell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority says financial firms should be ready to show examiners what they tell investors about registered index-linked annuities. The Washington-based organization has added a line about RILAs to the variable annuity section in a report on its examination and risk monitoring priorities for 2023. “If your firm offers registered indexed-linked annuities […]
Sammons Financial Group Announces Record Volunteerism in 2022
{January 31st, 2023} by Sammons Financial Group
Nearly $3.6 million and 10,400 hours donated last year WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. continued its ongoing community support by donating nearly $3.6 million to charitable organizations throughout 2022. Additionally, employees contributed 10,400 hours in volunteer service, 90% higher than 2021 volunteer hours. “Our employees have always stepped up for our communities, and I’m proud and […]
Nearly seven in 10 investors say they may continue working in retirement
{January 31st, 2023} by Nationwide
With volatility the new norm, investors and advisors are rethinking what post-retirement life will look like COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Turbulent market conditions and rampant inflation have forced investors to consider working after their retirement, according to Nationwide’s eighth annual Advisor Authority survey, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. Over two-thirds (69%) of non-retired investors may work […]
OneAmerica First to Offer PensionPlus for Personalized Retirement Planning
{January 31st, 2023} by OneAmerica
INDIANAPOLIS and CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — OneAmerica® announced it will become the first retirement plan provider to offer PensionPlus™, an innovative, personalized retirement withdrawal, or decumulation, strategy developed with co-founder Shlomo Benartzi. PensionPlus provides participants with a monthly retirement paycheck tailored to the individual, based on their unique goals and needs in retirement. In addition, users maintain […]
Cetera To Acquire Securian Financial’s Retail Wealth Business
{January 31st, 2023} by Cetera Financial Group
LOS ANGELES and ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Cetera Financial Group (Cetera), one of America’s largest networks of financial professionals, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the retail wealth business of Securian Financial Group, Inc. (Securian Financial). Under the agreement, Cetera will acquire certain assets related to Securian Financial Services, […]
Finseca: Pulse Check – Has your Financial Security Been a Priority Thus Far in 2023? It needs to be.
{January 31st, 2023} by Finseca
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Though no plan is perfect, and it will evolve just as everything else in life, your financial security should be a priority this year. With 2023 just getting underway, consumers should take a moment to check off these five to-dos to ensure their financial security starts off on the right track […]
Nippon Life to Commit Further $1 Billion in Resolution Life, Following Strategic Partnership with Blackstone
{January 31st, 2023} by Blackstone
HAMILTON, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Resolution Life today announced that Nippon Life Insurance Company (“Nippon Life”) has agreed to invest an additional commitment of $1 billion in Resolution Life — a leading global life and annuity insurance consolidation business — following the recently announced strategic partnership between Resolution Life and Blackstone. Since 2019, Nippon Life has been the largest investor […]
Majority of Americans are More Concerned About Paying Bills Right Now Than Financial Future
{January 31st, 2023} by Allianz Life
Allianz Life study finds many Americans are prioritizing present needs at the cost of their retirement Key findings: 67% are more concerned about paying bills right now than saving for their financial future 82% worry rising inflation will continue to have a negative impact on the purchasing power of their income in the next […]
Ameriprise Financial Reports Fourth Quarter 2022 Results
{January 31st, 2023} by Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP): Earnings Per Diluted Share Return on Equity, ex AOCI (1) Q4 2022 FY 2022 2022 GAAP $4.43 $22.51 GAAP 43.1% Adjusted Operating $6.94 $23.96 Adjusted Operating 45.9% Adjusted Operating, Ex. Unlocking (2) $6.94 $25.14 Adjusted […]
DALBAR Annuity Service Award Winners Excel at Meeting Investor Needs
{January 31st, 2023} by DALBAR, Inc
MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DALBAR today announced the winners of the 2022 Annuity Service Award which recognizes those annuity companies providing the highest quality customer service in the industry. Annuities offer features that can help investors in multiple ways, including options for lifetime income, growth potential and protection from uncertain markets. Annuity company contact centers are a […]
Principal Financial Group® Announces Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2022 Results
{January 31st, 2023} by Principal Financial Group
Declares first quarter 2023 common stock dividend Company Highlights Full year 2022 net income attributable to PFG of $4.8 billion, or $18.85 per diluted share, includes $3.3 billion of income from exited business. Fourth quarter 2022 net loss attributable to Principal Financial Group®, Inc. (PFG) of $10 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, includes […]
Annuity Sales Jump 22% YoY to New Record
{January 30th, 2023} by Alex Padalka
Investors grasping for guaranteed retirement income, combined with rising interest rates, spurred total annuity sales to reach a record $310.6 billion in 2022, according to a new report. Last year’s total annuity sales topped the record set in 2008 by 17%, Limra says it found in its annual individual annuity sales survey. Click HERE to […]
Best life insurance companies of 2023
{January 30th, 2023} by The Sacramento Bee
Life insurance can provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family will be taken care of when you’re no longer there to support them.Despite the misconception that the best life insurance is inaccessible to most of us, policies can actually be quite affordable. For example, a healthy 35-year-old female could potentially qualify […]
Integrity Adds Dynamic New Life Insurance Leadership with Acquisition of DeLong Sales Group
{January 30th, 2023} by Integrity Marketing Group
Partnership with high-performance IMO with visionary approach enhances Integrity’s mission to provide holistic life, health and wealth solutions to all Americans DALLAS, Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has acquired DeLong Sales Group, an […]
NEWS RELEASE: French Named Chair of National Association of Insurance Commissioners Life Insurance and Annuities Committee
{January 24th, 2023} by Ohio Department of Insurance
French Named Chair of National Association of Insurance Commissioners Life Insurance and Annuities Committee Ohio Department of Insurance staff selected to 20 NAIC committee and task force leadership roles COLUMBUS – Ohio Department of Insurance director Judith L. French was named chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Insurance and Annuities Committee, highlighting the selection of […]
The latest in financial #AdvisorTech — January 2023
{January 24th, 2023} by Michael Kitces
The January edition of the latest in financial #AdvisorTech kicks off with the news that Envestnet has decided to enter the RIA custodial business through a partnership with Australian bank FNZ to white-label what was once the State Street RIA custodial platform of many years ago — providing Envestnet an opportunity to even more deeply […]
Department of Justice opens antitrust investigation of American Equity’s investor
{January 24th, 2023} by Tyler Jett
A prominent shareholder of American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. has stepped back from its fight with the West Des Moines insurer amid a federal investigation. In a regulatory filing on Friday, Brookfield Asset Management disclosed that it won’t appoint a new representative to American Equity’s board because Department of Justice investigators are looking into […]
This is a pretty balanced, educational article!
{January 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I was reading Bradley Rosen‘s article in Kiplinger this morning, and thought “this is a pretty balanced, educational article!” I should share it. Click HERE to read Long-Term Investments Require a New Approach Warning: there is kind of an awkward plug for indexed annuities at the end. I wondered why the article didn’t mention other types […]
AmeriLife Announces Key Organizational Changes on Heels of Strong Growth & Expansion
{January 24th, 2023} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CLEARWATER, Fla. | January 18, 2023 02:50 PM Eastern Standard Time Following three years of record-breaking growth and expansion, AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”) today announced a strategic, organizational restructuring with the creation of two new, distinct distribution groups – Wealth and Health – an evolved structure designed to deliver more focused growth along with the resources needed to continue to grow AmeriLife’s industry-leading […]
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company Extends Track Record Of Financial Strength
{January 24th, 2023} by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
HORSHAM, Pa., Jan. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual), a Fortune 1000 company, is proud to continue the company’s storied foundation of financial strength. In 2022, five of the world’s top rating agencies affirmed strong ratings, including recent ratings of AA (Very High Quality) from Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) […]
Will ChatGPT, artificial intelligence replace financial professionals any time soon?
{January 24th, 2023} by Steven A. Morelli
Will artificial intelligence replace financial professionals any time soon? No. Even ChatGPT says so. But even artificial intelligence might have a difficult time accurately answering that. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Critics say SECURE 2.0 did little to help the economically insecure
{January 24th, 2023} by Steven A. Morelli
As advisors help clients understand the benefits provided by SECURE 2.0, critics are saying that the provisions did little to assist people who actually need retirement help. Retirement savings provisions known as SECURE 2.0 were wrapped into the omnibus spending bill in December. Among the measures, it requires employers with retirement plans to automatically enroll […]
Insurers (mostly) successful on COVID-19 business interruption lawsuits
{January 24th, 2023} by John Hilton
Insurers were mostly victorious in the initial business interruption lawsuits filed in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdowns that began in March 2020. Those rulings mainly came from federal courts. Now class-action lawsuits are wending their way through state supreme courts, where insurers are getting more good news. “Insurers had a fair amount of success […]
SURVEY: Middle-Income Americans Prepare for Possible Recession in 2023
{January 24th, 2023} by Primerica
DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Primerica, Inc. (NYSE: PRI), a leading provider of financial services in the United States and Canada, released its Middle-Income Financial Security Monitor for the fourth quarter of 2022. The survey, in its third year, measures changes in the sentiments of middle-income families in the U.S. about their finances. During the fourth quarter of 2022, 81% […]
KAFL Insurance Resources Becomes Newest ICON Affiliate
{January 23rd, 2023} by AIMCOR Consolidated LLC (“ICON”)
PAOLI, Penn. and CLEARWATER, Fla. | January 18, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time AIMCOR Consolidated LLC (“ICON”), a joint venture between AIMCOR Group, LLC (“AIMCOR”) and AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), announced today that it has acquired KAFL Insurance Resources (“KAFL”), one of the largest brokerage general agencies (BGAs) in the northeast. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not […]
What Your Clients Don’t Know About Longevity Could Hurt Their Retirement
{January 23rd, 2023} by Michael Finke
Do you know how long an average 60-year-old American will live? Most people don’t. When given four possible responses, only 37% correctly identified the average longevity of men and women in a recent survey conducted by researchers from the George Washington University Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center and the TIAA Institute. Click HERE to read […]
Unpacking the IUL marketing plague
{January 23rd, 2023} by Daniel M Yerger
It hasn’t escaped notice for many financial planners that Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies are making a marketing comeback, albeit one that resembles a plague of locusts. Legions of insurance-licensed-only insurance producers have swarmed to platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to market the living benefits of IUL policies, marketing them under names such […]
AmeriLife Names Mike Vietri to Lead $7.2B Asset Wealth Arm
{January 23rd, 2023} by Allison Bell
AmeriLife Group has named separate managers for its wealth and health distribution teams — and pointed out that it now has $7.2 billion in assets under management. AmeriLife is a Clearwater, Florida-based financial distribution company that has used private equity firm backing to grow rapidly. The company has closed on 65 acquisitions since 2020 and […]
The 10 Most Popular Annuity Videos on YouTube: 2022
{January 23rd, 2023} by Allison Bell
Visiting YouTube can give you a taste of what clients are hearing about annuities in online ads and online personal finance shows. We’ve put together a list of the 10 YouTube videos related to the U.S. annuity market in 2022, based on the number of views received. Annuity video viewership is low when compared with […]
Life Insurance’s ‘New Normal’ Is a Major Opportunity for Modern Financial Advisors
{January 23rd, 2023} by Michael Konialian
As financial advisors sort through the aftermath of the pandemic, they will find that life insurance has been completely transformed. At the beginning of 2020, distributing life insurance was an arduous task — requiring multiple, often in-person meetings, awkward conversations on gory details of medical history, followed by time-consuming medical exams and paper applications. Click […]
New Bill Would Raise Capital Gains Tax on Wealthy New Yorkers
{January 23rd, 2023} by Allison Bell
A New York state legislator wants high-income, high-net-worth state residents to pay more taxes on capital gains. Sen. Gustavo Rivera, D-N.Y., introduced S. 2162 Thursday. The bill that would impose an additional state income tax ranging from 7.5% to 15% on the long-term capital gains of taxpayers with New York state taxable income over a […]
Who Benefits Most From Annuity Purchases?
{January 23rd, 2023} by John Manganaro
Anew paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research investigates retirees’ optimal purchases of fixed and variable longevity income annuities using their defined contribution plan assets and given their expected Social Security benefits. The underlying analysis was put together by a trio of authors including Vanya Horneff and Raimond Maurer of the Goethe University […]
Kuvare and Aquarian Make Bermuda Deals
{January 23rd, 2023} by Allison Bell
Kuvare Holdings has broken through the thick new sheets of dealmaking ice. Higher interest rates and economic uncertainty have frozen announcements of mergers, acquisitions and other major deals in many sectors, but some companies in the life and annuity market have managed to start or close transactions anyway. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Secure 2.0 Act RMD Rules Open New IRA Planning Window
{January 23rd, 2023} by John Manganaro
Speaking on a recent webinar hosted by Carson Group, Jamie Hopkins, the firm’s managing director of wealth solutions, suggested the new extension of the required minimum distribution age to 73 is a key conversation starter for advisors and their clients in 2023. Hopkins was joined on the webinar by Christine Benz, Morningstar’s director of personal […]
5-Year Rollover Glut Has Swelled IRA Balances: Cerulli
{January 23rd, 2023} by John Manganaro
The exceptional capital market performance experienced between 2016 and 2021 translated to significantly higher average 401(k) account balances, which in turn drove a groundswell of rollovers into individual retirement accounts. This is one of the headline findings of the newly published Cerulli Report, “U.S. Retirement Markets 2022: The Role of Workplace Retirement Plans in the […]
New York Life Wealth Watch 2023 Outlook: 1-in-3 Individuals Hopeful About Finances in 2023, Despite Inflation, Recession Concerns
{January 23rd, 2023} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–While Americans continue to experience the challenges presented by inflation and a potential recession, New York Life’s latest Wealth Watch survey found that 66% of American adults are confident in their ability to reach their financial goals, and 1-in-3 feel hopeful about their finances at the end of 2022 going into 2023, reflecting […]
Reliance Standard Life Insurance and Matrix Absence Management Rebrand as Reliance Matrix, Delivering High-Tech and High-Touch Solutions to the U.S. Employee Benefits and Absence Management Markets
{January 23rd, 2023} by Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company
PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company and Matrix Absence Management have rebranded as Reliance Matrix, a technology-driven absence and employee benefits company that provides financial protection and supplemental health plans for employees, while helping employers maximize productivity by managing time away from work. The two industry leaders have joined forces to bring integrated and personalized […]
Nationwide, NFL Engage Fans with New Fundraising Platform
{January 23rd, 2023} by Alltroo
MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The 32 nominees for the National Football League’s (NFL’s) Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award presented by Nationwide are recognized not only for athletic excellence, but also because they make a positive impact off the field in their respective communities, representing the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy. For […]
Simplicity Successfully Completes the Acquisition of IMS Associates and Welcomes Sean Giroux as the Group’s Newest Partner
{January 23rd, 2023} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., Jan. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of IMS Associates (IMS), a brokerage general agency based in Orange County, CA that offers annuity, long-term care, disability, and all types of life insurance. With this transaction – Simplicity’s 50th – the Company welcomes IMS’ leader Sean Giroux as the Group’s newest Partner. “Sean and the entire […]
Kansas City Life Declares Quarterly Dividend
{January 23rd, 2023} by Kansas City Life Insurance Company
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Kansas City Life Insurance Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share on Jan. 23, 2023. The dividend will be payable on Feb. 8, 2023, to stockholders of record on Feb. 2, 2023. Kansas City Life Insurance Company (OTCQX: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company’s primary […]
Deferred annuities are better deals than immediate annuities
{January 23rd, 2023} by Mark Hulbert
Not only does the early bird get the worm, he gets a higher annuity payout as well. That’s the finding of a new study that the National Bureau of Economic Research began circulating earlier this month. Entitled “Target Retirement Fund: A Variant on Target Date Funds That Uses Deferred Life Annuities Rather than Bonds to […]
NAIFA and WIFS Announce Stronger Partnership, Launch of Inaugural Women’s Financial Security Fly-In
{January 23rd, 2023} by Insurance Forums Staff
No strangers already, NAIFA and WIFS recently announced the two organizations have signed an expanded partnership agreement and are launching an inaugural women’s financial security fly-in set for March. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and Women in Insurance & Financial Services have agreed to continue to work closely together and support their mutual goals in the […]
Best Book on Annuities
{January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a friend who asked me what the best book on annuities would be. I didn’t even know how to respond. I mean, is he asking about annuity sales? Annuity mechanics? Annuity psychology? Something else? What are the best annuity books you’ve read (warning: not your own book!), and why? Click HERE to Join […]
Horrifed by this Tik Tok
{January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am horrified by this Tik Tok on indexed life. Who said that 6%-8% was the “average return” on IUL? There is no place to substantiate that claim. It is “guaranteed growth?” Nearly every IUL has a minimum guaranteed interest rate of 0%. That IS NOT GROWTH. This is giving us all a bad name […]
ILL-PREPARED FOR THE MYGA BOOM?
{January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Not to start a complaint fest, but I have never heard more complaints about service with annuity home offices, than I have over the past two months. It seems few insurers are immune. The time required to issue an app has likely never been longer. I am typically hearing three weeks just to get a […]
Top FINRA Exam Priorities in 2023
{January 18th, 2023} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s just-released Examination and Risk Monitoring Program report gives broker-dealers insight into findings from recent oversight activities of FINRA’s Member Supervision, Market Regulation and Enforcement programs. The report “addresses topics that remain perennially important, with updates to reflect evolving risks, industry trends and findings from FINRA’s recent oversight activities,” Greg Ruppert, executive vice president […]
Confused, embarrssed. “There’s something that does not compute.”
{January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wow. Just wow. This one had me at, “there’s something that does not compute. Click to read “‘My adviser insists this is a good, low-risk investment.’ I’m semi-retired at 63 with $2 million saved. My financial adviser wants me to sink half my money in an annuity. Should I do it?” Chris Chen, CFP®, CDFA™– […]
Fractional Shares, Fixed-Income Pricing to Get Watchdog Scrutiny
{January 18th, 2023} by Lydia Beyoud
Brokers that offer traders the chance to buy less than a full share of a stock are set to face more scrutiny from a key industry watchdog. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority said how fractional-share trades are reported will be a focus of its examinations in 2023. The industry-backed regulator said supervisors will also look […]
Security Benefit Enhances its Strategic Growth Series of Annuities with Next Generation Capabilities
{January 18th, 2023} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (Security Benefit) today announced key enhancements to its Strategic Growth Series of Annuities, including the addition of a Rate Buy Up option across the series that allows retirement savers to enhance their potential contract accumulation, the launch of the Strategic Growth 7 product with a 7-year surrender charge […]
U.S. Life Application Activity Gets the Chills
{January 18th, 2023} by Allison Bell
U.S. individual life insurance application activity dropped in December, MIB Group reported Tuesday. The Braintree, Massachusetts-based industry organization said overall application flow fell 4.2% when compared with application flow for December 2021. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
2 Annuities That Are Worth a Look Now
{January 18th, 2023} by Neal Templin
Rising rates have made annuities of all stripes more interesting investments, but two in particular are worth a hard look right now. Multi-year guaranteed annuities—MYGAs, for short—are the insurance world equivalent of a bank certificate of deposit. Just like with CDs, rates have shot up in the last year. Unlike CDs, gains in a MYGA […]
What Is a Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity?
{January 18th, 2023} by John Egan for Forbes Advisor
In the third quarter of 2022, sales of multi-year guaranteed annuities totaled $27.4 billion, up 4.7% from the previous quarter and 138% from the same period in 2021, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Wink attributes the rising popularity of MYGAs to higher interest rates. Click HERE to read the full story via Nasdaq
More consumers go online to shop for life insurance
{January 18th, 2023} by Press Release
Chicago, Jan. 12, 2023 — More than four in 10 consumers go online or use an app when shopping for life insurance, according to a new TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) report. This is a significant shift as the vast majority of consumers traditionally purchase their life insurance policies through an agent. However, this is also very much […]
Bankrate: The best in life insurance
{January 18th, 2023} by Cate Deventer
Bankrate conducted extensive research into the life insurance industry to find the best term, whole and universal life insurance companies. We analyzed factors like accessibility, number of riders, coverage capacity, if the company offered a no-exam option, financial strength ratings and customer service scores to identify the best life insurance companies for each main policy […]
Legal woes mounting for disgraced insurance magnate Greg Lindberg
{January 18th, 2023} by John Hilton
Troubled financier Greg Lindberg is set to face trial on Securities and Exchange Commission charges after a judge denied a motion to dismiss last week. Lindberg, who also faces a second federal trial on bribery charges, allegedly participated in a $75 million fraud, the SEC alleged in an August complaint. The complaint names a Malta-based […]
What if Target Date Funds Used Annuities?
{January 18th, 2023} by John Manganaro
Anew paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research evaluates a proposed variant of the popular target date fund vehicle used in employer-sponsored retirement savings plans, with the goal of determining whether redirecting allocations from bonds to deferred income annuities boosts participant outcomes. The analysis was put together by John Shoven of the Department […]
Are Money Markets and CDs a Good Investment Now? Advisors’ Advice
{January 18th, 2023} by John Manganaro
With interest rates higher than advisors have seen in a generation, is it time to reconsider investments such as money market funds or certificates of deposit? ThinkAdvisor put this question to a stable of financial professionals with the XY Planning Network for the latest edition of the Advisors’ Advice series. We posed a simple query: […]
Stop Comparing Annuity Payout Rates to the 4% Rule
{January 18th, 2023} by David Blanchett
The recent rise in interest rates has changed the investment and lifetime income landscape. For example, payouts on immediate annuities have increased dramatically over the last year. The rise in interest rates has led to an increase in LinkedIn posts (at least, that I’m seeing) where some individual is effectively asking why someone would settle for 4% when they […]
NAFA Elects 2023 Board of Directors
{January 18th, 2023} by NAFA
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The general membership of NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, approved the slate of candidates presented for its 2023 board of directors at the association’s annual meeting held recently in Santa Monica, Calif. Nominations were received from the membership at large, and candidates were vetted by the current board before being proposed during the association’s 14th annual Annuity Distribution Summit. By unanimous decision, six new members and two […]
Athene COO Sees Non-Variable Annuity Sales Boom Continuing
{January 18th, 2023} by Allison Bell
Rising interest rates are continuing to push consumers to buy annuities, a top annuity issuer executive said Thursday. Mike Downing, the chief operating officer of Athene Holding, reported that sales conditions were much better than expected in 2022 and continue to be strong now. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor […]
Nearly two-thirds of women are delaying their retirement due to inflation
{January 18th, 2023} by Nationwide
Nationwide Retirement Institute® survey of retirement plan participants reveals that compared to men, more women’s financial and retirement goals have been derailed and their confidence is shaken COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Inflation has shaken women’s retirement security and confidence, according to a Nationwide Retirement Institute® survey of employer-sponsored retirement plan participants and sponsors. The study found […]
Integrity Closes Transformative Acquisition of Gladstone Wealth Partners to Offer Expansive Wealth Management Solutions to Americans
{January 18th, 2023} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS , Jan. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced the closing of its acquisition of Gladstone Wealth Partners, LLC (“Gladstone”), a leading wealth management firm offering registered independent advisor and broker-dealer services. This transformative acquisition of Gladstone, which was […]
Simplicity Acquires Jurs Montgomery Brokerage and Adds Justin Jurs and Chris Ronshagen to its Growing Partnership
{January 18th, 2023} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., Jan. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of Jurs Montgomery Brokerage, LLC (Jurs Montgomery). Led by Justin Jurs and Chris Ronshagen, Jurs Montgomery is a brokerage general agency that provides access to annuity, long-term care, life, and disability income products to independent producers, along with a high-touch support network. With offices in New York and Massachusetts, […]
Aquarian Closes Acquisition of Somerset Reinsurance
{January 17th, 2023} by Aquarian Holdings
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aquarian Holdings (“Aquarian”) today announced the closing of its acquisition of Somerset Reinsurance Limited (“Somerset Re”), a leading provider of reinsurance solutions to the U.S. life insurance and annuity market. Aquarian announced in 2022 that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Bermuda-domiciled reinsurer and provide a […]
Kuvare Announces Formation of New Bermuda Reinsurer – Initially Provides Kuvare Access to $400 Million of Co-Investment Capital
{January 17th, 2023} by Kuvare Holdings
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kuvare Holdings (“Kuvare”), a technology-enabled financial services platform focused on delivering life and annuity solutions to the underserved U.S. middle market, and reinsurance solutions to institutional partners worldwide, today announced the formation of Kindley Re Ltd. (“Kindley Re”). Kindley Re, a newly formed Bermuda-domiciled reinsurer, will co-invest at least $400 million with Kuvare in […]
AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Stellar National Life Insurance Company
{January 17th, 2023} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bbb” (Good) to Stellar National Life Insurance Company (Stellar Life) (Phoenix, AZ). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Stellar Life’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best […]
American Equity Schedules Fourth Quarter 2022 Earnings Release, Conference Call and Webcast
{January 17th, 2023} by American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL) announced today that it will release fourth quarter 2022 earnings and other financial results after the close of market on Thursday, February 16. The fourth quarter earnings release and financial supplement will be posted on the American Equity IR website at https://ir.american-equity.com/ at that time. […]
UPDATE: Jackson to Report Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Financial Results and Provide 2023 Outlook
{January 17th, 2023} by Jackson
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) will announce financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022 after market close Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call and webcast Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10 a.m. […]
F&G Annuities & Life Prices $500 Million Senior Unsecured Notes Offering
{January 10th, 2023} by Fidelity & Guaranty Life
DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (“F&G”), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today announced that it priced a private offering of $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.40% senior notes due 2028 (the “notes”). The offering is expected to close on January 13, […]
Transamerica, a Universal Life Sales Leader, Unveils New Product
{January 10th, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
Transamerica’s Financial Foundation IUL, a product featuring two of the index options of the company’s new offering but a lower minimum face amount — $25,000 for Foundation versus $250,000 for Choice — was the top-selling indexed life insurance in the third quarter, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Transamerica ranked second for overall indexed life […]
These 22 Life Insurers Just Saw Over 10% Growth in Premiums
{January 10th, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
National Life, the industry’s top seller of indexed life insurance according to research firm Wink, saw a doubling of renewal premiums over the last five years, according to an investor update presentation released in June. Life insurance premiums accounted for more than two-thirds of the 2021 total. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
In 2005, 40% of Indexed Annuities Sold Had This. Today? 1.6%.
{January 10th, 2023} by Aaron Smith
Sheryl Moore, CEO of market research firm Wink, thinks the monthly summing method appeared in about 2004. The following year, two-fifths of fixed-indexed annuities sold had this feature. Last year, through the first three quarters, only 1.6% did, a stunning decline. MassMutual Ascend, the former Great American, is phasing out the monthly summing option on certain annuities, according to Moore, who […]
Young, brash and wrong: FINRA study profiles investing risks
{January 9th, 2023} by Timothy Darragh
WASHINGTON //BestWire// – Hiring in the insurance industry continued chugging forward in December, as insurance companies, brokers and related businesses added another 3,800 jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. The hiring increase in the last month of the year matched hiring numbers in November, as the industry continued to rebound from the pandemic-driven downturn […]
Ameriprise Piloting Retirement Income Planning Service via Advisors
{January 9th, 2023} by Sam Del Rowe
Ameriprise Financial is piloting an advisor-based retirement income planning service, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. The Premier Retirement Income service “is a specialized approach to retirement income planning that builds on our current investment advisory services and products and provides advice to clients approaching or in the distribution phase of retirement,” […]
SILAC Insurance Company and Hildene Capital Management Announce Strategic Alliance
{January 9th, 2023} by SILAC Insurance Company
CARMEL, Ind. & STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SILAC Insurance Company (“SILAC” or the “Company”), a leading U.S. annuity provider, and Hildene Capital Management, LLC (together with its affiliates and clients, “Hildene”), a credit-focused asset manager with approximately $12 billion of assets under management, today announced that they have entered into a long-term strategic alliance. As part of […]
Pan-American Life Insurance Group Completes Merger of Mutual Trust Life Insurance Company into Pan-American Life Insurance Company
{January 9th, 2023} by Pan-American Life Insurance Group
NEW ORLEANS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG), a leading provider of life, accident and health insurance throughout the Americas, today announced that it has completed the merger of Mutual Trust Life Insurance Company®, a Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stock Company, into Pan-American Life Insurance Company (PALIC) as a fully integrated division named Mutual Trust Life […]
The Standard Adds New Stable Value Offering with The APEX Series
{January 9th, 2023} by Standard Insurance Company
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) has announced The APEX Series, a new stable value investment product that offers four fund options and competitive guaranteed rates through June 2023. The APEX Series expands The Standard’s existing stable value portfolio by offering returns that reflect the rising corporate and treasury rate environment. “Stable value funds continue […]
Best’s Special Report: Rising Interest Rates Suppress Debt Appetite for U.S. Life/Annuity Insurers
{January 9th, 2023} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Publicly traded U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurers are taking a more-cautious approach to issuing debt given rising interest rates, and instead have put a greater focus on strengthening their enterprise risk management, corporate governance and stress testing capabilities. according to a new AM Best special report. The Best’s Special Report, “Rising Interest Rates Suppress Debt Appetite for […]
Jackson to Report Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Financial Results
{January 9th, 2023} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) will announce financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022 after market close Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call and webcast Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. […]
AM Best Removes From Under Review With Developing Implications and Affirms Credit Ratings of SILAC Insurance Company
{January 9th, 2023} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bbb-” (Good) of SILAC Insurance Company (SILAC) (Salt Lake City, UT). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect SILAC’s […]
Foresters Financial launches Foresters Renew™
{January 9th, 2023} by The Independent Order of Foresters
TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™ (Foresters), the fraternal life insurer that’s boldly redefining the life insurance industry through innovation, purpose and wellness, today announced the launch of Foresters RenewTM grants. [1] Foresters Renew is a new member benefit aligned with Foresters core purpose to enrich the well-being of members, their families and their communities. [2] [3] Many […]
Mutual of America Financial Group Closes Acquisition of Landmark Life Insurance Company
{January 9th, 2023} by Mutual of America
NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Mutual of America Financial Group, a leading provider of retirement services and investments to employers, employees and individuals, completed its acquisition of Landmark Life Insurance Company, a widely licensed Texas life and annuity insurance company (“Landmark Life”) as of January 4, 2023. Landmark Life will be rebranded with plans to offer products in […]
Transamerica Unveils Financial Choice IUL
{January 9th, 2023} by Transamerica
New index universal life insurance offers opportunity for tax-advantaged choice and flexibility BALTIMORE, Jan. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica announces today the availability of the Transamerica Financial Choice IULSM, a new index universal life insurance policy to protect beneficiaries while providing flexibility and opportunity for tax-advantaged supplemental income. The Transamerica Financial Choice IUL offers life insurance protection and a variety […]
Economy, inflation are top of mind for financial services firms in 2023
{January 9th, 2023} by Ayo Mseka
In recent months, several financial services firms have released outlooks for 2023, providing critical insights for advisors as they help their clients navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The battle against inflation, a possible recession and a potentially flat year for life insurance sales are all top of mind. The Wells Fargo Investment […]
Symetra and Mutual of America Add Annuity Affiliates
{January 9th, 2023} by Allison Bell
Two life insurers — Symetra Financial and Mutual of America Financial Group — have completed deals to support their annuity operations. Symetra has started a Bermuda-based company, Symetra Bermuda Re Ltd., to provide reinsurance for an 80% quota share of fixed deferred and non-variable indexed annuities issued by its main life insurance company on or […]
The Annuity Paradox
{January 9th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I initially thought this article, The Annuity Paradox, was pretty balanced. I mean, Financial Planning Magazine isn’t wrong in their “parsing the mortality lottery” section. I did actually LOL on the annuity comparisons against different car models. And I have to concede that there are some “very complex” annuities out there. (But no one mentions that there […]
The 2023 Life, Health and Annuity Prediction Almanac
{January 9th, 2023} by Allison Bell
The year has changed, and forecasters are busy looking at sales data, stock market data, general economic data, tea leaves, Ouija boards and anything else that can give them hints about what comes next. Here’s a catalog of some of the predictions that have flowed our way, sorted into 10 categories. Click HERE to read […]
January jump in divorces offers advisors opportunity to provide value
{January 9th, 2023} by Gregg Greenberg
The month of January sees a jump in gym memberships every year as Americans seek to fulfill their new year’s resolutions of improved health. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Young, brash and wrong: FINRA study profiles investing risks
{January 9th, 2023} by Steven A. Morelli
un and trendy is in with investors as they skew younger – and stodgy is dodgy, according to the latest FINRA investor study. In a survey taken last year, investors were putting more of their money into individual stocks and ETFs and less into insurance products. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Morningstar raises ‘safe’ withdrawal rate recommendation
{January 9th, 2023} by Steven A. Morelli
Morningstar has raised its recommended retirement withdrawal rate closer to the 4% rule of thumb in an era of low equity valuations and higher bond yields. In its research, The State of Retirement Income 2022, Morningstar raised its recommended safe withdrawal rate to 3.8%, with annual inflation adjustments, up from 3.3% last year, even in an […]
American Equity rejects private equity takeover bid as problems with investor brew
{January 9th, 2023} by Tyler Jett
For the second time in just over two years, American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. has rebuffed a hostile takeover ― though the battle may still be brewing. The West Des Moines retirement funds provider, which employs about 800 people, recently disclosed that it had received two offers from private equity firm Elliott Investment Management […]
After record year, indexed universal life likely to stumble in 2023
{January 9th, 2023} by Steven A. Morelli
Although the fourth quarter is not expected to be a record-breaker on its own, it caps a banner year. Sheryl Moore, CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, projected that it will supersede last year’s blazing performance. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
‘Annuity King’ has ‘zero doubt’ of acquittal on annuity fraud charges
{January 9th, 2023} by John Hilton
The ongoing criminal case pitting the government against the self-titled “Annuity King” could finally go to trial this spring. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
Beware the ghosts of retirement planning past, present and future
{January 9th, 2023} by Phil Wright
In the classic short story, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge, relieved after a nightmare in which he was visited by three ghosts, proclaimed: “I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”1 Scrooge emerges […]
WINK’S LIFESPECS USERS RECEIVE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND DOCUMENTS LIBRARY RESOURCE
{January 4th, 2023} by Wink's Intel Pros
In the continued pursuit of our mission statement, “To provide the best darned competitive intelligence to the life insurance and annuity industries,” Wink, Inc., is excited to reveal enhancements to their LifeSpecs analysis tool. Wink added the documents library resource to LifeSpecs! It brings a plethora of product information right to you. Among the items […]
All the New Secure 2.0 and RILA Deadlines You Need to Know
{January 4th, 2023} by Allison Bell
The enormous new spending bill Congress has sent President Joe Biden could create a mountain of financial services law implementation work for federal agencies over the next 10 years. The heart of the new Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA, 2023) consists of appropriations provisions needed to keep the federal government running. At press time, the […]
Top 20 Life and Annuity Articles of 2022
{January 4th, 2023} by Allison Bell
What was the new year is turning into the old year, and news is turning into history. We compiled a list of the 20 most widely read articles about life insurance, annuities and closely related topics, such as long-term care insurance, that first appeared on ThinkAdvisor in 2022. The results show that readers need basic […]
The 2023 Life, Health and Annuity Prediction Almanac
{January 4th, 2023} by Allison Bell
The year has changed, and forecasters are busy looking at sales data, stock market data, general economic data, tea leaves, Ouija boards and anything else that can give them hints about what comes next. Here’s a catalog of some of the predictions that have flowed our way, sorted into 10 categories. Click HERE to read […]
Life Insurance as an Investment: Is It Right for Your Clients?
{January 4th, 2023} by Roger Wohlner
When most financial advisors and clients think about investing, life insurance is probably not at the top of the list. Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and the like are generally the primary portfolio components for most of your clients. This is as it should be. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor. Wink’s […]
MQATMULY
{January 4th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I was really excited to learn about a new index recently, which is designed to show you what a typical renewal annual point-to-point participation rate should be in the present environment. Mark Waldman schooled me about this new index from Genesis Financial Products, the company that brought us the indexed annuity. My mind began racing…of […]
The end of the monthly sum?
{January 4th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I’ve been wondering how long it would take for insurance companies to start retiring their monthly point-to-point indexing methods. MassMutual Ascend recently took this action on one of their indexed annuities. The indexing method, also known as “monthly sum,” used to account 40.50% of all indexed annuity sales in 2005. However, the most recent “Wink’s […]
Banner sales a theme in year’s top 10 annuity articles
{January 4th, 2023} by Steven A. Morelli
‘Crazy’ evolution of life, annuity indexes draws scrutiny, says expert In a July 1 article, expert Sheryl Moore was featured as she raised the warning flag on insurance companies pushing boundaries with proprietary indexes. As the CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink Inc., Moore has been on the front line for decades as the industry […]
Broker Words—January 2023
{January 4th, 2023} by Stephen Howard
The Howards and McAvoys have been good friends for more than 40 years. In fact, that friendship stretches back even before Broker World, to back when my father was Tom Sawyering local and regional ad prospects for our original publication Mid America Insurance Magazine. So it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Matt McAvoy for being named […]
“If I Don’t Sell That Product, It’s A Bad Product”
{January 4th, 2023} by Charlie Gipple
A while back, I posted something on LinkedIn about how to assist consumers that desperately need help get qualified for Medicaid. As you know, Medicaid can pay for long term care (nursing home care primarily), if a consumer is deemed financially incapable. It is not a replacement for long term care insurance, but it can […]
Technology Impacting Insurance Sales Through AI Leads, Digital Sales STP, And Illustration Workflow
{January 4th, 2023} by Ken Leibow
What’s the latest innovation in technology for insurance sales? Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used for lead generation, lead follow-up, strategic marketing, customer retention, and client support. Leveraging AI gives you more control over the sales cycle, helping clients identify hot leads earlier and faster. Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming the most sought-after technology solutions […]
Changing financial tides could hit IUL cap rates
{January 3rd, 2023} by Kyle Mills
Indexed universal life (IUL) cap rates have reached low tide, which makes long-term projections much less attractive for current and future policyholders. It is not hyperbole to say “every IUL policy sold in the last 10 years illustrates lower today than it did when it was sold,” assuming maximum illustrative rates. Some will argue this, […]
Annuity vs. Mutual Fund: What’s The Difference?
{January 3rd, 2023} by Kat Tretina and Benjamin Curry
Worried about not having enough money for retirement? You’re not alone. In a recent a survey released by the Stanford Center on Longevity, 55% of pre-retirees said their finances were fragile or that they were just barely making ends meet. Click HERE to read the full story via Forbes Wink’s Note: It is not uncommon […]
A fraud-filled 2022: Scammers and lawsuits fill the news
{January 3rd, 2023} by John Hilton
The year included plenty of high-profile fraud incidents and trends. COVID-19 fraud cases consistently drove strong traffic to InsuranceNewsNet. Some of the incidents included significant settlements and impacts. Such as a May settlement by Allianz, which agreed to pay $6 billion to settle charges that its investing division defrauded clients by hiding losses and risks […]
The growth of Integrity
{January 3rd, 2023} by John Hilton
The Big Three’s relentless growth is altering the distribution landscape, said Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink Inc. Small to midsized IMOs and FMOs are being gobbled up so quickly, it is forcing many to reconsider their plan, she said. “It is hard to compete against an Integrity, Simplicity or […]
Life sales predicted to be flat in 2023
{January 3rd, 2023} by Maureen Shaughnessy
Over the past few years, the life insurance industry has experienced a pandemic, lockdowns, underwriting restrictions, work-from-home disruptions, life insurance tax law changes and volatile economic conditions. Life insurance premium sales soared 18% in 2021 as the result of increased consumer demand for life insurance, coupled with the impact of tax law changes allowing higher […]
