New Twists on Premium Bonuses Present Tradeoffs
{November 21st, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
“It used to be that all premium bonuses were immediately credited, with no vesting schedules or recapture charges,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Some annuities even credited a premium bonus to the annuity each year, or with every subsequent premium payment, but these have largely become scarce, said Moore. […]
New lawsuit accuses National Life of misleading IUL illustrations
{November 13th, 2024} by John Hilton
Sheryl Moore is president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc. Although she is a persistent critic of misleading illustrations, Moore took note of the timing of the Virani lawsuit. “I find it very interesting that the lawsuit was filed just over one year after the policy was issued,” she said. “Plus, consumers […]
“And here we are 25 years later, and people are still struggling with it.”
{October 29th, 2024} by The Annuity Show
The Annuity Show– join host Paul Tyler and Sheryl J. Moore in Episode 242.
TikTok, YouTube videos mislead viewers on life insurance, critics say
{October 23rd, 2024} by John Hilton
A recent routine service call led to a discussion on indexed universal life insurance between noted industry analyst Sheryl Moore and the visiting technician. The man asked Moore – who founded Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc. – if she has ever heard of “indexed permanent life insurance.” He had been listening to product pitches […]
Indexing the market: Driving life, annuity sales
{October 8th, 2024} by John Hilton
Whole life remains the dominant product, although in a sales decline, and term life remains a source of quick, direct-to-consumer sales. But Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink Inc. and Moore Market Intelligence, is projecting record sales of indexed life insurance. “It is the fastest-growing segment of the life insurance market,” Moore said earlier this year. […]
Demystifying Annuities: Expert Insights for Your Financial Future
{October 1st, 2024} by The Retire Happy Podcast, International Financial Advisory Group
Curious about annuities but not sure where to start? In this month’s episode of the Retire Happy podcast, John Iammarino, RMA® and Thomas O’Connell RICP talk with Sheryl J. Moore, an international annuities expert, to break down everything you need to know—from the basics to the benefits and potential pitfalls. Whether you’re planning for retirement […]
The Get Ready Money Podcast with Sheryl Moore: Building Relationships
{October 1st, 2024} by Tony Steuer
On the latest episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Sheryl Moore, President and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc. about changing the way we think about money, annuities and building relationships. In this episode we discussed: 🔹 How building relationships contributes to your success. 🔹 If you don’t understand something, […]
Reliable and Relevant: Reprint #LIAM
{September 24th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I will never forget the day when Grandfather came home with tears in his eyes, talking about his client who had died unexpectedly. You see, this client’s wife had just held my grandfather’s hand for hours, as people came through a funeral home, paying their last respects to her husband. She repeatedly thanked him, looking […]
THE BASICS ON INDEXED UNIVERSAL LIFE: Reprint for #LIAM
{September 24th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
February 7, 2011 It has been nearly thirty years since consumers were first offered the benefits of Universal Life (UL) and with UL came flexibility in premium payments, death benefit options, coverage amounts, and all sorts of other things that they never dreamed of. UL was the beginning of a whole new world of product […]
I Give a Damn About Life Insurance – You Should Too! #LIAM Reprint
{September 18th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Starting out in the insurance industry 20 years ago, there was one thing that I learned quickly and that was life insurance was a necessity. Life insurance guards against the risk of dying unexpectedly. And let’s face it – we’re all going to die. For that reason alone, I thought that I should purchase life […]
DROPPING SOME KNOWLEDGE ON UNIVERSAL LIFE PRODUCTS: REPRINT #LIAM
{September 18th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Recently, one of the largest Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) in the country asked for Wink’s help with a big premium financing case. While preparing to run illustrations for the study, our team reviewed the list of products that the FMO wanted to include. I was shocked to see that while all of the products were […]
FUNDING UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE AT TARGET? YOU’RE MISSING THE POINT: REPRINT #LIAM
{September 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
The following article is a reprint, originally written July 15, 2013 by Sheryl J. Moore: Throughout the past [20] years of working with universal life (UL) products, one comment in particular has been overheard far too often: “…fund this UL at [X percent] over target.” This comment is especially popular in the indexed life market, […]
The Inconceivable Life Lesson #LIAM Reprint
{September 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
He was not yet four years old when my manager in the home office sat me down and suggested that I purchase life insurance for my oldest child, my only son, AJ. It seemed strange to me to consider his death. Why would I want to purchase life insurance on my child? I would predecease him. This […]
We Need Help Growing Life Insurance Distribution: REPRINT #LIAM
{September 4th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Originally posted February 5, 2011 by Sheryl J. Moore Most of you know that I am passionate about indexed life insurance and indexed annuities. However, I am passionate about insurance products in general. In fact, one of the things that I am MOST passionate about is growing our distribution! Not so long ago, life insurance […]
Death Benefit Claim Fail #LIAM Reprint
{September 4th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
As the nation’s top expert on life insurance and annuity products, I have spent a great deal of my time over the last couple of decades pouring-over specimen contracts and prospectuses. It’s what I do. It’s why I’m the life of the party. Given that, I am going to admit to you one […]
Nassau Latest to Offer High Premium Bonus on New Fixed-Indexed Annuity
{August 27th, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
“There is definitely more focus on developing bonus indexed annuities this year,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of life and annuity market researcher Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “The favorable interest rate environment has resulted in many consumers doing rollovers and exchanges into new annuities.” Moore said that a premium bonus is often the best […]
The Standard webinar with Sheryl Moore
{August 23rd, 2024} by The Standard
Sheryl J. Moore will join Paul Garofoli of The Standard to talk about her firsthand experience using indexed annuities to save for retirement.
Episode 2 Annuities & More with Sheryl Moore
{August 23rd, 2024} by CBS Brokerage
Annuities are back in the spotlight as we approach the September Federal Reserve decision on interest rates. Sheryl J. Moore, CEO of Wink, Inc.. and Moore Market Intelligence, recently joined our CBS Spotlight podcast and spoke with our hosts Michael Kohrmann, CLTC® and Eric Alvarado about the annuities space. This is a must-listen episode for […]
Interviewing Top Expert, Sheryl J. Moore
{August 23rd, 2024} by Brad Pistole
Have you read Sheryl J. Moore’s new book, “Why I Bought Indexed Annuities?” It’s a MUST read! Watch this interview with the ANNUITY GURU and order your copies today! Sheryl Moore, author of ‘Why I Bought Indexed Annuities’, discusses the benefits and misconceptions surrounding indexed annuities. She explains that indexed annuities guarantee a monthly paycheck […]
In this episode of That Annuity Show
{August 14th, 2024} by That Annuity Show
In this episode of That Annuity Show, hosts Paul Tyler, Ramsey Smith, and Bruno Caron interview Sheryl J. Moore, Chief Storyteller of Wink, Inc. and author of a new book on indexed annuities. The discussion covers various aspects of the annuity industry, including product complexity, consumer education, and common misconceptions about annuities. Sheryl shares her […]
Performance Lock Features Proliferate as Consumers Seek to Protect Gains
{August 7th, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the life and annuity market, said features that give consumers the option to lock in gains at a high point in the index are becoming more popular because of the steadily rising market — which brings with it the threat of a looming […]
Dispelling some myths on indexed annuities…
{July 29th, 2024} by Jeremy Houser
The reputation of annuities has been knocked around in the past 🤕 On this week’s Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Sheryl J. Moore Founder and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence is changing the narrative. It’s all about presenting the right facts and advocating for the industry 📇 Check out this clip for a preview of the conversation, […]
20 Tips For Establishing Multiple Revenue Streams In Retirement
{July 29th, 2024} by Expert Panel
In the absence of a steady full-time paycheck, creating multiple income streams during retirement can ensure financial security and stability. Whether you’re approaching retirement age or just looking ahead, it’s important to understand your options and plan accordingly. To help, 20 Forbes Finance Council members share practical tips to help retirees diversify their income sources. From investing […]
Episode 2 Annuities & More with Sheryl Moore
{July 29th, 2024} by CBS Brokerage
We’ve published our latest podcast episode, an in-depth look at annuities featuring Sheryl J. Moore, CEO of Wink, Inc. and Moore Market Intelligence. Our hosts Michael Kohrmann, CLTC and Eric Alvarado talk through the in’s and out’s of the annuities space, discussing common misconceptions and what advisors – and their clients – need to know. […]
Annuities & More with Sheryl Moore
{July 16th, 2024} by MICHAEL KOHRMANN AND ERIC ALVARADO
Join CBS Spotlight as we discuss the truth and misconceptions of annuities with The founder, creator, & CEO of Wink Inc. & Moore Market Intelligence – Sheryl Moore! Gives us a listen, you might be surprised what Sheryl Moore has to say. Wink’s Moore on the Market: Likely the most unique podcast I’ve ever […]
Reprint: How to Change the Narrative Around Annuities, Annuity Awareness Month
{June 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
June is Annuity Awareness Month, which is basically like a big, nerdy party for an annuity evangelist like me. This is primarily because I get to be on stage more often, do more webinars and Zooms than is typical. Heck, a few years ago, I even had the opportunity to work with my former Governor […]
Reprint: Americans Are Demanding Annuities #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 26th, 2024} by Sheryl Moore
I have seen the demand for annuities grow stronger and stronger over the past couple of decades. When I talk about this with colleagues in the annuity industry, they think I am being facetious. What? You haven’t seen the same? Well, let me show you about the demand for annuities from my own perspective. Click […]
REPRINT: 100 facts your clients need to know about annuities: #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that that the top fear of Americans is outliving their retirement income? Death comes in as the second top fear. It’s easy to see that annuities are still the black box of the insurance industry … what a shame. Did you know that the top fear of Americans is outliving their retirement income? (Death […]
REPRINT: ANNUITY ILLUSTRATIONS: LIABILITY YOUR AGENTS DON’T NEED #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
When it comes to life insurance sales, you cannot close the deal without an illustration. Thanks to the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s (NAIC’s) Life Insurance Illustration Model Regulation, there are very few instances where one need not collect an illustration to get a life policy issued. However, when it comes to the annuity side […]
Reprint: Compensation: Commission vs. Fees #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 20th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Never in my decades of insurance experience have I witnessed a debate on social media that is more heated and passionate than that of fee-based advisors versus those who are commissioned. The argument? “One cannot act in the client’s best interests unless they are a fiduciary who does not get paid a commission.” Fiduciaries […]
Reprint: Innovation in Annuities #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 20th, 2024} by Bloomberg
A fireside chat with three annuity industry experts and a BI economist to discuss the space, as it relates to sales metrics, distribution and product innovation. Topics include the sales growth outlook for the Annuity space (Fixed, Variable, Indexed, RILA), product innovation in the index area, opportunities in the 401(k) market, competitive dynamics and the […]
Carriers Serve Up a New Flavor of Fixed-Rate Annuities
{June 20th, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
“The point here is to offer consumers a simple product with greater upside potential,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, which tracks life and annuity markets. Regular fixed-rate contracts, known as multiyear guaranteed annuities, or MYGAs, offer a fixed return, typically over three, five or seven years, but sometimes more. Their […]
REPRINT: DON’T ASSUME PROSPECTS KNOW ANNUITIES, #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
DON’T ASSUME PROSPECTS KNOW ANNUITIES April 21, 2013 by Sheryl J. Moore By Sheryl J. Moore, President and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, an indexed product resource in Des Moines, IA. I was speaking to a health insurance agent today who was looking for information on life insurance and annuities. He was genuinely interested […]
Reprint: Wink’s Annuity Quick Reference by Sheryl J. Moore #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Originally posted on March 1, 2022 “I do not endorse any company/product. It’s not that I want people to buy annuities; I just want them to have credible information about them so that they can make a decision about if they are right for them.” Wink’s CEO, Sheryl J. Moore Click to view Wink’s […]
Reprint: How to Change the Narrative Around Annuities: #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
June is Annuity Awareness Month, which is basically like a big, nerdy party for an annuity evangelist like me. This is primarily because I get to be on stage more often, do more webinars and Zooms than is typical. Heck, a few years ago, I even had the opportunity to work with my former Governor […]
Reprint: Structured Annuities Seize the Spotlight #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 1st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
About fourteen years ago, the first structured annuity hit the streets. It was the first time in 15 years that deferred annuities had to welcome a new product class. And if you are still unfamiliar with these products, it’s time to get an education. These annuities are now the fastest-growing segment of the life insurance […]
Reprint: Annuity Quick Reference Guide #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 1st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many have never heard of annuities. Perhaps the easiest way to grasp the concept of annuities is to first discuss life insurance products. Life insurance is a contract that pays a benefit in the event you die unexpectedly. In turn, annuities are a contract that pay a benefit in the event you live too long. […]
I GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ANNUITIES – YOU SHOULD TOO! Reprint #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 1st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ANNUITIES – YOU SHOULD TOO May 19, 2015 by Sheryl J. Moore WHY PEOPLE NEED ANNUITIES I recall well my entrance into the life insurance market. Nearly 20 years ago, I was a single mother with three babies in diapers; wondering what career I could hold in Des Moines, Iowa […]
Let’s End the Annuity Commission Smear
{May 14th, 2024} by David Macchia
In today’s video, I set the record straight on an annuity commissions. Agents are not overpaid. Commissions are not a bad thing. In fact, they’re very good thing…for consumers. “Sheryl Moore was kind enough to share some stats with me, from her Wink’s Sales & Market Report.“
Prudential’s Record FlexGuard Sales Hint at Largely Untapped Market
{May 14th, 2024} by Warren S. Hersch
Wink CEO Sheryl Moore also thinks that indexed-linked variable life policies will become more prevalent. Like Parrish, she sees consumer interest in comparable structured annuities fueling adoption — and among a certain type of buyer. “The ideal prospect for structured life is a consumer wanting cash value life insurance that can outpace indexed life but has the ability […]
Revol One Financial retools with new annuity products, big goals
{May 6th, 2024} by John Hilton
There are a lot of insurance companies in the annuity sales game. But the new regime at Revol One Financial say they have a strategy to dent the leaderboard: speed and customer service. Click HERE to read the full story via INN Article excerpt: Revol One generated some industry buzz with its announcement, […]
Index allocation is always a big question.
{April 23rd, 2024} by Trent Zimmermann
Index allocation is always a big question. Especially now with the growth of volatility-controlled indexes. As only Sheryl J. Moore of Wink, Inc. can, she keeps it real and breaks it down on what these indexes truly do. And she gives a bonus hashtag#hottake on how, with her year of experience analyzing the data on […]
Innovation in Annuities- Higher Rates, Index Offerings Drive Record Sales
{April 16th, 2024} by Jeffrey Flynn
Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) is hosting a webinar on Innovation in the Annuity Market on April 18 at 10AM EST. Please join us for a fireside chat with insurance industry experts Sheryl J. Moore, Alan Grissom and Carrie Freeburg, ASA, MAAA, as well as an economic perspective from BI economist Stuart Paul. Registration Link: https://bloomberg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JKk9Ro4_S0et2ab0xOOrgw#/registration […]
DOL fiduciary rule proposal to restrict, ban some producer compensation
{April 8th, 2024} by John Hilton
For an industry that has struggled mightily at times to attract producers, the changes to compensation accompanying the new Department of Labor fiduciary rule are no small concern. Repeated studies show a very high attrition rate for insurance producers entering the business. It adds up to “a dying distribution” system, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of […]
Life Settlement Firm Selling Policies Back to Issuers
{April 8th, 2024} by Warren S. Hersch
Market Watchers Weigh In: Sources reached by Life Annuity Specialist lauded Abacus’ initiative. Wink CEO Sheryl Moore described it as a “win/win/win for insureds, Abacus and insurers.” Ramona Neal, president of Living Benefit Review, observed that insurers have been among the biggest purchasers of life settlements. But she questions whether life settlement companies’ buying of policies with the intent of reselling selling […]
Sheryl Moore: The Insurance Industry’s Scorekeeper
{March 25th, 2024} by David Macchia
Even in a giant industry like insurance, some people stand out in a special way. Such an individual is Sheryl Moore, Founder and CEO of Wink Inc. Sheryl is the scorekeeper of the insurance industry. She publishes the industry’s sales results across product types and product lines. But what I admire most about Sheryl is […]
New Indexed Life Product Has Agents Scratching Their Heads
{February 27th, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
Americo’s new product offers some of the most competitive rates in the market, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the indexed life market. “It will be interesting to see how quickly Americo can ramp up sales.” Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Rates on the move as Fed vows to slash interest rates
{February 13th, 2024} by John Hilton
While both rates might be falling in tandem throughout the 2024, Sheryl Moore, CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc., said they are likely to remain healthy enough to fuel continued record-breaking annuity sales. “Generally, we are seeing rates going down since the beginning of the year,” Moore said. “I anticipate that the Fed Funds […]
Indexed Universal Life Sales Expected to Rise This Year
{February 13th, 2024} by Aaron Smith
Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence in Des Moines, Iowa, which publishes Wink’s Sales & Market Report, estimates that indexed life sales were unchanged last year in the U.S. compared to the year before, but she expects sales to rise in 2024 and thereafter. She said the big players for IUL are National Life Group, Transamerica and Pacific Life. […]
#62 – Sheryl Moore – Life Insurance, Annuities and Legacy, Oh My
{January 31st, 2024} by Tyler Kamerman
Through two very personal events, Sheryl Moore’s passion for life insurance and annuities was fanned into full flame. Sheryl is the president and CEO of Moore Market intelligence and is founder and creator of Wink’s AnnuitySpecs and Life Specs, as well as Wink’s Sales & Market Report and Wink’s intelligence report. She is the co-author […]
Regulators lukewarm on illustrations rewrite in 2024
{January 2nd, 2024} by John Hilton
It is long overdue to update the life illustrations model regulation, agreed Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, Inc. and Moore Market Intelligence. “It is time to nip the illustration gamesmanship by the bud,” she said. “Indexed life didn’t exist when the life insurance illustration model regulation was adopted by the states. It’s time to reopen […]
Raising the bar by building a strong network
{December 12th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
When the door to my corporate job shut on my expected career path, the next door opened when I recognized an unmet need in the insurance industry. Click HERE to read the full story via Aspire Magazine page 30
Quiz: Can You Identify These Annuity Players?
{December 1st, 2023} by Allison Bell
It’s important to know facts about Social Security and income taxes, but what if you go to a holiday party over the next few weeks, meet the CEOs of companies with $10 billion in annual annuity sales and blank on those CEOs’ names? Click HERE to view the slideshow While you are here, check […]
Buffered Variable Annuities on Track to Overtake Traditional Variable Contracts in Q4
{December 1st, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
“I am projecting that structured annuity sales will top variable annuity sales by next quarter,” Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of the report, said in a news release. “Once the market volatility started, it was only a matter of time until variable annuity sales started to slip,” Moore added in a followup email. Click HERE to […]
Navigate your future with ease
{November 21st, 2023} by Royal Neighbors of America
Could this be the right choice for you? Read tips from expert Sheryl J. Moore, Shareholder and CEO of the life and market research firm Wink, Inc. https://bit.ly/45Fyblg
Annuity Intermediaries Left in the Lurch Under Fiduciary Rule Proposal
{November 21st, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
Annuity Giants Agents Academy founder Tracy Lownsberry, whose company offers an online training platform for agents, said on the LinkedIn page of Wink CEO Sheryl Moore that the idea is very much on his mind, though he’s not yet certain what’s best to do. “Once we find out what will be required or suggested, we will take that all into consideration […]
Repost for Eye Donation Month: I am ABSOLUTELY OVERWHELMED with a grateful heart right now!
{November 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
November is National Eye Donation Month. Begun in 1983, the purpose of Eye Donation Month is to Raise Awareness about cornea donation and transplantation Honor the gift of sight given by selfless donors and their families Celebrate cornea transplant recipients living their fullest lives thanks to the generosity of donors Educate about eye donation and encourage individuals to register […]
As Annuity Sales Surge, Industry-Watchers Fret Over Weak Broader Growth
{October 11th, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink and Moore Market Intelligence, said in an email that banks have taken on a greater share of multi-year guaranteed annuities because of the products’ simple design. The products account for nearly 40% of deferred annuity sales, she said. The trendline in sales has entailed challenges for independent marketing organizations, a main distribution channel […]
Securian Delinks Cap Rates on New and In-Force Indexed Universal Life Policies
{October 3rd, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Indexed universal life sales have been a consistent bright spot for the industry with second quarter sales increasing 5.9% from a year ago to $726.2 million, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Top sellers in the second quarter were National Life Group, Transamerica and Pacific Life, Wink reported. Carrier Protections “Good luck suing for this,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, […]
Life Insurers Ride Brisk Sales in Second Quarter, Wink Says
{September 13th, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
In a press statement, Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink and Moore Market Intelligence, said that indexed-life sales mirrored the record-setting pace of fixed-indexed annuities. “If sales keep setting records like this, the par whole life carriers will have no choice but to develop their own indexed solution,” she said, referencing insurers of participating whole life products that […]
iCover Expands Into Annuities, With or Without Agents
{September 13th, 2023} by Aaron Smith
For example, PlanEasy announced in July that it launched Annuity Marketplace, an online platform to sell multi-year guaranteed annuities, or MYGAs. But according to Wink CEO Sheryl Moore, direct-to-consumer sales are only a tiny sliver of the annuity market, representing just 0.4% of deferred annuity sales in the fourth quarter of 2022. Click HERE to read the full story via Life […]
BUY TERM AND “INVEST” THE REST WITH INDEXED UNIVERSAL LIFE: Reprint #LIAM
{September 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
For as long as I’ve been handling my own finances, I’ve been hearing that people should “buy term and invest the difference.” I have never really taken stock in the concept. I mean, I am a financial services professional that cut her teeth on whole life, but who would adopt this theory centered around buying […]
Indexed life sales up 28%, drives strong Q2 for life insurance, Wink says
{September 6th, 2023} by Staff Reports
“Like indexed annuities, indexed life is setting sales records,” said Sheryl J. Moore, CEO of both Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc. “If sales keep setting records like this, the par whole life carriers will have no choice but to develop their own indexed solution.” Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Insurance Company Executive Compensation: Not What You Would Expect
{August 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
There are a couple of things that have put the matter of life insurance company executive compensation front and center with me over the past couple of months. First- I recently had the opportunity to read an article from Life Annuity Specialist regarding the extreme pay being collected by the head of a sleepy little […]
Once upon a time
{August 1st, 2023} by Pam Sheehan
Life insurance is intangible. Storytelling is how you make it relatable.
Constellation Launches AuguStar Annuity Business
{July 25th, 2023} by Allison Bell
Constellation Insurance today said its new AuguStar insurance business will sell a full line of individual annuities, not just life insurance. Constellation — the company that acquired Ohio National in 2022 and promised to invest $500 million in reviving it — said the AuguStar Retirement division will write non-variable indexed annuities, multi-year guaranteed annuities, traditional variable […]
Global Atlantic Is Going Digital With Electronic Applications for Annuities
{July 18th, 2023} by Aaron Smith
But direct-to-consumer annuity sales are a small portion of the market, with just eight insurers offering annuities directly to consumers, totaling 0.4% of deferred annuity sales in the fourth quarter, according to Wink CEO Sheryl Moore. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist Wink’s Moore on the Market: I did let Aaron know […]
Security Benefit Drops Surrender Charge, Income Rider on Indexed Annuity
{July 18th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Security Benefit’s changes put them on a more even playing field with the fee-based competition, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the annuity market. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
PlanEasy Launches Online Distribution of Annuities
{July 18th, 2023} by Aaron Smith
Wink CEO Sheryl Moore pointed out that annuities that are sold directly to consumers represent only a small sliver of the overall annuity market, representing just 0.4% of deferred annuity sales in the fourth quarter of 2022. Moore said that eight insurers offer annuities direct to the consumer — Clear Spring Life (through the agency Gainbridge,) Fidelity, MassMutual (via Blueprint Income,) Nationwide, Prudential, Puritan Life (through Canvas,) Security Benefit Life and RiverSource (through Ameriprise.) Click […]
American Equity Claims $2 Billion in Annuity Sales for Second Quarter
{July 18th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
“Rates are so attractive that you would have to be doing something wrong not to have solid sales of fixed and indexed annuities right now,” added Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the life and annuity market. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Bringing life to the intangible sale
{July 6th, 2023} by Sheryl Moore
I have learned that the art of storytelling is essential in the life insurance business. My grandfather taught me this lesson when I was only nine years old, and yet it has continued to stand out starkly in my mind over the past twenty-four years. I had been playing hide-and-seek with my little brother when […]
‘Business as usual’ if Brookfield Reinsurance acquires American Equity
{June 28th, 2023} by John Hilton
American Equity’s board will review the proposal with advisors. In a separate statement, Brookfield said it’s aiming to negotiate terms of a definitive agreement and announce a transaction by June 30. The bid includes $38.85 per share in cash plus $16.15 per share in class A stock of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. “Business as usual,” […]
‘Fusion’ Power: New Product Combines Fixed Rate and Fixed-Indexed Annuity
{June 28th, 2023} by Arthur D. Postal
Sheryl Moore, founder and CEO of Wink and Moore Market Intelligence in Des Moines, Iowa, says that right now there is a big focus on indexed annuities which have participation rates upward of 100%. “These indexes illustrate well, which is driving sales of late,” Moore said. “Marketing organizations are eager to make indexed annuities more like MYGAs because then […]
Judge Orders Mediator in Lincoln Lawsuit Over Illustrations
{June 28th, 2023} by Aaron Smith
Implications for the Industry “I absolutely believe that this lawsuit has wider implications for the indexed annuity market,” said Sheryl Moore, chief executive officer of Moore Market Intelligence and the publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Moore said that, according to her data, 33.2% of the $22.6 billion in indexed annuity sales during the first quarter were allocated […]
Sales of Indexed Annuities with Living Benefits Rise 36% in First Quarter
{June 28th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, which tracks the life and annuity market, said Allianz’s Allianz Benefit Control Annuity and Nationwide’s New Heights Select 9 were the No. 1 and No. 2 top-selling indexed annuities with guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits in the first quarter of the year. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity […]
Reprint: A SOURCE OF HEADACHES: “SOURCE OF FUNDS” #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 27th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
A SOURCE OF HEADACHES: “SOURCE OF FUNDS” July 16, 2013 by Sheryl J. Moore One of today’s most widely-miscommunicated issues is the fixed annuity market’s “Source of Funds” matter. The issue? It’s figuring out where the prospective purchaser of a fixed or indexed annuity is getting his or her money from, so they can use […]
Indexed Annuity Product Illustrations Draw Fire Over Illusory Returns
{June 21st, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said indexed annuity illustrations she’s seen project annual returns upwards of 17%. Indexed annuities typically outpace the interest earnings of fixed-rate annuities by a small margin. That would seem to dictate yields well below those shown in illustrations, given that fixed annuities are currently […]
Lincoln Financial in settlement talks with ex-agent who sued over FIA returns
{June 21st, 2023} by John Hilton
The update sets out a court schedule that ends with a trial date of April 7, 2025. The discovery phase, the initial disclosure included, is delayed until Dec. 18, 2023. Sheryl Moore, CEO of both Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc., does not think those dates will be needed. “Insurance companies have a record of […]
Regulatory Tightening on Product Illustrations May Be ‘Nothingburger’
{June 13th, 2023} by Sheryl Moore
Separately, Wink CEO Sheryl Moore soberly noted in December that “more conservativeness in illustration handling for indexed life always seems to have a negative effect on sales.” On May 1, the new illustration requirements that were approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners took effect, and insurers rolled out new versions of their policies. Click HERE to read the full […]
Global Atlantic, Dropping Indexed Life, to Lay off 38 in Des Moines
{June 13th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Global Atlantic had a 1.22% share of the $2.73 billion indexed life market at the end of last year, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. National Life Group and Transamerica dominate sales. Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, which is also based in Des Moines, expressed regret at the news of the layoffs. “No doubt some of my old coworkers and […]
Lincoln Financial in settlement talks with ex-agent who sued over FIA returns
{June 13th, 2023} by John Hilton
Sheryl Moore, CEO of both Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc., does not think those dates will be needed. “Insurance companies have a record of settling disputes, whenever possible,” she said. “No one likes to see their name in lights with a class action lawsuit. No doubt the Lincoln case will not make it to […]
Global Atlantic to stop selling new fixed indexed universal life policies
{June 7th, 2023} by John Hilton
Global Atlantic’s fixed IUL sales dropped sharply in the first quarter, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc. “Frequent feedback from the field left me feeling unsurprised about their exit of the indexed life market,” she added. “The word on the street is that they plan to re-enter the indexed life […]
Pacific Life Slips Down Indexed Life Ranks as National Life Reigns
{June 6th, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
Sales of indexed life products rose marginally, 0.4% to $632.6 million. Wink CEO Sheryl Moore expected volume for the second quarter to be hurt by the implementation of a revised NAIC actuarial guideline, 49-B, which is expected to reduce illustrated payouts on the products. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Consumers Make a Big Move Into Longer Fixed-Rate Annuities
{June 6th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
“There was a flip-flop between the five-year and the three-year,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “Rates on the three-year are closer to the five-year products.” Click HERE to read the full story via LifeAnnuitySpecialist
New Buffered Annuity’s Bold Bet: Direct Sales, No Suitability Review
{June 6th, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, counts herself a skeptic about prospects for an indexed-linked variable annuity sold directly to consumers. Selling in the nascent market segment, which earlier was limited to simpler product designs like fixed-rate and single premium immediate annuities, is challenging, she said in an email. “It […]
Reprint: Record Annuity Sales #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Americans’ biggest fear is running out of money in retirement. You’d think that fact alone would set annuity sales to record heights. After all, this financial product is the only instrument which can guarantee the purchaser an income they cannot outlive…even if they live to be 150 years old! Click HERE to read the […]
MYGA Frenzy Pushes Annuity Sales Higher in Q1: Wink
{June 1st, 2023} by Allison Bell
Moore’s View: Sheryl Moore, Wink’s CEO, said non-variable annuities are paying higher rates than bank certificates of deposit can offer. “As long as CD rates remain so low relative to annuity rates, you can count on indexed and MYGA annuity sales being high,” Moore said. . Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
We Asked ChatGPT-Type Model About Life Insurance, Annuities. Yikes!
{June 1st, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Questionable Accuracy: We asked Bard about the average commission paid to an insurance agent on the sale of an immediate annuity and an indexed annuity. It told us commissions for immediate annuities are higher than those for indexed products. “This is absolutely inaccurate,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Income annuities […]
Why Sales Tumbled at a Texas Insurer That Now May Be Up for Sale
{May 25th, 2023} by Aaron Smith
Wink Chief Executive Officer Sheryl Moore, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said in an interview that executives at National Western Life had been trying to improve the company and worked on its infrastructure last year. “A couple years ago they brought in new management to increase annuity share of the annuity market,” she said. “That management […]
American Equity CEO Sees ‘Irrational’ Behavior Among Annuity Sellers
{May 24th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the indexed annuity market, said the firm has seen more rate reductions so far in the second quarter than in the first quarter. She said in an email that a review of indexed annuities using an S&P 500 annual strategy found that the […]
Ex-Lincoln Financial agent is lead plaintiff in Texas lawsuit over insurer’s FIA sales
{May 15th, 2023} by John Hilton
Having an agent sue his carrier for products he sold is not a good look for the annuity industry, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink Inc. and Moore Market Intelligence. “This has huge implications,” she said. “Other agents appointed with just about any insurance company in the indexed annuity market could make the same move.” […]
Will AG 49-B be a May Day or meh day for IUL illustrations?
{May 2nd, 2023} by Steven A. Morelli
May Day has special significance for indexed universal life illustration rates as a new guideline goes into effect, which is expected to reduce illustrated rate and perhaps suppress sales. Click HERE to read the full story via INN ……………………………………………………………………………………………… Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink Inc., said the lower illustrated rates are likely to suppress […]
How an Annuity Issuer Found Bliss in Tiny Market for Direct Sales
{May 2nd, 2023} by Warren S. Hersch
Direct-to-consumer annuity sales have always been relatively small, according to Wink CEO Sheryl Moore. She noted that just eight insurers offered 18 annuities direct to consumers, and that this channel accounted for only 0.4% of $79.3 billion in deferred annuity sales in the fourth quarter. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist Thus far, […]
Where’s the Beef? Fake Indexes, Class Action Litigation, IUL, and AG 49-B
{April 25th, 2023} by Larry J. Rybka, JD, CFP
At the beginning of Easter weekend, Sheryl J. Moore posted on LinkedIn about this very subject detailing information about two class action lawsuits involving indexed annuities using volatility-control indexes. After pulling both actual filings and reading through the pleadings and court dockets, I decided to comment on Sheryl’s post. When I checked back a few days later, there were […]
SEC May Turn Up Heat on Annuity Sellers Who Wear Two Hats
{April 25th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, who tracks the annuity market, said in an email that these alleged behaviors [of the advisor in this case] are “abominable” and added she was disappointed that state regulators didn’t do anything [about this man’s behavior] before the case arrived at the SEC. “[Though] I am left wondering if the insurance companies were […]
Insurers Choking on Annuity Applications Finally Catch Their Breath
{April 18th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said the most she’s heard of is six weeks to process an annuity application. Turnaround times have become important, and she knows of agents and distributors helping to direct sales to carriers that issue policies fast. Moore said she’s even heard of at least one […]
Insurers Rush to Sweeten Income Options on Annuities as Rates Climb
{March 29th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Since the beginning of the year, it’s been a better time to buy fixed-indexed annuities with guaranteed lifetime income, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of market researcher Wink. She added that 49.8% of fixed-indexed annuity buyers elect a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. Moore, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, counts at least 13 insurers that have raised the […]
MassMutual’s Stable Voyage Was Quarter’s Top Fixed-Rate Annuity
{March 21st, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
The product helped make the Springfield, Mass.-based carrier the top fixed-rate annuity seller over the period with a market share of 16%, Wink’s Sales & Market Report said. Athene was second, followed by New York Life, Corebridge Financial and Brighthouse Financial, Wink reported in its quarterly survey of the industry… Click HERE to read Wink’s news release. Quarterly and yearly sales of […]
How Good Are Top 10 Lists of Insurers? We Took a Hard Look at One.
{March 14th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Using only the A.M. Best and interest rate criteria on which Insider Monkey relies, there are 68 companies that should make the list, according to Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
As Rates Rise, Innovation and Changes Sweep Through Annuities
{March 8th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
Higher rates aren’t the whole picture though, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. They do generally mean better yields on general accounts from which carriers earn a profit. But she noted that you also have to consider the cost of options, such as on the S&P 500, that are used […]
Why Consumers Resist Annuity Swaps Even as Old Rates Worsen
{March 8th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
The case to turn in their old products seems compelling: Investment yields have jumped a lot over the past year. Also, rates on their existing products have sunk to the near-minimum levels allowed, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist […]
Simplicity in it for the long haul
{March 7th, 2023} by John Hilton
Marketing firms are changing the business of distribution, said Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink Inc. Small- to mid-sized insurance marketing organizations and field marketing organizations are being gobbled up so quickly, it is forcing many to reconsider their plan, she added. “It is hard to compete against an Integrity, […]
No surprise here
{March 1st, 2023} by Sheryl Moore
With deferred annuities projected to hit $300 billion in sales for 2022, this will mark a nearly 20% increase from the record hit in 2008. And while final figures won’t be available until after the publication of this article, it’s clear principal protection was a theme in 2022. Click HERE to read the full story […]
13 Finance Experts Recommend Tech Tools For Managing Business And Personal Finances
{March 1st, 2023} by Forbes Finance Council
7. LivePlan LivePlan software “helps entrepreneurs and small businesses organize relevant strategy and projection information more concisely.” I use the software for all of my financial projections and cash flow assumptions. The standard system comes at a cost of $20 per month, and it is worth every penny. – Sheryl J. Moore, Wink, Inc. Click HERE to view […]
Amid Plethora of Indexes, Annuity Buyers Return to the Familiar
{February 22nd, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
In the third quarter of 2022, for every $100,000 sunk into a fixed-indexed annuity, $44,000, or 44%, went to the S&P 500 Index, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. That was up from 32.8% in the third quarter of the previous year. Hybrid indexes, which include volatility-controlled indexes, scooped up 41.4% of premiums, down from 60.1% […]
AmeriLife focuses on ‘organic growth’ in next step
{February 6th, 2023} by John Hilton
With a key December hire in a newly created position, AmeriLife took the next step in its plan to grow annuity sales organically. Matthew Coleman brings nearly 30 years of industry experience to AmeriLife, where he is the company’s first vice president of annuity and life product innovation. Click HERE to read the full […]
Under New Incentive Plan, American Equity CEO Could Reap $72M
{February 6th, 2023} by Cyril Tuohy
“I still remember when the CEO of American Equity barely earned $100,000 annually in salary,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, in a LinkedIn post. “My, how things have changed over the past 17 years.” Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
Indexed Life Sales May Tumble After Revision to NAIC Guideline
{December 27th, 2022} by Warren S. Hersch
“The results could be much more conservative” than adjusting the actuarial guideline that is intended just for indexed universal life, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, which publishes Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “More conservativeness in illustration handling for indexed life always seems to have a negative effect on sales.” Click HERE to read the full story via […]
Top life insurance stories of 2022 focused on COVD-19, business case for buying life insurance
{December 27th, 2022} by Ayo Mseka
Advisors spend a great deal of time persuading their prospects to protect themselves and their loved ones with the gift of life insurance. The most popular stories in 2022 ranged from record setting indexed life sales to re-thinking the “buy term and invest the difference” strategy, to the continuing controversy over IUL illustrations. Here’s a […]
Zurich to Stop Accepting Applications for Indexed and Term Life
{December 20th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“Zurich has expanded into other product lines that have a customer demographic that is far different than the high-net-worth individuals that they typically dealt with for their indexed life sales,” Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said in an email. Reducing sales of indexed universal life were planned as a part […]
Insurer: Add full in-force life insurance illustration to regulation remix
{December 13th, 2022} by John Hilton
A state regulator panel has closed an initial comment period on potential changes to the overall life insurance illustration regulation. Any changes to the regulation would be a highly sensitive, extended process difficult to complete, regulators say, so the Indexed Universal Life Illustration Subgroup is proceeding cautiously. The advertised comment period only asked for revision […]
Big-City Insurers Could Poach Midwest Workers in Remote Work Era
{December 13th, 2022} by Aaron Smith
“Des Moines enjoys a very good standard of living because of the insurance sector,” said Sheryl Moore CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and the publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Her firm’s office is in Des Moines. “Our insurance jobs pay very competitively. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist. Wink’s Note: […]
Expect the MYGA, indexed annuity boom into next year, Moore says
{December 5th, 2022} by Steven A. Morelli
Expect a blazing fourth quarter and 2023 for multiyear guaranteed and indexed annuities and a bumpy ride for variable annuities and its hybrid offspring, structured annuities. Those were a few observations from Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink Inc. and Moore Market Intelligence, after third quarter results showed banner performance for FIAs and MYGAs in particular. […]
Athene, NY Life, MassMutual Sales Leaders in Fixed-Rate Segment in 3Q
{November 28th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“Multi-year guaranteed annuity sales killed it this quarter,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, in a news release. With three-year, fixed-rate annuities paying out nearly three times what they were in the first quarter, the stellar sales results should come as no surprise, she added. Click HERE to read the full […]
Withdrawals Surge at MassMutual as Policyholders Contend with Inflation
{November 28th, 2022} by Aaron Smith
“That information would seem to suggest that consumers are not cashing out their policies, in order to take advantage of improved interest rates on new policies,” said Sheryl Moore, chief executive officer of Moore Market Intelligence and the publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. She said this activity could apply to cash value life insurance policies like universal […]
Some Clients Said ‘No Thanks’ to Traditional Variable Annuities in Q3
{November 28th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Stock market volatility hurt sales of traditional variable annuities in the third quarter but helped sales of non-variable annuities, according to new annuity issuer sales survey data from Wink. Sheryl Moore, the CEO of Wink, said rising interest rates made multi-year guaranteed annuities, or MYGA contracts, especially popular. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Life Insurnace with living benefits and extended care protection
{November 22nd, 2022} by Kelly Augspurger
Sheryl J. Moore and Kelly Augspurger in this episode of Steadfast Care Planning podcast
With New Hire, Pacific Life Sends ‘Strong Signal’ About Tech Strategy
{November 22nd, 2022} by Aaron Smith
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said Pacific Life offers multi-year guaranteed fixed-rate annuities with rates that she described as “pretty competitive, relative to their peers.” She said she expects Pacific Life will eventually sell structured annuities, and it remains one of the top three sellers for indexed universal […]
Athene Just Rocketed Into the Top Three for U.S. Annuity Sales
{November 22nd, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“Athene has been aggressive in their pursuit of competitive multiyear guaranteed annuity rates during the quarter,” Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said in an email. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Fixed Annuities on a Tear in 2022
{November 15th, 2022} by Brian Anderson
Fixed annuities are having a moment, and they can thank rising interest rates for it. In a LinkedIn post today, Sheryl Moore, founder, creator and CEO of Wink, Inc., and Moore Market Intelligence, had a compelling chart culled from her WinkIntel’s AnnuitySpecs tool that offered a simple explanation. From her post: Here’s why annuity sales are on the […]
‘Quick fix’ concept for IUL illustrations advanced, with some dissent
{November 15th, 2022} by John Hilton
A state insurance regulator subgroup came up with a “quick fix” Wednesday to address faulty illustration problems within the Actuarial Guideline 49-A. Sort of. Members of the Indexed Universal Life Illustration subgroup ended a conference call with a nonbinding “straw poll” vote that favored a fix put forth by Securian Financial and Penn Mutual Life […]
The Highest Rate is King
{November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Over the past few years, the annuity industry has begun seeing a new trend that has seismically shifted the dynamic of annuity sales. Startups are getting into the indexed annuity market by first developing a multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) with an aggressive credited rate, gaining distribution, and then transferring their focus over to indexed annuities. […]
AmeriLife acquiring TruChoice to create ‘a force to be reckoned with’
{November 8th, 2022} by John Hilton
Sheryl Moore is founder and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence. The TruChoice acquisition is a major boost for AmeriLife, she said this morning. “Two of the biggest marketing organizations in life insurance just formed a force to be reckoned with,” she said. “It will be interesting to see how many FMOs are left standing when […]
One Product From Life Insurers That’s Selling Itself Right Now
{November 8th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“Consumers are flocking to fixed and indexed annuities because the yields on certificates of deposit are still abysmal,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “I have multi-year guaranteed annuities that are crediting 4.90% annually, for three years,” she added. “Why would anyone lock into a five-year CD at […]
Sales of These Life and Annuity Products Could Surge Next Year
{October 31st, 2022} by Warren S. Hersch
Wink CEO Sheryl Moore anticipates that annuity sales will increase by double digits next year. A key driver for fixed-rate annuities, she noted, is the large “spread,” or difference between rates paid on certificates of deposit and the higher yields offered on annuities. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
State regulator group previews possible ‘quick fix’ to IUL illustration issue
{October 17th, 2022} by John Hilton
For now, the group is accepting comments for three weeks on the following three concepts to fix AG 49-A: Bobby Samuelson noted that his proposal actually encompasses the thoughts expressed by several letter writers. Samuelson authored a pair of letters with fellow product intelligence analyst Sheryl Moore. They favor removing the lookback option from calculations. Their letter […]
The BEST long term care policy is the one that is inforce when you need it!
{October 17th, 2022} by Steadfast Insurance Agency
Which LTC Solution is Best? Sheryl J. Moore and I chatted about this topic. Check it out.
16 Ways To Keep A Seasonal Business Financially Healthy Year-Round
{October 4th, 2022} by Forbes Finance Council
5. Leverage A Line Of Credit Seasonal businesses can use a line of credit during leaner times, if necessary. This allows you to continue paying expenses while revenue is not as plentiful. Then, when revenue is back up, pay down the line of credit. The line of credit works as a great tool when smoothing […]
The Inconceivable Life Lesson: REPRINT #LIAM
{September 26th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
He was not yet four years old when my manager in the home office sat me down and suggested that I purchase life insurance for my oldest child, my only son, AJ. It seemed strange to me to consider his death. Why would I want to purchase life insurance on my child? I would predecease him. This […]
Insurance industry pushes ‘quick fix’ for IUL illustration issues
{September 20th, 2022} by John Hilton
For example, some IUL fixed interest bonuses can generate illustrated income more than 60% higher than a Benchmark Index Account [such as the S&P 500], wrote Sheryl Moore and Bobby Samuelson, who are competing product intelligence analysts. The pair co-authored a pair of comment letters. “This is, in our view, entirely inconsistent with the intent […]
Buyers Opt for Annuities Linking to Special Indexes at Record Pace
{September 13th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
The indexes were available on 49.8% of all indexed annuities sold in the April through June period, the highest percentage ever, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. The S&P 500 Index was an option on 38.4% of the products sold. “This is the first time that category’s allocations have surpassed the S&P 500 allocations,” said Sheryl […]
The New Kings of Annuity Distribution May Come as a Surprise
{September 7th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“For the first time, banks sold more annuities than any distribution channel,” Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink and Moore Market Intelligence, said in a news release. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist Click HERE to read Sheryl Moore’s full statement. View the Wink’s Sales & Market Report Press Release, Click HERE and […]
Higher Rates Fuel Q2 Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity Sales: Wink
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Higher interest rates and client concerns about stock market volatility pushed sales of multi-year guaranteed annuities (or MYGA contracts) up hard in the second quarter. U.S. MYGA contract sales increased 82% between the second quarter of 2021 and the latest quarter, to $26 billion, according to new annuity issuer sales survey data from Wink. Click […]
The Life Insurance Distributor That Can’t Stop Buying Other Firms
{August 31st, 2022} by Aaron Smith
Sheryl Moore, CEO of market research firm Wink, said she thinks Integrity wants to become a “preeminent distributor” of annuities, life insurance, and medical supplement and long-term-care products. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
“Secret weapon” to running multiple businesses
{August 31st, 2022} by Kelly Augspurger
Kelly Augspurger and Sheryl J. Moore chatted about business and their personal lives. Click HERE to listen in and learn what Sheryl’s “secret weapon” is and how she manages to run multiple businesses successfully.
Task force weighs ‘limited’ revision of life insurance illustrations model
{August 23rd, 2022} by John Hilton
It “would be HUGE” if regulators reopened the illustrations model, wrote Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc., in an email. Indexed life insurance wasn’t available yet when #582 was finalized, she noted. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
State Regulators Are Open to Broader Review of Product Illustrations
{August 22nd, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Industry analysts like Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, and Bobby Samuelson, executive editor of The Life Product Review, have decried the illustration “gamesmanship” used to get around AG 49-A. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Annuity Buyers Lose Some Appetite for Battered Special Indexes
{August 16th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“The down market affects all indices, not just hybrids,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “The bad news is that some people are earning zero. The good news is that when the market recovers, those owning indexed annuities are going to have some fantastic opportunities for gains.” Click HERE to read the […]
The Mystery of Why a Startup Bought a Small Seller of Burial Insurance
{August 9th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, said Everly’s move appears to be a strategic decision to acquire a company that is successful for final expense policies, then distribute that product straight to consumers. “Final expense life insurance products are fairly transactional, so it would be an ideal product line for online distributing,” she added. Moore said […]
Product experts: Regulators need to end ‘gamesmanship’ of IUL illustrations
{August 2nd, 2022} by John Hilton
Sheryl Moore of Moore Market Intelligence and Bobby Samuelson of The Life Product Review took the unusual step of co-authoring a comment letter on Actuarial Guideline 49-A. The pair are competitors in the product intelligence field. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Critics, Carriers Weigh in on Fractious Debate Over Indexed Life Illustrations
{August 2nd, 2022} by Aaron Smith
“I believe that a hard cap should be applied, with a range of returns that fluctuate on an outside benchmark, which is a barometer for prevailing interest rates,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of market research firm Wink, in an email. Moore and Bobby Samuelson, president of Life Innovators and executive editor of The Life Product Review, and also five life insurers, submitted […]
Why Insurers Should Take a Closer Look at the Integrity-Annexus Deal
{August 2nd, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“This deal could potentially open up new deals for product development for Integrity,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, “If Integrity plans to open up the proprietary Annexus Group products to their existing distribution, it could mean more sales for insurance companies.” Click HERE to read the full story via […]
Index-Linked Variable Annuities Enter a New Stage of Differentiation
{August 2nd, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“Structured annuities are coming into their own,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “They are maturing, and innovating just as we would expect of a product that is a decade old.” Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
The Evolution of the Index with Sheryl Moore
{July 19th, 2022} by John Hilton
An explosion in the growth of proprietary indices and indexed products continues. But regulators are circling. What will the next generation of indexed products look like? Indexed products are popular, offering apparent upside and little downside. But regulators are wary. The growth of proprietary indices has critics claiming consumers are confused and misled by rosy […]
A MYGA? Fixed-Indexed Annuity? New Product Straddles Categories.
{July 12th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said Ibexis’ MYGA Plus is employing the same kind of “performance triggered strategy” that has been used on indexed annuities for decades. A rise in the index simply triggers a higher payout on the product. “Ibexis is just guaranteeing the declared rate for a period […]
