The Photo Issue: Sheryl Moore
{July 15th, 2016} by Anne Carothers- Kay
BY ANNE CAROTHERS-KAY, Managing Editor Friday, July 15, 2016 6:00 AM Sheryl Moore President, CEO, Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc. Body Art Sheryl Moore admits she’s a little OCD. That’s why when she says she likes the Beastie Boys, an ’80s rock-rap group that she started following as a child, that means that she […]
Insurers developing fee-based fixed-indexed annuities post-DOL fiduciary rule
{July 14th, 2016} by Greg Iacurci
Insurance companies are going full steam ahead developing fee-based fixed-indexed annuities due to greater anticipated demand from distributors for advisory products as a result of the Labor Department’s fiduciary rule. Please view full article at:http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20160714/FREE/160719964/insurers-developing-fee-based-fixed-indexed-annuities-post-dol This sort of fee-based product development is new among fixed-indexed annuity product manufacturers. Midland National Life […]
FMOs Retain Fixed Indexed Annuity Dominance by Launching Own Broker-Dealer
{July 13th, 2016} by Rachel Summit
By Rachel Summit , with Annuity FYI Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs,) also known as Independent Marketing Organizations (IMOs), are worried about the fixed indexed annuity requirements that come with the DOL’s new fiduciary rule. These types of organizations represent independent agents, a group that accounted for 60% of indexed annuity product sales in the first […]
First on the Docket: Market Synergy v. DOL Fiduciary Rule
{July 11th, 2016} by John Hilton
A Topeka, Kan. court will hear arguments Aug. 24 on insurance agency Market Synergy Group’s lawsuit to stop the Department of Labor fiduciary rule. The Market Synergy lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas is one of three lawsuits seeking a preliminary injunction. As it stands, it will be the first appeal […]
Indexed annuity distributors weigh launching B-Ds due to DOL fiduciary rule
{June 23rd, 2016} by Greg Iacurci
Distribution networks representing independent insurance agents are weighing, and in some cases forging ahead with, plans to launch broker-dealers to continue selling fixed-indexed annuities in retirement accounts under the Labor Department’s fiduciary rule regime. Click HERE to view the original article at InvestmentNews.com “There’s been a lot of chatter with […]
Market Synergy Gets Support in DOL Lawsuit
{June 21st, 2016} by John Hilton
The Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule will damage fixed indexed annuities’ primary channel of distribution, one that is rarely cited in consumer complaints, according to one of eight affidavits filed to support a lawsuit against the rule. The affidavits were filed today to support Market Synergy, which is among five groups who have sued to stop […]
Iowa Insurance Companies to Host Des Moines Insurance Conference June 28
{June 21st, 2016} by Business Wire
June 20, 2016 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Agenda and webcast details for the 2016 Des Moines Insurance Conference are now available. Participating companies include Aegon (NYSE: AEG), American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL), EMC Insurance Group Inc. (NASDAQ: EMCI), FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) and Principal Financial Group […]
Will Floating Rates Become the New Indexed Annuities?
{June 7th, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
A new annuity gives some of the appeal of indexed annuities to traditional annuities by linking to the LIBOR. How can an annuity offer the promise of gain from indexed products with the simplicity of a traditional annuity? Security Benefit Life is hoping it has that answer with an annuity designed to fit in between […]
Nationwide Releases FIAs With Joint Option
{May 23rd, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
Nationwide, which rocketed into a Top Three spot in the sales of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) in the fourth quarter of last year, has launched a pair of FIAs with a “joint option” feature. The joint option feature allows the annuity’s death benefit to be paid to either surviving spouse, no matter who dies first. […]
Annuities.direct Podcast: Annuities 101 with Sheryl Moore
{May 19th, 2016} by Jimmy Dot Direct & Stan the Annuity Man
Podcast Hosts: Jimmy Dot Direct & Stan The Annuity Man Podcast Guest: Sheryl J. Moore, founder, creator, and President & CEO of Wink, Inc. They call her the “Indexed Rockstar.” Click HERE for the podcast
How to sell fixed indexed annuities in a DOL fiduciary environment
{May 6th, 2016} by Greg Iacurci
Many providers of fixed indexed annuities and advisers who sell them were caught off guard when the Labor Department failed to exempt them from a fiduciary standard under the department’s new rule. Click HERE to view the full story via InvestmentNews; registration required “I’m disappointed the DOL doesn’t seem to know […]
AG 49 Targets Fantasy Returns in IUL Illustrations, Policy Loans
{April 28th, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
You can’t spell “illustration” without “illusion”. The National Associate of Insurance Commissions (NAIC) ushered in a new era in illustration of indexed universal life (IUL) products last month when Actuarial Guidelines (AG) 49 went into effects. AG 49’s latest provisions focus on policy loans and illustration disclosures used to map out the future growth of […]
New retirement savings rule ripples through Des Moines
{April 19th, 2016} by Matthew Pattane
A new federal rule aimed at saving retirement investors money is rippling through Des Moines, as investment advisers and companies work to figure out the full effect of the regulation. The Department of Labor recently approved a new rule for those who give retirement investment advice. Instead of just having to provide “suitable” advice to customers, […]
Dear Advisors: Keep Selling FIAs Despite DOL Rule
{April 19th, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
Hot-selling fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) were dealt a blow when federal Labor Department regulators made it more difficult to distribute the products into retirement accounts. So where do FIAs go from here? In the near term, a “fire sale” effect could mean a rise in FIAs as insurance agents and brokers push to […]
Attorney: No Reasoning Behind DOL Treatment Of FIAs In Fiduciary Rule
{April 12th, 2016} by John Hilton
The future of fixed indexed annuity sales is up in the air after the Department of Labor added an unexpected wrinkle to its fiduciary rule. And a Washington attorney said he believes the rule should be re-issued as a result. FIAs have always been afforded the 84-24 Prohibited Transaction Exemption, which classified them as an […]
DOL rule puts new restrictions on indexed annuities
{April 8th, 2016} by Business Record Staff
Sales of indexed annuities could be adversely affected under new rules released this week by the U.S. Department of Labor, according to a local annuity expert. Several insurers specializing in indexed annuities are based in or have operations in Greater Des Moines. Under the new rules, indexed annuities would no longer be exempt under the […]
Industry insiders react cautiously to DOL fiduciary rule
{April 7th, 2016} by Arthur D. Postal
Insurers, and their trade groups in general, appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach to the Department of Labor’s publication of its new fiduciary standard rule. However, unlike previous comments about the potential impact of the rule, none used the word “sue” to describe their reaction. At the same time, officials of the indexed annuity […]
Surprise: DOL Rule Targets Indexed Annuities
{April 7th, 2016} by Kerry Pechter
Advisors and agents who sell fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) to retirement account owners on a commission basis will have to pledge to act in the “best interest” of the purchaser under the final version of the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule and its prohibited transaction exemptions, which the DOL released yesterday. Specifically, FIA sellers will […]
Variable and fixed-indexed annuities feel sting of DOL fiduciary rule
{April 6th, 2016} by Greg Iacurci
Those who thought fixed indexed annuities would be a benefactor of the Labor Department’s fiduciary rule may want to think again. Click HERE to view the full story via InvestmentNews; registration required “Indexed annuities were variable-annuity carriers’ Plan B. Now, they’re having to come up with Plan C,” said […]
Annuity Industry Caught Off-Guard By DOL Rule
{April 6th, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
They didn’t make it, and the annuity industry was caught off-guard. Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs), which had originally been left out of a draft proposal of the Department of Labor’s new fiduciary rule, were added to variable annuities as the two classes of annuity products requiring an exemption. For advisors to proceed with a sale […]
Will Floating Rate Annuities Shake Up the Market?
{April 4th, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
Here’s a dilemma that many annuity investors haven’t had to face in many years: as rates rise, the price of their fixed annuity investments fall. Who wants to buy their old annuities if new annuities coming into the market are paying more interest? Good question, and one that Security Benefit Life in Topeka, Kan., have […]
MetLife Deal Signals Hard Times Coming for Variable Annuity Sales
{April 1st, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
MetLife’s decision to sell its career agency insurance channel and broker-dealer to mass-Mutual Financial Group may signal that contraction of the annuity market that some analysts predicted would come from the Department of Labor’s new fiduciary rule. The controversial rule changes “the landscape when it comes to commission-based sales for variable annuities, mutual funds and […]
Indexed Annuity Magic: How Do They Do It?
{March 31st, 2016} by Sheryl J. Moore
One of the greatest mysteries in the indexed annuity market is how insurance companies are able to offer market-linked gains on an annuity with a principal protection feature. Many are familiar with the strong guarantees that fixed annuities offer, but it comes at the cost of low potential for gains. On the other hand, variable […]
Are FIAs Filling the Variable Annuity Void?
{March 29th, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
Although variable annuities still outsell their fixed annuity cousins by the tens of billions of dollars, the shift away from variable annuities is noticeable. That shift is expected to continue with the release of new rules by the Department of Labor, according to two annuity industry experts. One of the biggest beneficiaries of the DOL’s […]
Nationwide, AIG see huge gains in fixed indexed annuity sales; Allianz and Security Benefit flounder
{March 29th, 2016} by Greg Iacurci
Nationwide and American International Group saw sizable gains in fixed indexed annuity sales last year, jumping into the Top 10 sales leaderboard and reaping the benefits of a market appetite for indexed annuities that only seems to be growing. Click HERE to view the full story via InvestmentNews; registration required […]
Rising interest rates pushing annuity product development
{March 24th, 2016} by Greg Iacurci
Insurers are trying to capitalize on an environment of rising interest rates by developing annuities that would benefit investors as rates increase. Click HERE to view the full story via InvestmentNews; registration required “With this product development, these companies are finding a way to try and take advantage of a rising-rate environment,” said Sheryl Moore, […]
Indexed Annuities, Indexed Life Sales Hit Record Highs
{March 22nd, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
Fourth quarter sales 2015 of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) soared to a record $15.5 billion. This marks a 30 percent increase compared with the year-ago period, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. The hot-selling annuity category also finished 2015 at a record $53 billion in sales, an increase of 13 percent over 2014. “We […]
Indexed annuity sales set records in 4th quarter and year
{March 21st, 2016} by LifeHealthPro Editors
Indexed annuity sales totaled $15.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015, according to a new report. This finding is disclosed in the 74thedition of “Wink’s Sales & Market Report.” The study represents 55 indexed annuity carriers that participated in 99.9 percent of indexed annuity production in the fourth quarter of 2015. The study shows […]
American Equity CEO: Strong 2015 Performance Makes Company Second-Biggest Seller of Fixed Annuities
{March 11th, 2016} by Dennis Gorski, managing editor-online, BestWeek: Dennis.Gorski@ambest.com
ORLANDO, Fla. – Coming off a strong year for sales of its fixed annuity products, executives of American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. told investors its performance was good enough to claim second place in industrywide sales of the product in 2015, behind only Allianz. Annuities analyst Sheryl Moore, president of Moore Market Intelligence, confirmed […]
Genworth LTC Annuity Targets Elderly And Sick
{March 9th, 2016} by Juliette Fairley
Sales of hybrid annuities and life insurance policies with long-term care benefit riders and early death benefits have increased by more than 24% since 2014, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI). And now traditional long-term care insurers are getting in on the game. “Insurers are developing all types of different options […]
Voya lowers caps, participation rates on indexed universal life policies
{February 19th, 2016} by Greg Iacurci
Voya Financial is lowering the cap and participation rates on some of its indexed universal life insurance policies because of rising market volatility. Click HERE to view the full story via InvestmentNews; registration required “Although all cash-value life insurance policies have the ability to change their non-guaranteed provisions on an annual […]
Advisors Look Ahead To 2016 While Recalling Memories Of Past Year
{January 5th, 2016} by Cyril Tuohy
From rebuilding after a fire to striking out into a new business venture, 2015 was a year of challenges and rewards for advisors. As we move ahead into 2016, InsuranceNewsNet talked with a number of advisors about the highs and lows they experienced during the past year. Some focused on the lows, others the highs. […]
Industry Leaders Share Insights:
{November 18th, 2015} by NAFA Staff
NAFA Annuity Outlook magazine staff asked several industry executives to share their insights on this question: From your perspective, how will 2015 sales, product and/or regulatory developments impact the new year ahead – for the industry at large and/or specifically for financial professionals? Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, an indexed product […]
Ruminations, Reflections from the 2015 SOA Annual Conference: BLOG
{October 27th, 2015} by Steven D. McDonnell
Click HERE to view blog
Industry Moves From Life/Health To Life/Annuity
{October 13th, 2015} by Linda Koco
There was a time not long ago when the life and annuity (L&A) industry had another moniker. It was known as “the life and health (L&H) insurance industry.” The words still hold sway in some quarters, but they are no longer in general parlance as they once were. Click HERE to read article […]
Will FA And MYGA Sales Start Rising?
{September 21st, 2015} by Linda Koco
Traditional fixed annuities (FAs) and multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) might seem like yesteryear’s afterthought, shivering as their sales are in the shadow of the soaring fixed index annuity (FIA) sales. But it might be a mistake for annuity professionals to give these products the cold shoulder. Agreed, the industry doesn’t hear much about sales of […]
I Give a Damn About Life Insurance – You Should Too!
{September 16th, 2015} 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 […]
No Flight To Safety Expected In This Downturn
{September 15th, 2015} by John Hilton
Annuity sellers might see a bump in sales from consumers fleeing the stock market after the latest gyrations, but they probably won’t see the rush to safety that they witnessed after the 2008 crash, said an annuity analyst. “Anytime we see a drop in the market, we see an increase in indexed annuity sales,” said […]
FIAs Have Second-Best 2Q In History
{September 8th, 2015} by Linda Koco
Annuity carriers sold nearly $12.3 billion in fixed index annuities (FIAs) in the second quarter of this year, according to a new report from Wink Inc. Although down 2.5 percent from last year’s record-breaking second quarter, the sales outpaced the previous quarter by nearly 8 percent, the researcher said. With the exception of second quarter […]
100 facts people need to know about annuities
{August 24th, 2015} by Sheryl J. Moore
June marked the second annual commencement of National Annuity Awareness Month-a month dedicated to educating consumers about annuities, their benefits and features. Since I was out on maternity leave last June, this was my first opportunity to be involved in the festivities. In fact, I was able to obtain the Iowa governor’s Proclamation, identifying the […]
What Do People Need to Know About Annuities?
{August 18th, 2015} by Sheryl J. Moore
June marked the second annual commencement of National Annuity Awareness Month- a month dedicated to educating consumers about annuities, their benefits, and features. Since I was out on maternity leave last June, this was my first opportunity to be involved in the festivities. In fact, I was able to obtain the Iowa governor’s Proclamation, identifying the indexed annuity capital of […]
The 20 most creative people in insurance
{August 4th, 2015} by LifeHealthPro Staff
“Creativity is just connecting things,” Steve Jobs famously said, making one of the most pursued attributes in the business world sound beautifully simple and obtainable. Insurance is a multi-trillion dollar industry, and so, of course, millions of connections happen every day. Most of them go unnoticed. Click here to read…
Advisor Network Summit: One conference you can’t afford to miss
{July 7th, 2015} by Van Mueller
The annual Advisor Network Summit in Las Vegas is a vital meeting for agents to attend. A small investment of your time and money will provide you with some of the best ideas in the industry and access to the people sharing those ideas. Every year, agents tell me that they decided to stay in […]
Magic Johnson Buys Into FIA Carrier EquiTrust
{July 7th, 2015} by Linda Koco
Retired basketball legend-turned-entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson has acquired more than 60 percent of EquiTrust Life from Guggenheim Partners. The deal, which began last year, concluded for an undisclosed amount. EquiTrust is a leading writer of retail annuities. Guggenheim is a New York-based investment and advisory firm that reportedly had bought the carrier in 2011. The […]
4 myths Dave Ramsey is spreading about fixed annuities (and how to overcome them)
{June 23rd, 2015} by Michael Markey
Yesterday’s experiences shape tomorrow’s beliefs. Had Dave Ramsey’s past experiences not been marred by financial ruin; had his past not been sensationalized by giving off-the-cuff, hard-to-hear, overly simplified advice; had he not generated most of his wealth during one of the strongest bull markets our country has ever seen; then we wouldn’t have a Dave […]
Push-Pull Dynamic Heats Up Annuity Awareness Month
{June 9th, 2015} by Cyril Tuohy, cyril.tuohy@innfeedback.com
There’s momentum building around annuities, and that’s good news for the annuity industry, which this month celebrates its second annual National Annuity Awareness Month (NAAM). Call it a “rise and shine” moment for guaranteed income products. As the sun rises on its way to solstice on June 21, the Society for Annuity Facts and Education […]
SAFE Promotes National Annuity Awareness Month
{June 9th, 2015} by Society of Annuity Facts & Education
Pleasant Hill, Iowa – June 4th, 2015– The Society for Annuity Facts & Education (SAFE), a nonprofit with the aim of educating consumers about annuities, joins the Coalition for Annuity Awareness for the second annual National Annuity Awareness Month in June. Research indicates that 52% of workers have less than $10,000 saved and only 18 […]
Why Agents & Their Clients Should Love Annuities
{June 2nd, 2015} by Cyril Tuohy, cyril.tuohy@innfeedback.com
The story surrounding annuities is a textbook example of the adage that there are two sides (at least) to every story. Many people love annuities and what annuities can do for them. Consumers cherish the host of guaranteed income features that annuities offer. But mention the word “annuity” and some clients are likely to recoil […]
Pros, Cons Of Indexed Annuities
{June 2nd, 2015} by PAUL KATZEFF, INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY
Indexed annuities are hot. In a survey by Wink’s Sales & Market Report — a researcher serving the life insurance and annuities industries — annuity carriers reported first-quarter sales of $11.3 billion for these kissing cousins of traditional variable annuities. That was up nearly 5% vs. the same period last year. It was the best […]
I Give a Damn About Annuities – You Should Too
{May 19th, 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 that was stable. Aha! Insurance. Before becoming a homemaker, I had managed a grocery store, so working in […]
IUL: Accumulation vs. Protection
{May 19th, 2015} by Cyril Tuohy, cyril.tuohy@innfeedback.com
One of the strategies discussed in the Insider’s Guide to Indexed Universal Life in the March edition of InsuranceNewsNet Magazine sparked some heated discussion from readers. The difference in opinion formed over discussing the death benefit with clients. Josh Mellberg, president of J.D. Mellberg Financial in Tucson, advised that in certain instances or for certain […]
Why New York Life Put A GLWB On A Fixed Deferred Annuity
{March 26th, 2015} by Linda Koco, linda.koco@innfeedback.com
In today’s market, guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) features are commonplace in variable annuities and in fixed index annuities, but much less so in fixed deferred annuities. That may start to change, however. This month, New York Life debuted its Clear Income Fixed Annuity, a fixed deferred annuity with a built-in GLWB rider. The design […]
Wink CEO: Interest From Nontraditional Distribution Boosts 2014 Sales of Indexed Annuities
{March 24th, 2015} by Fran Matso Lysiak, senior associate editor, BestWeek: fran.lysiak@ambest.com
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – Continued interest in indexed annuities from “nontraditional” distribution is helping to boost sales while new companies continue to enter the space, said the president and chief executive officer of Wink Inc. Total 2014 U.S. sales of these retirement savings and income products rose to $46.8 billion, up 21.3% from the same […]
Wink CEO: Both Sides Nearing Compromise on Illustrated Rates for Indexed Life Insurance as 2014 Sales Jump 15%
{March 24th, 2015} by Fran Matso Lysiak, senior associate editor, BestWeek: fran.lysiak@ambest.com
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – As the regulatory debate on illustrated rates continues, full-year 2014 sales of indexed universal life insurance jumped 15% to $1.5 billion. But the chief executive officer of Wink Inc. says she’s “encouraged” that both sides — including some whole life companies — are nearing a compromise. Capturing first place in total […]
What’s Behind Allianz’s Huge Lead In FIA Sales?
{March 24th, 2015} by Linda Koco, linda.koco@innfeedback.com
Allianz Life made head-spinning gains in its fixed index annuity (FIA) sales in 2014, according to figures recently published by Wink, Inc. Allianz’s sales totaled over $12.7 billion, more than double its $6 billion total in 2013, for a market share of 27 percent. The results put Allianz in first place among the 52 companies […]
Treading Carefully In An Uncapped FIA World
{March 24th, 2015} by Cyril Tuohy, cyril.tuohy@innfeedback.com
Surely, annuity sales channels have heard of uncapped fixed index annuities (FIAs). It is a phrase filled with upside promise. At Nationwide, the company’s New Heights FIA promises to position investors for growth. Symetra Financial touts its Edge Plus and Edge Premier FIAs pegged to the JP Morgan ETF Efficiente 5 Index. Because this particular […]
Happy 20th, FIAs!
{February 10th, 2015} by Steven Morelli, steve.morelli@innfeedback.com.
Fixed index annuities want what any 20-year-old desires: Acceptance and respect. FIAs still carry that bad-boy taint from years back, from, you know, the experimenting years. Yeah, things got a little complicated back then. Maybe they said some things they shouldn’t have. But we all grow up, right? We do, but many of us also […]
Jumping on the FIA Birthday Bandwagon
{February 5th, 2015} by Cailie Currin
There has been a small flurry of publicity around the 20th birthday of fixed indexed annuities. (e.g., InsuranceNewsNet, February 2015, p. 6 Editorial, “Happy 20th Birthday Indexed Annuities!” and “Fixed Indexed Annuities Celebrate 20 Years”) I read the first in this list, Mr. Morelli’s editorial, yesterday. The lead is that “Fixed index annuities want what […]
The little annuity product with big buying potential
{January 30th, 2015} by Ed McCarthy
Annuities and long-term care insurance seem like a natural pairing — the insurance equivalent of chocolate and peanut butter. When the Pension Protection Act’s (PPA) changes for these hybrid (or linked) annuities took effect in 2010, it appeared this market was poised for rapid growth. But while some advisors and insurers have experienced solid sales […]
From Antiquity to the Future: Financial Security Is Always Part of the Quest
{January 20th, 2015} by Bryan Mills, advzrtek@gmail.com
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This powerful quote by Malcolm Little may quite possibly be the cornerstone or central message upon which your financial practice is built. So how can you deliver what’s essentially a promise of financial certainty while exploring and embracing the many complex solutions offered to you […]
2015 Annuity Forecast
{January 6th, 2015} by Steven Morelli, steve.morelli@innfeedback.com.
At the dawn of 2015, forecasters predict a warming trend for annuities, but warn of a chance of a sudden and deep freeze. The sun has been shining on annuities for the past few years, in fact. Not all products, of course. But consumers are going for some, such as fixed index annuities (FIAs), like […]
Why Ken Fisher Loves to Hate Annuities
{December 30th, 2014} by Steve Marsh
We all know that Ken Fisher hates annuities and believes everyone else should too. Fisher’s ads have been everywhere, although they have abated a bit lately. But anyone who has been on the Internet or has read a national consumer magazine has seen the ads where Fisher proclaims his hate for annuities and wants everyone […]
Insurers Take Aim At IUL Illustrations
{December 24th, 2014} by Arthur D. Postal
WASHINGTON – A coalition of three large insurance companies is urging the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to act promptly to adopt a realistic regulation governing the illustrations insurers and agents can use in marketing indexed universal life insurance (IUL). The coalition is composed of MetLife, Northwestern Mutual and New York Life. In a […]
Annuity trends: 2015 and beyond: Opinion
{December 12th, 2014} by Adam Cufr, Fourth Dimension Financial Group, LLC.
The economy has clearly changed and so has the role of annuities. Simply put, annuities have had to adapt, and fast. As advisors scramble to keep pace with the changing landscape, a look at the recent past will pay big dividends as we look to the future of the annuity market to see what may […]
Why FIA Producers See A Silver Lining In 3Q
{December 3rd, 2014} by Linda Koco
Third quarter sales of fixed index annuities may have dropped by nearly 8.6 percent from the previous quarter, but annuity producers are hardly singing the blues. That’s because fixed index annuity (FIA) sales were moving swiftly for many in the field. In fact, when compared to third quarter last year, FIA sales were up. The […]
Wink CEO: Independent Organizations Marketing Annuities Getting Regulatory Cautions From Kansas, Iowa
{December 3rd, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – Insurance regulators in Iowa and Kansas have turned their eye to organizations marketing insurance products/annuities, according to the chief executive officer of Wink Inc., a firm that tracks sales of indexed annuities. Both state’s regulators have drafted bulletins cautioning marketing organizations about marketing and advertising, Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Wink and Moore […]
Q3 fixed indexed annuity sales report: The proof is in the pudding. BLOG
{December 3rd, 2014} by Matt Tarkenton
More and more consumers are looking for the guarantees and income provided by fixed annuity products as part of their retirement strategy, and the proof is in the pudding. The growth of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) continued in the third quarter of 2014. Our friend and industry thought leader Sheryl Moore’s report showed that third-quarter […]
My 13 favorite stories: BLOG
{November 26th, 2014} by Bill Coffin
In the four-and-a-half years I have worked for National Underwriter, LifeHealthPro and PropertyCasualty360, I have had the opportunity to produce some stories of which I am very proud. Writing for these brands, and most importantly, serving this audience, has been a special honor and privilege, and I am glad to have been afforded this most […]
US Sales of Indexed Universal Life Rose 18.7% as Debate Over IUL Illustrated Rates Continues
{November 26th, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – As issues over illustrated rates for indexed universal life insurance are sorted out, competition among companies in the overall universal life product space is growing, according to Sheryl Moore, president and chief executive officer of Wink and Moore Market Intelligence. Third-quarter U.S. sales of indexed universal life rose to $372.8 million, […]
Indexed annuity sales skyrocket
{November 25th, 2014} by Lynette Gil
A new report from Wink, Inc., the 69th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which took into account 99.8 percent of indexed annuity production and with 47 indexed annuity carriers as participants, reveals that the market can easily do over $45 billion in sales by the end of this year. A total of $11.4 […]
Sheryl J. Moore’s NAIC Comment on IUL Illustrated Rates
{November 5th, 2014} by Sheryl J. Moore
September 28, 2014 National Association of Insurance Commissioners Mike Boerner, Chair of Life Actuarial Task Force Texas Department of Insurance 333 Guadalupe Austin, TX 78701 Moore Market Intelligence Sheryl J. Moore 5148 E. University Avenue Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 RE: Actuarial Guideline on Illustrations for Indexed Life Insurance Policies […]
Expert Interview with Sheryl Moore About Competitive Intelligence and Retirement for NewRetirement.com
{November 5th, 2014} by Media Shower
Sheryl Moore is the creator, founder, president and CEO of Wink, Inc. After seeing a hole in the insurance industry, Sheryl began developing an idea that turned into the successful company, Wink. Not only did she create a thriving business, but she has also put an energetic, expert team together to offer the best in the […]
Staying current on new products is your responsibility
{November 5th, 2014} by Brian Anderson
“Make sure you stay educated and don’t ever think you get to that plateau where you know it all, because when you get there, it’s going to change.” That’s a direct quote from Nevada Commissioner of Insurance Scott J. Kipper, delivered as a key takeaway for the audience at a roundtable session titled “Navigating the […]
Indexed annuity issuer aims for LTC planning market
{October 7th, 2014} by Allison Bell
OneAmerica is going after consumers who hope stock market gains will make their long-term care (LTC) dollars go further. The State Life Insurance Company, a unit of OneAmerica, has introduced the Indexed Annuity Care product, a single-premium annuity contract. The company believes the product to be one of a relatively small number of indexed annuity […]
Navigating the regulatory arena: 6 ways regulation is affecting the annuity industry
{October 1st, 2014} by Paul Wilson
The last few years have seen dramatic regulatory change in the life/health industry. From financial planners to health agents to annuity producers, everyone has felt the effects of regulatory restraint on both the local and national level. What changes are yet to come? And how can you adapt in order to survive and thrive […]
W&S Launches FIA With Goldman Proprietary Index
{September 29th, 2014} by Linda Koco
Insurance holding company Western & Southern Financial Group said in mid-September that it would soon issue a fixed index annuity (FIA) that includes a Goldman, Sachs & Co. proprietary index option. “What kind of FIA will this be?” industry people wanted to know. “And what is global investment firm Goldman doing in there with a […]
Insurance marketing warning issued by state of Iowa
{September 24th, 2014} by H. Cutner
An official agency has now released a statement cautioning consumers of potentially deceptive ads. The Iowa Insurance Division has now released a warning to the residents of the state, cautioning them that certain insurance marketing and ads for annuities may have potentially deceptive messages. The agency has been watching a growing number of marketers that […]
State warns about misleading insurance ads
{September 24th, 2014} by Matthew Patane
Iowans looking at annuities and other insurance products should be wary of potentially deceptive advertisements, a state agency said this week. The Iowa Insurance Division has seen more marketing companies that work with insurance firms use misleading ads to try to attract customers, the division said in a bulletin. Those ads, the division said, give […]
New York Regulators Probe Indexed Universal Life Insurance Marketing- Bestwire
{September 23rd, 2014} by Thomas Harman
ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York Department of Financial Services is investigating the marketing of indexed universal life insurance products, regarded as one of the fastest-growing in the life insurance sector. The letter sent to insurers said DFS “is seeking information from authorized life insurers regarding indexed universal life insurance and the illustrations used to […]
5 ways regulation is affecting the annuity industry
{September 23rd, 2014} by Paul Wilson
The last few years have seen dramatic regulatory change in the life/health industry. From financial planners to health agents to annuity producers, everyone has felt the effects of regulatory restraint on both the local and national level. What changes are yet to come? And how can you adapt in order to survive and thrive in […]
RetirePreneur: Sheryl J. Moore
{September 4th, 2014} by Jenna Gottlieb
What I do: I own two firms. The first, Moore Market Intelligence, assists with the product development of indexed annuities. The second is Wink, Inc., which provides competitive intelligence tools to life insurance and annuity product home offices, distributors, sales professionals, and consulting firms. My grandmother would say that I’m the president of an insurance […]
Hybrid Indexes Help Spur FIA Sales
{September 3rd, 2014} by Linda Koco
Move over, double-takes. Given that fixed index annuity (FIA) sales have broken yet another quarterly record, and by a wide margin, triple-takes are in order. Hybrid indexes have something to do with this. First, the impossible-to-ignore numbers: In second quarter 2014, FIA sales totaled nearly $12.6 billion — 8.5 percent above the industry’s prior record […]
Why the Middle Market Loves IUL
{September 3rd, 2014} by Linda Koco
Not long ago, a middle-market couple told life insurance agent Michael T. Tierney that they wanted to discuss retirement income. “Right off the bat, they said they have never bought life insurance and they will not buy an annuity or life insurance,” said Tierney, who does college funding through his College Tuition Coaches firm in […]
Indexed annuity sales grow 15.4 percent in 2Q 2014
{September 3rd, 2014} by Sheryl J. Moore
Forty-five indexed annuity carriers participated in the 68th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, representing 99.8 percent of indexed annuity production. Total second quarter sales were $12.6 billion. Second quarter indexed annuity sales were up 15.43 percent when compared to the previous quarter, and up 36.54 when compared with the same period last year. […]
Wink CEO: Increased Sales of Proprietary Products Help Boost 2Q US Sales of Indexed Annuities
{August 27th, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – Increased sales of proprietary products specifically helped to boost sales of indexed annuities in the second quarter of 2014, says the chief executive officer of Wink Inc. Total second-quarter sales of these retirement savings and income products in the United States increased to $12.6 billion, a 36.5% gain from the same […]
Some FIA Agents Face Dark Pool Backlash
{July 28th, 2014} by Linda Koco
When financial planner Michelle Ford answered the phone one day, she heard the voice of a worried older gentleman. “Is there anything I should be worried about?” he asked Ford nervously about allocations in his fixed index annuity (FIA). The man had learned that New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman had filed a lawsuit against […]
Equity Analysts: Life Insurers Must Address ‘Perceptions of a Rising Interest Rate Environment’
{July 22nd, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak
OLDWICK, N.J. – Policyholder behavior, as it is affected “by perceptions of a rising interest rate environment,” is a significant concern to equity analysts with Sandler O’Neill, a concern that life insurers must address, they wrote in a research note previewing second-quarter earnings for the industry. Interest rates declined during the second quarter, the equity […]
5 reasons to attend the Advisor Network Summit in Las Vegas
{July 15th, 2014} by Van Mueller
The place to be August 13-15 will be the Advisor Network Summit in Las Vegas. The timing of this meeting is crucial. We are approaching a financial catastrophe. CLICK HERE TO READ “— Sheryl Moore: The annuities expert. I read everything she writes, and I even have a Sheryl Moore file. Moore has helped me […]
Society for Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE), Inc. Elects New Officers
{July 2nd, 2014} by Siobhan McNulty
Washington, DC – The Society for Annuity Facts and Education, Inc. (SAFE) is proud to announce its newly-elected Officers. Sheryl J. Moore has been elected to the position of SAFE President; Lowell Aronoff has been elected to the recently-added position of SAFE Vice President. Both will serve in their positions through December 2015. Ms. Moore, […]
Moore elected to lead annuity trade group
{June 30th, 2014} by N/A
The Society for Annuity Facts and Education Inc. announced it has elected Sheryl Moore as its president. Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink Inc. in Pleasant Hill, specializes in market research in the indexed annuity and indexed life insurance businesses. The organization also elected Lowell Aronoff, CEO of CANNEX Financial Exchanges […]
Society for Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE), Inc. Elects New Officers
{June 27th, 2014} by SAFE
Washington, DC (June 27, 2014) – The Society for Annuity Facts and Education, Inc. (SAFE) is proud to announce its newly-elected Officers. Sheryl J. Moore has been elected to the position of SAFE President; Lowell Aronoff has been elected to the recently-added position of SAFE Vice President.Both will serve in their positions through December 2015. […]
Update: Wink CEO: Indexed Universal Life is ‘Toeing the Line’ for All Sales of Universal Life
{June 24th, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – First-quarter 2014 sales of indexed universal life insurance in the United States rose to $330.3 million, up 3.6% from the same period a year ago, according to Wink Inc., a firm that tracks the data. The first quarter was off to a slow start as sales of individual life insurance […]
Industry Devotes June To Annuity Awareness
{June 17th, 2014} by Cyril Tuohy
The Society for Annuity Facts & Education (SAFE), a nonprofit with the aim of educating consumers about annuities, has joined with an industry coalition to declare June as Annuity Awareness Month. Hardly a day goes by without dire warnings about underfunded retirements and people outliving meager savings, according to members of the coalition made up […]
Game Changers
{June 13th, 2014} by Angelo John Lewis
A new generation of annuity products reflects the industry’s reaction to the financial crisis: GameChangers
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status Granted to the Society for Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE), Inc.
{June 11th, 2014} by Press Release
Washington, DC (April 8, 2014) – The Society for Annuity Facts and Education, Inc. (SAFE) is proud to announce it has been granted tax-exempt status as a charitable organization dedicated to educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. SAFE serves as a resource for consumers to learn in a fact-based […]
FIA Sales Off At Athene, Rock At Allianz
{June 3rd, 2014} by Linda Koco
Athene USA tried to hold its ground in first quarter 2014 fixed index annuity sales. It sold more than $571.8 million, qualifying it to be one of the quarter’s top five sales leaders, according to Wink, Inc. However, the carrier still registered a sales decline from the previous quarter and also from first quarter last […]
Wink: First-Quarter US Sales of Indexed Annuities Up 38.6%; Average Commission to Agents Rises
{May 27th, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – Total sales of indexed annuities in the United States jumped 38.6% in the opening quarter of 2014 from the same period a year ago, as the average commission to sales agents rose 5.8%, up slightly from last quarter’s average, according to Wink Inc. This represented the first increase in the average […]
The top 10 indexed annuity carriers Q1 2014
{May 27th, 2014} by Daniel Williams
According to a [Wink’s Sales & Market Report] market report, indexed annuity sales hit nearly $10.9 billion in the first quarter. That number was a huge jump over the $7.8 billion sold in the same time a year ago, but down 6 percent from Q4 2013. In a blog posted by Sheryl J. Moore, President […]
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status Granted to the Society for Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE), Inc.
{May 13th, 2014} by AnnuityOutlook
Washington, DC (April 9, 2014) – The Society for Annuity Facts and Education, Inc. (SAFE) is proud to announce it has been granted tax-exempt status as a charitable organization dedicated to educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. SAFE serves as a resource for consumers to learn in a fact-based […]
Adopting the NAIC Model
{May 6th, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak
State action on annuity sales suitability is predicted for 2014 following the Federal Insurance Office report. Source: Best’s Review (March 2014 Issue)The annuity industry is gearing up for action in the states on annuity sales suitability laws after the release of the Federal Insurance Office’s report recommending that every state adopt and enforce the National […]
24 most creative people in insurance
{April 29th, 2014} by Vanessa De La Rosa, Noah Guillaume, Emily Holbrook, Nichole Morford, Paul Wilson
Insurance is an industry that depends upon data to accurately assess and manage risk. It is inherently a cautious business — and slow to change, many would add. But it is also a business designed to problem-solve, to engineer, to market and sell customized solutions to a consumer base that needs its products more than […]
Indexed annuities had record sales in 2013
{April 24th, 2014} by Victor Epstein
The indexed annuities industry benefited from surging stock markets in 2013, which helped boost its annual sales to a new record for the fifth consecutive year. The industry, which has a heavy presence in the Des Moines area, reported that its annual sales rose 13.4 percent from the prior year to $38.7 billion, according to […]
Gay advocacy group calls 2014 “watershed year” for corporate America
{April 24th, 2014} by Victor Epstein
Larry Zimpleman, chief executive officer of the Principal Financial Group, established himself as one of the gay community’s corporate allies this week, during a company-wide screening of a video supporting gay, lesbian and transgender employees and teens. Insurance companies and their CEOs have a reputation for being conservative, but Zimpleman indicated that he believes the […]
Why FIA Sales Galloped To New Records
{April 8th, 2014} by Linda Koco
Fixed index annuities put the pedal to the metal in 2013. The major annuity researchers show sales premium for the products ringing in very close to $40 billion, a new record. In fact, this was the fifth consecutive record-setting year for fixed indexed annuity (FIA) sales, according to Sheryl J. Moore, president and chief executive […]
The Great Life-Insurance Temptation
{April 4th, 2014} by Leslie Scism at leslie.scism@wsj.com
Life-insurance policies have gotten a surprising sales boost from a rising stock market. But if share prices sag, customers could be in for a shock. The recent rally has increased the appeal of two types of life insurance that link benefits to stocks: “variable universal life” and “indexed universal life.” Last year, when the S&P […]
Trends in Regulatory Oversight – Part 1: “The Battle Over Standard of Care”
{April 1st, 2014} by Kim OBrien
Message From President I have never been much of a conspiracy theorist. In fact, those who know me would probably peg me as a Pollyanna of all things positive. However, there is no doubt here at NAFA that our fight to protect the fixed annuity didn’t end with Rule 151A. And for those who think […]
Wink CEO: Indexed Annuities Made Up Nearly 46% of All US Fixed Annuity Sales in 2013
{March 25th, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – As sales rose for the fifth consecutive year in 2013, indexed annuities also made up nearly 46% of all fixed annuity sales, while two of the top five companies are now owned by private-equity firms, according to the chief executive officer of Wink Inc. Total sales of indexed annuities in the […]
Indexed annuities had record sales in 2013
{March 18th, 2014} by Victor Epstein
The indexed annuities industry benefited from surging stock markets in 2013, which helped boost its annual sales to a new record for the fifth consecutive year. The industry, which has a heavy presence in the Des Moines area, reported that its annual sales rose 13.4 percent from the prior year to $38.7 billion, according to […]
U.S. indexed annuity sales reach record $36.8 billion in 2013
{March 16th, 2014} by N/A
Indexed annuity sales in the United States reached another record in the fourth quarter, with sales of $11.5 billion, a more than 35 percent increase from the year-earlier period, according to the newest edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the industry. Annual indexed annuity sales also reached a record $36.8 billion, a […]
IA Sales Continue Breaking Records
{March 13th, 2014} by Wink
Pleasant Hill, Iowa. March 13, 2014- Forty-four indexed annuity carriers participated in the 66th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, representing 99.8% of indexed annuity production. Total fourth quarter sales were $11.5 billion. In reviewing fourth quarter indexed annuity sales, production was up nearly 15.0% when compared to the previous quarter, and up more […]
Allianz Life profits up 10 percent in 2013
{March 4th, 2014} by Jennifer Bjorhus
Rising interest rates are making annuities more attractive. Higher interest rates drove a turnaround for annuities in 2013, boosting profits at Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America. Operating profits at Allianz Life jumped 10 percent last year to $646 million, the Wayzata-based company said Thursday. Total premiums, or sales, climbed 4 percent from a […]
IAs: Reaching New Heights Of Potential?
{February 18th, 2014} by Cyril Tuohy
You can’t fault insurance carries for wanting to promote their products by using a little branding hyperbole. Words like “secure,” “income” and “protection” figure prominently in the marketing materials of life and annuity companies. After all, that’s what life and retirement insurers are there for: to protect families from longevity risk and unexpected calamities. Now, […]
Why producer payouts are on the rise
{January 7th, 2014} by Warren S. Hersch
Pundits commonly measure the life insurance industry’s financial health and success in terms of product sales, top-line revenue, operating income and other measures that impact the bottom line. Less commonly used yardsticks are the amounts in commission paid to the companies’ agents and brokers. If guided by this benchmark — albeit one limited to compensation paid […]
New year could bring a boon for annuities
{December 31st, 2013} by N/A
Higher taxes may drive interest in variable and indexed annuities; potential of rising rates could inspire new products Next year could be a big one for variable and indexed annuities, both in terms of sales and product development, as new tax and interest rate realities sink in. This year set what appeared to be a […]
Sheryl J. Moore on the current success of indexed insurance products
{November 24th, 2013} by Paul Wilson
Despite a historically low interest rate environment and other challenging market conditions, indexed annuities recently reached record sales. In the interview below, indexed insurance product expert Sheryl Moore explains why, and exactly what it means to the insurance industry. Additionally, she talks about indexed life insurance sales, the challenges faced by those who sell IUL, […]
Wink CEO: US Sales of Indexed Annuities Gaining Traction in Banks
{November 24th, 2013} by Fran Lysiak
Best’s News Service – November 21, 2013 10:52 AM PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – Total third-quarter 2013 sales of indexed annuities in the United States increased to $10 billion, up 15% from the same period a year ago, according to Wink Inc. Sheryl J. Moore, president and chief executive officer of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, […]
Why indexed annuities are so hot now: NAILBA 32
{November 24th, 2013} by Paul Wilson
Despite a historically low interest rate environment and other challenging market conditions, indexed annuities recently reached record sales. In the interview below, indexed insurance product expert Sheryl J. Moore explains why, and exactly what it means to the insurance industry. Additionally, she talks about indexed life insurance sales, the challenges faced by those who sell […]
Digging into IUL at NAILBA 32
{November 23rd, 2013} by Emily Holbrook
Among the numerous sessions offered today at the annual NAILBA conference was one focusing on Indexed Universal Life (IUL). Speaking on the topic were Alan Grissom of S&P Dow Jones Indices and Dick Weber from The Ethical Edge Inc. Both are equally knowledgeable in the field. Click here to read…
Iowa annuity companies’ sales contribute to record $10 billion quarter
{November 23rd, 2013} by Joe Gardyasz
U.S. insurers sold $10 billion in indexed annuities in the third quarter, more than any previous quarter in the industry’s history, according to an analysis released Friday. More than 10 percent of that record sales total was attributable to West Des Moines-based American Equity Investment Life Holding Co., which topped $1 billion in sales for […]
Indexed Annuities See Jaw-Dropping Sales
{November 21st, 2013} by Linda Koco
Perhaps the biggest jaw-dropper in the past week was Wink, Inc.’s report that indexed annuity production broke yet another record, with sales hitting $10 billion for the quarter. It is one of many recent annuity developments that provide clues to fixed and variable annuity trends that advisors and carriers and are facing or soon will […]
Baltimore insurer plans to relocate to Des Moines
{November 4th, 2013} by Victor Epstein
Fidelity & Guaranty looks to hire 50 people locally in 3 years. The Des Moines area’s status as a national insurance hub got a lift Friday with the news that Baltimore-based Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Co. has legally moved to Iowa and intends to move its headquarters here. Fidelity & Guaranty specializes in the […]
Wink CEO: Second-Quarter US Sales of Indexed Annuities Rise on Sales of Two Private Equity-Owned Companies
{September 27th, 2013} by Fran Lysiak
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa – Second-quarter 2013 sales of indexed annuities in the United States rose in large part on sales by two private equity-owned companies, according to the chief executive officer of Wink Inc. Total second-quarter sales rose to $9.2 billion, up 5.5% from the same period a year ago, and increased 17% from the […]
Desperately Seeking GLWBs On Fixed Annuities
{September 20th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
Since 2004, these benefits have practically become a requirement on the variable annuity (VA) sale. In fact, 84% of all VAs have opted for an optional GLWB1. Why? It is hard to guarantee a specified lifetime income amount on a product that has cash values which can rise and fall, based on the market’s performance. […]
Annuity Sales Data: A Blessing And A Curse
{September 18th, 2013} by Linda Koco
It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time. The “It” is the host of annuity sales statistics that come out each quarter. On the blessing side of things, annuity specialists are fortunate to be able to see the statistical highlights from an assortment of researchers on annuity sales. That gives a multi-dimensional look […]
Aviva USA sales, workforce decline
{September 16th, 2013} by Victor Epstein
Since May 1, about 43% of workers have either left or been told their jobs are being eliminated. Jobs and annuity sales at Aviva USA are both plummeting as Apollo Global Management moves closer to completing its $1.8 billion bid for the business, and some insurance agency leaders are concerned by the changes. The deal […]
Annuity rates are up. Are your sales?
{August 19th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
Like the low rattle of a drum, the chorus, “annuity rates suck!” has been building to a crescendo over the past few years in this business. It seems that every agent I speak with blames the historical low interest rates for their declining sales of fixed and indexed annuities. Personally, I am in awe each […]
More IAs Feature ‘Enhanced’ Death Benefits
{August 9th, 2013} by Linda Koco
Enhanced death benefit features, once only in the domain of variable annuities, are spreading into the indexed annuity market. Twenty-one percent of indexed annuities now sport the features, said Sheryl Moore, president of Moore Market Intelligence, an indexed annuity resource in Des Moines, Iowa. Moore said that at least 60 policies out of the 282 […]
200 gather to remember teen who committed suicide
{August 5th, 2013} by KCCI
Mother pleads for end to bullying PLEASANT HILL, Iowa —The week was tough for the community surrounding Southeast Polk High School after 16-year-old AJ Betts took his own life. AJ’s mother, Sheryl Moore, and several of his friends said he was teased and bullied for being gay, half black and having a cleft lip. RELATED: […]
Moore Blames Bullying After Son’s Suicide
{July 31st, 2013} by Steven A. Morelli
A well-known indexed annuity expert is speaking out on bullying after her 16-year-old son committed suicide last week in Iowa. Alexander “A.J.” Betts was taken off life support Sunday after he attempted to kill himself Friday. His mother, Sheryl J. Moore, said he had been bullied at Southeast Polk High School because he was half-black […]
Bullied to death
{July 30th, 2013} by Bill Coffin
On Saturday, July 26th, 16-year-old A.J. Betts took his own life. A.J. was born to a black father and white mother, and with a variety of birth defects (including a cleft palate that required numerous surgeries, and only recently had finally been fixed). He spoke a little funny. Please click here to read
Sincerest Condolences to Sheryl J. Moore & Family
{July 30th, 2013} by Annuity Outlook
Sheryl J. Moore is a valued contributor to the NAFA Annuity Outlook magazine and a well-known advocate, educator and leader in our industry. The life and annuity industry is a small and close-knit group and our entire industry mourns with Sheryl and her family on news of the unexpected passing of their 16-year old son […]
A Source of Headaches: “Source of Funds”
{July 16th, 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 it to purchase the annuity? Some believe ‘Source of Funds’ means that if you’re […]
Indexed annuity sales are down, not out
{July 15th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
After having released the first quarter sales numbers for indexed annuities, the press began acting like Chicken Little. “The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Indexed annuity sales are falling, too!” I tend to take the more cool, calm and collected approach to these matters due to my background in market research. The sky […]
Funding universal life insurance at target? You’re missing the point
{July 15th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
Throughout the past 15 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, where the product may be new to producers, and a lack of product knowledge may […]
American Equity founder has staying power
{June 25th, 2013} by Victor Epstein
West Des Moines resident Dave Noble still leads at 81 The prospect of retirement does not agree with Dave Noble, the founder of West Des Moines-based American Equity Group. He said he started the fast-growing insurance company with $160 million on Dec. 15, 1995, at the age of 64, after being retired for all of […]
Talking index products with Genworth’s Charlie Gipple
{June 11th, 2013} by Staff Writer
Index products have become a welcome option at a time when persistently low interest rates continue to challenge cash accumulation opportunities, according to Charlie Gipple, national director of index products at Genworth. That’s because index products provide clients with an opportunity to receive index-linked interest, potentially capitalizing on the upside of the market without the […]
To 1035 or not to 1035?
{June 7th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
Lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of questions about whether, or not, I have concerns about 1035 exchanges in the current interest rate environment. Why? Click here to read…
Des Moines Becoming An Indexed Annuities Hub
{June 6th, 2013} by Cyril Tuohy
What does Des Moines have on Hartford and London? Indexed annuities, that’s what. In fact, Des Moines, already a worthy contender for the nation’s top life and health insurance hub, is in a league of its own when it comes to indexed annuities. Consider the following: American Equity Investment Life, Aviva Life & Annuity, EquiTrust […]
As Others Dive, Indexed Annuities Cruise Strong
{June 3rd, 2013} by Linda Koco
Industry leaders say the public will continue to be enamored with indexed annuities as the desire for security trumps the attraction of chasing after interest rates. Click here to read…
Buy term and “invest” the rest with indexed universal life
{May 29th, 2013} 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 […]
The Tsunami of Indexed Annuity Sales
{May 17th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
In the indexed annuity capital of the world (also known as Des Moines, Iowa), we’re not subject to many natural disasters. Given that Iowa is smack-dab in the center of the United States, we don’t experience many earthquakes. We have never gone through the devastation of a cyclone, although tornados do show up at times. […]
How much life insurance do I need? 6 steps that will help your clients decide
{May 17th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
Now, I’ve never gone through the process of a needs assessment with a prospect, despite my position as a licensed life insurance agent. I’ve never sold a case in the nearly 15 years that I’ve worked in the life insurance industry. In order to maintain my credibility as a third-party expert in this industry, I […]
Twitter chat recap: Sheryl J. Moore overcomes your IUL objections
{May 8th, 2013} by Vanessa De La Rosa
Indexed universal life is the fastest-growing segment of the life insurance business, yet you still aren’t selling it. Why not? Are you nervous about underwriting, fearful that your prospects will backpedal, or doubtful that you know enough about it? Last week, ProducersWEB and LifeHealthPro hosted an in-depth Twitter chat with indexed universal life expert, Sheryl […]
Athene to Sell Aviva USA’s Life Insurance Business; Deal Contingent on Its Pending Acquisition of Aviva USA
{May 8th, 2013} by Fran Matso Lysiak
Best’s News Service – May 06, 2013 12:27 PM PEMBROKE, Bermuda – Athene Holding Ltd. and its subsidiaries have agreed to sell Aviva USA’s life insurance business to Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Global Atlantic Financial Group. The transaction, structured as a reinsurance arrangement, is contingent on its pending acquisition […]
Haters are going to hate on commission disclosure
{May 5th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
Ever since I can recall, there has been controversy surrounding commission payments to sales professionals in the insurance industry. A few years ago, one state even went so far as to propose that commission payments to sales professionals be disclosed to their clients! Being a consumer of life insurance and annuity products, and never having […]
The American Annuity Shuffle Begins
{May 3rd, 2013} by Linda Koco
Year-end individual annuity sales results provide plenty for annuity aficionados to ponder. There were some sorry-looking numbers, for sure, but also a few intriguing surprises. Some would say the carriers were doing a dance, or a least a shuffle. Click here to read…
Vapor on paper: Coming to an annuity near you
{April 28th, 2013} by Sheryl J. Moore
The insurance division in the great state of Iowa (a.k.a. the indexed annuity capital of the world) will soon set forth a new regulation on annuity illustrations. This regulation, a directive that I’ve aided in crafting for nearly eight years, will actually hamper my company’s ability to make money. Illustrations ‑ lengthy documents that are […]
Will The FIA Romance Last?
{April 26th, 2013} by Linda Koco
Is the consumer romance with fixed indexed annuities likely to continue next year or might it start to fizzle as consumers seek other eligible prospects? Three leading annuity experts gave the thumbs up to “continue” during at a panel at the annual Retirement Industry Conference last week in New Orleans. They had reasons. First, here’s […]
Don’t Assume Prospects Know Annuities
{April 21st, 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 in selling these “foreign” products, and I did my best to provide him […]
In insurance, Des Moines narrows gap with Hartford
{April 21st, 2013} by Victor Epstein
Industry and economic challenges push more companies to look to Midwest Apr 14, 2013 Written by Victor Epstein Des Moines, “the Hartford of the Midwest,” is narrowing its namesake’s lead as the insurance capital of the United States, driven by insurers moving operations from Northeast cities to more affordable alternatives in the Midwest. Insurance employment […]
