We don’t get all of the facts, but I appreciate the viewpoint of two professionals
{November 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
A MarketWatch article, ‘We now realize what a horrible mistake this was.’ Almost 10 years ago, we bought three $100K annuities that guaranteed 5%. Now we want out. What’s the move? asks: “We now realize what a horrible mistake this was.’ Almost 10 years ago, we bought three $100K annuities that guaranteed 5%. Now we […]
Did you know
{November 5th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that precisely 27.85% of the $109.62 billion in annuity sales in 2Q2024 were originated through insurance companies that are backed by private equity? Something about these products has lured in some of the biggest PE firms… -sjm
I wouldn’t buy an annuity from this guy, if you paid me
{November 5th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I get sick of these “news” segments, where financial services folks pay for screen time. I find that many of them have elementary knowledge of the products they are pitching, and most of them have bad information. And so often, the topic at hand is ANNUITIES. Things I don’t like about this segment: Every two […]
This book is just the icing on the cake.
{October 29th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Guess what? I found out who sent me “The Handbook of Retirement Income!” Background: my subscription to Retirement Income Journal recently lapsed. I cannot miss an issue of Kerry Pechter‘s RIJ; I read it religiously. So, I re-subscribed. Unbeknownst to me- subscribers to “Retirement Income Journal,” who pay for an annual subscription, receive a complimentary […]
WORST and most egregious video on indexed life that you have seen.
{October 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
WORST and most egregious video on indexed life that you have seen. GO! -sjm Share the links and see the list growing over on LinkedIn HERE.
For those looking for more than a snippet on these rapidly-growing lines of business, these manuscripts are a great place to start.
{October 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Just sold 200 copies of “Why I Bought Indexed Annuities” to an FMO. Agents love it. Prospects love it. I LOVE IT!
“It is how billionaires get rich”
{October 16th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I got seriously ticked-off last night.<<<<<<<<<<<<< I had a representative from Culligan come to my house, to service our water filtration system. The young man (probably a decade younger than me?) was remarkable because he remembered when we moved into our home, seven years ago. At that time, he was working for FedEx, and remembered […]
#TheBook
{October 16th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wow. So amazed at how some agents are marketing hashtag#TheBook! https://www.theannuitygiants.com/book Good lookin’ out, Tracy Lownsberry. -sjm
Well, I for one, find many of these indexing methods to be complicated.
{October 8th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
The structured annuity (RILA) marketplace is where the indexed annuity market was in 2002. Everyone is introducing a new way to calculate indexed interest! Well, I for one, find many of these indexing methods to be complicated. If I cannot explain it, how do you expect the agent to? And even more importantly- how do […]
Their new structured annuity has an unique feature
{October 8th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Corebridge Financial just entered the structured annuity (RILA) space. Their new MarketLock Annuity has a unique feature: “This Lock Strategy is the only available RILA strategy account option that locks and credits a rate based on actual S&P 500® index performance on the day the preset growth target is reached, securing these gains automatically and […]
I look forward to seeing how sales are for this one
{October 8th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Security Benefit launched their TopRidge Bonus Annuity, which features a 20% premium bonus. There are a couple of surprises on this bad boy. But don’t get too excited yet; you may not have access- it is proprietary to four FMOs. For all the details, check out the specs on this bad baby on Wink, Inc.’s […]
If you sell indexed life, this post and corresponding chart are a MUST-read
{October 1st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
My thanks to Brian Manderscheid and LifePro Financial for putting together this GREAT comparison of indexed life new business rates to inforce renewal rates. One of the things that so few talk about in the insurance industry is the propensity for insurance companies to reduce their rates, once the business is on the books. It’s […]
Sorry, not sorry
{October 1st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Well…first of all, they aren’t “EIAs.” We quit calling them “equity indexed annuities,” so that they didn’t give purchasers the mistaken impression that they perform like equities products. Responding to EIAs should be securities opinion piece in InvestmentNews by Scott Hanson. I, for one, am glad that indexed annuities were created. I have averaged […]
“There are no bad investments ‘unless they’re bogus.'”
{October 1st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Annuity rates are still higher than they have been for more than a decade, so no- annuity sales are not going to wane much. Here’s what some voices of reason had to say in this piece, Annuities are changing, and so are advisors’ attitudes in InvestmentNews: “For advisors who ‘hate annuities and would never touch […]
Chock-full of good stats…too many to list!
{October 1st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I thought long and hard about sharing this piece, Annuity Statistics: 2024 MarketWatch Guides Annuity Survey That is because this survey is not representative of the industry in a couple of different categories. That said- I still think it has some validity and valuable findings. Key takeaways: – The majority of annuity owners (55%) purchase […]
We really don’t do a good job of supporting new agents
{September 18th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
My friend David H. Kinder, RFC®, ChFC®, CLU® put together an “Interviewing the Interviewer” video, which provides key tops for new agents, looking to contract with a career agency insurance company. I learned A LOT watching this. We really don’t do a good job of supporting new agents, looking to get into this business. This […]
Be kind.
{September 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I will never forget that day. My neighbor said he was doing cartwheels in the back yard, and playing with the dogs an hour before he was found dead. He complained to me that the kids at school were bullying him. He said they told him to “go to h*ll” because he was going to […]
LINE OF BUSINESS: SALES, % CHNG/QTR and % CHNG/YR
{September 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
LINE OF BUSINESS: SALES, % CHNG/QTR and % CHNG/YR All Universal Life: $1.13 billion, 11.92% and N/A > Non-Variable Universal Life: $847.41 million, 12.08% and 2.37% >> Universal Life: $100.54 million, 12.21% and -1.06% Indexed Life: $747.23 million, 12.08% and 2.88% >>Variable Universal Life: $291.60 million, 11.44% and N/A Whole Life: $1.08 billion, 6.37% and […]
I wonder how much this would be in 2024 money?
{September 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Reading Gary Schulte’s “The Fall of First Executive…” I just read a staggering statistic in the first chapter- “In fact, by the late 1970’s, industry statistics revealed that it cost the typical career agency company over $200,000 to put each agent through his or her fourth year in business.” I wonder how much this would […]
SECOND QUARTER 2024 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{September 4th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
All Universal Life Sales for the second quarter of 2024 were $1,139 million. Second quarter universal life sales were up nearly 12% when compared to the previous quarter. Given that this is the second quarter that Wink has collected data on sales of all universal life insurance products, additional comparisons will be available in future […]
New! New! New!
{September 4th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
American Life & Security Corp. launched their new MaxGrowth indexed annuity! If you want more information on this unique product, log into Wink, Inc.’s AnnuitySpecs tool NOW. AnnuitySpecs users may click the links below to view product specifications. MaxGrowth 10 MaxGrowth 10 Bonus Last week, I was able to give you all a […]
Getting drunk on fees
{September 4th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Indexed annuity bonuses, with fees. Indexed annuity indexing methods, with fees. Indexed annuity guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits, with fees. Indexed annuities with fees, for the sake of having fees. Who thinks carriers are getting drunk on fees? This used to be a product that HAD NO FEES, ever. -sjm Join in the conversation on […]
“The most innovative companies shaping the future of the industry.”
{September 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wink, Inc. is featured as one of Nassau Financial Group Re/Imagine’s “Product Selectors” on their Top 100 Retiretech Companies of 2024. “The most innovative companies shaping the future of the industry.” Pretty cool! Check it out!
Pick it up, if you want to be inspired by a true believer.
{September 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
When I have a conflict, and cannot make a speaking gig, Tom Hegna is one of the individuals I refer business to. Over the years, he has become a good friend. And after he read my book, I figured that I better return the favor. So… I loved that “Pay Checks and Play Checks” was […]
It is SO disingenuous to make statements like this.
{September 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
WHAT?!? Click HERE for Commission-Free Annuities: A Guide to Understanding and Maximizing Retirement Savings I am SO tired of these guys. This distributor perpetuates so much bad information about annuities! Yeah, yeah- you sold over $2 billion in “no commission” annuities in 2022. We get it. (That is less than 1% of all deferred annuities […]
And already- it’s #4!
{September 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Americo Financial Life and Annuity’s Instant Decision IUL was launched late in the first quarter of this year. And already- it is the #4 top-selling IUL in the country! Congratulations Todd Adrian and team! -sjm
Second Quarter 2024 Annuity Sales
{August 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
All Annuity Sales Total 2Q2024 all annuity sales $109,621 million. Second quarter annuity sales were up nearly 4% when compared to the previous quarter. Given that this is the second quarter that Wink has collected data on income annuity sales, additional comparisons will be available in future quarters. Deferred Annuity Sales Total 2Q2024 deferred […]
Annuity Sales % change
{August 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Annuity sales for 2Q2024 Line of Business: Sales- % Chng/Qtr and % Chng/Last Yr ALL ANNUITIES: $109.62 B- 3.71% and N/A (just began tracking SPIAs/DIAs) – All Deferred Annuities: $104.66 B- 4.11% and 31.26% — Non-Variable Deferred Annuities: $73.68 B- 0.34% and 31.27% — Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities: $41.03 B- -6.27% and 34.71% — Fixed Annuities […]
I don’t say it often, but this is truly innovative
{August 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
So pleased to see that my buddy Bruce Donaldson and the tremendous crew at Simplicity Group have exclusive access to an indexed annuity now! I don’t get to say this often, but this annuity has a TRULY INNOVATIVE indexed crediting mechanism in their “Gain Control Option.” Interested? Check it out at Wink, Inc.’s AnnuitySpecs tool. -sjm
A piece of my mind
{August 14th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ANNUITY THAT PAYS A 15% COMMISSION TODAY!” There haven’t been products like that since before the suitability model reg was introduced in 2003. Maybe if you used Wink, Inc.‘s AnnuitySpecs tool, you would know that. “It benefits NO ONE when one badmouths the lion’s share of annuities, in […]
Food for thought
{August 14th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that there are 134 different indices, upon which you can earn indexed interest on an indexed annuity? And yet, 66.58% of all indexed annuity premiums are allocated to the S&P 500 or a fixed bucket. Food for thought.. -sjm
Coach Pete & Sheryl J. Moore talking about Indexed Annuities
{August 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I was blessed to be interviewed by Peter -Coach Pete- D’Arruda, RICP®, MRFC® about my new book. -sjm Click HERE to view Coach Pete & Sheryl J. Moore talking about Indexed Annuities
A typical day in the life of Sheryl J. Moore
{August 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
– Get ready and throw a load of laundry in; – Get to the office, and grab a Dr. Pepper Cream Soda; – Feed the fish; – Read the morning news; – Check email; – Send out book orders; – Read the policy filing for a new indexed annuity; – Do a podcast with one […]
Too good not to share…
{August 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Thanks for the testimony, Branislav Nikolic! -sjm
Are you empowering your clients’ decisions with proper knowledge on indexed annuities?
{July 29th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
If you want lessons on how to be successful with podcasts, take notes on Jeremy Houser 🔉 from InsurMark. He is killing it! Check out the details in the comments to listen. -sjm
Eleven years.
{July 29th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Eleven years. I didn’t think I could live without you for a day. My firstborn; my son. How I wish you didn’t take your life that day. It is a curse that I remember every moment of that day. It is a curse that it obsessively replays in my mind. It is a curse that […]
I just couldn’t get past the grief long enough to see that they needed me.
{July 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I’ve struggled with wanting to live. Not now, but twice I thought that living wasn’t for me. Both times were after my firstborn’s suicide. The grief was indescribable. The depression was unreal. I was hallucinating from the medications. And I tried to end my life. Then, I went inpatient. I learned that I needed to […]
This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who may be ready for this executive role
{July 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a client that is a growing, dynamic annuity company. They are seeking a Chief Financial Officer. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who may be ready for this executive role, or who is currently in this role and desires entrepreneurial opportunities. The CEO/company is seeking a strategic business partner. They prefer […]
Components of Hybrid Indices
{July 16th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
What if I told you that most hybrid indices change the components that make up the index at least annually? How would you feel about that? -sjm Join in the LinkedIn discussion HERE
Maybe I can get that message to Grandpa’s wife, before it is too late for her children.
{July 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I was out of the office attending the funeral of my husband’s grandfather. It was my first funeral since my son took his life. That will be 11 years ago this month. Grandpa Lasnek lived 89 years. He had eight children, countless grandchildren, and even a few great-grandchildren. By all measures, he lived a long […]
I don’t believe in investing in anything I don’t understand.
{July 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I just watched “Dumb Money,” at the prompting of one of my followers. I have to be honest with you. I have never purchased stocks. Why? I don’t believe in investing in anything I don’t understand. Now, don’t get me wrong- I am diversified. I have other investments with equity exposure. But this movie has […]
Imagine giving your clients PEACE OF MIND!
{July 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
My friend Michael Finke indicates that those with annuities spend more freely than those without. Imagine giving your clients PEACE OF MIND! Click HERE to check out his latest post which begins with”Will a retiree with $500,000 in a savings account spend as much as a retiree who has a $35,000 pension? Our findings were […]
FIRST QUARTER 2024 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{June 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
All Universal Life Sales for the first quarter of 2024 were $1,040 million. Given that this is the first quarter that Wink has collected data on sales of all life insurance products, comparisons will be available in future quarters. All universal life (UL) products include fixed UL, indexed UL, and variable UL products. Total 1Q2024 […]
FMOs doing due diligence on carriers has struck a chord.
{June 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I love my FMOs. The principals of the FMOs are some of my closest friends in this business. They have taught me so much about this business, over the past 25 years. That said- my recent post about FMOs doing due diligence on carriers has struck a chord. Several marketing groups reached out to me, […]
I mean, I know this isn’t exactly warm and fuzzy news about annuities, but…
{June 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Is it just me? Or, does it seem that InvestmentNews is getting less and less friendly toward annuities over the past few weeks? Click HERE to read I mean, I know this isn’t exactly warm and fuzzy news about annuities, but… “…an expensive and often misunderstood investment product?” I guess my life insurance policy could […]
First Quarter 2024 Annuity Sales
{June 6th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
All Annuity Sales Total 1Q2024 all annuity sales $105,705 million. Given that this is the first quarter that Wink has collected data on income annuity sales, comparisons will be available in future quarters. All annuities include sales of multi-year guaranteed, fixed, indexed, structured, variable, immediate income, and deferred income annuities. Deferred Annuity Sales Total 1Q2024 […]
Homework before advising people in a public forum
{June 6th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
So, I didn’t expect The White Coat Investor to endorse insurance products, when appropriate, but they sure didn’t mince their words. Read their story at Mortgages, Universal Life Insurance, and Annuities “This person is not a financial advisor. You might think you’re getting some sort of beneficial financial advice because you once bought an insurance […]
It was the scariest thing that I had ever done.
{May 30th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Nineteen years ago, I incorporated Wink, Inc. Starting this business was, at the time, the scariest thing I had ever done. What if I failed? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: – First year: 18–20% of businesses fail – Five years: 45–50% of businesses fail – Ten years: 65% of businesses fail – Fifteen years or […]
Not your Grandma’s Annuities
{May 30th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I did a podcast for C2P Enterprises with Kirsten Schlumbohm, BPC for her “A Woman’s Clarity” program. This videos kicks off Annuity Awareness Month, shares how women humanize the life insurance industry, and reveals how annuities have transformed from your grandma’s restrictive contract, into a flexible, consumer-friendly vehicle for retirement income planning. Be sure […]
How can this product not exist? Does it, and I’m missing it?
{May 30th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am always trying to learn more about the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) distribution. It has become a keen interest of mine, since it became a distribution channel for annuities. I have found that one of the best ways of learning about this new distribution is having conversations with investment advisors. Today, I had an […]
We are NOT that firm.
{May 30th, 2024} by Sheryl Moore
Wink, Inc. is a third-party market research firm. I own 100% of the company. My nearest competitor is owned by the insurance companies that report sales to them. I remember a time when that company was reporting structured annuity/RILA sales with their indexed annuity breakouts. Sometimes insurance companies want me to report their sales differently […]
Liver, yes. Corneas, no. FDA urged to relax tissue donation ban for gay and bisexual men
{May 30th, 2024} by Rae Ellen Bichell
And they are frustrated. The FDA has put changes to the tissue guidance on its agenda since 2022 but has yet to act on them. One of the loudest voices is Sheryl J. Moore, who took up the cause when her 16-year-old son died in 2013. She and a Colorado doctor named Michael Puente Jr. started a campaign […]
The books are here!
{May 30th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
It’s an easy read and I think you will enjoy it! I appreciate your support. To purchase the book, please call our office at 855-ASK-WINK xt 203 to speak with Cathy. or Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4MMMPTJ/?ref_=cm_wl_huc_item -sjm
How many different insurance companies are you appointed with?
{May 14th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
This U.S. Department of Labor stuff is driving me crazy. I could use your help updating a stat that I use… Click HERE for the poll: For insurance agents- how many different insurance companies are you appointed with? -sjm
This is what U.S. DOL relied on
{May 14th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
The U.S. Department of Labor relied upon a study of RIAs and B/Ds for their rationale on indexed annuities, which are sold by independent insurance agents 57.4% of the time. As a lady who relies on FACTS, to do what she does, I am completely baffled by the made-up bologna that the U.S. Department of Labor […]
I never like these lists
{May 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I never like these lists, simply because the “best” is in the needs, goals, and objectives of the annuity purchaser…yet- Bankrate needs to do better “research” with their list of “Best Annuity Companies.” Allianz Life does not have any annuities that exceed a 10-year surrender charge period. And they offer three different types of deferred […]
WHAT is this based upon?
{May 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
“Knowing whether your financial advice is coming from a trusted professional or someone akin to a car salesman may soon become easier.” How do you feel about their analogies? Click HERE to read The Final DOL Fiduciary Rule Has Arrived. Here’s What It Means for Investors via Morningstar Sheesh. Talk about out-of-touch! “According to […]
Rough draft is in!
{April 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
The rough draft is in, and I am proofing! -sjm
Revol One has officially entered the annuity market
{April 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Revol One Financial has officially entered the annuity market, and launched their products! They are offering a MYGA, a MYGIA (think a MYGA with an indexed twist), and an indexed annuity. For all the deets, check them out on Wink, Inc.‘s AnnuitySpecs tool. We’ve got you covered! -sjm
Are you aware of consumers not being “made whole,” in the wake of an insurance company insolvency?
{April 16th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I recently began researching the NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE GUARANTY ASSOCIATIONS. This is the organization that ensures that consumers receive as much as [$250,000] of their annuity back, in the event of an insurance company insolvency. Over the past year, I have heard stories about customers not receiving their full $250,000 back, […]
BIG PREMIUM BONUS
{April 8th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
And let the arms race of the big premium bonuses begin! -sjm Join in the LinkedIn Conversation
Simplicity sells. Repeat after me…
{April 8th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Why are all insurance companies trying to “innovate,” by creating new indexing methods? This is low interest rate behavior. Let’s not start this stuff again, now that rates are good. You don’t have to have a complex product. Simplicity sells. Repeat after me… -sjm Join in the conversation on Linked In. Click HERE
If “fixed income annuities” are good for retirees.
{April 8th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
If you fast-forward to about the 3:30 second mark on this video, Click HERE to view you will see that a consumer asks Terry Savage if “fixed income annuities” are good for retirees. Terry responds that with “fixed indexed annuities” only the insurance agent is going to get rich. She closes with “don’t do it,” […]
Be Real
{April 8th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
A message from my good friend, Doug Orchard, who directed the film I was in, “The Baby Boomer Dilemma…” “BE REAL I have observed that many financial advisors pretend to be someone they are not. Too many are acting. I’m sharing this video to persuade you to be real and see what happens when we […]
And yes, life insurance illustrations are broken for ALL types of life insurance- whole life included.
{April 8th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
When I first purchased life insurance on myself, I couldn’t afford whole life, and so I purchased universal life (UL). My agent explained that the amount of premium that I need to pay may change, as the credited rate on my policy changed. Above all, he cautioned, I must always pay AT LEAST the sum […]
29.5% of indexed annuity sales…
{March 25th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I did some research yesterday and found out that 29.5% of indexed annuity sales are through insurance companies with private equity ownership. While on that topic, ThinkAdvisor has a provocative article you may want to read. Click HERE to read Protect Annuity Issuers From Bad Advisor Affiliates: Regulators Join in the LinkedIn discussion here. […]
FOURTH QUARTER 2023 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{March 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $894 million, compared with sales of $859 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Fourth quarter non-variable life sales were up nearly 16% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 4% as compared to the same period last year. Total 4Q2023 non-variable […]
This is a relatively new development, which I largely attribute to The SECURE Act.
{March 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Maybe the reason why older people are not as interested in annuities is because they have been exposed to information that puts annuities in a negative light. Younger people might be more receptive to using annuities because news about annuities over the past few years has been largely positive. This is a relatively new development, […]
Another head-turner
{March 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
In case you missed the launch, Americo Financial Life and Annuity has a new “Instant Decision IUL,” which offers the highest caps and rates in the industry. Another head-turner? (I mean besides the instant issue part…) There is no medical exam required for coverage up to $450,000. Want the deets? We have the specs on […]
Fourth Quarter 2023 Annuity Sales
{March 6th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 4Q2023 deferred annuity sales $105,464 million, compared with sales of $79,336 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Fourth quarter deferred annuity sales were up more than 33% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 33% when compared to the same period last year. Non-Variable Deferred Annuity Sales Total […]
LINE OF BUSINESS: 4Q23 Sales- % CHNG QTR / % CHNG YR
{March 6th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
LINE OF BUSINESS: 4Q23 Sales- % CHNG QTR / % CHNG YR All Deferred Annuities: $105.46 B- 33.11% / 32.93% >Non-Variable Deferred Annuities: $81.33 B- 48.42% / 40.58% >>Indexed Annuities: $27.96 B- 19.80% / 29.18% >>Fixed Annuities: $730.63 M- 47.32% / 26.98% >>MYGAs: $52.63 B- 70.02% / 47.73% >Variable Deferred Annuities: $24.13 B- -1.23% / […]
Insure your love
{February 21st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
For Insure Your Love month (thanks to Life Happens), I thought I would drive home the importance of life insurance. Click HERE to take a read. People need life insurance. -sjm
Now, we have all of your cash value life insurance product needs met.
{February 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did I mention that Wink, Inc.‘s LifeSpecs tool now houses product information on structured universal life (UL) as well as variable UL? Now, we have all of your cash value life insurance product needs met. Click HERE to read more about it! -sjm
He would be 27 this year.
{January 29th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
My son, AJ Betts, died by suicide ten years ago. The bullies won. Every year, my family goes out to eat cheeseburgers on AJ’s birthday, to celebrate his life. He would be 27 this year. Tonight, we chose to eat at Five Guys Enterprises in West Des Moines. You can’t get a better burger. As […]
True or False
{January 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
True or false- Indexed annuities have: – 180 different indices upon which to base their interest crediting, – 33 different ways of calculating the indexed interest, and – 4 ways of limiting indexed gains. PLUS – 1 major reputation for being complex. Join in the discussion on LinkedIn HERE -sjm
Redacted contract-holder annual statements
{January 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am putting the finishing touches on my second book. As a part of that process, I am looking for redacted contract-holder annual statements that show fantastic gains on indexed annuities. If you have a couple, that you are interested in sharing, please shoot them my way. -sjm sjm@intelrockstar.com
They could be the answer to the nation’s retirement crisis.
{December 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I don’t know what else to say. This stuff makes me mad. Click HERE to read DOL hearing parses intersection of ‘best interest’ and annuity sales via InvestmentNews Just because annuities are purchased in a different manner than investments, doesn’t make them inferior. These are important products, and Americans need to learn about them. They […]
Five things your annuity seller SHOULD tell you:
{December 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I believe you may misunderstand indexed annuities Mike Palmer. Click HERE to view Five Things Your Annuity Seller Won’t Tell You via Kiplinger What do you mean when you say indexed annuities “offer ‘point to point’ crediting, but the investor must choose monthly or annual valuation, and the fees for each option differ?” The annuity […]
Maybe if more companies would follow suit…
{December 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Athene is promoting annuities in my Morning Brew newsletter. Maybe if more companies would follow suit, we wouldn’t have a retirement crisis. 🤷🏼♀️ -sjm
THIRD QUARTER 2023 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the third quarter of 2023 were $774 million, compared with sales of $769 million for the third quarter of 2022. Third quarter non-variable life sales were down more than 6% when compared to the previous quarter and down less than 1% as compared to the same period last year. Total 3Q2023 […]
Wow. Life insurance sales really struggled 3Q2023!
{December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
LINE OF BUSINESS SALES % CHNG QTR / % CHNG YR >Non-Variable Universal Life | $774.03 M | -6.49% / 0.64% >>Universal Life | $86.82 M | -14.57% / -9.65% Indexed Life | $687.22 M | -5.38% / 2.46% Whole Life | $1.01 B | -7.10% / -7.61% -sjm
Speaking of annuity sales-
{December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
PRODUCT LINE SALES % CHG/QTR / % CHG/YR All Deferred Annuities $78.61 B -1.41% / 8.53% >Non-Variable Deferred Annuities $54.79 B -2.38% / 12.19% >>Indexed Annuities $23.34 B -7.24% / 11.29% >>Fixed Annuities $495.94 M -1.47% / 9.82% >>Multi-Year Gtd. Annuities $30.95 B 1.63% / 12.91% >Variable Deferred Annuities $23.81 B 0.88% / 0.95% >>Structured […]
I bought an annuity through a direct-to-consumer platform.
{December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I bought an annuity through a direct-to-consumer platform. The electronic process was very simple. At this point, I am waiting for one of their home office agents to contact me about the case. My inforce 5-year MYGA was renewing at 4.40%. Why would I renew, when I can get a new 5-year MYGA crediting 6.50%? […]
Go in with your eyes wide open!
{December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Reading an ad, promoting a hybrid index that is used on indexed annuities. I HOPE you know that one of the constituents in nearly all hybrid/engineered/bespoke/volatility-controlled indices is CASH. Index providers control the allocation of funds within the index’s constituents. If the index is heavily weighted toward cash, this WILL have the effect of drag […]
Seriously. Let’s do something about it!
{November 30th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
No, no, no! Disagree. Click HERE to read Consumer Reps Ask States to Change Annuities’ Faces “For clients, illustrations serve as products’ easy-to-understand faces.” Hardly. On the other hand, so glad that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)‘ A Committee was compelled to keep the Indexed Universal Life Illustration Subgroup going. “Eliminate hypothetical historical […]
Giving Tuesday
{November 30th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
My first-born, and only son for 17 years, was born with cleft lip and cleft palate. Despite numerous ultrasounds, AJ’s congenital birth defect wasn’t apparent until his head emerged, during my delivery. My baby had a giant hole in his face. He had two upper lips. Half of his nose was missing. There was a […]
Adding to the confusion is the suggestion that income annuities have “often-high fees,” when in fact they have none.
{November 30th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
This article from Aaron Brown at Bloomberg News, which was featured in ADVISOR PERSPECTIVES INC, is extremely misleading. To start- insurance companies with private equity backing hold 26.6% of the deferred annuity market; not 10%. The beginning of the article outlines the current goings-on in the deferred annuity industry but then points to income annuities. […]
Life is fleeting. LIve life intentionally
{November 30th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
A great man died last week. Arthur “Dave” Postal has worked with me since he was at “National Underwriter.” He wrote about life insurance and annuities. He cared about the quality and the content of his message. He had integrity in his reporting. He was 82, and still working with Life Annuity Specialist. I just […]
Third Quarter 2023 Annuity Sales
{November 22nd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 3Q2023 deferred annuity sales were $78,616 million, compared with sales of $72,438 million for the third quarter of 2022. Third quarter deferred annuity sales were down more than 1% when compared to the previous quarter but up nearly 9% when compared to the same period last year. Non-Variable Deferred Annuity Sales […]
Premium bonus
{November 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Nearly half of all indexed annuity sales were on products that had a premium bonus. Those premium bonuses were as high as 20%. Replacements, anybody? -sjm
This one is making their presence known.
{November 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
If you all haven’t heard of Aspida, you better ask somebody. They are trying to make their presence in the indexed annuity market KNOWN. Their sales are up 60,033% from this time last year. Recognize. -sjm
They don’t need pie-in-the-sky; they need reliable information, to base their decision on.
{November 14th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am not sure I agree with Ken Nuss. “Back-testing based on historical index performance gives an idea of how a particular indexed annuity sub-account might perform in the future. While past performance is not a guarantee of future performance, it’s a good starting point.” Considering that there are indexed annuities illustrating linear returns of […]
One simply cannot suggest that “you’re actually invested in the market” with an IUL
{November 14th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
In response to June Sham with NerdWallet, One cannot suggest that “you’re actually invested in the market” with an indexed UL. You do not invest in the market with IUL; you merely earn interest based upon the market’s performance. Click HERE to read An IUL for retirement? The pros and cons of indexed universal life […]
This appears to be a regulatory power grab.
{November 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
How can life insurance agents ” …hold themselves out as trusted advice professionals,” when they are not advising their clients, but instead selling them products? They are not registered investment advisors?!? And how can the U.S. Department of Labor assert that “…said conflicts of interest related to the sales of fixed index annuities cost investors $5 billion annually?” […]
Inaccurate clickbait annuity articles
{November 7th, 2023} by Ashley Kilroy
Whoa, whoa, whoa, WOAH! Oh, SmartAsset– you drive me crazy with your inaccurate clickbait annuity articles! Click HERE to read 8 Reason Annuities Might Actually Be a Bad Investment For You 1. Annuities can be complex. This is why having a trusted insurance agent is important. 2. Sales agents MUST disclose an itemized list of annuity […]
Relationships matter. Don’t burn bridges.
{October 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
The very first week that I began working in the life insurance industry, my trainer gave me the best piece of advice, ever. Keep in mind that I live in Des Moines, Iowa- the life insurance capital of the United States. (Not to mention that our population is only a couple hundred thousand strong…I mean, […]
Mentorship Culture
{October 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have had numerous mentors during my tenure in the insurance industry. Hear about how I approach mentorship, with a podcast I did with my dear friend Mark Williams of Brokers International. SN: Did you know that I was once married to a police officer who went to prison? Yep- that happened. Tune in to find out more! […]
While we’re on the topic of private equity-owned insurance companies…
{October 17th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wow. Award-winning journalism from John Hilton at InsuranceNewsNet? Click HERE to read Critics call out Brookfield Asset Management asset transfers to insurer via INN. Could be. While we’re on the topic of private equity-owned insurance companies… The president of Brookfield Asset Management indicated that there are, “plans to target allocating ‘40% of our insurance assets into private funds. Today, that […]
From less than seven to nearly 40!
{October 11th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
When I started Wink, Inc., 18 years ago, the average number of indexing method choices on an indexed annuity was less than seven. Today, there are products that have nearly 40 different indexing method options on a single product. Good or bad? Why? Why not? Join in my LinkedIn discussion HERE! – sjm
NWL is being acquired; it will be interesting to see what this means for the companies
{October 10th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Well, I guess Ross Moody has some extra time on his hands now. National Western Life Insurance Company (NWL) is being acquired by Prosperity Life’s S. USA Life Insurance Company’s subsidiary. As of 2Q2023, the companies have a combined market share of 1.18% of the $79.7 billion deferred annuity market. They also hold 0.39% of the $914.3 million in […]
How do you leverage Wink’s data?
{October 3rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have to have a client put together a “use case,” describing how they leverage Wink, Inc.‘s data. Are any of you open to helping out with this? This would be on display on our new website. (i.e. You’ll be famous!!) *sjm groveling* Shoot us a note on the online chat or support@winkintel.com if you’d like […]
I am a life-long learner.
{October 3rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a journey that I would like to share with you tonight. I am a life-long learner:
This is the kind of bologna that makes me despise the “credible” sources
{October 3rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Oh, Kiplinger– you’re on one. Wish I knew the author of this whammy, so that I could drop a little annuity knowledge on them. Click HERE to read “Advisory Annuities Let You Eliminate the Middlemen” on Yahoo! Finance. Of course a well-structured retirement plan could outpace an annuity; annuities are insurance, after all. A retirement plan […]
Engineered indices debate continues
{October 3rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
And the debate continues… Hybrid indices (or “engineered indices,” as my friend Bobby Samuelson calls them) have been juicing the illustrations arms race on both indexed life insurance and indexed annuities. Read here, in The Annuity Edge for Bobby’s take on the matter “Engineered Indices & FIA
Fluff pieces for warm fuzzies
{September 26th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Do not be fooled by insurance companies publishing a 1-2 pager about their inforce renewal rates. These are fluff pieces, intended to make you feel warm and fuzzy. If an insurance company TRULY publishes their inforce renewal rates, their history will include pages of interest rates/caps/pars/spreads on it. Know the difference. If the insurance company […]
Go forth and multiply your giving
{September 26th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Last week, I spent three hours with my middle son, volunteering for MEALS FROM THE HEARTLAND. Our group of volunteers packaged enough meals to feed 25,000 children for a year! It was competitive. It was fun. It was necessary. Teaching our children to have the heart of a volunteer is so important. Also, my son […]
Overall takeaway: buffer strategies offer more risk, but greater potential for returns.
{September 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
My one and only PGIM homey- David Blanchett, is all over my LinkedIn! This time, he is discussing structured annuities (a.k.a. RILAs). Click HERE to read RILAs: Buffers are still much better than floors Now remember- with a structured annuity that has a floor on losses, “the downside is limited to a stated percentage, such as […]
Out of the Darkness
{September 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Yesterday was an emotionally exhausting day. I participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s central Iowa Out of the Darkness walk. This walk is intended to raise money for suicide prevention. I have walked every year since my son killed himself. Usually, I am overcome with sadness because of the loss of my firstborn. Yesterday […]
Be leery of high illustrated returns.
{September 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Reading a class action lawsuit filing and came across a point that I have made in the past. “If buying options [on indexed insurance products] is so incredibly profitable…then why doesn’t everyone do it and why aren’t life insurers employing this strategy to generate higher returns in their own general accounts?” ***********************Be leery of high […]
Innovative sales strategies: Stories wanted
{September 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
My friend Pam Sheehan is the brilliant individual behind Aspire Magazine. She is searching for submissions for her “Raising the Bar” sales stories. Specifically, she is looking for the innovative sales strategies and processes that are raising the bar in our profession. Sales efforts by advisors in life insurance, LTC, DI, annuities, or senior markets that have made […]
Risk Management & Insurance Major
{September 5th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Look at who now offers an insurance and risk management undergrad program! So excited by this, University of Iowa! -sjm Risk Management & Insurance Major This major begins Fall 2023 Understand risks, reap big rewards To make smart decisions about any project, businesses need to look at what might go wrong and come up with […]
SECOND QUARTER 2023 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{September 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the second quarter of 2023 were $827 million, compared with sales of $790 million for the second quarter of 2022. Second quarter non-variable life sales were up more than 13% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 5% as compared to the same period last year. Total 2Q2023 […]
What other reasons do you think have led to the decline in sales of life insurance?
{September 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Charting the Course of Life Insurance, John Forcucci‘s Letter From the Editor in InsuranceNewNet Magazine, outlines possible reasons for the decline in life insurance sales. John correctly points to the fact that there is a huge portion of our country that are underserved. He hits the nail on the head that companies are focusing on cash […]
Pulling back the curtain on hybrid indices
{August 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
You need to do your due diligence on hybrid indexes, which are used on indexed life insurance and indexed annuities. The index provider may limit gains on the index through a monthly cap on performance. In these instances, there is no cap on downward index performance. And- this is IN ADDITION TO the limit on […]
You “represent every carrier that there is?” How unusual.
{August 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
This came up on my Google alerts. Click HERE to listen to “Steven DeJean on annuities.” I am sure you want listeners to inquire about indexed annuities the most, but ALL annuities are like a personal pension. And really- you don’t need an “income rider” to guarantee a paycheck for life. Every annuity offers this […]
Second Quarter 2023 Annuity Sales
{August 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 2Q2023 deferred annuity sales were $79,742 million, compared with sales of $72,735 million for the second quarter of 2022. Second quarter deferred annuity sales were down nearly 6% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 10% when compared to the same period last year. Non-Variable Deferred Annuity Sales […]
Annuity sales are down for the quarter, but up from this time last year!
{August 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Annuity sales are down for the quarter, but up from this time last year! LINE OF BUSINESS SALES % Chng Qtr / % Chang YTD All Deferred Annuities $79.74B -5.90% / 9.63% >Non-Variable Deferred Annuities $56.13B -10.78% / 21.32% >>Indexed Annuities $25.16B 11.33% / 28.36% >>Fixed Annuities $503.31M 31.43% / 3.85% >>MYG Annuities $30.46B -23.70% […]
This piece is in response to a paper that my friend Wade Pfau was commissioned to write, by the Alliance for Lifetime Income.
{August 23rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I show grace to Wade not mentioning that inforce annuity rates can, and often do, change. This is a practice that typically occurs with products sold in the independent agent distribution. It is likely a little too “in the weeds” for Mr. Pfau. Click HERE to read the full story Are Fixed Annuities More Efficient […]
Literally rolling my eyes at the entire section on annuity fees in this piece. Don’t get me started.
{August 23rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I wonder- wouldn’t one be compelled to speak to an insurance professional, when writing about life insurance and/or annuities? Click HERE to view “Should you Buy an Annuity?” via Forbes. It doesn’t always happen. And while a “zero-coupon bond offers a similar tax deferral [to an annuity] but is taxed at capital gain rates,” it […]
Replacement activity much
{August 23rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Nearly 40% of all indexed annuity sales in 2Q2023 had a premium bonus. Find out more in Wink’s Sales & Market Report -sjm
At least it is an opportunity for readers to ask financial advisors about life insurance.
{August 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Just what IS permanent life insurance? That is what Devon Delfino and Jennifer Lobb set out to communicate in this week’s USA TODAY’s Blueprint content. Click HERE to read Permanent Life Insurance Explained. **********SN: Blueprint is for lead generation, so there is that.********** This article was somewhat of a smorgasbord of life insurance information. It […]
Looks like this clickbait needs some improved fact-checking…
{August 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I was really interested to see an article from Forbes Advisor comparing certificates of deposit (CDs) to annuities. Click HERE to read Annuity vs. CD And I was moving right along until I read that there were “three main types” of annuities. Note to self: they forgot structured annuities/RILAs. No big deal. But THEN, I read […]
Index providers, Take Note!
{July 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Shout out to my homies at Credit Suisse who not only have easy-to-navigate websites to research their indexed annuity indices but also disclose all relevant information. Index providers, take note!
Can bipolar disorder lead one to commit fraud?
{July 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Can bipolar disorder lead one to commit fraud? I think so. Click HERE to read ‘Annuity King’ partner claims bipolar disorder in presentence report: Click HERE to join in the discussion on LinkedIn
Life Insurance Companies Executive Compensation
{July 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Join in the discussion over on LinkedIn.
“That’s a long surrender period”
{July 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
One can no longer say that indexed annuities have surrender charges as long as 16 years. (It’s now 15 years.) Note, however, that there are multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) with surrender charges as long as 20 years.
M&A, Everybody’s doin’ it.
{July 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
M&A. Everybody’s doin’ it. Click HERE to read Nassau Financial Acquires Delaware Life of New York The thing that confused me on this deal was that Allison Bell at ThinkAdvisor indicated: “Nassau could use its newly acquired New York state subsidiary to add a life or annuity product line or to make a product now sold only outside of […]
On a personal note: Pride and Plasma
{July 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
In the wake of my son’s suicide, I was able to work with my Congressman to get the law changed, so that gay men could donate blood. While we were successful in getting this policy reformed in 2014, the new legislation was still restrictive. I continue to work hard to change the laws so that […]
So, this product is unique
{June 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
“And while that isn’t the HIGHEST MYG rate for a five-year contract today, this annuity has something yours doesn’t.”
Random Facts
{June 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Random facts: – 20% – 20% = 0% (I promise, it means something.) – It is hard to replace an old annuity, with a new one, if there will still be surrender charges on the first contract, after the replacement; – There are two indexed annuities with a first-year surrender penalty of 20%; – Annuities […]
Executive compensation are no small cookies
{June 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have commenced by executive compensation study of CEO pay at life/annuity insurers. I pulled the CEO pay from a regulator’s office. In this study, I am reviewing the total compensation of 70 different insurance companies that operate in the life/annuity space. The first thing that caught my attention? These CEO’s salaries were not as […]
I want to feel like I am in a noble profession.
{June 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Man, I am feeling down about this business lately. Insurance companies have strayed from the business of protection to the business of accumulating assets. Instead of focusing on consumer value, there has been a transition to focusing on shareholder value. Life insurance and annuity products are seeing reduced rates in years two plus. Life insurance […]
There is still a lot of work we need to do!
{June 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I still remember getting the state of Iowa to be the first to proclaim June as Annuity Awareness Month. Feels like quite a bit has been accomplished in the eight years since then. We had legislation passed to put annuities in retirement plans. We have developed annuities for an entirely new distribution of fee-based and […]
Annuity sales are killing it!!
{June 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Product Line $$$ / % Chng/Qtr / %Chng/Yr >All Deferred Annuities $84.74 B / 6.81% / 41.91% >>Non-Variable Deferred Annuities $62.91 B / 8.75% / 98.27% >>>Indexed Annuities $22.60 B / $22.60 B / 4.42% / 35.56% >>>Fixed Annuities $382.94 M / -33.45% / -17.39% >>>MYG Annuities $39.92 B / 12.05% / 173.49% >>Variable Deferred […]
Do us a favor
{June 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
It’s Annuity Awareness Month, homies! Do me a favor, and ask your neighbor if they’ve heard of the “A-word.” The more people we educate, the less Americans we’ll have with insufficient income during retirement. -sjm
FIRST QUARTER 2023 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{June 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable IUL Sales Sales for the first quarter of 2023 were $730 million, compared with sales of $737 million for the first quarter of 2022. First quarter non-variable life sales were down 15% when compared to the previous quarter and down less than 1% as compared to the same period last year. Total 1Q2023 non-variable […]
FIRST QUARTER 2023 ANNUITY SALES
{May 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 1Q2023 deferred annuity sales were $84,741 million, compared with sales of $59,716 million for the first quarter of 2022. First quarter deferred annuity sales were up nearly 7% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 42% when compared to the same period last year. Non-Variable Deferred […]
Annuity sales are killing it!
{May 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Product Line $$$ / % Chng/Qtr / %Chng/Yr >All Deferred Annuities $84.74 B / 6.81% / 41.91% >>Non-Variable Deferred Annuities $62.91 B / 8.75% / 98.27% >>>Indexed Annuities $22.60 B / $22.60 B / 4.42% / 35.56% >>>Fixed Annuities $382.94 M / -33.45% / -17.39% >>>MYG Annuities $39.92 B / 12.05% / 173.49% >>Variable Deferred […]
Only 25% of businesses survive 15 years or more.
{May 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, about 1 in 5 small businesses fail in their first year. In fact, nearly 50% of small businesses fail in the first FIVE years. After 10 years, about 65% of businesses have failed. Only 25% of businesses survive 15 years or more. Eighteen years ago, I got my walking […]
These products are just the “next thing.”
{May 15th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
No offense to ANY insurance company, but I don’t think that structured life insurance products (think the equivalent of a “RILA,” on the life side) are the “next big thing.” I agree with Tim Pfeifer in Life Annuity Specialist’s Why Structured Life Won’t Keep Up With Structured Annuities. They are just the “next thing.” Why? Structured […]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
{May 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many of you are familiar with the fact that my son, AJ Betts, took his own life after being bullied. He was 16, and beautiful, and so full of life! And like Robin Williams and Kate Spade, you wouldn’t have known that he would ever complete suicide. AJ was playing outside with our dogs, doing […]
Honored to be on the Tech Map!
{May 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am so pleased to see that Michael Kitces updated his “Financial AdvisorTech Solutions Map!” Wink, Inc. is honored to be listed under the “Insurance Data / Analytics” section of this infographic. THANK YOU! -sjm
Regulation has changed these products. Let’s keep educating.
{May 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
The staff at Wink, Inc. just told me about one of my old friends, calling-in to say, “hi.” Doug Mantelli & I have worked together since his days at Jackson, but he is now elevating RIA distribution at Pacific Life. And just as I am getting ready to shoot him a note, my morning Google alerts delivers this piece to […]
This stat scares the bejeezus out of me
{May 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Well, here’s a stat that scares the bejeezus out of me: “Nearly half of baby boomers have no retirement savings” HALF! And WHAT?!? In the “55- to –64-year-old boomer age group, 58 percent of Americans own retirement accounts.” How the heck do you get caught up with your retirement savings at that point? “Without a […]
Junior Achievement
{May 2nd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
For many years, I have had members of my team at Wink, Inc. volunteering for Junior Achievement USA. This organization offers “proven lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship [which] are shown to positively impact the lives of young people.” Why? “Research shows that Junior Achievement Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, […]
Happy AG49-B day
{May 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
May 1st. Oh yeah, And a BIG happy AG49-B day to you! Enjoy it while you can, as I am certain that the Illustration Model Regulation will be opened up, which will lead to yet ANOTHER change in indexed life illustrations. (May you undersell and over-deliver in your life illustrations!) -sjm
I am life insurance
{April 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Yesterday, I had a breakthrough with my head doctor. SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENED! **********I realized that I no longer define myself as the woman whose son, her firstborn took his own life after being relentlessly bullied, for being gay.********** (This is how I have introduced myself since July 27, 2013: the terrible, awful, no good, very […]
Whether fees or commissions, these financial services products are merely tools
{April 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
As long as they keep the financial services business divided on the issue of commissions vs. fees, we are distracted from the REAL story: getting Americans the help that they need. Thanks for the shout out, Marc Cadin! I appreciate your advocacy of educating financial professionals that, whether fees or commissions, these financial services products […]
Read this if you are a hybrid RIA
{April 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I agree with Matt Zagula‘s assessment of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission‘s position. However, I also think that this guy actually WAS NOT acting in his clients’ best interests. There are plenty of hybrid RIAs that DO. I read the entire case. It is what makes people hate annuities. SMH. Read this if you are a […]
