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 […]
This may be more about illustrations than performance, folks
{April 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Here is some more on that case we discussed earlier this week, about the insurance company and index provider, who are being sued because of hybrid index performance. Click to read Texas lawsuit: Lincoln Financial annuity fell far short of illustration promises Some things that caught my eye: “Plaintiffs say they signed a fixed indexed […]
It goes without saying that potential replacements are a serious issue.
{April 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Let’s talk about disintermediation for a moment. Disintermediation occurs when annuitants/policyholders cash surrender their annuities/life insurance as a result of rising interest rates. Charlie Gipple, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® of CG Financial Group, LLC just published an article on the subject in this month’s Broker World magazine titled, New Annuity Caps Better Than Renewal Caps. Do I Replace? I am […]
Ugh. I have been dreading this
{April 11th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Another lawsuit has been filed around the issue of a non-performing hybrid index on an indexed annuity. *wince* The proposed class action targets both the insurance company, AND the index provider. The suit is centered around the assertion that the illustrations were “too rosy” and the index didn’t perform. Apparently, nine plaintiffs claim that they […]
Too much business to care about annuity transfers?
{April 4th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am hearing scuttlebutt that with any annuity transfer coming into some insurers, the home office will stop following-up on the money after the first email or call. Apparently, these companies are leaving it up to the agent, client, or FMO to close out the case and follow-up on transfers. What say you? Laziness? Too […]
I’m just mad! Indexed annuities don’t need this kind of press!
{March 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Not to beat a dead horse here, but I am still reading about the news of that guy who got slammed by the SEC for his indexed annuity sales. First comment: Yesterday he was an “adviser” and today he is an “advisor.” Let’s talk about the differences. Second comment: “…[the advisor would] use the proceeds […]
How one can “help people plan for retirement” when you are spreading misinformation about annuities?
{March 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Have I ever mentioned how I resent SmartAsset? You know- the lead generation company that distributes “educational articles” about annuities, but gets their “education” wrong nearly every single time… This morning, here they are in my Morning Brew newsletter again! How can I win against companies like this?!? “SmartAsset raised $161m to help people plan for retirement.” I […]
FOURTH QUARTER 2022 ANNUITY SALES
{March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 4Q2022 deferred annuity sales were $79,309 million, compared with sales of $60,924 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Fourth quarter deferred annuity sales were up more than 9% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 30% when compared to the same period last year. Non-Variable […]
Annuity Primary Product Objective?
{March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am thinking of taking every annuity in the AnnuitySpecs database, and assigning a “Primary Product Objective” to it. This is because of the industry’s recent trend of classifying annuities as being either for “accumulation” or “income.” That said, I do not want to overlook anything. So, I need to hear from my marketers!! Do […]
Enhacing their GLWBs!
{March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Nice to see insurance companies enhancing their Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits (GLWBs) on their indexed annuities! The following companies have all made improvement to their offerings, since the first of the year (most recent changes, appearing at top): – PRUCO LIFE INS CO, – Protective Life, – Integrity Life Insurance Co, – Jackson, – Allianz Life – Midland National Life Insurance […]
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!
{March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
For nearly all lines of business, the average annuity premium is smaller, but the number of apps received is larger. More, smaller annuity cases were submitted in 4Q2022. Join in the conversation over on LinkedIn! -sjm
Relationships matter.
{March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I won’t forget the day that changed my career, while I was working for my first home office. I worked for the #1 seller of indexed life insurance and indexed annuities, in product development. A had just received a directive from the top: I needed to assist other insurance companies in developing indexed insurance products. […]
In case you missed it
{March 14th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Life insurance sales results from 4Q2022… LINE OF BUSINESS: 4Q Sales, 2022 Sales – % Chng/Qtr, % Chng/Yr, % Chnge/2021 Non-Variable Universal Life: $861.59M, $3.16B – 12.02%, 0.44%, 5.97% >Universal Life: $109.62M, $425.32M – 11.42%, -21.71%, -17.97% Indexed Life: $752.29M, $2.73B – 12.16%, 4.77%, 10.95% Whole Life: $1.24B, $4.59B – 12.78%, -17.61%, -5.70% Stay […]
NAILBA Charitable Foundation
{March 14th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I get to be a part of a really cool thing that the NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION does each year. **Our mission of the NAILBA Charitable Foundation is to encourage philanthropy and business, to work hand-in-hand, helping others who are at risk.** Since its beginning, the NAILBA Charitable Foundation has awarded over $3.5 million dollars in grants!! (And […]
FOURTH QUARTER 2022 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{March 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the fourth quarter of 2022 were $861 million, compared with sales of $857 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Fourth quarter non-variable life sales were up more than 12% when compared to the previous quarter and up less than 1% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal […]
Women & Income, online seminar project
{March 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Are you a female financial advisor that helps to address the unique challenges women face as they plan for long-term retirement security? My friend David Macchia is working on an online educational seminar project and could use your help. Please feel free to reach out to David, directly, if you are interested.
A note to Investor.gov
{March 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Hey- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission! I just had the opportunity to review your content on annuities on your “Investor” website. Click HERE to view Annuities via Investor.gov It isn’t entirely accurate. It is outdated. Do you need help updating it? For example- there is a fourth type of annuity that was developed over a decade […]
“Best Life Insurance Companies…”
{March 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
This is weird. I saw that USA TODAY published an “article” on the “Best life insurance companies of 2023.” They have my attention. The third sentence of this piece says, “we analyzed 15 of the leading life insurance companies” in the assessment. Leading life insurance companies, based on what? Later on, another reference, “life insurance experts evaluated […]
What a great lineup!
{March 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Just reading the new Aspire Magazine, by my friend Pam Sheehan. Click HERE to read Aspire! What a great lineup! There is a terrific article on what the “bottom line costs.” I could definitely apply this to MY business! Here my buddy, Bobby Samuelson, makes a compelling argument for why we were proposed an alternative to the AG49-B […]
This article made me sad for several reasons
{March 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
This article, 3 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T INVEST IN ANNUITIES made me sad. For several reasons. First, I cannot IMAGINE someone being sold an annuity that only yields 2% annually- especially “a few years later” than 2002? If that were truly the case, it HAD to be a very short-term product. That said, the commission would […]
Newsflash: This does not bode well for the 1035 activity, fellas/ladies.
{February 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Recently I’ve been hearing A LOT of chatter from insurance agents that are replacing a certain indexed annuity, with a surrender charge that extends beyond 15 years. Turns out, the insurance company underwriting this particular annuity has recently slashed their inforce renewal rates/caps/pars. Dramatically. This has put many an insurance agent in the position to […]
You can’t publish a headline like “10 Best Annuity Companies In the US” and NOT get my attention.
{February 22nd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I was all over this one on Yahoo Finance! After all, you can’t publish a headline like “10 Best Annuity Companies In the US” and NOT get my attention. Now, before we you go on to the list of top annuity companies, you have to know the following: 1. The author of this article, Insider Monkey is “a […]
This is not the kind of list that you want to land on.
{February 22nd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
This is not the kind of list that you want to land on. However, Brian O’Connell with TheStreet suggests that VA fees are one of the “worst” fees that consumers pay. Click to read Brian’s Money Experts Say These Are the Worst Consumer Fees. Interesting to see VAs lumped into a list with bank overdraft fees and ATM fees, […]
Consideration of annuity laddering
{February 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Get outta my head, Matthew DiGangi, MBA, CLTC! For those who are concerned about future interest rates, I also suggest the consideration of annuity laddering. Today, you can buy annuities with rates guaranteed for 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-years+. Why not split the money-up, amongst several rate guarantee periods, to ensure that you don’t lose […]
Annuitization is so undervalued!
{February 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I always love a good read from my dear friend Steve Parrish, JD,RICP,CLU,ChFC,AEP with the Retirement Income Center at The American College of Financial Services. This time, it was with Forbes. Click HERE to read Reasons You Should Retain Your Deferred Annuity When You Retire In this piece, he suggests numerous options for dealing with a deferred annuity, once […]
I expect that the demand for fixed annuities will continue.
{February 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I always love it when Steve Morelli from InsuranceNewsNet gives me the rundown on insurance companies’ earnings calls: Click HERE to view Brighthouse sees record annuity year, while life insurance lags In this piece, we get some intel on Brighthouse Financial. The company CEO, Eric T. Steigerwalt, goes on the record as saying, “The company [Brighthouse] does not expect […]
Some of my comments about fiduciaries’ attitudes toward annuities may have been taken out of context.
{February 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I appreciated last night’s story by Ed Hayes in Financial Advisor Magazine. I think his editor was a little overzealous though? Click HERE to read Are Advisors Warming up to Annuities? Some of my comments about fiduciaries’ attitudes toward annuities may have been taken out of context. “Annuities have been incorrectly associated with high commissions, illiquidity, and significant […]
NAILBA’s/Finseca Insurbrief
{February 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Super awesome to see NAILBA/Finseca using data from “Wink’s Sales & Market Report” to point-out Transamerica‘s top-selling Transamerica Foundation IUL and the company’s #2 position in indexed life sales too! FYI- I am both “industry analysts” and “officials” as it relates to the “IUL Speed Bump” segment in the attached video. I should add that to my resume… […]
It Gets Better
{January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I APPRECIATE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! Thank you for your generous gifts to the It Gets Better Project, in memory of my son, AJ Betts. In a moment of vulnerability, I want to admit to you that I am TERRIFIED that my son will be forgotten. Terrified! While he looms in my memory daily, everyone […]
This one, unfortunately, just cannot be simplified.
{January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Just reviewed, literally, THE most complex rider that I have ever seen in the 24 years that I have been in this business. I am an expert at reading specimen contracts. I love to simplify complex terminology into easy-to-understand terms. This one, unfortunately, just cannot be simplified. If I cannot understand it, I don’t know […]
I wonder- what specifically are “large, undisclosed commissions?”
{January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Do you guys remember when California had a bounty program, where they would pay professionals to turn in sheisty insurance agents? Well, remembering that got my attention, when I saw this article promoted in my Google alerts. I wonder- what specifically are “large, undisclosed commissions?” This guy makes it sound like annuities pay 10% comp and life […]
This is a pretty balanced, educational article!
{January 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I was reading Bradley Rosen‘s article in Kiplinger this morning, and thought “this is a pretty balanced, educational article!” I should share it. Click HERE to read Long-Term Investments Require a New Approach Warning: there is kind of an awkward plug for indexed annuities at the end. I wondered why the article didn’t mention other types […]
Best Book on Annuities
{January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a friend who asked me what the best book on annuities would be. I didn’t even know how to respond. I mean, is he asking about annuity sales? Annuity mechanics? Annuity psychology? Something else? What are the best annuity books you’ve read (warning: not your own book!), and why? Click HERE to Join […]
Horrifed by this Tik Tok
{January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am horrified by this Tik Tok on indexed life. Who said that 6%-8% was the “average return” on IUL? There is no place to substantiate that claim. It is “guaranteed growth?” Nearly every IUL has a minimum guaranteed interest rate of 0%. That IS NOT GROWTH. This is giving us all a bad name […]
ILL-PREPARED FOR THE MYGA BOOM?
{January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Not to start a complaint fest, but I have never heard more complaints about service with annuity home offices, than I have over the past two months. It seems few insurers are immune. The time required to issue an app has likely never been longer. I am typically hearing three weeks just to get a […]
Confused, embarrssed. “There’s something that does not compute.”
{January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wow. Just wow. This one had me at, “there’s something that does not compute. Click to read “‘My adviser insists this is a good, low-risk investment.’ I’m semi-retired at 63 with $2 million saved. My financial adviser wants me to sink half my money in an annuity. Should I do it?” Chris Chen, CFP®, CDFA™– […]
The Annuity Paradox
{January 9th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I initially thought this article, The Annuity Paradox, was pretty balanced. I mean, Financial Planning Magazine isn’t wrong in their “parsing the mortality lottery” section. I did actually LOL on the annuity comparisons against different car models. And I have to concede that there are some “very complex” annuities out there. (But no one mentions that there […]
MQATMULY
{January 4th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I was really excited to learn about a new index recently, which is designed to show you what a typical renewal annual point-to-point participation rate should be in the present environment. Mark Waldman schooled me about this new index from Genesis Financial Products, the company that brought us the indexed annuity. My mind began racing…of […]
The end of the monthly sum?
{January 4th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore
I’ve been wondering how long it would take for insurance companies to start retiring their monthly point-to-point indexing methods. MassMutual Ascend recently took this action on one of their indexed annuities. The indexing method, also known as “monthly sum,” used to account 40.50% of all indexed annuity sales in 2005. However, the most recent “Wink’s […]
There are many more insights into the mind of an annuity buyer
{December 27th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Well, there is nothing so surprising about consumers buying annuities for guaranteed income. However, LIMRA discovered that liquidity was a major driver for annuity purchase decisions as well. This was crazy to me, as the research I have read from the American Council of Life Insurers – ACLI indicates that most annuity purchasers do not use the liquidity features […]
If these medical advancements become approved for use in humans, just HOW LONG could we live?
{December 27th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
You always hear me say that “annuities will guarantee a paycheck for life, even if the annuitant lives to be 150 years old.” This is because I read a “Time” magazine article, over a decade ago, which indicated that the first person to live to be 150 years old was already walking the earth at […]
The perfect gift for a spreadsheeting master
{December 12th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
“If time is money, then this gift is priceless – decorate your tree this season with Excel” – Morning Brew Store
THIRD QUARTER 2022 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the third quarter of 2022 were $766 million, compared with sales of $717 million for the third quarter of 2021. Third quarter non-variable life sales were down nearly 3% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 7% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal life (UL) […]
A way to advertise more attractive benefits in the early years?
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wink, Inc.‘s AnnuitySpecs tool houses product information on what Jim Wagner from Protective Life refers to as “high/low” riders in the article, Variable Annuities: What’s In and What’s Out. These are riders, where when the benefit base value is exhausted, the guaranteed withdrawal payments are reduced. I’ve never understood the market application for such riders. I’m sure the […]
Sales % of Change: Life Insurance
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Line of Biz: Sales % Change Over: Last Quarter / This Quarter, Last Year >Non-Variable Universal Life: $766.81 M -2.97% / 6.88% >>Universal Life: $96.09 M -8.27% / -16.66% >>Indexed Life: $670.72 M -2.16% / 11.34% Whole Life: $1.10 B -0.39% / -0.13% -sjm
That is literally EVERY single annuity ever developed! I’m not kidding.
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Oh, Brett Arends, you had me at “higher-fee annuity products.” I expect more from MarketWatch in the article, While stocks and bonds plunge, sales of these ‘safe’ investments are booming. Annuities are not a “kind of hybrid of insurance and investment.” They are insurance. Period. “The cost [of annuities] comes in the form of lower returns.” Of […]
It might be time to MOVE IT!
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I bought a five-year MYGA five years ago. I just received the renewal notice, and it will be renewing at a rate that it a good 2.50% less than what I can get on a new business 5-year MYGA. Be checking your clients’ renewal statements, folks! If they don’t need access to the money, it […]
THIRD QUARTER 2022 ANNUITY SALES
{November 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 3Q2022 deferred annuity sales were $72,438 million, compared with sales of $59,889 million for the third quarter of 2021. Third quarter deferred annuity sales were down less than 1% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 21% when compared to the same period last year. Deferred annuities include sales […]
Time for the structured annuity?
{November 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Variable Annuity sales are down nearly 16% from last quarter and down nearly 38% from this time last year. I wonder how many of the carriers that have yet to develop structured annuities are thinking about it now? -sjm
Sales Percentage Change Over: Last Quarter / This Quarter, Last Year
{November 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
THIRD QUARTER ANNUITY SALES Sales Percentage Change Over: Last Quarter / This Quarter, Last Year >All Deferred Annuities: $72.43 B -0.41% / 20.95% >>Non-Variable Deferred Annuities: $48.84 B 5.57% / 67.18% >>>Indexed Annuities: $20.97 B 6.98% / 20.97% >>>Fixed Annuities: $451.60 M -6.82% / 25.18% >>>Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities: $27.41 B […]
I, along with the NCF, appreciate your help!
{November 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
This year, the NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (NCF) was able to provide grants to a record 51 children’s charities, resulting in contributions that totaled $180,000 this year! If you need a tax break, there has never been a better time to make a contribution to NCF! I need to find at least three organizations that are willing to […]
This WILL come back upon us.
{November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I’m just going to throw this out there. Indexed annuity illustrated rates are out of control. These products are intended to “beat the bank,” not consistently return upward of 17%. Mark my words- this WILL come back upon us. Join in the lively conversation over on LinkedIn, click HERE.
Here’s why annuity sales are on the rise
{November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
AVERAGE FIXED ANNUITY RATES 2011: 2.77% 2012: 1.98% 2013: 2.49% 2014: 2.71% 2015: 2.68% 2016: 2.01% 2017: 2.06% 2018: 2.95% 2019: 2.72% 2020: 1.81% 2021: 1.71% Today: 4.25%
They could create their own “Defined Benefit plan.”
{November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Five reasons Americans are retiring later in life- When I was reading the 401(k) section, I just kept thinking to myself, “We need to establish some distribution, where when a worker separates from service at retirement, an advisor comes in to speak with them about annuities.” That way, they could create their own “Defined Benefit […]
Watch me jump out of my seat when Ramsey suggests that there is NEVER ANY reason to purchase a fixed annuity.
{November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I’ve never really been a fan of Dave Ramsey. While I am not an avid listener of his show, the little experience that I have had with him is that he is in a position of power, and holding himself out to be an expert on things he is not. He also uses a lot […]
Less than half of those surveyed have worked with a financial professional- WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY!
{November 8th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Holy buckets! Did you know that only 16% of Americans have an LTC plan in place? While “most consumers are unsure of their likelihood of ever needing LTC…it is estimated that almost 70% of individuals over the age of 65 will require a form of long-term care services at some point in their lives.” What a disconnect! […]
No one is fact-checking this stuff, and it comes off as being credible, simply because of the source.
{November 8th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
This is the stuff that makes us look bad, folks. Seriously. If you are going to write like this, keep it to yourself. Click HERE to read Forbes: Why Indexed Universal Life Insurance Might Be New 401(k) It is ludicrous to suggest that an IUL can typically earn 7%, much less to suggest that there […]
I do think that indexed annuity sales this year will eclipse the 2019 record.
{October 31st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I really liked this article, Why Fixed Indexed Annuities Are Back by David Blanchett. However, David Blanchett, I am having a little trouble with the suggestion that the “relative appeal of FIAs is going to evolve over time as the market changes,” in the manner that you suggest. Indexed annuities achieved record sales levels of $73.2 […]
The greatest
{October 24th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
ANNUITIES: “The greatest retirement product that no one knew about.” – Sheryl J. Moore
If you like stats you’ll enjoy this!
{October 24th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
If you like stats, like I love stats, you will enjoy using the “American Council of Life Insurers – ACLI‘s Life Insurers Fact Book!” This is one of my top secret tools, that I have at my disposal for market research. So many people asking for information that I find in it, that I thought […]
Target Premium
{October 17th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I think I am going to rock your world. (And not in a good way.) Did you know that target premium has nothing to do with the amount of premium needed to fund a UL? And I mean any type of UL- universal life, indexed universal life, or variable universal life contract. Target premium has […]
I can’t wait to hear what my people (that’s YOU!) think of this!
{October 17th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
What do you think? Join in the conversation on LinkedIn HERE.
Let’s try again: What do you think?
{October 17th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
The last time I asked “what do you think” to a Burt Snover post, I unleashed a firestorm. Let’s try again. What do YOU think? Click HERE to join in the conversation on LinkedIn.
10-Year Treasury
{October 17th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Who knew, when I was bellyaching about the 10-Year Treasury being less than 2.00% at the beginning of this year, that it would more than double by the close of the year? Craziness.
Top 10 Insurance brands
{October 11th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Top 10 Insurance Brands, by Impressions, as reported by InsuranceNewsNet: 10. CarShield 9. UnitedHealthcare 8. Northwestern Mutual 7. Farmers Insurance 6. USAA 5. State Farm 4. Allstate 3. GEICO 2. Progressive 1. Liberty Mutual
The first ingredient that one needs to be succesful in this market!
{October 11th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I don’t endorse any company or product. However, I hope that direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales of annuities take off. One company that seems to be succeeding, where others are struggling is Puritan Life Insurance Company of America, with their Canvas Annuities. I’ve got their shirt on, and my eyes on them. I particularly like the back of […]
UL can be a valuable tool
{October 4th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that all types of universal life are similar to term life insurance, with a savings component, all in a single permanent product? -sjm
Valuable Products
{September 26th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Annuities + LTC and Life Insurance + LTC ______________________ Valuable Products Thanks to Kelly Augspurger, CLTC®, CSA®for facilitating this conversation!
Do and Do Not: Deferred Annuities
{September 26th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
DEFERRED ANNUITIES DO: 1. Provide a minimum “floor” of income in retirement; 2. Protect you from outliving your income; and 3. Defer the taxes that you will pay on them, until taking income. DEFERRED ANNUITIES DO NOT: 1. Result in the insurance company keeping your money if you die the day after purchase; 2. Prevent […]
Food for Thought
{September 26th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
The one thing that all annuities have in common? A sentence on the front page of the contract. “The guarantees in this contract are only as good as the claims paying ability of the insurer.” -sjm
I walked at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk.
{September 18th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I walked at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk. My sincerest thanks to all of you who donated, in honor of my son. THANK YOU! I walked for my son. I walked for my firstborn. I walked for an extraordinary human being. I walked for AJ Betts. Nine years since […]
SECOND QUARTER 2022 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{September 7th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the second quarter of 2022 were $790 million, compared with sales of $756 million for the second quarter of 2021. Second quarter non-variable life sales were up more than 7% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 4% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal […]
Wholesaling Diversity
{September 7th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
My friend Orian Williams, JD, LL.M, CFP® was recently recognized by the Association for Wholesaling Diversity to be a “Rising Star.” After listening to him on the “For Internal Use Only”podcast, I can attest that he most definitely IS a RISING STAR! He is an attorney, a wholesaler, a father of triplet girls, a foodie, a traveler, and more. […]
SECOND QUARTER 2022 ANNUITY SALES
{August 31st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 2Q2022 deferred annuity sales were $72,804 million, compared with sales of $64,492 million for the second quarter of 2021. Second quarter deferred annuity sales were up nearly 22% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 13% when compared to the same period last year. Deferred annuities include sales of […]
Banks have spoken
{August 31st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Let this sink in for a minute. Bank certificates of deposit are averaging a credited rate of less than 0.75%. Fixed annuities, however, are averaging credited rates of 3.43% today. Banks have spoken. FOR THE FIRST TIME, BANKS SOLD MORE ANNUITIES THAN ANY OTHER DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL IN THE BUSINESS. More than Full Service National Broker/Dealers. […]
Buy-up indexing strategies
{August 30th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Buy-up indexing strategies- These are strategies where the annuitant is paying a fee for relatively-higher caps/pars. Studies done by Wink, Inc. show that 20% – 30% of a product’s premium allocation typically goes to an available buy-up indexing strategy. -sjm
Imminent needs to change the current state of IUL illustrations.
{August 23rd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
The last call that regulators had on indexed life illustrations seemed to have a different feel. Finally, it seemed that the regulators are of the belief that there is a problem, and that it needs fixed sooner than later. The other interesting development is that opening the illustration model regulation now appears to be on […]
Wouldn’t be the first time that the purchaser misunderstood what they bought.
{August 23rd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
What do you want to bet that this is a Variable Annuity with a living benefit that has a 7% rollup? Wouldn’t be the first time that the purchaser misunderstood what they bought. MarketWatch, you need experts that know more about annuities. Stop with the lead generation, it gets rid of your credibility. -sjm
Out of the Darkness
{August 23rd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Nine years ago, my son, AJ Betts killed himself. Each year since he has passed, I have walked in the Out of the Darkness Walks, which are put on by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you live in the Des Moines metro area, I invite you to walk with me on “Team AJ Betts.” […]
Lots going on with indexed UL illustrations…
{August 16th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I don’t believe that if the historical performance lookback on IUL is abolished that sales will decline by 75%. But they WILL decline. Oh, they WILL decline. Click HERE to read the latest installment of Bobby Samuelson’s “The Life Product Review” here. -sjm
YOU CAN STILL LOSE MONEY WITH THESE PRODUCTS?!
{August 9th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Does anyone else take issue with people marketing structured annuities/RILAs as “offering downside protection?” YOU CAN STILL LOSE MONEY WITH THESE PRODUCTS?! You ARE offered some level of downside protection with structured annuities, but it isn’t like you cannot lose any money. Losses are normally tempered with a buffer or floor, which is typically less […]
OIDs: Sales don’t seem to be following the trend
{August 9th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am reading more and more about Outsourced Insurance Desks (OIDs) over the past couple of months. In fact, Jeff Waddington, CLU, CLTC from Protective Life had an interview about them in today’s InsuranceNewsNet. “An OID, at its core, allows an advisor to access products and expertise in the risk management or insurance world when appropriate for their clients.” So, […]
Rhetorical Question
{August 9th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
When it comes to pricing annuities, there are only 100 pennies in a dollar. And… The insurance company has to make a profit. The annuitant has to receive a fair credited rate/cap/par/spread. The distribution expenses have to be paid for a commission to the agent, and an override to the FMO. But what if it […]
It’s my hope to leave a lasting impression on regulators
{August 2nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have been attempting to get Indexed Life illustrated rates regulated and under control for more than 17 years. The gamesmanship that is occurring, to boost illustrated values with a combination of hybrid indices and bonuses, has gotten ridiculous. It is my hope that teaming up with my competitor, Bobby Samuelson, on a letter to the […]
AGA49a Joint Letter Samuelson Moore
{August 2nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Please click 072522 AG49A Joint Letter Samuelson Moore to read the joint comment on the four potential options for handling the identified issue with Indexed Universal Life illustrations.
Life Insurance In Retirement: The Retirement Power Hour
{July 26th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I had a personal experience that changed my life and motivated me to work in the life insurance industry. Click HERE to check it out! -sjm
It’s chock-full of good articles!
{July 19th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Just getting caught-up on my reading, and Steve Howard‘s Broker World is chock-full of good articles this month. Luke Cosme made a great point that all viable solutions need to be considered, when it comes to life insurance products. Don Levin reminded me of the power of the hand-written note in his contribution. Charlie Gipple, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® had a piece […]
Recorded Webinar: The Evolution of the Index
{July 18th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Hey there. Were you busy on Wednesday? Have a migraine? Have to call-in sick because of your kid? Fear not! My webinar was recorded. See here!
How many indexed crediting methods are enough?
{June 29th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Click to join the conversation!
Caught some good content in NAILBA’s Perspectives magazine.
{June 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am catching-up on my hard copy reading today. I really appreciated Maureen James‘ rundown on compliance. This is a MUST read. (I didn’t know that RIAs could use customer testimonials when advertising now!) Plus, it was interesting reading Charles Arnold‘s take on why VUL should be put back on the table. Great commentary from Stevan Mark Cohen, […]
Wrong. Wrong. WRONG!
{June 13th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Consumers “generally can’t touch their money for many years without penalty, with some exceptions”?! How about that they can access [10%] of their annuity funds every year, without penalty? And as for “annuities geared more for retirees seeking pension-like income haven’t garnered as much enthusiasm from consumers,” I’d say that isn’t precisely right. While SPIAs/DIAs […]
LOL! Bait-and-switch
{June 13th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Laughing out loud at this one: “To entice buyers, insurance companies that provide fixed index annuities may guarantee a minimum income rate and offer enhanced or boosted rates for the first year of the contract or beyond.” Is that a nice way of saying that the insurance company may play bait-and-switch with your inforce renewal […]
FIRST QUARTER 2022 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{June 7th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the first quarter of 2022 were $737 million, compared with sales of $653 million for the first quarter of 2021. First quarter non-variable life sales were down nearly 14% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 13% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal life (UL) […]
Happy Annuity Awareness Month
{June 7th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Years ago, I was able to get a proclamation signed by my then-governor Terry Branstad, to declare June as Annuity Awareness Month. In celebration of that, I wanted to post some content that I created, to help consumers, journalists, regulators, etc. to understand the basics of annuities. Click HERE for Annuities 101 -sjm
FIRST QUARTER 2022 ANNUITY SALES
{May 31st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 1Q2022 deferred annuity sales were $59,716 million, compared with sales of $58,395 million for the first quarter of 2021. First quarter deferred annuity sales were down nearly 2% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 2% when compared to the same period last year. Deferred annuities include sales […]
How much has Prof. Joe Belth enriched the life insurance industry?
{May 24th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
My friend, mentor, and respected colleague Joseph Belth is officially retiring. I’ve learned so much from him over the past 23 years. Have you? Did you read his “Insurance Forum” publication perhaps? I’ll never forget that peach-colored newsletter! If you’ve learned from Professor Joe Belth, share your experience; click HERE to join the conversation. Let’s […]
What do you think are the latest innovations in participating whole life insurance products?
{May 24th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
I see so much innovation in annuity products, by comparison. This is frustrating! Please JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE.
‘The Baby Boomer Dilemma’ Documentary Exposes America’s Failed Retirement Experiment
{May 24th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am here to say that the insurance industry “offer[s] lower-cost, more transparent and straight-forward” annuities TODAY. Edward Siedle did a great job on this piece, Click HERE to read; I was totally feeling him until we got to the end. I think I just need to bring him up to speed on the strides […]
Geek out on this intel!
{May 16th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I seriously geek out on this intel. Click here for the top ten Indy B/Ds for annuity sales:
As if being “independent” makes anyone truly INDEPENDENT.
{May 16th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
As if being “independent” makes anyone truly INDEPENDENT. Even marketing organizations have to commit a certain level of production to their top product manufacturers to get top contracts. So, are they truly INDEPENDENT? And would they even suggest insurance products, were they not affiliated with insurance company B/Ds? I am interested in what you think. […]
We lost a great one, friends.
{April 26th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Sitting here, mourning the loss of my friend Van Lumbard from TruChoice Financial. My thanks to Brian Peterson for the heads up. We lost a great one, friends. My favorite memory of Van was the very first time I met him. When I introduced myself (at the age of 25) as the nation’s top expert on indexed annuities, he gave […]
NAILBA’s Perspectives: Things for clients to consider
{April 19th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I loved this issue of NAILBA’s “Perspectives” magazine, just because it showed all of the support for the NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, and all of the great organizations that we raised money for! However, there is more good stuff in this issue, thanks to Pam Sheehan! I LOVED Tiffany Markarian‘s advice on digital marketing mistakes. Cynthia A. Tidwell‘s message on […]
Remember when there were only 12?
{April 19th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
As a part of my job, I try to take complex indexing methods on indexed insurance products, and describe them in easy-to-understand terms. (Yes, I read sample contracts and try to communicate them in plain language!) I just want to say that I cannot stand low interest rate environments because they result in more complex […]
Hiring hybrid LTC/life insurance wholesalers?
{April 18th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Just got wind that an insurance company getting out of the hybrid LTC/life insurance market; the wholesalers received their pink slips. If you are hiring wholesalers and work at an insurance company home office, please comment HERE to get the word out. Thanks!
D2C term platform- Let me hear from you
{April 11th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Interesting bit of intel that I received today about a D2C term platform. Apparently, if you apply for a policy with a specific one of these services, they won’t deny you a policy, but will instead “counteroffer” with a lesser face amount/higher premium policy. This helps you so you don’t have to deal with that […]
Term Conversion Smoking Status
{April 11th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I had someone tell me yesterday that they did a term conversion and the new policy was issued with a smoking status, which was the standard operating procedure on term conversions for the life insurance company. This really turned the agent off because the insured is not a smoker. Is it just me, or is […]
LINE OF BUSINESS SALES % CHNG QTR / % CHNG YR
{March 29th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wink released 4Q2021 deferred annuity sales, peeps! LINE OF BUSINESS SALES % CHNG QTR / % CHNG YR All deferred annuities $60.92 B 1.73% / 8.19% Non-variable deferred $28.64 B -1.96% / -0.46% Indexed annuities $16.94 B -2.31% / 12.30% Fixed annuities $486.90 M 34.97% / 2.69% MYG annuities $11.21 B -2.58% / -15.14% […]
VUL: Have you heard of the following features in a no-load product before?
{March 29th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
I just sat on a call the other day, learning about a new fee-based life insurance product that Nationwide has rolled out. Given that I am a relatively new learner when it comes to the fee-based market, I wanted to ask all of you if you have heard of the following features in a no-load […]
Dear Director Seitz and President Cameron
{March 29th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
I am very intrigued that someone must have tipped-off Ohio democratic Senator, Sherrod Brown on what Kerry Pechter with Retirement Income Journal calls “The Bermuda Triangle.” He wrote a letter to the US Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), voicing his concerns, and asking some thoughtful questions. – sjm Dear Director Seitz and President […]
FOURTH QUARTER 2021 ANNUITY SALES
{March 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 4Q2021 deferred annuity sales are $60,924 million, compared with sales of $56,314 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Fourth quarter deferred annuity sales were up nearly 2% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 8% when compared to the same period last year. Deferred annuities include […]
Are you a sports fan?
{March 14th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Are you a sports fan? Do you have a giving heart? NAILBA and the NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION are hosting a March Madness auction. Check it out HERE! Your money will go to help deserving nonprofit organizations. Help raise some money for a good cause, and go it to BID! -sjm
FOR THOSE OF YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE DOL’S FIDUCIARY RULE #QuickInterview
{March 14th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
FOR THOSE OF YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE DOL’S FIDUCIARY RULE. I have been interviewing my friend Kevin Mechtley from Sammons Financial Group Companies, who is an expert on this topic. When I asked him to sum up the rule, here is what he had to say: Sure, nothing easier than summing up thousands of pages of ERISA rulemaking […]
FOURTH QUARTER 2021 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{March 8th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $861 million, compared with sales of $740 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Fourth quarter non-variable life sales were up 20% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 16% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal life (UL) […]
I am no tax expert.
{March 1st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am no tax expert. However, I know that I have people in #TheAlmightyNetwork that are. So, a friend posed this question: Can you fund an annuity with a ROTH account and turn on a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit rider, giving the client tax-free income for life? If so, which carriers allow it? I’m thinking “YES,” just […]
Reminiscing 1995
{February 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remember those days? Join in the conversation HERE!
Sounds wrong?
{February 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Insurance company sends a living benefit buyout letter to their annuity contract holders. Agent doesn’t get copied on the letter. Contract holders take advantage of the buyout, and agent gets chargebacks on their commissions because it has been less than a year since placing the business. Your thoughts? Join in the conversation HERE
People still appreciate protection
{February 8th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remember when the life insurance industry was about PROTECTION rather than ACCUMULATION? So much talk about “higher potential for gains” and “overfunding.” People still appreciate protection, folks! Let’s not forget about that! Just because the insurance companies want you to focus on accumulation doesn’t mean you have to be a sheep. Do your own thing. […]
I welcome the opportunity to discuss these products with anyone who is interested.
{February 1st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wow. To be named among giants is an extreme honor, David Macchia. Thank you so much for your admiration and kind words! Annuities, like any other product, are neither good nor bad. They are simply a tool. And for people that are looking to transfer the risk of living too long, annuities make sense. There […]
So, tell me…what makes YOUR index different?
{January 18th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today, there are 138 unique indices, upon which your indexed interest is benchmarked, on indexed annuities. 138!!! (There were 12 when I started my business 17 years ago.) So, tell me…what makes YOUR index different? Join in the conversation HERE. NOTE: Cannot source illustrations, caps, spreads, or participation rates in your response. -sjm
This is NOT how indexed annuities should be positioned, folks.
{January 11th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
“Unnamed software” was showing an indexed annuity offering historical returns that average 12.89%. There have been some FMOs blasting emails out and touting those returns for recruiting purposes! This is NOT how indexed annuities should be positioned, folks. If you rely on this information for marketing indexed annuities, you are being disingenuous. -sjm Click […]
Wither on a vine?
{December 28th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that 435,111 indexed annuities were issued in 2020 alone? And did you know that total indexed annuity premiums received from 1995 through 2020 are $754,169,559,459? Indexed annuities now account for nearly a third of all deferred annuity sales. Not bad for a product that my former partner said would “wither on the […]
#PSA Third-Party Neutral
{December 21st, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
I do not endorse any company or product. -sjm
THIRD QUARTER 2021 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{December 10th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the third quarter of 2021 were $724 million, compared with sales of $624 million for the third quarter of 2020. Third quarter non-variable life sales were down more than 5% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 16% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal life […]
Life insurance sales fell backwards
{December 10th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Life insurance sales fell backwards, as all lines of life insurance products experienced sales declines over the prior quarter, and some over the prior year. 3Q2021 LIFE SALES Sales / % Chng Last Qtr / % Chng Last Yr -Non-Variable Universal Life: $724.40 M / -5.32%% / 15.91% –Indexed Life: $609.38 M / -2.16% / […]
THIRD QUARTER 2021 ANNUITY SALES
{November 30th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 3Q2021 deferred annuity sales are $59,889 million, compared with sales of $54,217 million for the third quarter of 2020. Third quarter deferred annuity sales were down more than 7% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 10% when compared to the same period last year. Deferred annuities include […]
Leveraging Social Media in Regulated Spaces
{November 30th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
I did a podcast with the folks at ePresence – social media solved, after attending a breakout with them at NAFA (National Association for Fixed Annuities). They are professionals on social media. So, I thought I would sit-in, and learn something. As it turns out, they actually taught me ALOT! Here’s a tidbit on what they thought […]
Want the deets? Hit up WinkIntel’s AnnuitySpecs tool
{November 30th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am seeing more indexed annuities offering structured-annuity-like indexing in them lately. For example, one of the new indexed annuities that launched this month has a story that it gives buyers the opportunity to take some negatives into account in an interim indexing period, in exchange for the opportunity to earn even greater interest than […]
Thank goodness SOMEONE listens to me
{November 23rd, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Seems everybody and their dog wants to confuse folks with the terminology “Registered Indexed Linked Annuity.” Not me. Uh uh. No way. There IS such a thing as a registered indexed annuity. Let’s not confuse this with that. I call them “Structured Annuities,” but at least the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has made a […]
If we can get dozens of more folks to do events like this…imagine the possibilities!
{November 23rd, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
It sounds like we are really going to have the opportunity to get the concept of annuities in front of so many more people! The first agent-sponsored event for the movie that I was in, “The Baby Boomer Dilemma” by Doug Orchard, was a smash success. If we can get dozens of more folks to do […]
Brokerage in Motion
{November 9th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
This month’s “Brokerage in Motion” features a super sweet annuity nerd at 12-minute mark. -sjm
Have you heard?
{November 2nd, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
The NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION‘s Live Auction & Reception will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at the NAILBA 40 Annual Meeting in Orlando! The inimitable Steven Katz, CLU, ChFC will be our auctioneer, and up for bid will be incredible trips, tickets, and other “bucket list” experiences contributed by companies like AIG, Breeze, Brokers International, OneAmerica, Premier Brokerage Services, Protective Life, Prudential Financial, and more! […]
“The Baby Boomer Dilemma” from Doug Orchard, featuring Sheryl J. Moore, Tom Hegna, Moshe Arye Milevsky, and more is available.
{October 26th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
The Power of Zero documentary by Doug Orchard Films.
The Baby Boomer Dilemma – Official Trailer
{October 19th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
We did this thing, along with my friends Tom Hegna and Moshe Arye Milevsky. It is a documentary about retirement and annuities. The Baby Boomer Dilemma – Official Trailer from Doug Orchard on Vimeo.
POP QUIZ
{October 13th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Which minimum guaranteed surrender value on an indexed annuity is greater? 87.5% at 1.00% OR 100% at 1.00%, less a 12.50% surrender charge? Join the conversation HERE!
SECOND QUARTER 2021 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{October 5th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the second quarter of 2021 were $779 million, compared with sales of $659 million for the second quarter of 2020. Second quarter non-variable life sales were up nearly 20% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 18% as compared to the same period last year. Total 2Q21 […]
Annuity sales on the rebound, baby!
{October 5th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred annuity sales are bouncing back, as nearly all lines of annuities experienced sales increases over the prior quarter, and the prior year. 2Q2021 ANNUITY SALES Sales / % Chng Last Qtr / % Chng Last Yr -All Deferred Annuities: $64.49 B / 10.60% /40.47% –Non-Variable Deferred Annuities: $31.57 B / 11.12% / 22.04% —Indexed […]
Ethical Dilemma
{October 5th, 2021} by Sheryl Moore
Let’s say your buddy works in the office next to you. And, let’s assume that he told you he was doing business with ABC Insurance Company, and they decided to quit paying his trails on his annuity business that he has placed with them over the past 20 years. Now, ABC Insurance Company wants you […]
SECOND QUARTER 2021 ANNUITY SALES
{September 29th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 2Q2021 deferred annuity sales were $64,492,263,828. Second quarter deferred annuity sales were up nearly 11% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 40% when compared to the same period last year. Deferred annuities include sales of fixed, indexed, multi-year guaranteed, structured, and variable deferred annuities. […]
Empowering Lead-HER-ship in Insurance
{September 27th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remind me to tell you about the insurance company CMO that devastated my business for over a decade, by pushing me into Imposter Syndrome! -sjm Register here
Setting it Straight
{September 27th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
As a third-party neutral product expert, I have a few concerns about this article. 1. Insurance has a cost and annuities are not intended to be an investment, akin to stocks, bonds, etc. 2. What is the price that you would pay for a guaranteed paycheck for life? Certainly, the insurance company shouldn’t be expected […]
Hi. Newsflash.
{September 21st, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
If you are using software that looks at historical performance of indexed annuities, ask if they are <emphasis here> assuming the options costs that were in effect at the time of the historical period. <emphasis here> I do not know of a SINGLE one that does. If they are not using historical option costs, while […]
Thanks for peeing in our own pool.
{September 21st, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Illustration software showing indexed annuities with indexing methods yielding 14%+. REALLY?! A fixed insurance product with a 0% floor, in a prohibitive options pricing environment, with one of the most historically conservative insurance companies in the industry. SMH. Does the insurance company know? *angry* This is why insurance illustrations that are not compliant with the National […]
Are we fools for a catchy acronym?
{August 31st, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remember when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued that Investor Bulletin on structured annuities, but called them “indexed annuities?” IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT I HAVE ALWAYS SUGGESTED WE NOT REFER TO STRUCTURED ANNUITIES AS ANYTHING REMOTELY RELATED TO INDEXED ANNUITIES. PLEASE do not call them “Registered Index-Linked Annuities” or “RILAs,” folks. The regulators don’t […]
TRUTH OR FICTION:
{August 24th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
When the 10-year Treasury declines, the complexity of annuities increases. -sjm
Holy cow.
{August 17th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that more than 40.84% of all indexed annuity sales are through insurance companies with private equity backing? That number has increased from a low of 6.14% in 1Q2011, and a high of 43.85% in 4Q2020. -sjm
Cheese and rice.
{August 17th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have been reading about a lot of folks using annuities in really bad ways as of late… – Raiding clients’ annuities for their own personal use; – Issuing fake annuities, robbing Peter to Pay Paul, and plundering the money; – Yadda, yadda, yadda. Do me a favor folks- go use some other type of […]
