- Solvency And Sustainability Of Social Security
The trust funds are projected to be depleted by 2035 - and the clock is ticking
by Amy Kemp, MAAA, ASA, EA
Social Security is being discussed by various candidates campaigning for political offices. Recent campaign trail statements and primary victory speeches have included comments regarding Social Security and the funding of the program. With the November elections nearing, it will be important for Americans to consider the facts and candidates’ positions on Social Security reform proposals…
read more - Medicare Madness: Options for Paying Your Share of Costs
Clients can choose a Medigap Supplemental Plan or Medicare Advantage
by Marcia Mantell, RMA®
It’s always a surprise when clients learn Medicare’s not free. And shocked when they find out Medicare doesn’t cover 100% of costs. “When did this happen?” and “This is an outrage!” are frequent responses when learning they have a share of costs to pick up out of their own pockets.
read more - New Perspectives On Income Adequacy
Managing longevity risk with structured products
by Jason Barsema
Financial anxiety is a bigger concern than ever with a sharply rising cost of living and volatile financial markets. Retirees, in particular, feel the pinch. Historically-low bond yields and savings account rates make earning an adequate income from an investment portfolio much more challenging. The good news is that financial advisors today can use technology…
read more - Today’s Private Placement BOLI/COLI Solutions
Now is the time for a closer look
by Vince Jenkins
The market for Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) and Corporate Owned Life Insurance (COLI) is large and growing, with more than 85% of the 50 largest US banks and 75% of Fortune 1000 companies using these products to help fund employee benefits programs. That said, many in force policies – especially those sold 10 or…
read more - Sign Of The Financial Times
More investors are choosing annuities for income, asset protection
by Josh Rolph
I am a wholesaler with a leading retirement services company that consistently ranks as a top national seller of annuities. When asked how I earn my living, there have been times when making this simple statement induced a blank stare and ushered in a quick change of subject. I am pleased to report this doesn’t…
read more - In The Game Of Life (Insurance) One Size Does Not Fit All
The new era of ‘bionic advisors’
by Farron Blanc
The United States life insurance market is unique. While other countries have three to five national champions that own 70% of the market share, the U.S. has hundreds of life insurance carriers sharing the risk. This makes the consumer advice that insurance producers provide especially important, given the current inflationary environment.
read more - The Unsuspecting Life Insurance Customer: Generation Z
Don’t look now, but change to the status-quo is being pulled in multiple directions
by Jennifer Torneden
When you’re young, it is easy to feel like you don’t have to start planning for the future. But as GenZ graduates and steps into the real world, many don’t know that the best guidepost is the sooner the better when buying life insurance.
read more - Insurtech Growing Pains
Instead of bypassing advisors, they should be empowering them!
by Ryan Toner
I’ve used the same insurance agent since college for my auto insurance. Every couple of years, he calls and announces: ‘We’re switching carriers; I’m sending you paperwork!’ I trust him, and the enrollment process is seamless for me. Consumers expect the same level of service and ease when it comes to all of their insurance…
read more - The Unintended Consequences Of Student Debt
New perspectives on a growing national crisis
by Scott Winstead
It's no secret that student debt is a huge problem in the United States. It's estimated that there is nearly $1.75 trillion in outstanding student loan debt among 44 million borrowers. And the average borrower owes $28.950.
read more - Recruitment Today
Know the three “C’s” of ‘attract & retain’
by Alex Reffett
In the financial advisory world, the battle for a younger, more diverse, and skilled talent pool is heating up every day. The many challenges of the pandemic have undoubtedly been transformational to the industry, so embracing and expanding on these changes is crucial to recruiting and retaining top level employees.
read more - Adding Real Value To The Benefits Portfolio
How Fintech is providing new cost-efficient solutions for plan sponsors
by John Thornton
Skyrocketing healthcare costs continue to plague plan sponsors. The ongoing dialogue in Washington about implementing cost-saving measures has done little to stem the tide of too many unnecessary physician and Emergency Department visits or out-of-control specialty drug costs.
read more - How Do You Manage The Great Resignation?
Helping employers attract and retain with next-gen benefits
by Keith Algozzine
Now more than ever, businesses both large and small, are working tirelessly to prevent talent from escaping to seek alternative work, joining a competitor, or simply choosing to leave the workforce altogether. Additionally, the efforts to lure prospective employees and for employers to present themselves as attractive places of work have risen to a fever…
read more - Forgotten Benefits
Why reminding employees about the supplemental portfolio can boost your sales
by Matt Ennis
“I think so.” That is a common response when employees are asked whether or not they have supplemental insurance benefits. Typically, October through December is the enrollment period. So, by the time May rolls round, employees often do not remember what they bought…or didn’t, but perhaps should have.
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