- Client Social-Distancing
Advisors adjust their practices in light of coronavirus
A LIMRA survey of 550 advisors revealed how they are adapting to meet the needs of their clients as the country faces the safety and economic challenges as a result of coronavirus.
read more - COVID-19 Fuels North American Employers to Pursue Cost-Containment Strategies
Hiring freeze is the most prevalent strategy; relatively few employers are freezing salaries or delaying pay raises
As concern over the effect that COVID-19 will have on their businesses escalates, North American employers are eyeing a series of cost-containment strategies that include hiring freezes and, to a lesser extent, wage freezes or delayed raises, according to a survey by Willis Towers Watson, a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.
read more - Engage and Educate Your Children with Activities that Inspire Giving
How the act of giving 'increases social contact'
With schools closed around the country, millions of parents find themselves juggling full-time jobs with full-time parenting and… it’s not easy!
read more - Recession Length Depends on COVID-19 Path
U.S. growth, spending expected to slow dramatically in Q2
In this episode of AMBestTV, Ann Modica, economist, AM Best Rating Services, said U.S. growth is expected to slow dramatically in second-quarter 2020, as is consumer spending, exports and other macroeconomic factors...
read more - With Covid-19 Outbreak, Life/Health Insurers Get Real World Test of Enterprise Risk Management Programs
Will 'pandemic scenario' preparations, installed after 2007 crisis, work?
AM Best believes insurers have done well in implementing improved enterprise risk management (ERM) controls since the financial crisis a decade ago, but until the COVID-19 virus outbreak, these changes have not faced a significant test.
read more - Home Alone: The Psychological Impact of Self-Isolation …
... And how employers can help
by Lilly Kofler
Odds are if you’re sending your staff home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, you’re focused on logistical considerations and continuity plans, such as making sure they have access to the internet, shared documents, and each other.
read more - Five Mistakes NOT to Make When Holding Online Meetings
Making meetings more impactful
Working from home (or WFH) is quickly becoming "the new normal." The COVID-19 pandemic kicked the WFH movement into high gear, and many experts believe it will continue long after the crisis has passed. But before we can optimize this new way of working, Howard Tiersky says we're all going to have to get proficient…
read more - When Clients Ask: How Can I Make My Retirement Savings Last?
Withdraw only 4% to 5% from savings yearly, with adjustments for inflation
After decades of saving, it's time to start spending once you enter retirement. But how much can you safely withdraw each year without needing to worry about running out of money? The answer is critical, as retirement can last 25 years or more these days, so you need a strategy that's built for the long…
read more - Understanding The Able Act
Similar to a special-needs trust, it allows for qualified disability expenses
Early in 2014, Congress passed legislation creating special accounts for persons with disabilities known as the “Achieving a Better Life Experience” (who thinks of these names?).
read more - Strategic Priorities: Where Are Today’s Insurer’s Placing Their Bets?
Insurance may not be a risky business, but it does contain risk
by Denise Garth
Insurance is a completely unique and interesting business when one considers that insurers make a profit by hedging their bets against risk. Insurers hold assets. They hope that claims aren’t high. Yet, they don’t really know the outcome of the coming year.
read more - 9 Tips to Make Working Remotely Work for You and Your Employer
Work is more than a physical place... it's also a state of mind
by Jill J. Johnson
The concept of remote working has been around for a long time. Many entrepreneurs have mastered the ability to work virtually, but it is often a major challenge for those who normally work in a busy office setting to shift to working outside their traditional office environment.
read more - Why the “Expert” Mindset Can Kill Every Sales Opportunity
Embracing a 'mental shift' that can yield remarkable results
You're great at what you do. And people clearly value your expertise and domain knowledge. That's as it should be: Knowing your stuff is your ticket to entry in a competitive business market. But if you want to build lasting client relationships, don't get too hung up on your "expert" status, says relationship authority Andrew…
read more - Maintaining a Leadership EDGE in Turbulent Times…
Hint: There is no 'success lottery' - You gotta earn this one
by Jill J. Johnson
Why is it that some people seem to weather any business storm or crisis without appearing to break into a sweat? How is it that they always seem able to recover from a stumble and move on to even greater success? Are they immune to failure because they have won the Success Lottery? No.
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