The New Directions of Long Term Care Insurance
“Research from McKinsey & Co. finds that the average American family will face a savings gap of $250,000 at the time of retirement. Even with payments from Social Security and pensions, as well as personal savings in 401(k) and other retirement plans, the average family will have only about two-thirds of the income it will need.” — TIAA-Cref Press Release; Jan. 8, 2010
Adjusting to a Changing Medicare Market: 4 Agents Speak Out
In September 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a staggering set of new sales and marketing guidelines. The stricter regulations tightened the rules on seminars, outlawed cold calling, restructured the way...
U.S. Court Orders SEC to Reconsider Annuity Rule
A U.S. appeals court ordered the Securities and Exchange Commission to reconsider a rule it adopted in the final weeks of the Bush administration to expand scrutiny over annuities linked to equity indexes...
Fixed Annuities Sales Rise as Variable Sales Decline
Fixed annuity sales increased 79 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008, marking a record-setting $109.4 billion figure, keeping overall annuity sales growing, according to a report by LIMRA. Variable annuity (VA) sales, however, declined 30 percent...
Helping Employees Weather the Perfect Benefits Storm
In a challenging economic climate, rising benefits costs can continue to put pressure on employers and employees alike. In fact, a recent Hewitt Associates survey reports that nearly two-thirds of employers are asking workers to claim responsibility for a greater portion of their health care costs.
How International Health Plans Can Help Your Retiring Clients
If your clients are over 50, flush with home equity, and free to roam, chances are they’ve started considering a place to retire. As real estate values in popular U.S. retirement destinations soar, Americans are increasingly looking abroad and...