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Linda Koco
Linda Koco, MBA, is a contributing editor to InsuranceNewsNet, specializing in life insurance, annuities and income planning. Linda can be reached at [email protected]
Articles by this author
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March 2016
This approach could prompt more use of immediate annuities with qualified retirement assets. It also could open the door to more innovation in retirement income strategies.
March 2016 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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February 2016
A study shows that few women have any knowledge about annuities, but the research shows that annuities would be an excellent solution for women’s retirement concerns.
February 2016 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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January 2016
Fixed index annuity sales keep climbing, but so does their risk profile. The guaranteed income rider is a key factor in this trend.
January 2016 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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December 2015
Financial professionals are still pushing accumulation strategies when older clients are most worried about outliving their funds, a survey says.
December 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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November 2015
A new report recommends offering a selection of investments tailored for funding withdrawals during the early retirement years, and a longevity annuity that starts its payout stream at age 80 or later.
November 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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November 2015
As carriers continue to expand fixed index annuity product lines and features, some are concerned about the increasing complexity surrounding the product.
November 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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November 2015
It seems as if the life and annuity business is moving along one path, and the health insurance business is moving along another. Here is a look at how this is playing out.
November 2015 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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October 2015
October 2015 | COVER-STORY | Read Article →
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October 2015
Owners want to sell, but transitioning an agency can seem like a daunting task. Here are three stories of agents who solved the puzzle.
October 2015 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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October 2015
Academics and other experts are seeing the value of QLACs in retirement planning, but market data is not conclusive on whether consumers are buying them yet.
October 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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September 2015
Advanced life insurance sales professionals have excellent expertise that no one else in the business has, but they do need to adapt to market changes.
September 2015 | FINANCIAL | Read Article →
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September 2015
How do you get to the advanced
level of life insurance selling? One
trait that all advanced practitioners
share is a deep-seated commitment
to designing life insurance plans
and solutions that help resolve even
the most complex needs.
September 2015 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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September 2015
Many members of Generation Y are facing high student loan debt and disappointing job prospects. Nonetheless, they are considering how they will fund retirement.
September 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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August 2015
The wave of new products and features hitting the market has led advisors to ask which products are best for client needs and how much of the client’s portfolio should be allocated to each one.
August 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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August 2015
Although Americans say they are interested in what annuities can do for them, a large percentage still have no money saved for retirement and are unsure what to do about it.
August 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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July 2015
As more retirement plan participants select guaranteed income options, advisors and employers need to take notice.
July 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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June 2015
Planning for retirement isn’t always about dreaming of a sandy beach in the sun. Preparing for the post-workforce years can dredge up all sorts of negative emotions. Here are some ways in which annuities can smooth the way to the next phase of life.
June 2015 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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May 2015
As employers who still have defined benefit plans search for other retirement solutions, fixed index annuities may become an attractive choice.
May 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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May 2015
Despite the greater focus on annuities by government and retirement professionals, annuities maintain a relatively low profile in defined contribution plans.
May 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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May 2015
Devices such as Apple Watch and Fitbit are becoming a part of more Americans’ lifestyles. Insurance carriers are taking notice.
May 2015 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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April 2015
The big case, individual life insurance market can be elusive. Top advisors provide the clues to follow in cracking this segment.
April 2015 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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April 2015
Even though 2014 annuity sales were up, the retirement industry still has work to do before more consumers understand annuities.
April 2015 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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March 2015
As fixed index annuities pass the 20-year mark, the leaders of one carrier take a look at why they are still selling the product and why FIAs continue in popularity.
March 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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February 2015
A qualified longevity annuity contract can give a retiree the option to claim Social Security earlier rather than waiting until full retirement age.
February 2015 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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February 2015
Younger adults rank saving for retirement high on their list of financial priorities. What does this mean for annuity sales?
February 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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January 2015
A discussion on contingent deferred annuities leads to speculation on whether the “walls” between fixed and
variable annuities could be coming down.
January 2015 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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January 2015
Women are moving into the top spots in many industry organizations, but more work needs to be done to attract greater numbers of them to leadership.
January 2015 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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December 2014
Predictive analytics, also called “big data,” has been adopted by life and annuity carriers. Now advisors are wondering if big data can help with prospecting, marketing and lead generation.
December 2014 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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December 2014
Qualifying longevity annuity contracts can be used in defined contribution plans and individual retirement accounts. Clients will need the help of an advisor in deciding where a QLAC fits in their retirement planning.
December 2014 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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October 2014
Annuities with long-term care riders are still relatively new, but they can be a good choice for the right customer.
October 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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October 2014
Survey shows that consumers need to make a better connection between need and annuities.
October 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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October 2014
A change in retirement demographics is one factor driving the sizzling annuity sales figures in the second quarter.
October 2014 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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September 2014
Previous Life Insurance Awareness Months have featured debates about why the industry is failing to reach the mid-market. But this year, we find that the industry’s rising star, indexed universal life, is charting record growth by pulling in those clients.
September 2014 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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September 2014
Colorado frowns upon certain words in life insurance and annuity advertising. Will other states follow suit?
September 2014 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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August 2014
Advisors representing different career stages share what has inspired
them to persevere in the business, and how that inspiration has impacted their practice.
August 2014 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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August 2014
Life insurance can help your clients avoid financial and estate planning pitfalls that may be lurking as they walk down the aisle again.
August 2014 | LIFE | Read Article →
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July 2014
Insider Tips on Becoming
an Expert Celebrity: Go Ahead, Brand Yourself
July 2014 | OTHERS | Read Article →
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July 2014
Editor’s Note: In June’s edition, Linda Koco focused on Athene’s entrance into the fixed index annuity market. In this article, Koco looks at the market’s first quarter results, with a focus on Athene’s performance.
July 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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July 2014
Appearing in radio, TV or print can lead to the kind of name recognition that draws clients to you.
July 2014 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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June 2014
As the first-quarter results loomed, many eyes were on Athene’s numbers. After its ambitious acquisition of Aviva, Athene seeks a steady transition and a new direction for fixed annuities.
June 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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June 2014
Data analytics can help find where the best annuity prospects live.
June 2014 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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May 2014
A Cerulli analysis shows that consumers drastically underestimate how much they need to spend to secure a retirement income.
May 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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May 2014
The recent sale of the world’s most valuable life insurance policy could be a sign that the big life case market is reviving.
May 2014 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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April 2014
What do wealthy people do with their money? What do they value? What do they want?
April 2014 | OTHERS | Read Article →
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April 2014
The big case market is not just about evaluating net worth, making the sale and collecting commissions. It’s about building relationships and knowing your prospect.
April 2014 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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April 2014
The upside-potential, downside-protection message resonates with small- and medium-sized employers.
April 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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April 2014
Employers that still have pension liabilities are showing renewed interest in group annuities.
April 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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April 2014
A look at last year’s annuity sales figures brings some surprises.
April 2014 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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March 2014
A look at whether this newly proposed
retirement savings vehicle could lead to
opportunities for advisors.
March 2014 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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March 2014
A look behind the decreasing number of annuity-related complaints as tracked by
regulators.
March 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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February 2014
Commission cut is part of scaling back that includes crediting rates, policy features and marketing plans. All eyes are on interest rates to reverse the trend.
February 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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February 2014
Focus on the beneficiary’s needs first, and not the money, when it’s time to deliver the death benefit.
February 2014 | LIFE | Read Article →
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January 2014
Interest rate movement is leading to a “good news/bad news” scenario where fixed annuities are concerned.
January 2014 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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January 2014
A new report recommends that the suitability of an annuity purchase should not be dependent upon the state in which the consumer resides.
January 2014 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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January 2014
From “sales agent” to “wealth advisor,” how those in the insurance business choose to describe their jobs reflects the changing identity of the insurance professional.
January 2014 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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December 2013
Lower minimum premiums could make deferred income annuities more attractive to midlife adults who are looking for a retirement funding vehicle.
December 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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October 2013
Investors look at some impressive gains but retirees should tread lightly, advisors say.
October 2013 | FINANCIAL | Read Article →
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October 2013
The annuity data pool is a tremendous resource for advisors, as long as those who are looking don’t fall in and drown.
October 2013 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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October 2013
The annuity industry is somewhat unique in the financial services field by the number of sales statistics that are released each quarter. But, it’s important for advisors to understand what’s behind the numbers.
October 2013 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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September 2013
Riders offer a bump up in the death benefit for an extra value to offset lower rates.
September 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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September 2013
The rise might return the long-lost “annuity advantage” over CDs.
September 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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August 2013
When it comes time to retire, gender-neutral annuity rates can make a financial difference for the departing worker.
August 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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July 2013
Sales figures for MVAs are a sign of annuity market dynamics now in the making, with consumers accepting more risk in return for slightly higher interest rates.
July 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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July 2013
A New York State investigation into
firms that have interests in private equity
purchase of fixed annuity companies
could have repercussions elsewhere.
July 2013 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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June 2013
Companies and producers might be focusing on features, but LIMRA research shows that easing retirement anxiety should be a main target...
June 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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June 2013
Industry leaders say the public will continue to be enamored with indexed annuities as the desire for security trumps the attraction of chasing after interest rates...
June 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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June 2013
The Great Recession and the aging of the population are factors driving advisors to be relied upon more than ever to provide retirement guidance and solutions.
June 2013 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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May 2013
Defined benefit plans are dialing down, and opening up a market for annuities.
May 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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May 2013
Some studies confirm that consumers know they need what annuities do, but still do not want to buy them.
May 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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May 2013
A look at 2012 annuity sales figures
shows an intriguing dance, combining
a slump in sales numbers with some
surprises among the carriers.
May 2013 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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April 2013
Venerable insurance companies
ran out of the variable
annuity space last year, but
now private money is looking
to get in.
April 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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April 2013
A consumer advocate chimes
in during a regulator group’s
call about defining contingent
deferred annuities, a new line
of guarantee products.
April 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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April 2013
What constitutes a “big case” can vary,
depending on where you are located
and the type of client you serve. But
one thing remains the same: The “big
case” is not a once-and-done deal, but
a relationship that can lead to a steady
stream of revenue.
April 2013 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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April 2013
NAIC’s Annuity Disclosure Working
Group has been word-smithing the
correct definition and guidelines of
annuities in order to make them easier
for buyers to understand.
April 2013 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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March 2013
When clients reach the age at
which they need to start taking
RM Ds from other retirement
plans, that’s the trigger
for starting a discussion on
income annuities.
March 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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March 2013
International regulators are
stepping up their examination
of variable annuity sales, but
that scrutiny has not yet trickled
down to state and federal
rulemakers.
March 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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March 2013
This will be the first revision to the
guide in over a decade, and it is aimed at
bringing clarity, simplicity, transparency
and disclosure to the annuity purchase
process.
March 2013 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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February 2013
February 2013 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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February 2013
A comparison between annuity debuts in
2011 and annuity sales results in 2012.
February 2013 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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February 2013
For advisors and their clients who
held back on making a plan while the
“fiscal cliff” deal was hashed out, the
permanence of the new estate tax law
may be the trigger that spurs both of
you to take action.
February 2013 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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February 2013
Last year was a tough one for the annuity
business. But all signs are pointing to
2013 looking more like business as usual.
February 2013 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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January 2013
Interest rates are still uncertain. But if it
turns out that rates really have bottomed
out, the coming 12 months could bring
sighs of relief.
January 2013 | FINANCIAL | Read Article →
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January 2013
Today’s hostile environment of low
interest rates, high market volatility
and continuing regulatory pressure
requires products with the flexibility to
adapt in an improving economy.
January 2013 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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January 2013
The Guggenheim/Sun Life Financial
deal forces a look at what is and what
could be.
January 2013 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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December 2012
Those who buy annuities with living
benefits tend to live longer than other variable annuity buyers, making the
relationship between a long life and
living benefits a tantalizing one for
advisors to explore.
December 2012 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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December 2012
The current economic and regulatory
environment represents an opportunity
for non-traditional buyers to look for
acquisitions in the insurance market.
December 2012 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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December 2012
The current economic and regulatory
environment represents an opportunity
for non-traditional buyers to look for
acquisitions in the insurance market.
December 2012 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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November 2012
Breaking up is hard to do, and when
clients divorce there’s much for an
advisor to consider when negotiating
the financial fall-out.
November 2012 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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November 2012
A review of recent annuity products
suggests that the ballgame certainly isn’t
over where new annuity development is
concerned.
November 2012 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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November 2012
According to LIMRA, 14.5 million U.S.
households could be looking at a $494
billion estate tax liability under the new
law to go into effect Jan. 1. It’s up to
advisors to help pull clients back from
taking this 504 percent fall.
November 2012 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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November 2012
The alert is directed to retired military
veterans, but some in the industry
question if the report is a little too critical
of annuity products.
November 2012 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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October 2012
The low-interest-rate environment has
propelled variable annuity carriers to
make changes and revisions to maintain
profitability.
October 2012 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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October 2012
The quiet arrival of Guggenheim
Partners into the retail fixed annuity
business came somewhat unexpectedly
to industry professionals, and now the
company’s interest in Aviva USA has
people talking.
October 2012 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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October 2012
At September’s NAIFA annual meeting,
membership responded with cheers but
also opposition as the association fights
for relevancy in an uncertain future.
October 2012 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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September 2012
Massive assets held in qualified
retirement plans managed by life and
annuity insurers may not stay in those
coffers much longer unless advisors
act – and quickly.
September 2012 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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September 2012
The Generation Gap is not unique
to financial advisors but addressing
inherent problems with specific
strategies can help build the bridge.
September 2012 | FEATURES | Read Article →
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September 2012
Globalization is a problem most
advisors aren’t addressing. But
take note, because the growth of
international carriers will affect your
bottom line.
September 2012 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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September 2012
Cogent Research finds that not only
are advisors selling VAs, they expect to
increase their offerings of this alternative
option to manage risk and deliver
absolute return.
September 2012 | IN FRONT | Read Article →
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August 2012
Annuity sales may be flattening
from last year, or even
dropping in some markets, but
it is not from decline in advisor
use of the products.
In fact, more than 80 percent of financial
advisors s
August 2012 | FINANCIAL | Read Article →
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August 2012
Advisors can calm investors’ stock
market jitters by diversifying with fixed
indexed annuities for long-term capital
preservation with less volatility.
August 2012 | ANNUITIES | Read Article →
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