lFinancial professionals should first have a basic familiarity with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) to evaluate the potential strength of a split-dollar strategy. It is important to know that many clients may have more cash for family protection and retirement planning because of tax reduction. When working with businesses it can be even more important. Many businesses that could not afford executive benefits in the past are now able to afford them.

The economic times of today leave many financial professionals searching for ways to find new prospects. One way to help fill up your appointment calendar throughout the year is to team up with a CPA. Accountants are typically eager to become partners, as it can be a beneficial relationship for both of you.

“I just can’t afford to hire an assistant right now.”  How many times have you heard other financial professionals say that? You may even say it yourself. However, those that do not hire an assistant may be tripping over dollars to pick up pennies.

In the last few years, annuity production industry-wide has been in a state of flux. Many factors have impacted our industry including a complex and changing interest rate environment, strong stock market and lastly the now abandoned Department of Labor (DOL) regulations. Recently, the Life Annuity Specialist panel brought together noted industry thought leaders to look at the future. Here is an overview of what they shared and what it could mean for your business.

Great American Life Insurance Company recently introduced two new annuities to their portfolio, the Premier Bonus and Premier Income Bonus. Here are some thoughts on how to position Great American, and understand the new annuities.

In the life insurance application process we often hear, “I do not want to take a medical exam…” While not every type of life insurance plan requires a medical exam, there will be times that it’s necessary when applying for coverage. Is one type better than the other? No. It really just depends on the needs of your prospects/clients, and if they are eligible for a non-medical option.

Two of the biggest Insurance Marketing Organizations (IMOs), AMZ Financial Insurance Services and Partners Advantage Insurance Services, today announced their definitive merger to further enhance and extend their insurance distribution network. The new company will be called Partners Advantage Insurance Services. The merger went effective March 1, 2018, with the companies planning to fully integrate by September 30, 2018.

Due to changes in market conditions, the life insurance industry has experienced a number of cap and participation rate reductions in recent months. While these changes have become common, it is important to note that not all carriers handle them the same. In some cases, carriers maintain caps for both new business and in-force, but in others, a carrier may lower caps on existing policies in order to keep higher caps on new policies to attract sales.

There are many cash-value life insurance products for clients who are focused on protecting their loved ones, wealth accumulation and tax-free distributions. The differences between these products can significantly impact the wealth accumulation potential of the policies. Let's examine the various cash-value products available and determine the top life insurance products for this purpose. 

You may have seen some pretty large industry movement in decreasing cap rates at carriers, especially in regards to Indexed Universal Life insurance (IUL). It seems like this is an industry wide issue and “carrier chatter” is really heating up across the board.