From the Field: Expert Insights RSS Get our newsletter

When asked why they don’t have life insurance, almost four in 10 (38%) said it would be too expensive. However, the survey suggests most people probably overestimate the cost. For example, a 20-year, $250,000 term policy would cost roughly $200/year for a healthy 30-year-old male and $185 for a healthy 30-year-old female.

After virtually no volatility since March, market-watchers got a heavy dose of it with the recent three-day 10% correction in the NASDAQ—one of the fastest corrections ever, and the fastest ever from a record high. Historically, the NASDAQ has tended to rise after fast corrections. What will happen this time?

The past week has seen continued improvement with the coronavirus, with the case growth rate down to new lows and case growth below 30,000 per day for the first time since June 21. The pandemic remains under control, and things are still getting better. The control measures are working.

The COVID-19 pandemic, economic turmoil and market fluctuations are testing the messages that annuity sellers use to market products. Those…

With the S&P 500 Index up more than 50% since the March lows and stocks pricing in an optimistic recovery in the economy and corporate profits, we believe stocks may be due for a pullback—and the drop that occurred September 3–4 may be the start of it. Here are some other things to look out for in the weeks ahead.

The Department of Labor’s newest version of the investment advice rule requires a financial institution to be liable if a sale involves trail commissions. But insurance marketers are not considered financial institutions and life insurance companies don’t want to be responsible for independent insurance agents that they don’t control.

COVID-19 definitely affected life insurance sales this quarter, a LIMRA executive says. Despite the decline in new premium, nearly half of companies reported growth in policy sales, citing increased consumer interest due to the pandemic and their ability to sell products without meeting face-to-face.

The NAIC revisions to the suitability in annuity transactions (#275) model law were adopted in February. Since then, only Arizona and Iowa have adopted the rules, which establish a best-interest standard that aligns with rules being considered by other agencies.

As the severity of COVID-19 continues to alter America’s workforce, investment advisories across the country have transitioned to the work-from-home model. From Wall Street to Main Street, we have seen a seismic shift in culture to ensure safety among employees and the public.

When it comes to Social Security, it is a veritable mantra for advisors to counsel their clients to plan for the latest start date for the maximum benefit payment. But that might not be to the optimal maximum benefit for the client.

It’s vital to start your career off the right way to avoid the pitfalls that eliminate many insurance agents from the industry. Here’s a list of Top 10 tips to combat the high rate of new agent drop-out rates. Following these recommendations may make the difference between failure and success.

Historically, buyouts have not been offered policyholders facing a rate increase, said Jan Graeber, senior actuary with the American Council of Life Insurers. LTCi rate increases have been a sore spot for longtime policyholders, while carriers say there is little they can do to avoid them.

The rule would replace the controversial fiduciary rule published by the Obama administration. The Trump replacement has two main parts: a new exemption allowing advisors to provide conflicted advice for commissions; and a reinstatement of the “five-part test” from 1975 to determine what constitutes investment advice.

A second term for President Donald Trump would likely feature a continuation of the pro-growth policies from the first term of his administration, and importantly for financial markets, a continuation of the status quo.

The onus is on employers — your clients — to ensure they are communicating their offerings effectively and are prepared to handle an influx of questions. This is difficult in a normal year, but COVID-19 has added the complexity of doing almost, if not all, of it remotely.