John Hancock Variable Annuities Launches ‘Retirement Talk’

BOSTON, May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- John Hancock Variable Annuities today announced "Retirement Talk" – a new marketing program that gives financial advisors a simple new way to connect with clients who are looking for ways to enhance their retirement security.

The Retirement Talk campaign features a brief, client-friendly educational video that demystifies annuities and the role that guaranteed lifetime income options may play in a well-rounded retirement portfolio. The video, plus a wealth of support material is available at www.jhretirementtalk.com and also in CD format.

"We know that many investors shy away from annuity solutions because they consider them too complex. Retirement Talk really helps put the value of guaranteed retirement income* in perspective, using clear and understandable terms that people are familiar with," said Mike Treske, President of John Hancock Annuity Distribution.  "We are confident that by using our Retirement Talk program advisors will be able to broaden their practice and grow their business."

"The idea of simplicity runs through every aspect of our Retirement Talk program," said Louise Santosuosso, Assistant Vice President, Marketing.  "In addition to simplified client videos and prospecting material, we also provide advisors with valet-level support, which helps them focus on managing and growing their business by minimizing administrative complexities.  This will appeal to advisors who have had difficult annuity service experiences in the past, or have avoided annuities altogether because of complex administrative procedures and product support."  

Retirement Talk videos are packaged with a brief message and suggested follow-up actions for the client to consider. Customizable letters are also available. The entire program may be presented by authorized advisors in CD format or via a client-approved micro web site, www.jhretirementtalk.com, where authorized distributors and their clients may view the video and related material.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$446 billion (US$440 billion) as of March 31, 2010.    

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under "945" on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

Contact your financial advisor or visit www.jhannuities.comfor more information, including product and fund prospectuses that contain complete details on investment objectives, risks, fees, charges, and expenses, as well as other information about the investment company, which should be carefully considered. Please read the prospectuses carefully prior to purchasing. The prospectuses contain this and other information on the product and the underlying portfolios.

*The guarantee is backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and does not apply to the investment performance or safety of the underlying portfolios.

This material was prepared to support the promotion and marketing of variable annuities. John Hancock, its distributors, and their respective representatives do not provide tax, accounting, investment, or legal advice. Any tax statements contained herein were not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state or local tax penalties. Please consult your own independent advisor as to any tax, accounting, investment, or legal statements made herein.

Venture Annuities and the optional riders, which are available for an additional fee, are not available in all states; product features may vary, subject to state regulation. Variable annuities are not FDIC insured, are long-term contracts designed for retirement purposes, and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal. Charges may apply to amounts taken in excess of the withdrawal amount available without a withdrawal charge during the surrender charge period. All withdrawals reduce the death benefit, optional benefits, and contract value. In addition, withdrawals of taxable amounts will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if made prior to age 59½, a 10% IRS penalty tax may apply. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Venture Annuities are issued and administered by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Bloomfield Hills, MI, which is not licensed in New York. In New York, Venture Annuities are issued and administered by John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY. Venture Combination Fixed and Variable Annuities are distributed by John Hancock Distributors LLC, member FINRA.

SOURCE John Hancock Variable Annuities