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Millennial Business Owners More Likely To Work With Agents

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Millennials want to work with insurance agents, a new Nationwide survey finds.

Sixty-nine percent of Millennial business owners work with an insurance agent, followed by Boomers at 66 percent and Gen X at 59 percent. The most common reason for working with an insurance agent among all generations is the trust that business owners place on the guidance and expertise from an agent.

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A National Association of Insurance Commissioners working group wants to “enhance consumer understanding” with a proposed two-page summary to accompany life insurance illustrations. The group is making slow progress on the proposal, with a few issues remaining to work out.

National Association of Insurance Commissioners members are debating how to best create an online resource of life insurance information for consumers. The effort is meant to supplement the NAIC Life Insurance Buyer’s Guide. More consumers are getting information online, so that’s where regulators want to be.

A few creative new life insurance and annuity products hit the market recently, led by Allstate’s Monthly Income Term.

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Dec. 11– Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced Monday it has signed a deal to acquire a Dallas- based insurance company for $405 million. The company will acquire National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company, a family-owned firm that specializes in supplemental insurance products for teachers. NTA has about 220 agents nationwide and had about $130…

“Most Americans admit to experiencing financial stress during the course of a year, so it’ s not surprising that it can take a toll on a person’ s health and well-being,” said Bill Smith, president of Cigna Group Insurance.“ My Secure Advantage provides the tools, resources and advice to meet the needs of individuals wherever they are in their personal financial…

Insure.com’ s annual salary calculation based on recent Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data shows Santa would earn a salary of $152,367. Santa’s salary puts the Clauses in the upper class, comfortably passing the income bracket which defines the middle class as incomes between $40,500 and $122,000. “At this point in his career, Santa has high-value assets like…
The outlook for life insurance and annuities in 2019 is good, according to A.M. Best.

AM Best cited increased profitability, improved regulatory and tax environments and a strengthening U.S. economy in adjusting its 2019 life insurance/annuities outlook from negative to stable. Also, an overall reduced balance sheet risk due to a proactive approach taken by companies in recent years is seen as a positive trend.
The son of a Texas jeweler sought life insurance proceeds in a murder plot, police say.

Sheriff’s deputies have obtained an arrest warrant for a fourth suspect wanted in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot that left Austin jeweler Ted Shaughnessy dead in his home in southwest Travis County in March. Police say the suspects, which include family members, sought life insurance proceeds.
Life insurance is holding its own in the latest quarterly sales numbers.

LIMRA and Wink were both correct with last week’s “universal life is up” and “universal life is down” reports, respectively. The key is how the data is viewed. Overall, new premium rose quarter-over-quarter from 2017.

She was charged in August with one felony count of identity theft and three felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, according to records filed with the City County Bureau of Identification. The investigators later reviewed the phone messages between Reed and Humple in search warrant applications made public Thursday at the Wake County…
Non-variable UL sales were down in the third quarter, according to Wink Inc.

Non-variable universal life sales – including both indexed UL and fixed UL – were more than $852.4 million in the third quarter. This was down 11 percent when compared to the previous quarter and down more than 15.6 percent as compared to the same period last year, according to Wink Inc.

Life insurance new premium had another strong quarter, LIMRA reports.

Market conditions continue to be favorable for IUL products, which are up 12 percent so far in 2018. IUL premium has increased for the past eight consecutive quarters, LIMRA reports. Overall, life insurance new premium was up 3 percent in the third quarter.
The Apple Watch records heart rate, steps walked and other health-related activities.

The RAND study of over 400,000 people concluded that those who wore an Apple Watch and participated in the Vitality Active Rewards benefit program averaged a 34 percent sustained increase in physical activity. The John Hancock Vitality program offers life insurance customers the chance to earn rewards by hitting exercise, nutrition and other targets.
Police say a Minnesota man faked his own death to collect $2 million in life insurance.

Prosecutors say Leslie Chance, 51, killed Todd Chance, 45, to collect on life insurance policies. Investigators believe Leslie Chance learned about criminal investigative techniques and tried to cover her tracks through information she gained after attending a “CSI” exhibit in Las Vegas, according to court documents.
The legalized marijuana industry is providing an intriguing investment option.

Having a medical marijuana card could make buying car, life and health insurance more expensive, although research shows it could actually lower societal health care costs. When Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2014, the state saw a spike in drug screening failures by truckers, with as many as 60 percent flunking tests.

Christian Mitchell has been appointed to executive vice president and chief customer officer, assuming responsibility for Northwestern Mutual’s client and planning experience. Roberts is responsible for the teams that work with the Northwestern Mutual offices nationwide to drive sales and the development of new financial advisors.

The Mississippi Department of Insurance issued the following news release:. The Life Insurance Policy Locator– launched by the Mississippi Insurance Department through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners– has matched consumers with policies totaling $1,452,178 million in the past 12 months. In Mississippi, 232 beneficiaries have been…
Genworth is being acquired by China Oceanwide. But one issue remains.

More than two years after the deal was announced, the proposed acquisition of insurance giant Genworth Financial by a China- based financial conglomerate finally may be nearing completion. As the proposed merger nears a key public hearing, however, a report by one investor has raised questions about the viability of the deal.
The economy might be thriving, but retiring comfortably still takes plenty of work, planning and a good advisor.

Americans on average expect to retire two years sooner than they did five years ago and many more say they intend to retire before age 60, potentially reflecting a spike in 401 balances, according to research from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co.
Comparisons between indexes are causing frustration for both advisors and clients.

Indexes have increased in choice but with more choice comes greater complexity. Comparisons between indexes too often are made without a firm understanding of the structure behind the index. This causes both financial professionals and their clients frustration with something that should be viewed as a positive.
Many seniors are concerned about the stock market's up-and-down performance lately.

Millennials with life insurance have a self-reported life insurance gap of $352,000 in 2018, with enough life insurance protection in place to cover only 22 percent of their self-reported coverage needs. The Millennial generation’ s gap is sharply higher — 60 percent greater — than the gap for the general population, which is 49 percent.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners creates model laws for states to pass.
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A National Association of Insurance Commissioners working group wants to “enhance consumer understanding” with a proposed two-page summary to accompany life insurance illustrations. The group is making slow progress on the proposal, with a few issues remaining to work out.

Nov. 10– A Williamsville man admitted in federal court on Friday he stole from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and an insurance company after the death of his brother, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Timothy McCluskey was eventually issued $2,500 in life insurance proceeds, according to prosecutors. The U.S. Department of Labor Office of…

From volunteering for pro-public education candidates to running for office in record numbers, California educators proved once again that when it comes to their students, they are willing to do what it takes to make sure they get the public education they deserve. California’s millions of public school students were big winners last night as voters joined…

-Sun Life Financial Inc. today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. “In the third quarter, underlying net income was strong at $730 million, and return on equity was 14%, at the high end of our target range,” said Dean Connor, President and CEO, Sun Life Financial. Underlying net income in the third quarter of 2018 increased $87 million to…

–Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a record $1.72 billion estimated dividend payout in 2019 to eligible participating policyowners and members, once again demonstrating outstanding policyowner value and underscoring its strong financial position. Further, over the past decade,…

_ Brighthouse Financial Inc. on Monday reported a loss of $271 million in its third quarter. The Charlotte, North Carolina- based company said it had a loss of $2.26 per share. Brighthouse Financial shares have dropped 27 percent since the beginning of the year.

Northwestern Mutual has paid a dividend every year since 1872– even in challenging economic conditions. Northwestern Mutual leads the industry in total dividends paid to policyowners for both life and disability income insurance. “This record dividend clearly demonstrates our consistent performance, our overriding commitment to do what’s best for our…

Life insurance provides a financial safety net for families. “If there’s no one else depending on your income, you probably don’t need much or any at all,” said Alyssa Lum, certified financial planner and founder of Luminate Financial Planning in Sterling, Virginia. Stay-at-home parents don’t need as much, but should have some coverage, said Greg Klingler, a…

The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following statement by President and CEO Susan Neely on the Family Savings Act, which was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee:. “The Family Savings Act of 2018 approved today by the House Ways and Means Committee falls short of what is needed to help address challenges facing America’s retirement…

–In support of its holistic retirement offerings, John Hancock announced today that Gary Tankersley has been promoted to head of Sales and Distribution for John Hancock Retirement Plan Services. In this role, Mr. Tankersley is accountable for growing JHRPS business in all segments of the market, encompassing start-ups to large organizations and the…

MetLife, a provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, issued the following news release:. MetLife, Inc. today announced that its board of directors has approved a new $2 billion authorization for the company to repurchase its common stock. In May 2018, MetLife announced a $1.5 billion repurchase authorization and the company has bought…

Voya Financial is halting alll new life insurance sales on Dec. 31, company officials said this week. The company will retain its in-force block. Voya previously sold its closed block of variable annuities and said in February that it would review its life business.

The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following news release:. These and other industry highlights are included in the American Council of Life Insurers 2018 Life Insurers Fact Book released today. “The new data tells a familiar but important story- life insurers provide invaluable assistance to American families and the U.S. economy,” said ACLI…
Many retirees are struggling with decades-old UL policies that fell apart when interest rates declined.

Universal life was a very popular product in the 1980s, when interest rates routinely hit double digits. When interest rates nosedived, however, it began a negative spiral that took UL policyholders down a financial rabbit hole. While some surrendered their policies and took the loss, others keep paying much-higher premiums. What can be done?

Gloria Camp, owner of Main Source& Associates, describes how she got into the insurance industry as a “divine appointment” about 15 years ago. Camp has now been a business owner for over 35 years and has been the owner of Main Source& Associates for 15 years. Main Source& Associates is located at 1170 Washington St., Clarkesville.
The son of a Texas jeweler sought life insurance proceeds in a murder plot, police say.

Police say Stephanie Rogers of Monticello, a former political candidate and wife of former Mayor Joe Rogers, plotted to kill his ex-wife and then Rogers himself so she could collect on a life insurance policy and inherit his business. No hits were carried out and Stephanie Rogers was jailed on $500,000 bond.

–The Board of Directors of Kansas City Life Insurance Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share on October 22, 2018. Kansas City Life Insurance Company was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. SOURCE Kansas City Life Insurance Company.

The United Services Automobile Association issued the following news release:. To learn more about USAA life insurance, visit usaa.com/life. This is the second rate reduction for term products by USAA in the last two years.
Drea of winning the Mega Millions? Winners will want to get insurance and see a financial planner right away.

Did you ever dream of hitting a huge lottery jackpot? The odds might be astronomical, but someone will win what is the second-largest prize in history. In the hectic days that follow, one must is to assemble an accountant/financial planning team, analysts say.

Imagine you have just lost a loved one. As affairs are sorted out over the subsequent days, you unfortunately come to discover that the beneficiary listed on that loved one’s life insurance policy is inaccurate, having not been updated in decades. This situation is actually much more common than you might imagine.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is considering life insurance illustration changes.
Exclusive

National Association of Insurance Commissioners members are debating how to best create an online resource of life insurance information for consumers. The effort is meant to supplement the NAIC Life Insurance Buyer’s Guide. More consumers are getting information online, so that’s where regulators want to be.

Recognizing the need for long-term local assistance for those who have experienced a natural disaster or act of mass violence, New York Life and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities today announced the selection of 16 non-profit, community-based organizations to receive grants to continue their work in communities affected by disasters in…

–Northwestern Mutual is committed to the fight against childhood cancer, and the company, through its Foundation, today announced the funding of four new grants to support additional research for better cures and treatments. Each Young Investigator grant recipient will receive $150,000 from Northwestern Mutual over three years. Northwestern Mutual is…

The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following news release:. The American Council of Life Insurers, whose member companies provide financial and retirement security to 90 million American families, elected its chair, officers and ACLI Board of Directors at the 2018 ACLI Annual Conference today. Ameritas CEO JoAnn Martin will serve as chair for…
Police say a Chicago woman held herself out as a financial advisor while running a Ponzi-type scheme.

The accused defrauded older clients out of more than $2.5 million by “(holding) herself out as a financial adviser specializing in retirement planning,” according to the criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in the Illinois Northern District. Lucita Zamoras focused on the elderly, particularly immigrants.
David Levenson

Longtime CEO Robert Kerzner is stepping down at the end of the year, and will be replaced by a former colleague at The Hartford. LIMRA/LOMA are the world’s largest association of life insurance and financial services companies.

UT Life Insurance, a major player in the life insurance industry in Ghana, has rebranded to miLife Insurance with a promise to deploy technology to deepen life insurance penetration in the country. The corporate re-branding consist of a new corporate brand name, a new identity, a new slogan Live More and a renewed focus. Speaking at the rebranding programme in…
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners creates model laws for states to pass.

A National Association of Insurance Commissioners working group wants to “enhance consumer understanding” with a proposed two-page summary to accompany life insurance illustrations. The group is making slow progress on the proposal, with a few issues remaining to work out.

Braintree, MA. (October 9, 2018) — U.S. life insurance application activity was off slightly in September, down -0.4% year-over-year, according…

Transamerica Life Insurance Company has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of policyholders across the United States alleging that Transamerica improperly increased the monthly charges that the company withdrew from the accounts of policyholders who own certain “universal life” insurance policies. Under the proposed settlement,…

–Pegasystems Inc., the software company empowering customer engagement at the world’s leading enterprises, today announced the results of a new survey that revealed how consumers perceive their insurance companies. While the majority are very satisfied with their insurers, this does not always equate to customer loyalty– 71 percent said simply receiving a…

The California Department of Insurance issued the following news release:. An investigation by the California Department of Insurance revealed that Peter Kim, a licensed insurance agent, allegedly sold two policies to his wife, Jin Kim, and falsely listed her as a niece and beneficiary of the insured. During the same time, Jin Kim purchased another life…

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Weekly News– Prudential Financial, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Charles Lowrey as the company’s next CEO and member of the Board, effective December 1, 2018. Lowrey, who currently serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer, International Businesses of…
Americans who commit to healthy lifestyles will be rewarded by John Hancock.

John Hancock is transitioning all of the company’s life insurance policies to policyholders who commit to making healthy choices. The interactive policies will track fitness and health data through a variety of smartphones and wearable devices such as the Fitbit.