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  • FOURTH QUARTER 2023 LIFE INSURANCE SALES

    {March 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Non-Variable UL Sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $894 million, compared with sales of $859 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Fourth quarter non-variable life sales were up nearly 16% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 4% as compared to the same period last year. Total 4Q2023 non-variable […]

    This is a relatively new development, which I largely attribute to The SECURE Act.

    {March 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Maybe the reason why older people are not as interested in annuities is because they have been exposed to information that puts annuities in a negative light. Younger people might be more receptive to using annuities because news about annuities over the past few years has been largely positive. This is a relatively new development, […]

    Another head-turner

    {March 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    In case you missed the launch, Americo Financial Life and Annuity has a new “Instant Decision IUL,” which offers the highest caps and rates in the industry. Another head-turner? (I mean besides the instant issue part…) There is no medical exam required for coverage up to $450,000. Want the deets? We have the specs on […]

    Fourth Quarter 2023 Annuity Sales

    {March 6th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Deferred Annuity Sales Total 4Q2023 deferred annuity sales $105,464 million, compared with sales of $79,336 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Fourth quarter deferred annuity sales were up more than 33% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 33% when compared to the same period last year. Non-Variable Deferred Annuity Sales  Total […]

    LINE OF BUSINESS: 4Q23 Sales- % CHNG QTR / % CHNG YR

    {March 6th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    LINE OF BUSINESS: 4Q23 Sales- % CHNG QTR / % CHNG YR All Deferred Annuities: $105.46 B- 33.11% / 32.93% >Non-Variable Deferred Annuities: $81.33 B- 48.42% / 40.58% >>Indexed Annuities: $27.96 B- 19.80% / 29.18% >>Fixed Annuities: $730.63 M- 47.32% / 26.98% >>MYGAs: $52.63 B- 70.02% / 47.73% >Variable Deferred Annuities: $24.13 B- -1.23% / […]

    Insure your love

    {February 21st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    For Insure Your Love month (thanks to Life Happens), I thought I would drive home the importance of life insurance. Click HERE to take a read. People need life insurance. -sjm

    Now, we have all of your cash value life insurance product needs met.

    {February 13th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Did I mention that Wink, Inc.‘s LifeSpecs tool now houses product information on structured universal life (UL) as well as variable UL? Now, we have all of your cash value life insurance product needs met. Click HERE to read more about it! -sjm

    He would be 27 this year.

    {January 29th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    My son, AJ Betts, died by suicide ten years ago. The bullies won. Every year, my family goes out to eat cheeseburgers on AJ’s birthday, to celebrate his life. He would be 27 this year. Tonight, we chose to eat at Five Guys Enterprises in West Des Moines. You can’t get a better burger. As […]

    True or False

    {January 23rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    True or false- Indexed annuities have: – 180 different indices upon which to base their interest crediting, – 33 different ways of calculating the indexed interest, and – 4 ways of limiting indexed gains. PLUS – 1 major reputation for being complex. Join in the discussion on LinkedIn HERE -sjm

    Redacted contract-holder annual statements

    {January 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I am putting the finishing touches on my second book. As a part of that process, I am looking for redacted contract-holder annual statements that show fantastic gains on indexed annuities. If you have a couple, that you are interested in sharing, please shoot them my way. -sjm sjm@intelrockstar.com

    They could be the answer to the nation’s retirement crisis.

    {December 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I don’t know what else to say. This stuff makes me mad. Click HERE to read DOL hearing parses intersection of ‘best interest’ and annuity sales via InvestmentNews Just because annuities are purchased in a different manner than investments, doesn’t make them inferior. These are important products, and Americans need to learn about them. They […]

    Five things your annuity seller SHOULD tell you:

    {December 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I believe you may misunderstand indexed annuities Mike Palmer. Click HERE to view Five Things Your Annuity Seller Won’t Tell You via Kiplinger What do you mean when you say indexed annuities “offer ‘point to point’ crediting, but the investor must choose monthly or annual valuation, and the fees for each option differ?” The annuity […]

    Maybe if more companies would follow suit…

    {December 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Athene is promoting annuities in my Morning Brew newsletter. Maybe if more companies would follow suit, we wouldn’t have a retirement crisis. 🤷🏼‍♀️ -sjm  

    THIRD QUARTER 2023 LIFE INSURANCE SALES

    {December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Non-Variable UL Sales for the third quarter of 2023 were $774 million, compared with sales of $769 million for the third quarter of 2022. Third quarter non-variable life sales were down more than 6% when compared to the previous quarter and down less than 1% as compared to the same period last year. Total 3Q2023 […]

    Wow. Life insurance sales really struggled 3Q2023!

    {December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    LINE OF BUSINESS SALES % CHNG QTR / % CHNG YR >Non-Variable Universal Life | $774.03 M | -6.49% / 0.64% >>Universal Life | $86.82 M | -14.57% / -9.65% Indexed Life | $687.22 M | -5.38% / 2.46% Whole Life | $1.01 B | -7.10% / -7.61%   -sjm

    Speaking of annuity sales-

    {December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    PRODUCT LINE SALES % CHG/QTR / % CHG/YR All Deferred Annuities $78.61 B -1.41% / 8.53% >Non-Variable Deferred Annuities $54.79 B -2.38% / 12.19% >>Indexed Annuities $23.34 B -7.24% / 11.29% >>Fixed Annuities $495.94 M -1.47% / 9.82% >>Multi-Year Gtd. Annuities $30.95 B 1.63% / 12.91% >Variable Deferred Annuities $23.81 B 0.88% / 0.95% >>Structured […]

    I bought an annuity through a direct-to-consumer platform.

    {December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I bought an annuity through a direct-to-consumer platform. The electronic process was very simple. At this point, I am waiting for one of their home office agents to contact me about the case. My inforce 5-year MYGA was renewing at 4.40%. Why would I renew, when I can get a new 5-year MYGA crediting 6.50%? […]

    Go in with your eyes wide open!

    {December 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Reading an ad, promoting a hybrid index that is used on indexed annuities. I HOPE you know that one of the constituents in nearly all hybrid/engineered/bespoke/volatility-controlled indices is CASH. Index providers control the allocation of funds within the index’s constituents. If the index is heavily weighted toward cash, this WILL have the effect of drag […]

    Seriously. Let’s do something about it!

    {November 30th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    No, no, no! Disagree. Click HERE to read Consumer Reps Ask States to Change Annuities’ Faces “For clients, illustrations serve as products’ easy-to-understand faces.” Hardly. On the other hand, so glad that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)‘ A Committee was compelled to keep the Indexed Universal Life Illustration Subgroup going. “Eliminate hypothetical historical […]

    Giving Tuesday

    {November 30th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    My first-born, and only son for 17 years, was born with cleft lip and cleft palate. Despite numerous ultrasounds, AJ’s congenital birth defect wasn’t apparent until his head emerged, during my delivery. My baby had a giant hole in his face. He had two upper lips. Half of his nose was missing. There was a […]

    Adding to the confusion is the suggestion that income annuities have “often-high fees,” when in fact they have none.

    {November 30th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    This article from Aaron Brown at Bloomberg News, which was featured in ADVISOR PERSPECTIVES INC, is extremely misleading. To start- insurance companies with private equity backing hold 26.6% of the deferred annuity market; not 10%. The beginning of the article outlines the current goings-on in the deferred annuity industry but then points to income annuities. […]

    Life is fleeting. LIve life intentionally

    {November 30th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    A great man died last week. Arthur “Dave” Postal has worked with me since he was at “National Underwriter.” He wrote about life insurance and annuities. He cared about the quality and the content of his message. He had integrity in his reporting. He was 82, and still working with Life Annuity Specialist. I just […]

    Third Quarter 2023 Annuity Sales

    {November 22nd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Deferred Annuity Sales Total 3Q2023 deferred annuity sales were $78,616 million, compared with sales of $72,438 million for the third quarter of 2022. Third quarter deferred annuity sales were down more than 1% when compared to the previous quarter but up nearly 9% when compared to the same period last year.  Non-Variable Deferred Annuity Sales […]

    Premium bonus

    {November 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Nearly half of all indexed annuity sales were on products that had a premium bonus. Those premium bonuses were as high as 20%. Replacements, anybody? -sjm

    This one is making their presence known.

    {November 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    If you all haven’t heard of Aspida, you better ask somebody. They are trying to make their presence in the indexed annuity market KNOWN. Their sales are up 60,033% from this time last year. Recognize. -sjm

    They don’t need pie-in-the-sky; they need reliable information, to base their decision on.

    {November 14th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I am not sure I agree with Ken Nuss.  “Back-testing based on historical index performance gives an idea of how a particular indexed annuity sub-account might perform in the future. While past performance is not a guarantee of future performance, it’s a good starting point.” Considering that there are indexed annuities illustrating linear returns of […]

    One simply cannot suggest that “you’re actually invested in the market” with an IUL

    {November 14th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    In response to June Sham with NerdWallet, One cannot suggest that “you’re actually invested in the market” with an indexed UL. You do not invest in the market with IUL; you merely earn interest based upon the market’s performance. Click HERE to read An IUL for retirement? The pros and cons of indexed universal life […]

    This appears to be a regulatory power grab.

    {November 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    How can life insurance agents ” …hold themselves out as trusted advice professionals,” when they are not advising their clients, but instead selling them products? They are not registered investment advisors?!? And how can the U.S. Department of Labor assert that “…said conflicts of interest related to the sales of fixed index annuities cost investors $5 billion annually?” […]

    Inaccurate clickbait annuity articles

    {November 7th, 2023} by Ashley Kilroy

    Whoa, whoa, whoa, WOAH! Oh, SmartAsset– you drive me crazy with your inaccurate clickbait annuity articles! Click HERE to read 8 Reason Annuities Might Actually Be a Bad Investment For You 1. Annuities can be complex. This is why having a trusted insurance agent is important. 2. Sales agents MUST disclose an itemized list of annuity […]

    Relationships matter. Don’t burn bridges.

    {October 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    The very first week that I began working in the life insurance industry, my trainer gave me the best piece of advice, ever. Keep in mind that I live in Des Moines, Iowa- the life insurance capital of the United States. (Not to mention that our population is only a couple hundred thousand strong…I mean, […]

    Mentorship Culture

    {October 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I have had numerous mentors during my tenure in the insurance industry. Hear about how I approach mentorship, with a podcast I did with my dear friend Mark Williams of Brokers International. SN: Did you know that I was once married to a police officer who went to prison? Yep- that happened. Tune in to find out more! […]

    While we’re on the topic of private equity-owned insurance companies…

    {October 17th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Wow. Award-winning journalism from John Hilton at InsuranceNewsNet? Click HERE to read Critics call out Brookfield Asset Management asset transfers to insurer via INN.  Could be. While we’re on the topic of private equity-owned insurance companies… The president of Brookfield Asset Management indicated that there are, “plans to target allocating ‘40% of our insurance assets into private funds. Today, that […]

    From less than seven to nearly 40!

    {October 11th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    When I started Wink, Inc., 18 years ago, the average number of indexing method choices on an indexed annuity was less than seven. Today, there are products that have nearly 40 different indexing method options on a single product. Good or bad? Why? Why not? Join in my LinkedIn discussion HERE! – sjm

    NWL is being acquired; it will be interesting to see what this means for the companies

    {October 10th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Well, I guess Ross Moody has some extra time on his hands now. National Western Life Insurance Company (NWL) is being acquired by Prosperity Life’s S. USA Life Insurance Company’s subsidiary. As of 2Q2023, the companies have a combined market share of 1.18% of the $79.7 billion deferred annuity market. They also hold 0.39% of the $914.3 million in […]

    How do you leverage Wink’s data?

    {October 3rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I have to have a client put together a “use case,” describing how they leverage Wink, Inc.‘s data. Are any of you open to helping out with this? This would be on display on our new website. (i.e. You’ll be famous!!) *sjm groveling*   Shoot us a note on the online chat or support@winkintel.com if you’d like […]

    I am a life-long learner.

    {October 3rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a journey that I would like to share with you tonight. I am a life-long learner:   

    This is the kind of bologna that makes me despise the “credible” sources

    {October 3rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Oh, Kiplinger– you’re on one. Wish I knew the author of this whammy, so that I could drop a little annuity knowledge on them. Click HERE to read “Advisory Annuities Let You Eliminate the Middlemen” on Yahoo! Finance.  Of course a well-structured retirement plan could outpace an annuity; annuities are insurance, after all. A retirement plan […]

    Engineered indices debate continues

    {October 3rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    And the debate continues… Hybrid indices (or “engineered indices,” as my friend Bobby Samuelson calls them) have been juicing the illustrations arms race on both indexed life insurance and indexed annuities. Read here,  in The Annuity Edge for Bobby’s take on the matter “Engineered Indices & FIA

    Fluff pieces for warm fuzzies

    {September 26th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Do not be fooled by insurance companies publishing a 1-2 pager about their inforce renewal rates. These are fluff pieces, intended to make you feel warm and fuzzy. If an insurance company TRULY publishes their inforce renewal rates, their history will include pages of interest rates/caps/pars/spreads on it. Know the difference. If the insurance company […]

    Go forth and multiply your giving

    {September 26th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Last week, I spent three hours with my middle son, volunteering for MEALS FROM THE HEARTLAND. Our group of volunteers packaged enough meals to feed 25,000 children for a year! It was competitive. It was fun. It was necessary. Teaching our children to have the heart of a volunteer is so important. Also, my son […]

    Overall takeaway: buffer strategies offer more risk, but greater potential for returns.

    {September 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    My one and only PGIM homey- David Blanchett, is all over my LinkedIn! This time, he is discussing structured annuities (a.k.a. RILAs). Click HERE to read RILAs: Buffers are still much better than floors Now remember- with a structured annuity that has a floor on losses, “the downside is limited to a stated percentage, such as […]

    Out of the Darkness

    {September 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Yesterday was an emotionally exhausting day. I participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s central Iowa Out of the Darkness walk. This walk is intended to raise money for suicide prevention. I have walked every year since my son killed himself. Usually, I am overcome with sadness because of the loss of my firstborn. Yesterday […]

    Be leery of high illustrated returns.

    {September 19th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Reading a class action lawsuit filing and came across a point that I have made in the past. “If buying options [on indexed insurance products] is so incredibly profitable…then why doesn’t everyone do it and why aren’t life insurers employing this strategy to generate higher returns in their own general accounts?” ***********************Be leery of high […]

    Innovative sales strategies: Stories wanted

    {September 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    My friend Pam Sheehan is the brilliant individual behind Aspire Magazine. She is searching for submissions for her “Raising the Bar” sales stories. Specifically, she is looking for the innovative sales strategies and processes that are raising the bar in our profession. Sales efforts by advisors in life insurance, LTC, DI, annuities, or senior markets that have made […]

    Risk Management & Insurance Major

    {September 5th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Look at who now offers an insurance and risk management undergrad program! So excited by this, University of Iowa! -sjm   Risk Management & Insurance Major This major begins Fall 2023 Understand risks, reap big rewards To make smart decisions about any project, businesses need to look at what might go wrong and come up with […]

    SECOND QUARTER 2023 LIFE INSURANCE SALES

    {September 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

      Non-Variable UL Sales for the second quarter of 2023 were $827 million, compared with sales of $790 million for the second quarter of 2022. Second quarter non-variable life sales were up more than 13% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 5% as compared to the same period last year. Total 2Q2023 […]

    What other reasons do you think have led to the decline in sales of life insurance?

    {September 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

     Charting the Course of Life Insurance, John Forcucci‘s Letter From the Editor in InsuranceNewNet Magazine, outlines possible reasons for the decline in life insurance sales. John correctly points to the fact that there is a huge portion of our country that are underserved. He hits the nail on the head that companies are focusing on cash […]

    Pulling back the curtain on hybrid indices

    {August 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    You need to do your due diligence on hybrid indexes, which are used on indexed life insurance and indexed annuities. The index provider may limit gains on the index through a monthly cap on performance. In these instances, there is no cap on downward index performance. And- this is IN ADDITION TO the limit on […]

    You “represent every carrier that there is?” How unusual.

    {August 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    This came up on my Google alerts. Click HERE to listen to “Steven DeJean on annuities.”  I am sure you want listeners to inquire about indexed annuities the most, but ALL annuities are like a personal pension. And really- you don’t need an “income rider” to guarantee a paycheck for life. Every annuity offers this […]

    Second Quarter 2023 Annuity Sales

    {August 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Deferred Annuity Sales Total 2Q2023 deferred annuity sales were $79,742 million, compared with sales of $72,735 million for the second quarter of 2022. Second quarter deferred annuity sales were down nearly 6% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 10% when compared to the same period last year.    Non-Variable Deferred Annuity Sales […]

    Annuity sales are down for the quarter, but up from this time last year!

    {August 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Annuity sales are down for the quarter, but up from this time last year! LINE OF BUSINESS SALES % Chng Qtr / % Chang YTD All Deferred Annuities $79.74B -5.90% / 9.63% >Non-Variable Deferred Annuities $56.13B -10.78% / 21.32% >>Indexed Annuities $25.16B 11.33% / 28.36% >>Fixed Annuities $503.31M 31.43% / 3.85% >>MYG Annuities $30.46B -23.70% […]

    This piece is in response to a paper that my friend Wade Pfau was commissioned to write, by the Alliance for Lifetime Income.

    {August 23rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I show grace to Wade not mentioning that inforce annuity rates can, and often do, change. This is a practice that typically occurs with products sold in the independent agent distribution. It is likely a little too “in the weeds” for Mr. Pfau. Click HERE to read the full story Are Fixed Annuities More Efficient […]

    Literally rolling my eyes at the entire section on annuity fees in this piece. Don’t get me started.

    {August 23rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I wonder- wouldn’t one be compelled to speak to an insurance professional, when writing about life insurance and/or annuities? Click HERE to view “Should you Buy an Annuity?” via Forbes. It doesn’t always happen. And while a “zero-coupon bond offers a similar tax deferral [to an annuity] but is taxed at capital gain rates,” it […]

    Replacement activity much

    {August 23rd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Nearly 40% of all indexed annuity sales in 2Q2023 had a premium bonus. Find out more in Wink’s Sales & Market Report  -sjm 

    At least it is an opportunity for readers to ask financial advisors about life insurance.

    {August 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Just what IS permanent life insurance? That is what Devon Delfino and Jennifer Lobb set out to communicate in this week’s USA TODAY’s Blueprint content. Click HERE to read Permanent Life Insurance Explained. **********SN: Blueprint is for lead generation, so there is that.********** This article was somewhat of a smorgasbord of life insurance information. It […]

    Looks like this clickbait needs some improved fact-checking…

    {August 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I was really interested to see an article from Forbes Advisor comparing certificates of deposit (CDs) to annuities. Click HERE to read Annuity vs. CD And I was moving right along until I read that there were “three main types” of annuities. Note to self: they forgot structured annuities/RILAs. No big deal. But THEN, I read […]

    Index providers, Take Note!

    {July 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Shout out to my homies at Credit Suisse who not only have easy-to-navigate websites to research their indexed annuity indices but also disclose all relevant information. Index providers, take note!

    Can bipolar disorder lead one to commit fraud?

    {July 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Can bipolar disorder lead one to commit fraud? I think so. Click HERE to read ‘Annuity King’ partner claims bipolar disorder in presentence report:   Click HERE to join in the discussion on LinkedIn

    Life Insurance Companies Executive Compensation

    {July 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Join in the discussion over on LinkedIn.

    “That’s a long surrender period”

    {July 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    One can no longer say that indexed annuities have surrender charges as long as 16 years. (It’s now 15 years.) Note, however, that there are multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) with surrender charges as long as 20 years.

    M&A, Everybody’s doin’ it.

    {July 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    M&A. Everybody’s doin’ it.  Click HERE to read Nassau Financial Acquires Delaware Life of New York The thing that confused me on this deal was that Allison Bell at ThinkAdvisor indicated: “Nassau could use its newly acquired New York state subsidiary to add a life or annuity product line or to make a product now sold only outside of […]

    On a personal note: Pride and Plasma

    {July 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    In the wake of my son’s suicide, I was able to work with my Congressman to get the law changed, so that gay men could donate blood. While we were successful in getting this policy reformed in 2014, the new legislation was still restrictive. I continue to work hard to change the laws so that […]

    So, this product is unique

    {June 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    “And while that isn’t the HIGHEST MYG rate for a five-year contract today, this annuity has something yours doesn’t.”

    Random Facts

    {June 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Random facts: – 20% – 20% = 0% (I promise, it means something.) – It is hard to replace an old annuity, with a new one, if there will still be surrender charges on the first contract, after the replacement; – There are two indexed annuities with a first-year surrender penalty of 20%; – Annuities […]

    Executive compensation are no small cookies

    {June 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I have commenced by executive compensation study of CEO pay at life/annuity insurers. I pulled the CEO pay from a regulator’s office. In this study, I am reviewing the total compensation of 70 different insurance companies that operate in the life/annuity space. The first thing that caught my attention? These CEO’s salaries were not as […]

    I want to feel like I am in a noble profession.

    {June 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Man, I am feeling down about this business lately. Insurance companies have strayed from the business of protection to the business of accumulating assets. Instead of focusing on consumer value, there has been a transition to focusing on shareholder value. Life insurance and annuity products are seeing reduced rates in years two plus. Life insurance […]

    There is still a lot of work we need to do!

    {June 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I still remember getting the state of Iowa to be the first to proclaim June as Annuity Awareness Month. Feels like quite a bit has been accomplished in the eight years since then. We had legislation passed to put annuities in retirement plans. We have developed annuities for an entirely new distribution of fee-based and […]

    Annuity sales are killing it!!

    {June 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Product Line $$$ / % Chng/Qtr / %Chng/Yr >All Deferred Annuities $84.74 B / 6.81% / 41.91% >>Non-Variable Deferred Annuities $62.91 B / 8.75% / 98.27% >>>Indexed Annuities $22.60 B / $22.60 B / 4.42% / 35.56% >>>Fixed Annuities $382.94 M / -33.45% / -17.39% >>>MYG Annuities $39.92 B / 12.05% / 173.49% >>Variable Deferred […]

    Do us a favor

    {June 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    It’s Annuity Awareness Month, homies! Do me a favor, and ask your neighbor if they’ve heard of the “A-word.” The more people we educate, the less Americans we’ll have with insufficient income during retirement. -sjm

    FIRST QUARTER 2023 LIFE INSURANCE SALES

    {June 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Non-Variable IUL Sales Sales for the first quarter of 2023 were $730 million, compared with sales of $737 million for the first quarter of 2022. First quarter non-variable life sales were down 15% when compared to the previous quarter and down less than 1% as compared to the same period last year. Total 1Q2023 non-variable […]

    FIRST QUARTER 2023 ANNUITY SALES

    {May 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

      Deferred Annuity Sales Total 1Q2023 deferred annuity sales were $84,741 million, compared with sales of $59,716 million for the first quarter of 2022. First quarter deferred annuity sales were up nearly 7% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 42% when compared to the same period last year.     Non-Variable Deferred […]

    Annuity sales are killing it!

    {May 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Product Line $$$ / % Chng/Qtr / %Chng/Yr >All Deferred Annuities $84.74 B / 6.81% / 41.91% >>Non-Variable Deferred Annuities $62.91 B / 8.75% / 98.27% >>>Indexed Annuities $22.60 B / $22.60 B / 4.42% / 35.56% >>>Fixed Annuities $382.94 M / -33.45% / -17.39% >>>MYG Annuities $39.92 B / 12.05% / 173.49% >>Variable Deferred […]

    Only 25% of businesses survive 15 years or more.

    {May 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, about 1 in 5 small businesses fail in their first year. In fact, nearly 50% of small businesses fail in the first FIVE years. After 10 years, about 65% of businesses have failed. Only 25% of businesses survive 15 years or more. Eighteen years ago, I got my walking […]

    These products are just the “next thing.”

    {May 15th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    No offense to ANY insurance company, but I don’t think that structured life insurance products (think the equivalent of a “RILA,” on the life side) are the “next big thing.” I agree with Tim Pfeifer in Life Annuity Specialist’s Why Structured Life Won’t Keep Up With Structured Annuities. They are just the “next thing.” Why? Structured […]

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month

    {May 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Many of you are familiar with the fact that my son, AJ Betts, took his own life after being bullied. He was 16, and beautiful, and so full of life! And like Robin Williams and Kate Spade, you wouldn’t have known that he would ever complete suicide. AJ was playing outside with our dogs, doing […]

    Honored to be on the Tech Map!

    {May 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I am so pleased to see that Michael Kitces updated his “Financial AdvisorTech Solutions Map!” Wink, Inc. is honored to be listed under the “Insurance Data / Analytics” section of this infographic. THANK YOU! -sjm

    Regulation has changed these products. Let’s keep educating.

    {May 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    The staff at Wink, Inc. just told me about one of my old friends, calling-in to say, “hi.” Doug Mantelli & I have worked together since his days at Jackson, but he is now elevating RIA distribution at Pacific Life. And just as I am getting ready to shoot him a note, my morning Google alerts delivers this piece to […]

    This stat scares the bejeezus out of me

    {May 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Well, here’s a stat that scares the bejeezus out of me: “Nearly half of baby boomers have no retirement savings” HALF! And WHAT?!? In the “55- to –64-year-old boomer age group, 58 percent of Americans own retirement accounts.” How the heck do you get caught up with your retirement savings at that point? “Without a […]

    Junior Achievement

    {May 2nd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    For many years, I have had members of my team at Wink, Inc. volunteering for Junior Achievement USA. This organization offers “proven lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship [which] are shown to positively impact the lives of young people.” Why? “Research shows that Junior Achievement Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, […]

    Happy AG49-B day

    {May 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    May 1st. Oh yeah, And a BIG happy AG49-B day to you! Enjoy it while you can, as I am certain that the Illustration Model Regulation will be opened up, which will lead to yet ANOTHER change in indexed life illustrations. (May you undersell and over-deliver in your life illustrations!) -sjm

    I am life insurance

    {April 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Yesterday, I had a breakthrough with my head doctor. SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENED! **********I realized that I no longer define myself as the woman whose son, her firstborn took his own life after being relentlessly bullied, for being gay.********** (This is how I have introduced myself since July 27, 2013: the terrible, awful, no good, very […]

    Whether fees or commissions, these financial services products are merely tools

    {April 25th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    As long as they keep the financial services business divided on the issue of commissions vs. fees, we are distracted from the REAL story: getting Americans the help that they need. Thanks for the shout out, Marc Cadin! I appreciate your advocacy of educating financial professionals that, whether fees or commissions, these financial services products […]

    Read this if you are a hybrid RIA

    {April 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I agree with Matt Zagula‘s assessment of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission‘s position. However, I also think that this guy actually WAS NOT acting in his clients’ best interests. There are plenty of hybrid RIAs that DO. I read the entire case. It is what makes people hate annuities. SMH. Read this if you are a […]

    This may be more about illustrations than performance, folks

    {April 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Here is some more on that case we discussed earlier this week, about the insurance company and index provider, who are being sued because of hybrid index performance. Click to read Texas lawsuit: Lincoln Financial annuity fell far short of illustration promises Some things that caught my eye: “Plaintiffs say they signed a fixed indexed […]

    It goes without saying that potential replacements are a serious issue.

    {April 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Let’s talk about disintermediation for a moment. Disintermediation occurs when annuitants/policyholders cash surrender their annuities/life insurance as a result of rising interest rates. Charlie Gipple, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® of CG Financial Group, LLC just published an article on the subject in this month’s Broker World magazine titled, New Annuity Caps Better Than Renewal Caps. Do I Replace? I am […]

    Ugh. I have been dreading this

    {April 11th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Another lawsuit has been filed around the issue of a non-performing hybrid index on an indexed annuity. *wince* The proposed class action targets both the insurance company, AND the index provider. The suit is centered around the assertion that the illustrations were “too rosy” and the index didn’t perform. Apparently, nine plaintiffs claim that they […]

    Too much business to care about annuity transfers?

    {April 4th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I am hearing scuttlebutt that with any annuity transfer coming into some insurers, the home office will stop following-up on the money after the first email or call. Apparently, these companies are leaving it up to the agent, client, or FMO to close out the case and follow-up on transfers. What say you? Laziness? Too […]

    I’m just mad! Indexed annuities don’t need this kind of press!

    {March 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Not to beat a dead horse here, but I am still reading about the news of that guy who got slammed by the SEC for his indexed annuity sales. First comment: Yesterday he was an “adviser” and today he is an “advisor.” Let’s talk about the differences. Second comment: “…[the advisor would] use the proceeds […]

    How one can “help people plan for retirement” when you are spreading misinformation about annuities?

    {March 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Have I ever mentioned how I resent SmartAsset? You know- the lead generation company that distributes “educational articles” about annuities, but gets their “education” wrong nearly every single time… This morning, here they are in my Morning Brew newsletter again! How can I win against companies like this?!? “SmartAsset raised $161m to help people plan for retirement.” I […]

    FOURTH QUARTER 2022 ANNUITY SALES

    {March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Deferred Annuity Sales Total 4Q2022 deferred annuity sales were $79,309 million, compared with sales of $60,924 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Fourth quarter deferred annuity sales were up more than 9% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 30% when compared to the same period last year.     Non-Variable […]

    Annuity Primary Product Objective?

    {March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I am thinking of taking every annuity in the AnnuitySpecs database, and assigning a “Primary Product Objective” to it. This is because of the industry’s recent trend of classifying annuities as being either for “accumulation” or “income.” That said, I do not want to overlook anything. So, I need to hear from my marketers!! Do […]

    Enhacing their GLWBs!

    {March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Nice to see insurance companies enhancing their Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits (GLWBs) on their indexed annuities! The following companies have all made improvement to their offerings, since the first of the year (most recent changes, appearing at top): – PRUCO LIFE INS CO, – Protective Life, – Integrity Life Insurance Co, – Jackson, – Allianz Life – Midland National Life Insurance […]

    WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!

    {March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    For nearly all lines of business, the average annuity premium is smaller, but the number of apps received is larger. More, smaller annuity cases were submitted in 4Q2022.   Join in the conversation over on LinkedIn!  -sjm

    Relationships matter.

    {March 21st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I won’t forget the day that changed my career, while I was working for my first home office. I worked for the #1 seller of indexed life insurance and indexed annuities, in product development. A had just received a directive from the top: I needed to assist other insurance companies in developing indexed insurance products. […]

    In case you missed it

    {March 14th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Life insurance sales results from 4Q2022… LINE OF BUSINESS: 4Q Sales, 2022 Sales – % Chng/Qtr, % Chng/Yr, % Chnge/2021 Non-Variable Universal Life: $861.59M, $3.16B – 12.02%, 0.44%, 5.97% >Universal Life: $109.62M, $425.32M – 11.42%, -21.71%, -17.97% Indexed Life: $752.29M, $2.73B – 12.16%, 4.77%, 10.95% Whole Life: $1.24B, $4.59B – 12.78%, -17.61%, -5.70%   Stay […]

    NAILBA Charitable Foundation

    {March 14th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I get to be a part of a really cool thing that the NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION does each year. **Our mission of the NAILBA Charitable Foundation is to encourage philanthropy and business, to work hand-in-hand, helping others who are at risk.** Since its beginning, the NAILBA Charitable Foundation has awarded over $3.5 million dollars in grants!! (And […]

    FOURTH QUARTER 2022 LIFE INSURANCE SALES

    {March 8th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Non-Variable UL Sales for the fourth quarter of 2022 were $861 million, compared with sales of $857 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Fourth quarter non-variable life sales were up more than 12% when compared to the previous quarter and up less than 1% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal […]

    Women & Income, online seminar project

    {March 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Are you a female financial advisor that helps to address the unique challenges women face as they plan for long-term retirement security? My friend David Macchia is working on an online educational seminar project and could use your help. Please feel free to reach out to David, directly, if you are interested.

    A note to Investor.gov

    {March 7th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Hey- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission! I just had the opportunity to review your content on annuities on your “Investor” website.  Click HERE to view Annuities via Investor.gov It isn’t entirely accurate. It is outdated. Do you need help updating it? For example- there is a fourth type of annuity that was developed over a decade […]

    “Best Life Insurance Companies…”

    {March 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    This is weird. I saw that USA TODAY published an “article” on the “Best life insurance companies of 2023.” They have my attention. The third sentence of this piece says, “we analyzed 15 of the leading life insurance companies” in the assessment. Leading life insurance companies, based on what? Later on, another reference, “life insurance experts evaluated […]

    What a great lineup!

    {March 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Just reading the new Aspire Magazine, by my friend Pam Sheehan. Click HERE to read Aspire!  What a great lineup! There is a terrific article on what the “bottom line costs.” I could definitely apply this to MY business! Here my buddy, Bobby Samuelson, makes a compelling argument for why we were proposed an alternative to the AG49-B […]

    This article made me sad for several reasons

    {March 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    This article, 3 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T INVEST IN ANNUITIES  made me sad. For several reasons. First, I cannot IMAGINE someone being sold an annuity that only yields 2% annually- especially “a few years later” than 2002? If that were truly the case, it HAD to be a very short-term product. That said, the commission would […]

    Newsflash: This does not bode well for the 1035 activity, fellas/ladies.

    {February 28th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Recently I’ve been hearing A LOT of chatter from insurance agents that are replacing a certain indexed annuity, with a surrender charge that extends beyond 15 years. Turns out, the insurance company underwriting this particular annuity has recently slashed their inforce renewal rates/caps/pars. Dramatically. This has put many an insurance agent in the position to […]

    You can’t publish a headline like “10 Best Annuity Companies In the US” and NOT get my attention.

    {February 22nd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I was all over this one on Yahoo Finance! After all, you can’t publish a headline like “10 Best Annuity Companies In the US” and NOT get my attention. Now, before we you go on to the list of top annuity companies, you have to know the following: 1. The author of this article, Insider Monkey is “a […]

    This is not the kind of list that you want to land on.

    {February 22nd, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    This is not the kind of list that you want to land on.  However, Brian O’Connell with TheStreet suggests that VA fees are one of the “worst” fees that consumers pay. Click to read Brian’s Money Experts Say These Are the Worst Consumer Fees.  Interesting to see VAs lumped into a list with bank overdraft fees and ATM fees, […]

    Consideration of annuity laddering

    {February 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Get outta my head, Matthew DiGangi, MBA, CLTC! For those who are concerned about future interest rates, I also suggest the consideration of annuity laddering. Today, you can buy annuities with rates guaranteed for 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-years+. Why not split the money-up, amongst several rate guarantee periods, to ensure that you don’t lose […]

    Annuitization is so undervalued!

    {February 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I always love a good read from my dear friend Steve Parrish, JD,RICP,CLU,ChFC,AEP with the Retirement Income Center at The American College of Financial Services. This time, it was with Forbes. Click HERE to read Reasons You Should Retain Your Deferred Annuity When You Retire In this piece, he suggests numerous options for dealing with a deferred annuity, once […]

    I expect that the demand for fixed annuities will continue.

    {February 13th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I always love it when Steve Morelli from InsuranceNewsNet gives me the rundown on insurance companies’ earnings calls: Click HERE to view Brighthouse sees record annuity year, while life insurance lags In this piece, we get some intel on Brighthouse Financial. The company CEO, Eric T. Steigerwalt, goes on the record as saying, “The company [Brighthouse] does not expect […]

    Some of my comments about fiduciaries’ attitudes toward annuities may have been taken out of context.

    {February 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I appreciated last night’s story by Ed Hayes in Financial Advisor Magazine. I think his editor was a little overzealous though? Click HERE to read Are Advisors Warming up to Annuities? Some of my comments about fiduciaries’ attitudes toward annuities may have been taken out of context. “Annuities have been incorrectly associated with high commissions, illiquidity, and significant […]

    NAILBA’s/Finseca Insurbrief

    {February 6th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Super awesome to see NAILBA/Finseca using data from “Wink’s Sales & Market Report” to point-out Transamerica‘s top-selling Transamerica Foundation IUL and the company’s #2 position in indexed life sales too! FYI- I am both “industry analysts” and “officials” as it relates to the “IUL Speed Bump” segment in the attached video. I should add that to my resume… […]

    It Gets Better

    {January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I APPRECIATE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! Thank you for your generous gifts to the It Gets Better Project, in memory of my son, AJ Betts. In a moment of vulnerability, I want to admit to you that I am TERRIFIED that my son will be forgotten. Terrified! While he looms in my memory daily, everyone […]

    This one, unfortunately, just cannot be simplified.

    {January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Just reviewed, literally, THE most complex rider that I have ever seen in the 24 years that I have been in this business. I am an expert at reading specimen contracts. I love to simplify complex terminology into easy-to-understand terms. This one, unfortunately, just cannot be simplified. If I cannot understand it, I don’t know […]

    I wonder- what specifically are “large, undisclosed commissions?”

    {January 31st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Do you guys remember when California had a bounty program, where they would pay professionals to turn in sheisty insurance agents? Well, remembering that got my attention, when I saw this article promoted in my Google alerts. I wonder- what specifically are “large, undisclosed commissions?” This guy makes it sound like annuities pay 10% comp and life […]

    This is a pretty balanced, educational article!

    {January 24th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

     I was reading Bradley Rosen‘s article in Kiplinger this morning, and thought “this is a pretty balanced, educational article!” I should share it. Click HERE to read Long-Term Investments Require a New Approach Warning: there is kind of an awkward plug for indexed annuities at the end. I wondered why the article didn’t mention other types […]

    Best Book on Annuities

    {January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I have a friend who asked me what the best book on annuities would be. I didn’t even know how to respond. I mean, is he asking about annuity sales? Annuity mechanics? Annuity psychology? Something else? What are the best annuity books you’ve read (warning: not your own book!), and why? Click HERE to Join […]

    Horrifed by this Tik Tok

    {January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I am horrified by this Tik Tok on indexed life. Who said that 6%-8% was the “average return” on IUL? There is no place to substantiate that claim. It is “guaranteed growth?” Nearly every IUL has a minimum guaranteed interest rate of 0%. That IS NOT GROWTH. This is giving us all a bad name […]

    ILL-PREPARED FOR THE MYGA BOOM?

    {January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Not to start a complaint fest, but I have never heard more complaints about service with annuity home offices, than I have over the past two months. It seems few insurers are immune. The time required to issue an app has likely never been longer. I am typically hearing three weeks just to get a […]

    Confused, embarrssed. “There’s something that does not compute.”

    {January 18th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Wow. Just wow.  This one had me at, “there’s something that does not compute. Click to read “‘My adviser insists this is a good, low-risk investment.’ I’m semi-retired at 63 with $2 million saved. My financial adviser wants me to sink half my money in an annuity. Should I do it?” Chris Chen, CFP®, CDFA™– […]

    The Annuity Paradox

    {January 9th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I initially thought this article,  The Annuity Paradox, was pretty balanced. I mean, Financial Planning Magazine isn’t wrong in their “parsing the mortality lottery” section. I did actually LOL on the annuity comparisons against different car models. And I have to concede that there are some “very complex” annuities out there. (But no one mentions that there […]

    MQATMULY

    {January 4th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I was really excited to learn about a new index recently, which is designed to show you what a typical renewal annual point-to-point participation rate should be in the present environment. Mark Waldman schooled me about this new index from Genesis Financial Products, the company that brought us the indexed annuity. My mind began racing…of […]

    The end of the monthly sum?

    {January 4th, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I’ve been wondering how long it would take for insurance companies to start retiring their monthly point-to-point indexing methods. MassMutual Ascend recently took this action on one of their indexed annuities. The indexing method, also known as “monthly sum,” used to account 40.50% of all indexed annuity sales in 2005. However, the most recent “Wink’s […]

    There are many more insights into the mind of an annuity buyer

    {December 27th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Well, there is nothing so surprising about consumers buying annuities for guaranteed income. However, LIMRA discovered that liquidity was a major driver for annuity purchase decisions as well. This was crazy to me, as the research I have read from the American Council of Life Insurers – ACLI indicates that most annuity purchasers do not use the liquidity features […]

    If these medical advancements become approved for use in humans, just HOW LONG could we live?

    {December 27th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    You always hear me say that “annuities will guarantee a paycheck for life, even if the annuitant lives to be 150 years old.” This is because I read a “Time” magazine article, over a decade ago, which indicated that the first person to live to be 150 years old was already walking the earth at […]

    The perfect gift for a spreadsheeting master

    {December 12th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    “If time is money, then this gift is priceless – decorate your tree this season with Excel” – Morning Brew Store

    THIRD QUARTER 2022 LIFE INSURANCE SALES

    {December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Non-Variable UL Sales for the third quarter of 2022 were $766 million, compared with sales of $717 million for the third quarter of 2021. Third quarter non-variable life sales were down nearly 3% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 7% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal life (UL) […]

    A way to advertise more attractive benefits in the early years?

    {December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Wink, Inc.‘s AnnuitySpecs tool houses product information on what Jim Wagner from Protective Life refers to as “high/low” riders in the article, Variable Annuities: What’s In and What’s Out.  These are riders, where when the benefit base value is exhausted, the guaranteed withdrawal payments are reduced. I’ve never understood the market application for such riders. I’m sure the […]

    Sales % of Change: Life Insurance

    {December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Line of Biz: Sales % Change Over: Last Quarter / This Quarter, Last Year >Non-Variable Universal Life: $766.81 M   -2.97% / 6.88% >>Universal Life: $96.09 M   -8.27% / -16.66% >>Indexed Life: $670.72 M   -2.16% / 11.34% Whole Life: $1.10 B   -0.39% / -0.13%   -sjm

    That is literally EVERY single annuity ever developed! I’m not kidding.

    {December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Oh, Brett Arends, you had me at “higher-fee annuity products.” I expect more from MarketWatch in the article, While stocks and bonds plunge, sales of these ‘safe’ investments are booming. Annuities are not a “kind of hybrid of insurance and investment.” They are insurance. Period. “The cost [of annuities] comes in the form of lower returns.” Of […]

    It might be time to MOVE IT!

    {December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I bought a five-year MYGA five years ago. I just received the renewal notice, and it will be renewing at a rate that it a good 2.50% less than what I can get on a new business 5-year MYGA. Be checking your clients’ renewal statements, folks! If they don’t need access to the money, it […]

    THIRD QUARTER 2022 ANNUITY SALES

    {November 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Deferred Annuity Sales Total 3Q2022 deferred annuity sales were $72,438 million, compared with sales of $59,889 million for the third quarter of 2021. Third quarter deferred annuity sales were down less than 1% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 21% when compared to the same period last year. Deferred annuities include sales […]

    Time for the structured annuity?

    {November 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Variable Annuity sales are down nearly 16% from last quarter and down nearly 38% from this time last year. I wonder how many of the carriers that have yet to develop structured annuities are thinking about it now? -sjm

    Sales Percentage Change Over: Last Quarter / This Quarter, Last Year

    {November 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    THIRD QUARTER ANNUITY SALES Sales Percentage Change Over: Last Quarter / This Quarter, Last Year >All Deferred Annuities: $72.43 B   -0.41% / 20.95% >>Non-Variable Deferred Annuities: $48.84 B   5.57% / 67.18% >>>Indexed Annuities: $20.97 B   6.98% / 20.97% >>>Fixed Annuities: $451.60 M   -6.82% / 25.18% >>>Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities: $27.41 B   […]

    I, along with the NCF, appreciate your help!

    {November 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    This year, the NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (NCF) was able to provide grants to a record 51 children’s charities, resulting in contributions that totaled $180,000 this year! If you need a tax break, there has never been a better time to make a contribution to NCF! I need to find at least three organizations that are willing to […]

    This WILL come back upon us.

    {November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I’m just going to throw this out there. Indexed annuity illustrated rates are out of control. These products are intended to “beat the bank,” not consistently return upward of 17%. Mark my words- this WILL come back upon us. Join in the lively conversation over on LinkedIn, click HERE. 

    Here’s why annuity sales are on the rise

    {November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    AVERAGE FIXED ANNUITY RATES 2011: 2.77% 2012: 1.98% 2013: 2.49% 2014: 2.71% 2015: 2.68% 2016: 2.01% 2017: 2.06% 2018: 2.95% 2019: 2.72% 2020: 1.81% 2021: 1.71% Today: 4.25%

    They could create their own “Defined Benefit plan.”

    {November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Five reasons Americans are retiring later in life- When I was reading the 401(k) section, I just kept thinking to myself, “We need to establish some distribution, where when a worker separates from service at retirement, an advisor comes in to speak with them about annuities.” That way, they could create their own “Defined Benefit […]

    Watch me jump out of my seat when Ramsey suggests that there is NEVER ANY reason to purchase a fixed annuity.

    {November 15th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I’ve never really been a fan of Dave Ramsey. While I am not an avid listener of his show, the little experience that I have had with him is that he is in a position of power, and holding himself out to be an expert on things he is not. He also uses a lot […]

    Less than half of those surveyed have worked with a financial professional- WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY!

    {November 8th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Holy buckets! Did you know that only 16% of Americans have an LTC plan in place? While “most consumers are unsure of their likelihood of ever needing LTC…it is estimated that almost 70% of individuals over the age of 65 will require a form of long-term care services at some point in their lives.” What a disconnect! […]

    No one is fact-checking this stuff, and it comes off as being credible, simply because of the source.

    {November 8th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    This is the stuff that makes us look bad, folks. Seriously. If you are going to write like this, keep it to yourself. Click HERE to read Forbes: Why Indexed Universal Life Insurance Might Be New 401(k) It is ludicrous to suggest that an IUL can typically earn 7%, much less to suggest that there […]

    I do think that indexed annuity sales this year will eclipse the 2019 record.

    {October 31st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

     I really liked this article, Why Fixed Indexed Annuities Are Back by David Blanchett. However, David Blanchett, I am having a little trouble with the suggestion that the “relative appeal of FIAs is going to evolve over time as the market changes,” in the manner that you suggest. Indexed annuities achieved record sales levels of $73.2 […]

    The greatest

    {October 24th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    ANNUITIES: “The greatest retirement product that no one knew about.” – Sheryl J. Moore

    If you like stats you’ll enjoy this!

    {October 24th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    If you like stats, like I love stats, you will enjoy using the “American Council of Life Insurers – ACLI‘s Life Insurers Fact Book!” This is one of my top secret tools, that I have at my disposal for market research. So many people asking for information that I find in it, that I thought […]

    Target Premium

    {October 17th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I think I am going to rock your world. (And not in a good way.) Did you know that target premium has nothing to do with the amount of premium needed to fund a UL? And I mean any type of UL- universal life, indexed universal life, or variable universal life contract. Target premium has […]

    I can’t wait to hear what my people (that’s YOU!) think of this!

    {October 17th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore

    What do you think?    Join in the conversation on LinkedIn HERE.   

    Let’s try again: What do you think?

    {October 17th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore

    The last time I asked “what do you think” to a Burt Snover post, I unleashed a firestorm. Let’s try again. What do YOU think?  Click HERE to join in the conversation on LinkedIn.    

    10-Year Treasury

    {October 17th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Who knew, when I was bellyaching about the 10-Year Treasury being less than 2.00% at the beginning of this year, that it would more than double by the close of the year? Craziness.

    Top 10 Insurance brands

    {October 11th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Top 10 Insurance Brands, by Impressions, as reported by InsuranceNewsNet: 10. CarShield 9. UnitedHealthcare 8. Northwestern Mutual 7. Farmers Insurance 6. USAA 5. State Farm 4. Allstate 3. GEICO 2. Progressive 1. Liberty Mutual

    The first ingredient that one needs to be succesful in this market!

    {October 11th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I don’t endorse any company or product. However, I hope that direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales of annuities take off. One company that seems to be succeeding, where others are struggling is Puritan Life Insurance Company of America, with their Canvas Annuities. I’ve got their shirt on, and my eyes on them. I particularly like the back of […]

    UL can be a valuable tool

    {October 4th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Did you know that all types of universal life are similar to term life insurance, with a savings component, all in a single permanent product? -sjm

    Valuable Products

    {September 26th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Annuities + LTC and Life Insurance + LTC ______________________ Valuable Products Thanks to Kelly Augspurger, CLTC®, CSA®for facilitating this conversation!    

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