I’m sure that’s true in many circumstances.  But, in the Department of Labor fiduciary skirmish, this is not the case. It’s another example of the “nanny state” – the government sticking their nose into an area where the problem is not as big as their idea of a cure.

​First off, what do these ladies and gentlemen know about what the heck we do? Presidential candidates are saying “don’t let them off the hook”. We are also pressured by a senator that decided not to run, but wields big power. Are we somewhat to blame? I’m sorry to say that we are. Not for a bunch of dirty deeds pulled on 401k holders, but for being asleep at the switch. I’m referring to companies, IMOs and agents. Did we think this was all going to go away? Well, it didn’t. So, what are our options now?
 
There is a bill hitting the floor this week (at the time of this writing I hope congress is snowed in so they have to vote). This bill to halt the DOL is written by U.S. Representative Peter Roskam, R-IL and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

This has pretty broad support, and not just on the Republican side. So, it may get to a vote and pass. Then… onto the Senate…and this looks promising. But, the word on the street is that the President is going to veto anything that would halt the bill. Does he think this will help America?
 
Let’s look. Most Americans with small amounts of money want Safe Money instruments. These people are not going to pay fees, and I am not going to work for peanuts. My talents are pretty good, and I have to make a living, too. If it’s true (and I believe it to be) that 60% of all fixed annuity sales are from qualified roll-overs, how will you make a living? Will you have to lay off staff? Hold off on purchases? What will the companies do?
 
Here is what you need to do… time is short. Pick up the phone, email your congressperson to ask them for help. You can find contact information for your representative at https://www.opencongress.org/people/zipcodelookup
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Also, find out how they will vote on this issue. If you are like me, I’ll tell them that I will do everything I can to get them voted out of office if needed. This is Friday, and I’m fired up. I’m tired of these elected, and unelected officials affecting our industry, our clients and the general public negatively. They don’t know what they are doing in this arena. It’s time to stand up and stop them…pick up the phone.
 
Until Next Time… Good Selling!

There has never been a better time to be a member of The Safe Money Places Agent Network. When the Ohlson Group purchased controlling interest in the Safe Money Properties from Dr. Jack Marrion, we thought that we had an idea whose time had come. Boy, were we right on this one. We are also glad that Jack still has an interest, and is on retainer with Safe Money.

Our thought, at the time, was that consumers will demand immediate and easy access to safe money product information. They do not want a site where people would be clamoring for them to buy a product. They also did not want to have to identify themselves when searching for information. We gave them that in spades. We are very proud that this site is purely education, and no products are sold. But, “you ain’t seen nothing yet”. Check out the site at www.safemoneyplaces.com. 
 
Now let’s talk about the network. The Safe Money Places Agent Network was designed on the Century21/Remax concept of the real estate world. Each store is independently owned and operated, but under a big umbrella- giving their reps access to information and services that they may not be able to obtain on their own. For me, today is both a happy day and a sad day… I am sad that the equity markets are tanking, because I’m still heavily invested. My happiness is that the need for Safe Money products has never been greater.
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Agents need to be associated with a national organization that can provide them with point of sale pieces, consumer videos, seminar packages, direct mail/lead procurement, complimentary websites, complete content, and more. Plus there is no buy in – no franchise fee, or monthly charge. To be a member, we need your business. But, we will guarantee that INCOME WILL GO UP IF YOU USE THESE STRATEGIES AND TACTICS WE PROVIDE. Our world is changing. Who knows how we will be paid and what we can be paid on if the DOL fiduciary rule is in effect. But, if analysts are correct that 90% of Boomers go online to check you out prior to meeting with you, don’t you think it would make sense to let them know you are part of this large national Safe Money group? I think so. 

That’s the way it has always been, and continues to be today. And, this is the way that it is supposed to be. There has always been a great disparity of income in the insurance and financial services business. If that wasn’t the case, would you have entered this business? I don’t think so. The better you do, the more that you help people, the more sales you make, the greater the income. That is truly the American way, and it works. So, why is it that some people just make so much more money than the average advisor? The answer is pretty simple - let’s take a look:
 
I entered this business while still in college because of the opportunity to make a lot of money. It took about a year before I really started believing that the services I offered were like no other. The more people I served, the more money I made – what a great career. I have always treated this as a career, and not a job. I have kept that mindset in every stop made in this great business. If advisors/agents are not treating it as a career, their income will continue to suffer. It is much different today… those “great” sales people need to also be business people. Let’s look a little deeper:
 
Do you have a good website? If not, why not? did you ever have a printed brochure? Did you send cards, articles, etc. to prospects and clients? Well, it’s time to upgrade to the new world. You have to be better and smarter than you ever were before… because the consumer is. Are today’s consumers so much smarter than those in previous generations? Not necessarily, but they have access to information that is accessed quickly and easily. So, when they search for you online, and can’t find your information online, they will start looking around.
 
I have advisors making more money today than ever before. I also have some agents who have been able to “get by” in the past, but are realizing it’s not that easy anymore. So, call the Ohlson Group.. We can assist you in adapting today’s fast paced technology, and give you an online presence. Your success can be greater than ever if you have the aptitude and attitude. Rest assured, income inequality will continue and I’m glad.

"Show me your identification ..."

Have you ever had a prospect or client say that to you?  Not all clients or prospects have the nerve to ask the question. So, most just search online for your “ID”.  Your prospects want to know what makes you qualified to handle their retirement income and accumulation needs.  

Now, before you go crazy, I know that a designation does not qualify the person as a pro.  I realize that many of the most successful people of our times did not have a college degree.  However, the pressure and press being applied by various groups makes it imperative that you have a way to stand out from the crowd and show credibility in the financial services arena. So, where am I going with this?  Please read on...
 
It is now, and will become even more so later, a war of credentials. The consumer checks you out before they grant an interview or make a purchase. What special schooling separates you from the pack? 
 
You need some “ID” if you don’t already have it. I personally have my CLU from  The American College and love all that they have.  But, for many of these designations, you have to commit to 6-8 undergraduate style courses (usually 3-4 credit hours per course) and it takes some time.  Most of us don't have time for that, so that's why I'm suggesting obtaining your CRC, which The Wall Street journal cited the “CRC” as one of the 3 “look for” retirement planning  designations when seeking retirement planning help.

The CRC designation is ONE 200 question exam broken down into 4 different modules all geared towards retirement planning. The Certified Retirement Counselor CRC® will allow you to tangibly demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your profession. CRC® is now viewed as one of the most credible and sought-after retirement planning designation programs offered today. 

​So, I am recommending that you look at the CRC for your additional credibility. 

PLUS, I will pay for over 50% of the cost based on certain conditions. Click here to watch the exclusive CRC webinar NOW.

I am sure that you realize that I am big on continual education and quality designations. I am a “life long learner” in our business.  And, I am proud to say that my sons are as well.  Nick, who  is the Managing Director of our Chicago office, has his Chartered Financial Consultant, ChFC and just finished his Chartered Life Underwriter, CLU from The American College. Joe, the Managing Director of our Carmel, Indiana Office, has his Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow, LUTCF from the American College as well.  He will soon seek to obtain his Certified Retirement Counselor, CRC designation from InFRE ( International Foundation for Retirement Education). Their academic sponsor is Texas Tech.  So, let me get to the point.

Knowledge is power…not only will you learn a lot and improve your resume, you may also close more sales due the new info you have obtained.

Until Next Time ... Good Selling!
Raymond J. Ohlson, CLU, CRC
President and CEO of The Ohlson Group and SMP International LLC