Nick, Joe and I recently attended a Leaders Conference for one of the companies we represent.  The trip was outstanding, and attention was paid to every detail.  But I must say, the business session was one of the best I have attended. They were really digging down into the buying habits of near or current retirees.  They also focused on the decision making process regarding this group of people.  I found one part in particular very interesting. The title of this presentation was “What makes retirees happy?”  Here is what they listed… Money (not the pile of money) but the income it can produce.  Health… good health is so important to retirees.  Staying connected to friends and families made the list.  And, having a purpose in life.  Purpose is different to all but so important. Much of this information came from Yale University and their online course, “The Science of Happiness.”  Please allow me to tell you some of the things I took away from this presentation…

Regarding the money/income topic, we have the tools to make that happen. And, their studies show that Income plan conversations get the most attention, and is where prospects place most of their money. On the subject of health, sure we can provide helpful information to assist our clients in a healthy lifestyle, but we also have the products to manage healthcare costs. In a future article, I will give you some ideas that I am working on that will allow you to assist your clients in their quest to stay connected and to have a purpose.

In closing, it was very evident through their findings that our prospects and clients want us to  “Take time with them.”  They want us to listen and to communicate in a way that makes sense to them. 

I was just having a conversation with my attorney.  He was at a function recently, and heard some people lamenting about everything under the sun.  They said that the news depressed them.  So, my attorney said… “turn off the news.”  You know, I have to concur.  But, I suggest that we change the title to this commentary to…  “Turn off the news and write your own stories.”  It is hard to watch anything today that is not bent one way or another.  We also have supposed “journalists”  that have become opinion people and act as though they are the supreme authorities on every subject.  And, before you try to figure out my political leanings, I will say that this comes from both sides.  Please allow me to give you some thoughts and ideas, and also explain why I think I know a little bit about the way the news works.

First off, I graduated with a Major in Radio, Television and Motion Pictures and a minor in journalism.  So, naturally, I think that I am a cross between Walter Cronkite and Martin Scorsese.  But, I was taught to follow the news, report the news, do not give an opinion and give both sides to every story.  That is so the reader, viewer or listener could make their own decisions.  Well, I think you might agree that this does not happen very often today.  I, like you, have certain newscasters that I listen to who I believe try to be unbiased.  But, they are under the gun.  Some of our news shows are sinking in the ratings faster than the Titanic.  And, bad news, murders, sickness, stock market plunges all sell.  Good news?  Not so much.  So, as I said at the start of this diatribe, turn off the news and write your own story.  Let’s get started.

You are in the greatest business in the world, with the greatest opportunities, without inventory woes.  The more good that you do for people, the more money that you make.. Holy Smokes… what a business and what a country.  What about your clients and prospects?  You have the products that can cure some of their potential financial flaws and meltdowns. You sell dream completion, gifts under the tree, the vacations, educations and more should the breadwinner leave the scene.  You can also guarantee an income that cannot be outlived.  How we doing so far?  Good story?

Let’s talk about the country.  We are doing fine, we will be fine, we will elect people that will make things fine and it is up to us.  Yes, in how we act, converse with people and so much more.  We are able to shape the view of America by the Americans that we deal with.  In closing, I am not going to let a newscaster, politician, snake oil salesman or anyone else rob me of my heritage.  I live in the best country in the world, with the best people and opportunities and with the best future.  Can I be so daring to say that we are exceptional people in an exceptional industry and in an exceptional country?  I guess at my age I can take that risk and I am saying it.  It’s my story and I am sticking to it.  Write your headlines, write your story and God Bless America.  

​During a recent call, I was asked to pick out the “best” LTC product that we offer.  I explained that wasn’t possible because my answer would depend on a number of factors, and without having those details I couldn’t recommend the “best” plan. 

As you’ll see, there are many factors including:

• What is the funding source for the premium? 
  • Cash?
  • 1035 exchange from an existing life insurance or annuity policy?
  • Qualified funds?
• How do the clients want to pay premiums?
  • Single premium?
  • Payment schedule?
    • How many years?
  • Combination of Both?
• What is the health of the client(s)?
  • Some insurance carriers are more favorable than others for certain medical conditions.  If uncertain that the client can obtain coverage, we can consult with an underwriter beforehand.
• What is the age of the client(s)?
  • Certain options are not available at all ages.
  • Some options, like inflation, may not be advisable at certain ages.
• Does a joint policy make sense?
  • It’s a more cost-effective way of providing coverage for spouses or domestic partners.
  • Spouses can be included to receive benefits even if funding with annuities or qualified funds from only one of the two.
• How long do the clients want benefits to last? 
  • A specified duration with a pool of benefits?
  • For as long as needed (lifetime) with unlimited benefits?

​
Use the experience of The Ohlson Group to do the legwork.  We’ll make recommendations that make sense for your clients, based on their individual situation and desires.    

While every effort is made to find the “best” option, there really isn’t a bad long-term care policy because having some sort of protection is better than not having any at all. 

Call The Ohlson Group today to start the conversation about protecting your client’s legacy with long-term care coverage. 

No, I’m not talking about you.  I am sure that if you’re using our digital marketing platform, you’re getting more consumer interest each day.  

I am talking about Americans looking for a plain, vanilla type product that will just pay them interest.  And, a little more than they are getting now.  As I am writing this, the 10 year Treasury is paying under 1.6% interest.  Can you believe it?  It is going to be a while before rates start to pop up in my opinion. But, yes I know, that most everyday Americans are not buying 10 year Treasuries. Yep, they are buying Certificates of deposits.  

And, what do we have?  MYGAs… Multi-year guaranteed rate annuities.  And, as of today, they are paying a heck of a lot more interest than the CD’s.  But, hold on, MYGA rates are retreating as well.  So, want to be a hero with your existing clients?  Looking for an easy entry way into new prospects?  Of course you want this. Call The Ohlson Group to talk about the complete slate of MYGAs available to you. This is the best prospecting tool around. Just call and ask the prospect when his/her CD’s mature. Good luck.