I have to admit that I am a little perplexed. Usually, when asking an agent what they need, the overwhelming response is LEADS.  So, I asked our staff… “Could it be possible that some of our agent/advisors don’t know we have these pieces of gold?” So, in case you don’t read The Ohlson Report, delete most emails or thought this offer was a bait and switch, I am going straight to the point.  Here is the deal:

• The consumer says he/she is interested in an annuity for income.
• He gives us name, age, state of residence, how much money he/she has to work with and when he would like the income to start.
• We then provide, as promised, an income annuity comparison and report.
• We let him/her know that a licensed member of the Safe Money Places agent network will be giving them a call.

Price of these leads are usually at least 2/3 the cost of others. We are not here  to make money off leads. We make an override when you write business through us. So, territories are still available. Click below for an appointment or call now to speak with a marketer. Or, if you have all the leads you can handle… please pass this on to a friend.

We are all familiar with these three great words, and what they have meant to our country. It doesn’t matter what party you might align with, we all want our way of life preserved, protected and defended.  That is the American way. Well, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the obvious - there are a lot of geopolitical events happening that could alter or impact Americans portfolios and nest eggs. Again, placing party preferences to the sideline, many feel that inflation is a threat to their retirement income.

I made mention to my wife yesterday about the price of gas. I put 20 gallons in the tank and paid about $1 more per gallon than last year. That is an additional cost of $20. Well, I am thankful that that will not up-end my financial life, but it is one of the things that can alter a retirees way of life.  Let’s also look at taxation.  Well, if we spend what is proposed… tax rates will go up. And, even if the intentions are not to tax the majority of Americans, I say (from past experience) that they will have to be raised pretty much across the board to pay for all the “stuff” that is being proposed. So, what does all of this have to do with the title of this commentary? Let’s look…

As I have said in most of my writings… I am not giving investment advice. But, we are way overdue for a 10 or 15% correction. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world and that rattles everything that is financial. Taxes, inflation, geopolitical events, unrest in the rest of the world and COVID might all play a part in a downturn in financial markets. So, now is the time for us to Preserve, Protect and Defend our clients nest eggs.

​With annuities, as you know, you will not lose a penny of principal or previous gains (speaking of fixed annuities). We can also guarantee a stream of income that our clients can’t outlive regardless of how long they live or what the markets might do. We can offer dream completion through the tax free death benefits of a life insurance policy. And, in the event of a chronic illness or long term care need, we have the products that will accelerate the death benefit to use for those health related expenses.

In summary, we will preserve the nest egg… we will protect the income streams and defend their financial way of life. This is a message that doesn’t need an illustration, comparisons, and a whole slew of 3rd party material.  It does mean having a real time conversation with clients and prospects and find out what is keeping them up at night. Then we ask if they would like us to help them empty their financial worry buckets and then we go to work. Need help with how to open these conversations? Look no further than the Ohlson Group. Our roots, going back to 1975, shows that we have weathered a few of these storms in the past.

What "Baby Boomer" doesn't remember that saying from Mr. Tarzan?  I would be glued to the TV watching Tarzan defend Jane against all the bad guys.  That is the way baby boomer men were brought up.  Now, I am speaking for the older side of the baby boomer class.  We know that the "baby boomer” years are between 1946 and 1966. But, in this writing, I am going to address the older segment of this group.  "It is our responsibility to take care of our family."  Ever heard this one from your mom or dad?  Ray, tonight you are the man of the house.  Or, as my father was passing away, "Ray, take care of your mother.”  Let me get to the point.

Okay, many men are having a rough time sleeping because they are worried about their spouse if they pre-decease them.  Maybe not enough life insurance, maybe the investments didn't work out as well or maybe they wished they had done more.  And, many think that they are too old to get more life insurance.  Well, in most cases they are wrong.  We can get Tarzan a life policy (or policies) if we have to stack simplified issue policies.  Where is the money?  They have excess cash, maybe an annuity using the 10% free right of withdrawal or maybe an RMD. 

This is a tremendous opportunity for "Tarzan" to swing happily through the trees again. It is a wonderful way to put a smile on Jane's face, and a great way for you to increase your income while helping people improve their legacy. Give Levon, Sheryl, or any of our marketing consultants a call and let us put together some illustrations.  Heck, don't wait, click below to schedule an appointment with one of our marketers today.  

 You probably know some clients who have IRAs, 401(k)s or 403(b) accounts.
 
You may not be aware that clients can reposition qualified money into a long-term care policy via direct transfer or rollover. Additionally, the policy can cover both spouses using one qualified account with no ownership issues. 

Of course, you can’t get around paying taxes but instead of being hit with a big tax bill immediately we can show you an option to spread out that bill over 10 years.  All the while, your client is protected from a long-term care event, and if death occurs prior to receiving benefits, the heirs will receive a death benefit.

Here are some features:

• Long-term care benefits ranging from a pool of dollars lasting 50 months to an unlimited amount lasting a lifetime!
• RMD friendly!
• Fully guaranteed – no additional premium or reduction in benefits
• Backed by an A+ carrier with years of claim-paying experience

The ideal client(s) range in age from 59 ½ to 80 and are in average or better health.  Do you have any clients that would benefit from a plan like this?  I’m sure you do, so let’s talk!

The Ohlson Group knows where its strengths lie.  We have never wanted to try to be all things to all people.  We are, as you know, an Insurance Marketing Organization that specializes in Safe Money products and Safe Money tools.  We are also an "Equal opportunity IMO.”  Our deal is pretty simple.  Yes, we have the advisors that do over $10 million per year and we also have those doing between $500K and $1 million.  We have a quarterly bonus where the more you do... the more we pay.  Yes, we have great products and so does every one else.  But, we believe (as do many agents and advisors) that we are... a different experience. 

​There are great opportunities and challenges ahead and we believe that we are the firm to guide you through the challenges and into the opportunities.  Some of our key beliefs are, but not limited to, the following: 

• The successful professional today must have multiple lead and prospecting sources
• The Pro must embrace social media
• The pro must have a vibrant and productive digital marketing presence and strategy
• Virtual client presentations are here to stay but "face to face" will not go away
• Best interest PTE 2020-02 will be a challenge... we will guide you through
• Digital leads have become a secret weapon for us in the annuity space

Okay, we are getting towards the end of the summer and into the 4th quarter.  Don't make any 2021 plans until you speak with a member of The Ohlson Group.  Find out why agents from coast to coast continue to refer to us as... a different experience. Click below to line up an appointment. 

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 1.3% 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. 

Have you talked with your clients recently about planning for long-term care needs?  You’ve probably heard that the subject of long-term care is on the minds of many aging adults, particularly if they’ve had a family member who has needed care recently.  The cost of care is staggering, especially for those who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease. Just like insuring your car and home in the event of loss or damage, protecting a legacy against a catastrophic event is just as important. 

Here’s a funding source that you may not be aware of – a fixed annuity!  We partner with a carrier who has years of experience in the long-term care marketplace, and allows a client to use an existing fixed annuity contract that isn’t earmarked for another purpose, and reposition (1035 exchange) it into a long-term care contract.
​

• and... the monthly LTC benefit will be tax-free, even if that contract has substantial gains;
• and... a spouse can be added as an eligible person to receive the same benefits;
• and... if long term care is never needed, the annuity value will pass on to named beneficiaries at death.  

 
Call Sheryl or one of our marketers to talk about this option or other solutions we offer. It’s definitely a topic that you’ll want to include in your conversation with clients.