May through October is “turtle season“ in the South Carolina low country.  This is when the turtles are nesting, the eggs are being protected and soon the baby turtles will hatch.  I have my home and office on the beach and I am able to watch the “turtle people” scour the beach for nests, fill in the beach holes that were dug by children enjoying their day on the beach and placing red flags and tape around the nests they have found.  All on the beach have to make sure that outdoor lights are off by 10 pm in this season.  Many wonder why. Allow me to explain:

When the turtles hatch they need to get into the ocean and they follow the light of the moon.  If they see bright lights on the beach houses or business, they go the wrong way (away from the beach) and they usually perish. That is why the “turtle people” fill in the holes in the sand so the turtles can follow the light of the silvery moon and get safely to the ocean. Then, life goes on and the system will continue.  Well, what has this have to do with our business… you might be asking?  

In our business, in life or in any profession, we are sometimes blinded by the “bright lights” and think that the new direction is the answer to success.  Don’t get me wrong, we need to all experiment with new ideas and concepts as the world is continually changing. Digital marketing, social media,  and technology are good examples.  But, some things are tried and true and should not be forgotten.  

We need to keep our eyes on the moon (or any other guiding principle) and make sure that we don’t abandon the things that got us to where we are. You know, SCIP… Service, Credibility, Integrity, and Profitability.  So, The Ohlson Group would like to be your moon, the light to keep you head- on to your goals.  Maybe we might be considered your navigator.  

​So, if you need some help re-aligning your path with your goals, give us a call and find out why gents from coast to coast continue to refer to us as… a different experience.

These words are so important for the country in which we live.  And, no better time to reflect then on 4th of July.  But, it also says a lot about we do for a living. 

We “preserve, protect and defend“ our client’s retirement nest eggs.  We do more than help Americans plan for a stable, dependable and timely retirement income payment.  We can also, through our products, protect them from catastrophic losses.

Our annuity products are amazing.  But again, we do more.  We can provide tax free death benefits to handle final expanses and more.  The life policies also allow people left behind an opportunity to stay in the world we have become accustomed to.  Yes, it is truly “the miracle of paper and ink.”  Some of our products also have enhanced, or accelerated, death benefits in case our clients can’t perform two of the activities of daily living.  I don’t know about you, but I am very proud of the services we provide.

So, in hope of keeping this short, how about explaining what we do for  prospects in clients using some of these talking points? And, let’s listen and find out “where it hurts.”  You know, a great intake/fact finder where the client can tell us what is keeping them up at night.  

We at The Ohlson Group are proud to have the tools to help you help your clients.  So, if you need some help… get in touch with us.  As we go into this holiday celebration… God Bless America. Thanks to all of you for helping Americans preserve, protect and defend. 

I recently read this line in a publication.  Unfortunately, I can’t remember who wrote this or where I saw it.  But, it really hit home as time does go by so quickly.  It made me think of our most valuable assets at The Ohlson Group, Inc.  That would be you… the independent advisor and insurance specialist that does business with our firm.  Our business, and life in general, is changing every day. 

Sometimes, it might just feel tough to hang in there while trying to implement new tools and strategies.  I had an agent tell me… “I am just too old to change my way of doing business.”  I wish I would have read the title of this commentary prior to speaking with him.  Had I read the line, I would have told him that, “You will never be younger than you are today.”  

Look, like you, I can get challenged by technology. I need the kids to help me with my TV when I start screwing up the channels etc.  But seriously, I, along with the staff, have been knee deep in what technology can do for you.  It is not a case where we throw out what you are already doing.  On the contrary, we embrace what you are doing and add another arrow into your quiver.

So, why not take a look at the tools we are providing to our associates in the field?  Together, we make this, sometimes daunting, leap into technology less stressful and highly profitable.  No time to wait as you “will never be younger than you are today.” Ask us about the digital lead program what we are now using with a select group of advisors.  Now, I have done it.  I have let the cat out of thee bag.  But, only those reading this today will know that we are ready to unleash across the country and territories can be protected.  So, even though my hair is turning gray and my hairline continues to recede, I know that I will never be younger than I am today.  So, this is the time for all of us.

Never before, and possibly never again, will the concept of "Independence with Affiliation" be as important as it is today to the successful insurance based professional.  The industry is going through tremendous change.  Some companies that you may have written through in the past are no longer around.  Many IMO's have sold, and mergers and consolidations are changing the financial landscape.  Which companies and IMO's will be the players for the foreseeable future?  Who will have the products and services that are cutting edge?  How do you maximize your compensation (your net compensation) and where will you receive your best marketing and administrative support?

These are probably only a few of the question that you may be asking yourself.  Plus, what does the regulatory landscape hold for all of us?  Where can you turn to find the answers and retain profitable independence?  The Ohlson Group is the answer.  "Independence with Affiliation."  The Ohlson Group has mastered  the unique combination of Service, Credibility, Integrity and Profitability (SCIP).

The Ohlson Group has one of the best annuity and life portfolios available to the successful professional.  Our digital marketing, point of sales pieces, seminar assistance and compensation are among the finest in the industry.  And, our administrative and marketing support staff is second to none.

These are but a few of the reasons that The Ohlson Group and the Safe Money places Agent Network has been experiencing tremendous annual growth.  But, the most important reason is you... our most valuable asset, the successful independent professional.  Please accept our sincere thanks for your past and present support.  My partners, Nick Ohlson CLU,ChFC and Joe Ohlson, LUTCF and I are positioning the company for even greater growth and even greater marketing assistance to get you in front of pre-qualified prospects, under favorable circumstances and on a regular basis.  Plus, help in making your current client base an endless source of new referred leads.  

So, if it has been a while since you did business with our firm or, if you haven't tried us before, give us a call.  What do you have to lose?  We are confident that we can bring positive change to your business.  We look forward to speaking with you.

WOW… that is the average annual cost in 2019 to receive services in a semi-private room in an Indiana skilled nursing facility, according to the Indiana FSSA. 

Let me give you a few other startling facts:

1. 52% of Americans over the age of 65 will need long term care services in a nursing facility.
2. And, the average stay is 2 years and 7 months. 

So, as long as everyone has a couple hundred thousand dollars hanging around, they should be okay.  But, what if there is a spouse at home?  Will he/she have enough cash to stay in the world that they have become accustomed to? Let's talk.

I just attended a meeting where an elder law attorney was speaking about long term care costs and also Medicaid.  He acknowledged that there are far more people with too few assets to cover these costs.  That is when Medicaid comes in... after you are impoverished.  He then spoke of the declining number of insurers in the long term care arena.  

And, he spoke highly of the new asset based products and life and annuity products with accelerated benefits.  As I sat there listening, I still am perplexed as to why more advisors are not offering these products.  Ladies and gentlemen, I am very convinced that these products are going to be the "hot sellers” in the next 2 years.  And, this is perfect for a client review.  You can discuss this particular calamity, and ask how they would handle it.  

Look, you pledge to give the best service to your clients.  Are you doing them a disservice when you don't discuss and present these solutions?  Want to talk? Give us a call at 1-877-844-0900, or book an appointment with one of our Marketing consultants.

Sound like a confused quarterback?  Actually, it is a choice made by many of our clients and prospects. Well, at least the "go short" part.  Many have a CD mentality and don't want to commit for a very long time.  

So, we see more and more 3 and 5 year products being purchased.  But, everyone has access to a lot of good "short" duration products.  How do you separate yourself from the competition?  You do it by telling them to also go long.  But no decision has to be made today. Want me to clear this up?  Okay,

Here is the deal.  Your client wants a 3 or 5 year duration annuity.  Might be a MYGA or might be a fixed index product.  Ask you client if he/she thinks interest rates will go up in the future.  I will assume they will say yes.  

So, build the future.  Show the client how they can take the short product now, 1035 into a SPIA later - payouts will be higher if interest rates rise, and then have an income they can't outlive. Nice thing here is that you are showing a solution for the future, but the "go long" decision doesn't have to be made today.

Give the guys and girls a call and discuss. 

Well, the time finally came when I was asking that question of my siblings.  Of course, they were also asking me the same thing.  My mom is fine with me giving this background. So, here is what happened. 

My mom has been living by herself since my dad passed away.  That was almost exactly 6 years ago.  My mom has always wanted to stay in her own home.  It wasn't a huge place, but a nice 3 bedroom ranch with a screened porch and small yard where she could putter around.  My mom has been doing pretty well. You know, exceptionally well for a woman with a little leukemia and also a lady that is legally blind.  I won't even go into the heart issues that this strong 90 year old woman deals with.

Well, no need to go into all of the details.  Suffice it to say that she got sick, went into the hospital and also 4 weeks in rehab.  Now, we have moved her into an assisted living facility. This is a beautiful senior community and she will be very safe, have more social interaction and all of us feel better knowing mom is in good hands.  Oh, the price for a place like this when you have certain ailments that require some assistance in the acts of daily living?  Let's just say north of $5000 per month.  Fortunately, my mom and dad were frugal and she will be able to handle this, even though they did not have long term care coverage. So, what is the purpose of this backdrop? Let me continue.

I have two questions for you Mr/Ms Advisor...

1. Can your clients handle this if they had to go into a community like this? 
2. Do they have the assets and how long will they last? 

I am confident that the vast majority of people could not do this.  And, the vast majority do not have long term care coverage. Yes, I know it is expensive and the costs continue to rise.  

But, there is another answer: Asset based coverage.  A life policy, or an annuity policy with enhanced benefits or accelerated death benefits if you choose a life policy. These products are perfect and should be flying off of the shelves. There is streamlined underwriting on many of these plans.  Plus, we have the presentation, the products and the training to help you help your clients.  And, the more help you provide, the more money you make.  What a business! 

So, how about meeting with your clients in a review and ask them what they are going to do about mom (or dad).  "And, what are you going to do Mr./MS Client if this happens to you?”  Then present the solution.  Looking for help? Give our office a call at 1-877-844-0900 and we will get you up to speed on these products.

Well it is that time of year again. Getting ready to file your taxes, and also sending in a check for your quarterly estimates.  Stinks, doesn't it?  Yep, you squirreled away the money and then life got in the way.

Did you know that The Ohlson Group pays a quarterly allowance right around the time that your taxes are due? Let us give you money to pay your quarterly federal income tax estimates... or money towards your Quarterly tax estimates. So, many of our associates get the check and the pressure is off.

Can you keep a secret? 

We have one company that is paying a one time lump sum after the year closes out. Could be great to pay for federal taxes.  Want more info?  Of course you do. Who would walk away from money?

Call is today at 877-844-0900. Another reason why agents coast to coast continue to refer to us as a different experience.

We have all heard the saying, "Life is short".  We all know what that means.  Time flies by, and the years seem to sail by as we age.  When we focus on that, we usually think of things we want to do or accomplish and decide that we had better get on it. 

But, life can be very long.  And, for some, that could become a problem.  Longevity is one of the greatest challenges people have when looking at their retirement income plans.  We might just live longer than the actuarial tables predicted.  This, according to many surveys, is a leading concern for financial professionals when planning for their clients retirement.  

For those in the investment arena, they try to have a good balance of conservative investment, while keeping some equity stocks in the portfolio to preserve the capital growth.  Some pros will use bonds to take care of essential expenses. You know… the home, the loans, the utilities, etc.  But, sometimes life gets in the way.  And, there are some circumstances beyond our control that can derail the plan.  A good example could be geopolitical events that could shatter or upset financial markets. 

So, what about the client that does not want to take any chances?  The one that just wants the guarantee?  Well, the answer is obvious.

Annuities with income options can provide clients with the income that they can never outlive, and peace of mind knowing that they can plan for their lives... no matter how long that they live.  There can be other factors like a chronic illness, or a long term care event.  Well, don't we have those products and riders as well?  Of course we do.

You know, as I have said many times, I am sort of like a financial magician.  "Tell me what you need and when you need it. I will give you the exact amount of money you should deploy in this annuity, and I will make it happen."  What a great profession to be in.  No, we will not be hitting financial home runs when you look at rates of return.  But, our Safe Money Instruments will usually (historically) provide a rate of return that exceeds most other Safe Money Places. 

Keep it simple, explain our products and let people sleep at night.  Because remember, life "could” be very long.

Well, if you know me at all, you know that I have never been a farmer.  But, as an MDRT agent, I always planted seeds with my clients and prospects today... hoping for a harvest tomorrow. 

I do know quite a bit about gardening. I know that you have to tend to the plants.  And, if you tend to those flowers, they will continue to provide pleasure for you during the season.  The same is true with your clients... if you have clients, that is. 

Please don't take offense, I know that the majority of our valued associates in the field have clients.  You know, people that you have a continued relationship with.  People that count on you for direction and guidance in the financial services relationship. 

But, unfortunately, some in our business have customers who are a "one off transaction.”  Now, I had (and have) plenty of these customers, too. They would be people that were just looking for one thing to take care of one need.  Could have been a term policy at the lowest premium, or a MYGA with the highest rate.  They view me as a facilitator, and I was happy to handle the transaction.  But, that is a tough way to build a business.  One off sales also don't produce many referrals.  So, what is the purpose of this "farming story?"  Read on please.

I hear most agents and advisors stating that they need "leads."  Well, of course we all need to keep a marketing program to provide us with pre-qualified prospects, under favorable circumstances and on a regular basis.  But, are you overlooking your greatest asset... your client base? 

In other words, are some of the fruits just withering on the vine?  If so, we have solutions to help you get in front of these customers and turn them into clients.  Okay, we all know that the new client does not give us all of their assets with the first sale.  You earn their trust by the service you provide, the promises you keep, and the perceived value you present to them. You may have not spoken with these purchasers of your products for many years.  If that is the case, it is time for a periodic review.  This can be done either via phone or face to face.  Yes, this is a job, but it will provide you with great dividends.  How to get started?

Okay, we have the system.  But, we need for you to "buy in.” You might need to hire a college kid in the summer to make some calls and update your CRM.  Don't have a CRM?  We can direct you. We will also provide the presentation and info to be gathered. We will immediately start sending, on your behalf and with your name, quality content to your clients and prospects, to enhance your credibility.  Now, there is a lot more to this program, and we would like to help.

You need to give us a call and find out why agents from coast to coast continue to refer to us as... a different experience. Hey, looks like I am watering our plants (that would mean you) and hoping for a harvest today... or tomorrow.