The past few years have been some unusual times in America. Many people saw a significant portion of their retirement savings vanish during the economic crash of 2008/2009. Unfortunately, instead of replenishing their savings, many opted to leave their money out, leaving them with inadequate savings and now searching for a safety net as they approach retirement.

Some believe that Social Security is their sole safety net. However, what was meant to supplement retirees’ incomes has become their primary source of support. This overreliance on Social Security was never the intention.

Consider these recent statistics: A 2014 Retirement Confidence Survey found that 36% of respondents had less than $1,000 saved for retirement or other needs. Shocking, isn't it? Even worse, in 2009, only 20% had managed to save that amount. It's not just a bad situation; it's worsening rapidly.

So, what can be done? The solution is quite simple:

• Get serious about securing your future
• Look into products that guarantee you a realistic and sustainable income for life
  
• Everyone deserves and requires a safety net, especially in retirement.

If you're reading this, chances are you have clients with more than $1,000 saved, but they may still lack the retirement income they hope for. If they're nearing retirement, they won't have the luxury of taking risks. It's time to prioritize stability.

Consider proposing Fixed Index Annuities with living benefits to your clients. Unlike annuitization, these products allow clients to receive lifetime income without relinquishing control of their assets. They can adjust payments as needed, and their account can continue to grow. These annuities provide peace of mind, ensuring that retirees will never outlive their savings. And they can opt for payouts either as a Single Life Income or a Joint Life Income if they have a spouse.

These products also offer chronic illness, terminal illness, and confinement waivers, addressing common retirement fears. Despite their simplicity, indexed annuities with living benefits are often overlooked. But they could be the key to securing your clients' retirement safety net.

Think it over, and then reach out to us at 1-877-844-0900 for a clear and straightforward illustration of how you can protect your clients quickly, easily, and affordably!

I was watching the AT&T tournament at Pebble Beach this weekend and couldn't help but think about how much the game of golf has changed over the years, and how it parallels our business. It all began with legends like Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen, who played with style and grace, wielding hickory shafts and tiny blades. Then came another era, where names like Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Julius Boros, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus turned golf into a televised spectacle.

As the game progressed, so did the equipment. Persimmon woods replaced hickory shafts, and the introduction of "Big Bertha" drivers by players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson marked a new era of power and innovation. Today, the heads are even larger, the shafts more flexible, and the irons boast concaved backs. Rescue clubs have become commonplace, often replacing traditional fairway woods.

But it's not just about the equipment. Today's golfers are as fit as NBA players, with coaches to fine-tune their mental game and caddies who know every inch of the course. They've adapted to the modern game.

So, my question to you, fellow "golfers" in the financial services industry, is this:

• Have you adapted to today’s game?
  
• Are you leveraging the latest tools and technology available to you?
  
• Are you staying informed about the ever-changing financial landscape?

If not, you may find yourself falling behind. Just as outdated clubs can hinder your performance on the course, clinging to old methods can limit your success in business. It's time to embrace change.

Today's buyers are savvy and well-informed. They expect a modern approach to selling, with access to information at their fingertips. Are you delivering? Utilize short videos, email drips, and quality content to engage with prospects and clients effectively.

And if you need guidance navigating this new terrain, we're here to help. Our team at The Ohlson Group has the expertise and resources to elevate your game. From consumer videos to digital marketing strategies, we've got you covered.

So, if you're still swinging with persimmon woods while your competitors are wielding "big-headed drivers," it's time to level the playing field. Schedule a digital marketing assessment with us and discover what being a part of the Safe Money Places Agents Network can do for you.

I was watching one of the business shows this morning when the productivity results for December were released. Well, the number wasn’t too pretty - productivity was down by 3%... WOW. This means that even with an increase in hiring, productivity (which blends into the profits) was down. The result: having to use more people to get the same job done. It made me start to think about our business. Is your productivity down? In other words, does it take you longer, and cost you more, to get prospects and make the sale? Are you finding yourself having to go back to your clients 2 or 3 times to close the sale? Well, maybe I can help.

Many of us continue to do things the way we used to. In many cases, that would be fine. But Americans want their information a little differently today. They have a “get to the point” mentality. The world appears to have become too busy for chitchat. While I feel as though that’s a shame, I must align myself with the times. That is what we are doing at The Ohlson Group and Safe Money Places. We have developed, and are in the continual process of developing tools to make it easier to get your point across, engage your prospects, get referrals, and close the sale. Allow me to give a couple of examples:

First off, we build you a new website or improve upon your current site. We will add some of the finest content in America. You will keep your independence but can brag about being a member of the Safe Money Places Agent Network. We then provide you with “dripping material” to warm the prospect up prior to your call. We arm you with consumer product and concept videos to show to your clients on your laptop or tablets. We also provide you with the accompanying factfinders and brochures to make your approach come alive. We even have scripts for many of these turn-key systems.

There is a lot more… and too much to mention here. But, if your productivity is declining, then give one of our marketing consultants a call. We will get you an upgrade on your tools and bring higher profitability to your firm.

I know most of our readers remember the old safety commercial, “Do you know where your child is?” That ad always came on around 11 pm. It was a reminder for parents to get their kids home at a decent time, or at least to get information about their child’s evening plans.

It’s the same thing in the financial services business. What do you know about your clients' children? Have you met them? Do they even know that you’re working with their parents? If the answer to these questions is "no," then you don’t stand a very good chance of retaining any of their parents' funds after they pass on.

It’s a fact - if they don’t know you, they will leave you and use their own advisors. Think about it. You have worked long and hard obtaining the client, servicing the client, and then retaining the client. Plus, we all know how hard it can be to get referrals. So, why do we walk by the ready-made, next generation? We know they will have funds - they are prospects. Let’s dig deeper:

There are very few agents/advisors entering our business. The average age is 59, and 26% will be retired by New Year’s Eve 2018. So… our clients' children aren’t being called on. What a great opportunity to meet a new prospect for the future, and also for today. They need life insurance now… right? Yes, they do. I guarantee it. Investment plan, retirement plan, critical illness? Come on, ladies and gentlemen, they need everything and no one is calling them. Plus, that annuity or life plan will eventually be in “claim” dollars.

You should be the one to work with those dollars. So, set up a meeting - breakfast or dinners with the children if they’re in the area. Or, SKYPE them… yes, SKYPE. Let them see you, and then start dripping. We can help you with all the email and mail dripping materials, and we write the content.

So again… do you know where your clients' children are?