In today’s fast-paced financial world, where big-name brokerage firms and high-profile investment advisors dominate the airwaves and screen time, one question lingers in the independent insurance agent’s mind now more than ever before: “Who are you?” 

For the independent annuity producer, the answer needs to be more than just a name on a business card. Clients and prospects are being courted daily by firms with deep pockets and national name recognition. It’s not enough to be great at what you do—you need to be seen as great. That’s where the Safe Money Places Agent Network, backed by The Ohlson Group, comes into play. As you are likely aware we own and operate www.safemoneyplaces.com.  

When an agent submits their first piece of business with the Ohlson Group, they’re automatically enrolled into the Safe Money Places Agent Network—a nationally recognized brand that brings credibility, authority, and marketing horsepower to your independent practice. 

First, it means you get your own Safe Money Places-themed website at no cost. This isn’t some empty shell of a site either. It’s packed with consumer-facing videos, downloadable PDF guides, your professional bio, and most importantly—the “Proud Member of the Safe Money Places Agent Network” badge, clearly showcasing your membership in this exclusive and trusted network. 

Just like independent real estate agents lean on powerhouse brands like Century 21, RE/MAX, or Berkshire Hathaway, you too can align yourself with a respected name that opens doors and builds trust. And in the annuity business, trust is everything. 

Being part of the Safe Money Places network isn’t just about image. It’s about resources. We offer prospecting tools, an annuity lead program, and a marketing framework that all tie back to the strength of the Safe Money Places brand. It becomes your anchor point in conversations with clients who are already familiar with big names and looking for confidence in the person sitting across the table from them. 

The Safe Money Places name tells your prospects, "I’m not just out here on my own—I’m backed by a network that stands for consumer education, transparency, and financial safety." 

So, the next time someone asks you, “Who are you?” —you’ll have a powerful answer. You’re an independent annuity producer with a national brand behind you. You’re part of something bigger. You’re a Safe Money Places agent. And that means something. 

The stock market is rocky, to say the least. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve seen some serious volatility in the markets. One week it's up, the next week it drops, and the uncertainty continues to rattle clients who are nearing or in retirement. The S&P 500 has had its moments of growth, but it's also been on a rollercoaster ride with dips and swings that make even the most seasoned investors nervous. 

And that’s where YOU come in. 

You have access to something most advisors don’t: Safe Money Products offered through The Ohlson Group that can shield your clients from the storm. While the market shakes and rattles, FIA’s offer shelter--principal protection, market-linked growth potential, and guaranteed income for life. That’s something your clients not only want right now... they need it. 

You should feel confident in what you offer. Because when you sit down with a client, you’re not just pitching a product—you’re delivering peace of mind. You’re giving retirees a way to secure the nest egg they’ve worked a lifetime to build. And with features like chronic illness benefits that double their guaranteed income if the unexpected happens, you’re providing real value in times of real need. 

Let’s talk about timing. The current rate environment? Incredible. These are the golden days of the annuity world. A few years from now, we’re going to look back and say, “Wow… those were the good old days.” So what do we do when the sun’s shining? That’s right—make hay. 

At The Ohlson Group, we’ve got more than just top-tier products. We’ve got your marketing engine: the Safe Money Places Agent Network. When you submit a piece of business through us, you get access to: 

• A FREE custom website 
• Lead generation tools 
• Professional branding 
• And the prestigious Safe Money Places badge on your emails 

That badge sets you apart. It shows clients you’re not just another independent agent—you’re a Safe Money Places expert. You’re part of a movement. And all it takes to join? Just submit a piece of annuity business. That’s it. 

The outlook for fixed indexed annuities for the rest of this year? Strong. Promising. And full of opportunity. Clients are looking for answers, and you’ve got the right tools in your toolkit. 

So stay encouraged. Keep going. Remember: every “no” is just one step closer to a “yes.” Persevere. Push forward. The people you help today will thank you tomorrow. 

Submit a case. Join the network. And let’s make this your best year yet!

​In today’s market, uncertainty is the only certainty. The stock market continues to experience wild swings, with the Volatility Index (VIX) spiking in recent days, a flashing red blinker indicating investor fear. With the equity markets fluctuating unpredictably, clients are searching for stability—something to shield their hard-earned assets from devastating losses. Many have memories of 2008-2009 and can sense the headwinds coming. Strike now while the iron is hot – these cap rates, cap lock guarantee features and high premium bonuses will not last forever. This is why I feel we are entering an exciting moment in the FIA industry.

As you know, we have that shield clients are looking for. FIAs provide clients with a safe harbor from market losses and volatility while offering guaranteed lifetime income, safe  accumulation, and even long-term care-like benefits. In this climate, annuities aren’t just an option—they are the solution for many. Particularly those who’ve been overlooked by investment advisors who only work with clients who’ve got $1M of AUM. There are hundreds of thousands of hard-working folks who are looking for a lifeline and captain to navigate them through this potential storm. You, the agent, have the tools and products to help. And working with the Ohlson Group, you will find the best marketers, back office and digital marketing team in the industry.

• Guaranteed Cap & Participation Rates – Contractually locked in year after year, ensuring clients receive the same caps or participation rates they started with. No surprises, no reductions.
• High Premium Bonuses – We have top-tier income and accumulation value bonuses from leading carriers, helping clients maximize their annuity value.
• Income Doublers on Income Riders – Provide a hedge against LTC costs and peace of mind for future health care needs

In summation, we are in a golden era for annuity sales. It’s a rare moment when:

• Interest rates on indexed and fixed annuity products are at all-time highs
• Equity market volatility is soaring, increasing investor fears of a market crash
• Clients are actively searching for financial security and protection – especially those overlooked as discussed above.

Our marketers are standing by ready for action – give us a call or book an appointment. One of our marketing directors can help you with case design, lead generation (internal annuity lead program) and discuss the benefits of being a member of The Safe Money Places Agent Network. Let’s make it a banner year – and thanks for your support!

For insurance agents looking to provide their clients with more than just traditional life insurance protection, Indexed Universal Life (IUL) offers a unique combination of benefits. Beyond the death benefit, IUL policies provide tax-advantaged cash value accumulation, income potential, and living benefits like long-term care (LTC) riders. 

At Ohlson Group, we specialize in helping agents structure and present IUL solutions tailored to their clients’ needs. Whether you’re new to selling IUL or looking to refine your approach, our Life Insurance Director, Levon Justice, and our experienced team are here to help. 

IUL is more than just life insurance—it’s an asset. Unlike term policies that only provide a death benefit, IUL allows policyholders to: 

• Build Cash Value with Market-Linked Growth – IUL policy cash values track stock market indices (like the S&P 500), giving clients the opportunity to grow their cash value without direct market risk. Gains are locked in, and with floor protection, policyholders never lose value due to a market downturn. 
• Tax-Advantaged Growth and Income – The cash value inside an IUL policy grows tax-deferred, and if structured correctly, policyholders can access this money tax-free through policy loans and withdrawals. This makes IUL an excellent source of supplemental retirement income. 
• Living Benefits - More Than Just a Death Benefit – Many IUL policies come with built-in or optional long-term care (LTC) and chronic illness riders. These allow clients to access a portion of their death benefit to cover LTC expenses—an increasingly important feature given rising healthcare cost. 
• ​Flexible Premiums and Protection – Unlike whole life insurance, IUL policies offer premium flexibility, allowing policyholders to adjust contributions over time based on their financial situation. 

One of the biggest selling points of IUL is its potential to create a tax-free income stream in retirement. By leveraging the tax-free loan provisions built into these policies, clients can supplement their retirement without increasing their taxable income—helping them avoid higher tax brackets, Social Security taxation, and Medicare surcharges. 

Compared to other retirement savings vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs, IUL offers: 

• No contribution limits (unlike qualified retirement plans) 
• No required minimum distributions (RMDs) 
• Tax-free income potential 
• Market-linked growth without downside risk 

At the Ohlson Group, we work closely with agents to structure Indexed Universal Life cases that sell. Whether your client is looking for tax-free retirement income, legacy planning, or living benefits, we can help tailor a policy that meets their needs. 
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• Levon Justice, our Life Insurance Director, brings years of experience in designing IUL solutions and helping agents close cases. 
• We work with multiple top-rated carriers, ensuring you have access to the best IUL products on the market. 
• Need help with other life insurance cases? We assist with all types of life insurance sales, from term and whole life to advanced estate planning solutions. 

Selling Indexed Universal Life is not just about offering life insurance—it’s about helping clients create a financial asset that provides protection, growth, and tax-efficient income. At the Ohlson Group, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

Contact us today to discuss your next IUL case and see how Levon Justice and our team can help you succeed. Whether it’s an IUL strategy or any other life insurance need, we have the expertise and support to help you grow your business.