To all the agents in the field, we are in a unique position with this high-interest rate environment, our annuity products continue to be key pieces of the retirement planning puzzle.

We've talked recently about refinancing your clients’ retirement - and that’s still a hot topic, and I encourage you all who are reading this to go back to your existing client files and locate annuities that were written during the low-interest rate environment. You may be, as the TV commercial says, sitting on a gold mine!

This week, however, I wanted to highlight how annuities can be a huge component for wealth transfer and legacy needs that many of your clients and prospects are likely seeking – a death benefit guarantee that allows them to have peace of mind.

So, let’s look at what’s out there for you to help your clients build a legacy:
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Single Premium Life Insurance – in most cases, these products offer simplified underwriting and no exams. Our top carrier in this arena has an online application and quick online underwriting. These SPL products not only provide a tax-free death benefit – they also come with strong guarantees while your client is living. These benefits include a tax-free payout if the client develops a chronic illness or requires care at a nursing home. These products also provide a guaranteed return of premium features.

Now, let's take a look at annuities for a moment and how they can help provide a legacy for your clients’ beneficiaries. There's a new kid on the block per se, and this product offers an instant 40% guaranteed boost day one to your clients’ death benefit account value. What a way to open a conversation …
 
“Hey Mr. or Mrs. Client, I have a safe money product that protects you from the risk of market downturns and provides steady, safe growth when the market goes up – and by the way, this product comes with a 40% boost to your death benefit account value on day one!”

This fixed indexed annuity (FIA) comes with a 40% “boost” with no fees. The boost, a new twist on premium bonuses, allows the carrier to provide higher crediting (caps, participation rates) than a traditional premium “bonus” FIA.

This is just one of several fixed indexed annuities with strong death benefit guarantees built in. If you are looking for good FIAs with strong death benefit features, give us a call and we can help you navigate the FIA landscape and find the best fit for your case.

Now – let’s talk about annuity rates for a moment …

I know I may continue to sound like a broken record; however, I have come to realize that many agents, me included, are becoming used to these high interest rates and high premium bonuses on 10-year surrender FIAs, however it's important to remember that this is not the norm throughout history. Now is the time to set up periodic reviews and hammer home the safe money story!

Lastly, if you are reading this and looking for a way to generate new prospects – we have your back! We have an annuity lead program available to Ohlson Group agents and continue to see success in this program. One of the lynchpins of our lead program is the branding we provide.

Any agent who writes business with Ohlson Group is automatically enrolled in The Safe Money Places Agent Network. In the independent producer space, having a National Brand that has been around for over a decade is meaningful. There’s no cost to join and we can build you a Safe Money Places-themed website, just by submitting your annuity and life business through Ohlson Group.
 
So, feel confident knowing that you can be the hero in this retirement adventure! You’ve got the shield —which is the FIA that protects clients from risk of loss and provides tremendous upside potential. You've got the Swiss army knife product which is single premium life insurance. And you've got the backing of a national brand, The Safe Money Places Agent Network. Be the knight in shining armor and capitalize during this high-interest rate environment.

These rates won’t last forever – so go out and make a difference in someone’s life by protecting their hard-earned nest egg.

Rates remain near all-time highs, and the Fed’s most recent announcement confirms what we suspected—they’re not cutting rates this quarter. That means our window of opportunity remains wide open. Carriers are moving fast to stay competitive: increasing payouts, launching new products, boosting cap and participation rates, and getting creative with rider designs and bonuses.

I’m writing today to make sure every Ohlson Group agent knows just how hot this market is. The outlook for annuity sales this quarter is strong, and if you’re paying attention, it’s clear: this is the time to refinance your client’s retirement plan. Contact your clients and set up a periodic review, and review those client files. You'd be surprised how many policies can be upgraded - and that means more money in your pocket! 

Let's talk about premium bonuses. Several 10-year surrender annuities are offering premium bonuses of 10% or higher, many with no fees. Want a bigger bonus? Choose a version with a fee—still incredibly competitive. These bonuses are higher than at any time in the past 20 years and they won't be here forever. As mentioned, this is the season to refinance your client's annuity portfolio. An FIA with a premium bonus can, many times, cover the surrender penalty and start them off ahead of where they were when they transferred the funds. Plus, due to the high interest rate environment, these FIAs likely have higher caps and participation rates compared to their existing policies.

Many agents also might be wondering... "Can I replace an FIA with an income rider?"  The answer many times is YES!  We’re seeing income riders with roll-up rates, payout factors, and bonuses that often outperform annuities written just a few years ago. Give us a call or send us an email with case details and we can run the numbers to see if we can give your clients a raise in their retirement income.

As you all are aware, many riders now include income doublers—if your client can’t perform two of six activities of daily living, their income can double, giving them a built-in hedge against long-term care costs. We even have FIAs with true LTC benefits included. 

Finally, when it comes to marketing and branding, we've got you covered. We own www.safemoneyplaces.com and over the past decade have built a brand we call "The Safe Money Places Agent Network". Want to join us? All you have to do is submit a piece of business and you automatically become a "Proud Member of The Safe Money Places Agent Network". Once you're a member, you get big perks - a no-cost Safe Money Places-themed website, access to proprietary client-facing handouts and videos and more.

Finally, our agents continue to find success in our in-house annuity lead program. We've been running this program for over eight years and are lucky to have a talented digital marketing team. If you need to refill your pipeline, give us a call or set up a time with one of our marketers to get started. 

Agents in the field—let me keep this brief.

We are in a unique window of opportunity right now. Yesterday, the Fed made headlines by holding interest rates steady. And while that decision might be a setback for first-time homebuyers, it’s tremendous news for our business.

Why? Because it means our annuity rates, our caps, and our MYGA rates remain strong—not just competitive, but compelling.

Take a look at what we’ve got on the table:

• Income riders with doublers for not just single lives, but joint coverage
• 10-year fixed indexed annuities offering bonuses north of 20%—with no fees
• True long-term care annuities that pay tax-free benefits for LTC events—plus strong accumulation growth even if care isn’t needed
• Single premium life products that are back in a big way—simplified issue, no med exams, no hassle. Return of premium guarantees and chronic illness benefits. 

We highly recommend you have a brand for your business. That is why we purchased www.SafeMoneyPlaces.com, a platform we acquired over 15 years ago because we believe in branding and credibility. We offer custom Safe Money Places-themed  websites for our agents, complete with a badge that says:

“I am a Proud Member of the Safe Money Places Agent Network.”

And let me be clear:
This isn’t about churning business. This is about professional repositioning—helping your clients refinance their retirement into a better, stronger, more flexible plan for the road ahead.

Many of you likely wrote a ton of annuity policies in 2020 and 2021. If your clients are sitting in contracts with caps at 2% or 3%, we all know those aren’t going up anytime soon. But now? We can take them out of those underperforming annuities and give them a premium bonus, better caps, and stronger long-term upside thanks to this high-rate environment.

The pressure’s mounting on the Fed. GDP is strong. Inflation may be slowing. But who knows what the next Fed meeting brings?

What we know is this:
We’ve got another quarter to lead the conversation with confidence. MYGAs, FIAs, and income riders are as strong as ever—and now’s the time to strike. I say it all the time, but I mean it every time: This is your chance to be the hero.

Go rescue those tired old annuities. Call us for help—we’re ready. And as always, we deeply appreciate your partnership and your business.

There are times in this business when you can coast — and there are times when you need to go to war - metaphysically!

Right now? It’s the latter.

We are in Separation Season.

Now usually, I say Separation Season begins in January. That’s when the top agents tend to kick into high gear while others are still "getting ready" for the new year . And guess what? That’s our cue. But this year is different. The stakes are too high - economically, politically even culturally. Volatility is everywhere. Clients are confused and those folks in "middle America" are desperate for a helping hand. And guess what - that is our cue!

Because in chaotic times, people crave leadership. They need clarity and are looking for guarantees, not maybes. And as annuity agents, we’ve got the products, strategies, and the weaponry to help clients. Ask them - "What keeps you at night? When you put your foot on the floor when you get out bed in the morning - what financial concerns do you have?" Take that cue from your prospect and feel confident that you are the one who can be the hero and complete their dream retirement. 

Let’s take stock of the arsenal available to you right now:

​Roth Conversion Power Plays – You can help clients reposition tax-deferred IRAs into tax-free income streams for life, and many carriers are making it seamless with built-in platforms and calculators. We can walk you through the process step-by-step.

Double-Digit Premium Bonuses – Yes, they’re real, and yes, we’ve got them. These can be a powerful tool for repositioning underperforming assets — especially annuities bought years ago at 2-3% fixed rates.

Double-Digit Cap Rates – Indexed crediting strategies with caps over 10%, on the S&P and other volatility-controlled indices. Some of these products offer zero spreads and strong par rates, too.

Fixed Rates in the 10% Neighborhood – You read that right. There are FIAs right now with first-year fixed buckets offering north of 10%. That’s the kind of guaranteed yield your clients didn’t think existed anymore.

Income Riders – Guaranteed income for life continues to be the biggest fear point for those in or nearing retirement age. FIAs with guaranteed lifetime income riders are hotter than ever. There are even one or two carriers that have income increases built-in to the product - without taking a lower initial payout. Let us know if you would like to learn more about this FIA that helps keep up with inflation!

Chronic Illness and Nursing Home Protection – It’s more than just accumulation and income. The right contracts offer enhanced benefits for long-term care triggers, with no underwriting and no monthly premiums. And a handful of carriers will allow the income to double on a joint basis! Again - contact us for more information on this topic as well.

Look, clients with money in money markets earning 4.3% or 5% might think they’re doing fine — but they’re not seeing the big picture. They’re trading short-term yield for long-term uncertainty. We’ve got MYGAs that beat the banks, and FIAs that crush them, all with safety, guarantees, and the potential for even more upside.

Just look below at some of the weaponry in your arsenal:

• Guaranteed income client's can’t outlive
• Safe accumulation with no downside risk
• Protection for life events that will happen to many —About 70% of folks age 65 or older will need some form of long term care during their lifetime. 

At The Ohlson Group, we don’t just give you access to great products. We give you reasons to move to us. Our Quarterly Incentive Program rewards producers who step up — write $250,000 or more in paid FIA premium (or life equivalent), and you’re in the bonus pool. And the more you write, the more we pay you. Make us break the bank!

Take a moment to look around.

Turn on the news—wars are raging across continents, natural disasters are upending communities, economies are teetering, and a sense of unease seems to permeate nearly every corner of daily life. To call these times volatile almost feels like an understatement. This is a world where nothing feels certain, and for many people—especially those who have worked diligently to build a modest nest egg—there is a gnawing fear that what they’ve saved could be swept away in the next wave of crisis.

And while these savers are doing everything right—living within their means, putting money aside, and planning for tomorrow—they often find themselves ignored. Many big brokerage houses won’t even return their calls unless they have the “right” amount of assets under management, as if financial security were a club you have to qualify to join.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to be a billionaire to deserve the dignity of a secure retirement. You don’t need to have a mansion on the coast to deserve protection and guarantees. And you certainly don’t have to entrust your life savings to the whims of Wall Street’s ups and downs to have a plan.

This is where you come in.

You have the opportunity—and I’d argue the responsibility—to be the light in the dark for your clients. To be the hero who shows up with solutions that are simple, elegant, and strong enough to withstand whatever the world throws at them.

Solutions that:

• Guarantee income for life—so clients know their lifestyle is protected no matter how long they live.
• Provide tax-free income—so they can access cash when they need it most without Uncle Sam taking the first cut.
• Offer guaranteed growth and principal protection—so the nest egg they worked so hard to build doesn’t evaporate in the next downturn.

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I’m not going to list every product we represent—you know we have a full suite of options—but consider just a few of the powerful tools at your disposal:

• Carriers offering 14% index caps on the S&P 500® and NASDAQ®.
• Fixed-indexed annuities with a 10% first-year fixed rate, plus innovative index strategies to capture additional upside.
• The strength of A-rated and A+ rated companies standing behind every promise.

This is why right now is the best time in recent memory to pick up the phone, send the email, or schedule that review appointment. Clients are hungry for clarity. They’re hungry for certainty. And they are desperate for someone they can trust to be the shield in the storm of tumult we’re all living through. Need marketing help? Contact us and we can get you set up on an annuity lead program or discuss seminar/workshop ideas. 

As they say in Chicago - "Let's Get Some Runs!"

In the face of rising long-term care costs and uncertainty around retirement planning, many retirees are asking a simple but critical question: “What happens if I—or my spouse—gets sick?”

Enter Single Premium Life Insurance — a powerful tool making a big comeback for today’s retirement-minded clients.

Single Premium Life (SPL) policies aren’t just about leaving money behind. They do double duty:

• Tax-Free Death Benefit: Your client deposits a lump sum (typically from idle CDs, savings, or underperforming assets) and instantly turns it into a larger, tax-free death benefit for their beneficiaries.
• Chronic Illness Access: If they become ill and are unable to perform 2 out of 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), they can access a portion or even the full death benefit while living, tax-free, to pay for home care, assisted living, or nursing home costs.

​Unlike traditional long-term care insurance that can feel like a "use it or lose it" gamble, SPL offers:

• Return of Premium: If needs change, your client can walk away with their initial premium returned, in many cases without penalty.
• No Medical Exams: These are simplified issue policies — meaning no needles, no doctors, and no hassle. Online underwriting makes the process easy and efficient.

Today’s retirees are financially smarter than ever. They're looking for leverage — how to turn one dollar into multiple uses. SPL does exactly that:

• Leave a legacy.
• Cover a crisis.
• Maintain control.

And with long-term care costs averaging $4,000–$9,000/month, the question becomes not “Can I afford coverage?” but rather “Can I afford not to?”

My father, Raymond J. Ohlson, who founded The Ohlson Group, put out a 10-minute video on this topic called "The Laughing Banker". This video has been viewed over 14,000 times - Check it out here as the information and sales ideas are on point even in today's environment!

In today’s uncertain economic environment, many advisors are rethinking the traditional 60/40 portfolio rule, which historically called for 60% equities and 40% bonds. As rates fluctuate and bond volatility increases, more and more professionals are replacing a portion — or even all — of that 40% bond allocation with fixed index annuities (FIAs).

And for good reason.

FIAs can be a powerful solution for conservative clients — especially those currently in CDs or bond-heavy portfolios. Consider this: the average 5-year CD rate right now is only 1.72%, and even some of the most aggressive banks are only offering up to 4.28%. Sure, a handful of money market accounts are touting 5% rates, but none of those options provide the tax deferral, upside potential, or guaranteed income features that an FIA can.

We currently offer a suite of 5-year FIAs that not only provide competitive growth potential, but also lock in participation rates for the life of the contract. That means no surprises when your client opens up that renewal statement — what you promised on day one is exactly what they’ll see moving forward. And if you’re looking for growth? Some of these 5-year FIAs are offering double-digit S&P 500 cap rates.

But it doesn’t stop there.

By simply presenting FIAs as a CD or bond alternative, you may uncover deeper concerns your client has — such as fears about outliving their money, future health care costs, or income in retirement. FIAs with lifetime income riders can provide guaranteed income for life, and many include enhanced payout options if your client becomes chronically ill or enters a nursing facility.

Whether it’s a 5-, 7-, or 10-year FIA, keep these products front of mind the next time a client says they’re “happy” with their CD, or their advisor insists bonds are the best safe money play. Show them there’s a better, safer, more reliable alternative.

Because that’s what we do — we’re Safe Money Places agents. We’re proud members of the Safe Money Places Agent Network. 

On that note - give The Ohlson Group a call to get set up with your free agent website and to inquire about lead availability in your territory. And connect you with the best back-office support and most experienced marketers in the industry.

Let’s show our clients that safe doesn’t mean settling — it means strategy, structure, and security.

Life Insurance Sales are Blazing – And Annuity Demand Remains Strong!

According to LIMRA, life insurance premiums were up 8% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, totaling $3.94 billion in new annualized premium. Even better? The total number of life policies increased by 1% compared to Q1 of last year. It’s clear—more families are seeing the value of life insurance, and you’re in a great position to help them. Whether it is a tax-free death benefit to leave a legacy, or a policy designed to build cash value for tax-free withdrawals down the road, Americans are seeking protection and security and the statistics prove this.

Here at The Ohlson Group, we’re proud of our top-tier life insurance department—and we’ve got a big in-person life insurance bootcamp on June 19th, at our headquarters. If you haven’t signed up yet, we’d love to have you here. It’s going to be an energizing, idea-packed event that will help you grow your life business. Levon Justice, Director of Life Insurance Sales, will be leading the meeting and we have a terrific line-up of presenters accompanying him as well.

To register for the in-person life insurance bootcamp, click here.

Now let’s talk annuities—still red hot. First quarter annuity sales came in at $98.2 billion, according to the latest Wink Sales & Market Report. Demand remains strong. Athene led the way as the #1 carrier in overall annuity sales with a 9–10% market share.

With global uncertainties, market volatility, and ongoing tariff discussions, clients are craving guarantees—guaranteed income, guaranteed protection, and guaranteed legacy planning. Whether it’s lifetime income, tax-free death benefits, or leveraging life insurance as an asset, there’s no better time to have those conversations.

At The Ohlson Group, we’ve got your back. Our team of case design pros and product experts are just a phone call away, ready to help you win your next case.

And one last thing—don’t forget about our annuity and lead generation program. It continues to deliver results and fuel production. If you want in, or need more details, contact us today.

​That’s exactly what many think is possible with accumulation products that also offer living benefits. The truth is that an income, living benefits and death benefits all come from the same pool, they are just accessed at different time and through different triggers.

The answer, of course, is no. That said, this is exactly what some clients may think is possible with the “Swiss Army Knife” approach to Indexed Universal Life case design. The typical illustration, regardless of the illustrative rate used, displays the maximum level income possible. One of the underlying assumptions in that illustration is nearly always the use of participating loans. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that approach, it does become a problem when the policy’s living benefit features are an important part of the sale.

When considering these products, most clients will undoubtedly be attracted to the value proposition of a single product that offers death benefit protection, supplemental retirement income and a backstop of benefits should they need care later in life. What they don’t understand, unless the advisor takes the time to fully explain policy mechanics, is all of these benefits effectively come from the same pool of money. Their expectation is that they have all three of these benefits and that they are independent from one another.

The living benefits, in their mind, are in addition to any income they may take from the policy. The reality is that the use of loans to take income out of the policy effectively eliminates the client’s ability to access the living benefits like a Chronic Illness or Long-Term Care Accelerated Benefit Rider (ABR).

The primary reason behind this is in the fine print of these riders. Virtually all of them include a provision that requires a partial repayment of any outstanding loans with each benefit payment under the ABR. Even with a modest loan balance, the end result is a net payment to the client, reduced by the loan repayment, that is less than the income they are already taking from the policy. In addition, most ABRs have a provision that forbids taking loans and benefits under the ABR in the same year. Clients have to take one or the other. Figure 1, below, demonstrates how quickly an outstanding loan balance becomes an issue: The net benefit from the ABR can fall below that of the income they are already taking as quickly as the 4th year of the income phase. This essentially eliminates any increased income from the ABR, exactly the opposite of their expectation.

​Fortunately, there is a solution. It requires changing the way income is illustrated and ultimately taken from the policy. Rather than illustrate income via loans from day 1, illustrate income via withdrawals to basis before any loans are taken. This immediately defers the onset of one of the factors driving this issue: The accumulation of a loan balance that has to be repaid when on claim. This is but one of a handful of case design and management best practices to follow as well:

• Illustrate income via withdrawals. This defers the accumulation of a loan balance and produces a lower illustrated income.
• Begin income later in life. This again pushes out the time when a loan balance will begin to accumulate, preserving meaningful ABR benefits.
• If and when the client needs care, resist the temptation to immediately file a claim. Given that most claims last for less than five years, simply beginning to take a larger income projected for five years via loans may produce a larger net payment to the client than available ABR benefits. This also avoids the paperwork and potential delays in accessing funds that can stem from even the most efficient claims process.

As effective as those strategies may be, they do not truly address the underlying issue of all policy benefits coming from the same pool of money. For the client who truly wants all three of these benefits, a multi-policy solution that addresses all three needs is undoubtedly going to be a superior solution. It will, however, require a greater financial commitment, which some clients may not be able or willing to make. If that’s the case, then a properly structured and managed single product strategy is a great start to managing these planning risks.

Before stepping into this role, I spent over a decade in the field as a producer—just like many of you reading this. I understand the grind, the challenges, and the reward that comes from helping clients protect what matters most. That experience fuels everything I do here at The Ohlson Group.

In recent years, I’ve focused on helping agents craft both straightforward and highly customized life insurance strategies. Whether it’s using life insurance as an asset, designing plans for debt elimination, or building out “be your own banker” concepts, I’m here to help you bring big ideas to life in a practical, results-driven way.

If you need a second set of eyes on a case, want to brainstorm a strategy, or simply want to learn more about advanced planning opportunities, I’m available for one-on-one consultations. Let’s grow together and make sure your clients get the most from the powerful tool that is life insurance.

Let connect soon!

In 1975, Ray Ohlson laid the foundation for what would become one of the most trusted names in the insurance and financial services industry. When Ray started Ohlson and Associates as a general agent for American General Life, he didn’t just build a business — he built a family. Retreats, trips, and events created a culture of camaraderie that still lives on today. In fact, some of those early agents continue to work with us, a true testament to the enduring spirit Ray established.

By 1980, Ohlson and Associates had gone fully independent, offering not just American General, but a wide range of life insurance carriers to their growing base of loyal agents. The 1980s were a time of expansion, as Ray also launched Bessert Ohlson, a firm specializing in employee benefits and voluntary group insurance for businesses with 70 or more employees. Additionally, he founded Advisory and Financial Management Group, a fee-based financial planning firm, maintaining his Series 7 license and becoming an RIA to better serve clients' evolving needs.

In the early 1990s, Ray helped raise the capital to launch Standard Management Corporation. One of their key moves was the purchase of Standard Life of Indiana, a dormant life insurance company that Ray helped breathe new life into. For about a decade, Standard Life operated as an independent and growing player in the annuity market. Eventually, Standard Life of Indiana was purchased by Guggenheim Partners and rebranded as Guggenheim Life and Annuity. Then, years later, Guggenheim Life would evolve again into what is now known as Clear Spring Life.

A proud milestone came in 2015 when the Ohlson Group played a critical role in helping Guggenheim Life and Annuity design and create the TriVista annuity — a product that remains a strong and competitive offering today.

In February 2003, the Ohlson Group had officially reopened as an independent marketing organization (IMO). In the years that followed, the firm continued to innovate — creating new products for carriers, building point-of-sale support materials, acquiring safemoneyplaces.com, and launching the Safe Money Places Agent Network to help brand and support agents nationwide. By 2018, the Ohlson Group further expanded by developing a successful annuity lead program, which many agents reading this continue to benefit from.

In 2023, Ray Ohlson retired, turning leadership over to Nick and Joe Ohlson, who had been vital parts, and eventually partners, of the company since 2003 and 2006, respectively. Then, in 2025 — on the 50th anniversary — the Ohlson Group proudly joined forces with AmeriLife.

Today, while the Ohlson Group has even more resources behind it, it remains the same family-focused, agent-centered company that Ray founded. When you call us, you’re still talking to family — the same team that has been helping agents and clients succeed for half a century.
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Here’s to the next 50 years of the Ohlson Group! Until Next Time – Good Selling!