3 Mark Financial, Inc.

1/10/2018

The 5% Retirement Sales Idea presented by Symetra

Webinar Later Today at 3:00 pm central

Please plan on Joining Jeff Wright for our first webinar of 2018.  Jeff will discuss The 5% retirement income sales idea and overview of Symetra's top-rated Accumulator IUL product, which features low-cost, great distributions and the high targets Symetra is famous for.

Tax Reform and Your Business

Congress passed the biggest tax reform law in 30 years on December 22, 2017. These tax changes have significant implications for individuals and businesses. As a result, there are important planning considerations to address in 2018.  Learn more. 

Your Favorite Site, Now Better Than Ever

Grow your business with free, customized materials. Head over to the enhanced SellWhatMatters.com to fine a collection of life insurance resources.

A Resolution You Can Do: Simplify Prospecting

Start the new year right - make and keep a new year's resolution the whole year through with easier client prospecting. Need help determining how to reach someone? Not sure what compelling message will get a prospect to respond to you? With the prospecting tools on Generation Matters, you can deploy effective strategies immediately. These grab and go resources help engage prospects in the life insurance conversation. 

New ePlatform for AD&D Sales

American General Life Insurance Company (AGL) is pleased to announce a new electronic application platform for AG AccidentCare Direct Plus®, our accidental death and dismemberment product (AD&D). Learn more. 

ax Reform: What it Means for You and Your Clients

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law by President Trump on December 22nd, 2017. What does it mean to you and how may it impact your clients’ planning? The Tax Reform e-Notice covers the major provisions of the Act and the planning implications for your clients. 

Built on Guarantees

Global Atlantic’s indexed universal life design begins with a solid base of guarantees. Lifetime Builder ELITE offers some of the best guaranteed features in the industry. We started with Global Atlantic’s patented “True Up” process which guarantees a 2% interest crediting rate, compounded annually, at the end of each segment period. We then increased and improved our guaranteed Account Value Enhancement. These features provide a strong foundation for growth — regardless of future index returns. Click here to see how Lifetime Builder ELITE’s Account Value Enhancement stacks up against the competition.

Overcoming Sales Barriers and Getting Back to the Basics

As an industry, we need to change the perception that life insurance is too difficult, too expensive, and not important. Educate clients on the value of life insurance by getting back to basics, and showing them how it can help guard against “the four perils,” or risks that can impact a family’s financial well-being. 

Vitality Seller’s Guide - Tips for Successful Selling

It’s a new year and the perfect time to talk to your clients about John Hancock Vitality. Use this Vitality Seller's Guide to tap into this market and expand your sales today! Learn more.  

Divorce and Other Disruptors

Aimee Johnson, advanced markets manager for Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz), did an interview with Life & Health Advisor on late-in-life planning scenarios and the impact that divorce might have on existing, and often mature, retirement income accounts.

Hybrid or linked-benefit products are a fresh approach to retirement and estate planning. These products, cover opposing risk groups by combining long-term care coverage with life insurance or an annuity.

Understanding LTC Buyers

Understanding your client’s needs can help you be successful. To help with your success, Mutual of Omaha created the Hearts & Minds brochure to help you find the right people to talk to.

In the Hearts & Minds brochure you will find a profile of the typical LTCi buyer, what life events can trigger a purchase and how customers educate themselves on LTCi. The research is a combination of our LTCi policyholders as well as people who own policies from other companies.  We also conducted focus groups made up of long-term care buyers and non-buyers. Understanding what your client’s needs and concerns are will help you provide the right solution for them. To learn more of the findings in the Hearts & Minds brochure, please click here.

How to Talk About LTC Planning

Long-term care (LTC) services are evolving, as more clients are choosing to stay at home and receive LTC from informal caregivers.1 Informal caregivers are usually a loved one, friend or neighbor — and go unpaid for the daily care and assistance they provide. Now is the time to talk to your clients about their future LTC needs, so you can help them put a plan in place. The first step is to identify your client’s future LTC needs. Nationwide® can help you start the LTC conversation with any client — at any step of the planning process.  Learn more. 

On November 27, 2017, the Department of Labor (DOL) released its final 18-month delay of certain Fiduciary Rule compliance provisions.

What does this mean for you?

In summary...

• You are still a "fiduciary" for qualified sales
• You still need to provide your clients a PTE 84-24 acknowledgment and keep a copy in your records for at least 6 years
• It is important you comply with the DOL’s impartial conduct standards during this “transition period,” including (1) acting in your client’s best interest, (2) making no materially misleading statements, and (3) receiving no more than reasonable compensation.

Please Review these important resources:

• DOL Fiduciary Rule Delay FAQ
• Understanding Your Fiduciary Obligations

Annuity Fact Finder 

Click here for a great Annuity Fact Finder

ASSET TRANSFER TIPS 

For all annuity carriers

Transferring assets, or exchanging money via section 1035 of the tax code, may have tax consequences. Any questions regarding taxation should be referred to a qualified tax professional.

1. Call the Financial Institution/Insurance Company to see what they require to transfer the money e. g. some financial institutions, like Fidelity, require a call from the client to release money, others like Northwestern Mutual require their own surrender form to accompany the 1035/transfer form from the company receiving the money.
2. Attach a copy of a current policy/ account statement for the funds being transferred to the 1035/transfer document.
3. Complete the 1035/transfer form carefully and completely. Be sure all necessary signatures are obtained.
4. Send original transfer forms with the application to 3 Mark for processing.

Video: Changing the Lives of People with Diabetes

This new John Hancock Vitality video features a testimonial by Vitality policyholder Gordon F., who has been diagnosed with diabetes. In highlighting the various ways the Vitality program has helped Gordon improve his life and health, the video does a great job of reinforcing the unique benefits John Hancock Vitality offers those with diabetes. 

What Do People with Diabetes Think About Life Insurance?

A recent survey by John Hancock revealed the misconceptions about life insurance held by people living with diabetes. The reality is that life insurance can be both accessible and affordable for these clients. What’s more, John Hancock Vitality is the only life insurance solution that offers savings and rewards for the healthy things people with diabetes are already encouraged to do to manage their condition. Learn more with this infographic and article. Also, share this story with your clients who are living with diabetes.

Save Your Clients Money with Fit Credits

Our Fit underwriting credit program is designed to help you reduce insurance costs for your clients.  Learn how.

Revised Age and Amount Requirements

As of December 11, electrocardiograms (ECGs) for all ages at face amounts below $10 million have been eliminated.  Read more.

How is TeleLife Simple and Quick?

We keep it in-house. The Tele-Life process is completely owned by Protective. Our interviewers are trained to ask the questions our underwriters need, creating a smoother experience. And we are responsible for making a top-notch experience for you, your agents and your clients.  Learn more.