Sunday, March 2, 2008

History Provides Tons of Annuity Sales Leads

Annuities have been with us for a very long time. Actually they date to the revolutionary times when Benjamin Franklin used annuities to help the Cities of Philadelphia and Boston provide funds for their citizenry. The last of these annuities lasted until 1991 when the City of Boston finally cashed it in.

Benjamin Franklin did not invent annuities although he was a great supporter of their benefits. Actually one of the first users of annuities was the Presbyterian Church. The Presbyterian Church used annuities to provide for old age ministers and their families way back in 1720. They expanded their use for widows and orphans and became a backbone of financial security for people of that time.

You might say that annuities are as old as our country and are a major part of the economic growth of America. It is true!

It was not until the tax Reform Act of 1913 that annuities were actually included in our tax code. All the years prior to then annuities were just part of the growing up of America. In 1913 tax rules and regulations of annuities were adopted. It was decided that annuities were so important to the continued growth of the American Economy that tax advantages were granted and are in place to this day.

Babe Ruth used annuities to avoid the risk of the stock market and thus was not hurt by the stock market crash of 1929. The Babe used annuities to provide a lifetime income for his wife and also for himself prior to his death.

I use this history to help my prospects feel comfortable about their decision to buy an annuity. I always say this..

?Annuities are the most boring products in the universe, safe secure and boring.? Their answer is always, that is what I want? boring. They do want boring because there is no risk involved with annuities; they are safe, secure and insured.

How are they insured and who actually guarantees them? I can?t think of a more regulated industry than the insurance industry, maybe atomic energy or some weird thing like that. As far as our industry is concerned, it is heavily regulated. If you do business as an insurance company in any state the safety of the insurance company?s products are guaranteed by three levels.

? The safety and solvency of the insurance company and it is monitored by the insurance commissioner?s department. Solvency is a must to continue business and it is the responsibility of each state to monitor the insurance company

? Every insurance company in each state guarantees each others solvency. Sort of a weaving of joint assets.

? The state guarantee fund in each state guarantees each annuity and life insurance policy. This fund is monitored and managed by the department of insurance. Many states have different levels of guarantees so it is smart to know what your state does guarantee.

I love to tell my annuity sales leads all about annuities and their long and splendid history so enter twinned with the history of America. Some points to remember:

? Annuities were not affected by the stock market crash of 1929 or any other year.

? Each annuity is guaranteed never to lose money.

? In modern history (1913) no one has ever lost a penny in an annuity because of insurance company insolvency

? Franklin, Ruth?..annuities are boring, just the way we like them

Sell our legacy and share the wonderful story of annuities with your clients.

Bill Broich is a 30 year annuity salesman who helps agents ramp up their annuity sales leads efforts. Visit his website to learn more. Annuity.com

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