Understanding Annuities Can Lead to More Annuity Sales

I am always amazed about the questions I get from agents regarding the types of annuities available. Annuities come in many shapes and sizes each designed for a specific use. One annuity may have benefits another does not and it is important to know the features and benefits of each contract.

Single premium deferred annuity: As the name implies it is a one time deposit and no further deposits are accepted. A single premium annuity can be many different types such as a fixed annuity, an indexed annuity and a variable annuity. Each of these types of single premium deferred annuities has their own features and benefits. I will discuss each of these later.

Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity: This type of annuity allows for continual or sporadic additional deposits. Each deposit is added to the account value and can be deferred. Variable, indexed and fixed can all be flexible premium annuities.

Single Premium Immediate Annuity: These contracts are used to create an income stream. A single deposit is made and an income will begin at a pre-agreed upon time. These payments to the annuitant can be monthly, annually or most other time periods. Any time period for the payout can be selected from any number of years to a lifetime guaranteed payment.

Variable Annuity: Variable annuities are securities and are sold with a prospectus. Variable annuities allow for the annuitant to designate a specific type of sub account or investment for the funds to be invested in. These sub accounts are like mutual funds in the sense the money is managed by an outside source and there is no limit to the growth of the funds or the exposure to loss. The money in the variable annuity is not at the insurance company but is on deposit at the fund manager. Variable annuities do have a guaranteed rate of return section which usually is a lower rate of interest. Variable annuity owners may switch investments in the annuity in the event of a new investment goal is desired. These changes can be completed without any tax liability. The funds in a variable annuity are not guaranteed and exposure to loss is part of the investment risk. In the event of death, variable annuities will guarantee at least the return of the original investment in the event the account is lower.

Indexed Annuity: Indexed annuities are fixed annuities whose returns are set to an outside source such as the Dow Jones Average. The funds in an indexed annuity are on deposit with the insurance company and not actually invested in the indexes. There are numerous options for selecting the type of crediting rate and how it interfaces with the specific index. One strong positive about indexed annuities is the deposit is fully guaranteed to never lose money and once a new amount is credited to the annuity then that becomes the guaranteed minimum.

Fixed Annuity: Fixed annuities come in all sorts and sizes from a few years contract to a longer period. Some will fully guarantee the interest rates the entire time period while others will allow the insurance company to determine the interest credited year to year. The funds in a fixed annuity always have a minimum interest which is fully guaranteed. Fixed annuities also guarantee the full account value.

Annuities are not for everyone but for those that will benefit from these contracts they can be perfect. Safety and security is the basic attraction to an annuity and when these benefits are needed they can be of enormous value. Developed your expertise, understand which annuity products are right for the unique circumstances and needs of the investor and increase your annuity sales.

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

Radio Talk Show Annuity Selling System

Pre-selling skills are as important as closing skills and more important than presentation skills. The more you pre-sell, the less you have to sell during the face-to-face phase. The more your prospects perceive you as the expert, the less you have to convince them you are.

Our new Radio Talk Show Annuity Selling System engages the power of perception in your prospects. It is not actually a selling system. It?s a pre-selling system. Pre-selling is the easiest, most time- and cost-effective part of the sales process.

Here's an example right out of history. In 218 B.C. when Hannibal led his army of 38,000 foot soldiers, 8,000 cavalry, and 37 war elephants across the Alps to do battle with the mighty Roman army, the march itself, not the ensuing battles won or lost, established him as the greatest military strategist in history. So admired and feared was Hannibal that, by reputation alone, many battles along his historic march to northern Italy were won without a single sword unsheathed, without a drop of blood shed.

This story demonstrates the awesome power of perception. This strategy applied to selling annuities will make you the undisputed expert in your field.

If you were your prospect, would you rather sit down with a ?nobody special? insurance agent or a well-known expert on the subject of financial retirement solutions, someone you listen to on the radio? You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

Look at the world from your prospect?s point of view. Who would you rather discuss your retirement nest egg with, (a) an insurance agent who contacts you through telemarketing or direct mail, asking for an appointment, or (b) a prominent expert with his or her own radio talk show covering subjects like, How to Stop The IRS From Plundering Your Social Security, or Three Easy Steps to a Guaranteed Income For Life, or Why Your IRA Is a Ticking Tax Time Bomb and How To Defuse It.

An Annuity Selling System That Makes You The Expert

It?s a fact that 96% of the U.S. population listens to the radio at least once a week and 75% listen EVERY DAY. This is more than any other medium. Listeners pay more attention to guest speakers than they do to commercials. Which would you rather listen to, a commercial, or a guest with an amazing story to tell, a guest who can make you laugh, teach you something new, save you money, save you time, open up a controversial topic for you to argue about?

Notice I did not suggest a radio show guest who talks about ?why you should buy fixed annuities,? or even ?what an annuity is.? Your topic is your hook. Your hook needs to pull listeners in with the strength of a black hole.

Once your listeners tune in, you don?t want them to feel tricked because you launched into a sales pitch for a product. You want to let your personality radiate, to reveal the three-dimensional human being you are, and to give genuine take-home value by way of solutions to their financial problems.

Remember, nobody buys annuities; they have to be sold. Nobody wants you to sell them a product, but everybody wants you to help them discover a solution. If you can learn how to do this in a radio talk show format, reaching tens of thousands of listeners at a time, you will truly position yourself as the popular, trusted expert while propelling your insurance practice to record heights. You will have your own very personal pre-selling annuity selling system.

But who has time to script a compelling radio show? Should you just wing it and hope for the best? How do you tie your theme to a hot topic that people will clamor to listen to? Should you go live or pre-recorded? Do you take calls, give away freebies, go solo or be interviewed by a host? Yikes! Too many questions and not enough answers!

Until Now

Now, a limited number of annuity agents have a rare opportunity to participate in "Safe Money Secrets," our turnkey Radio Talk Show Annuity Selling System, with exclusive broadcast rights in protected territories.

If you are a licensed life insurance agent not currently contracted through Life Sales and wish to begin or advance your career selling fixed annuities, you may qualify for our Radio Talk Show Annuity Selling System. Come onboard with two or more of our carriers ? Allianz, ING, Sun Life Financial, or American Equity ? and receive 200 leads as a signing bonus. Then with your first 3000 QPCs (roughly $40,000 in paid business depending on carrier and product) within three months of coming onboard, you?ll be interviewed as a guest expert on "Safe Money Secrets" and receive your first half-hour pre-recorded radio show with exclusive broadcast rights, ready for airing in your local market.

We provide you with a script of all the questions, coaching on all the answers, anecdotes, segues, ways to make the phone ring and generate warm, pre-sold prospects. It's all done over the phone. I call you as host, interviewer and show producer. You are the exclusive guest expert in your marketing area. You speak from the comfort of your office or home with all your notes at hand, in your pajamas if you like.

I use professional recording and editing hardware and software to make you sound like a professional radio talk show star. I burn a broadcast-quality CD-ROM of your show, which you take to your local stations and shop the best demographics, listening audience, frequency, time slot, and rates.

Simply click on the link below to contact me. Then, as Charles Osgood says, "I'll see you on the radio."

http://www.Free-Insurance-Leads.com Gary Le Mon is a wholesale distributor of fixed indexed annuities for Allianz, American Equity, Sun Life Financial, and ING. Author and developer of the Safe Money Seminar, a financial planning seminar for Seniors, Gary serves as guest speaker on behalf of agents and agencies nationwide. He is coach, mentor and motivator to over 700 general agents in his insurance marketing organization, InsuranStar Marketing.

A Structured Settlement Annuity: Comparatively Speaking

In earlier articles, we've seen the benefits of structured settlement annuities over lump sum payments. For some, this protects them from the temptation of spending the bulk of their payment on unsound or unwise investments. Protection and incoming cash flow over the long haul are what structured settlement annuities provide. However, not every person faced with a lump sum payment necessarily will be tempted to spend the money rashly. Obviously, there are people who are savvy investors and think that given the opportunity with a lump sum payment over a structured settlement annuity, they will be able to make more money investing on their own.

With that in mind, let's take a look how a structured settlement annuity compares with one of the most popular investment vehicles, the equity income mutual fund.

First, let's look at who issues the annuity and the mutual fund. A structured settlement annuity is issued by a life insurance company. An equity mutual fund is issued by and investment company that pools the assets of multiple investors in equity securities.

Next, let's look at the long term capabilities of each to provide a lifetime income. An annuity payment plan is created up front and is a predictable and dependable source of income that can not be outlived. A mutual fund can be a high paying investment. However it can also be highly volatile and unpredictable based on market conditions and can actually lose money and stop your earnings if the fund performs poorly.

What about guaranteeing the payouts?
An annuity is guaranteed by the issuer of the annuity based on the terms of the structured settlement. A mutual fund is solely dependent on market activity and thus can not be guaranteed.

What about costs?
The annuity has no cost associated with it. A mutual fund can be subject to a number of fees, like a sales load, yearly management fee, and marketing expenses. Even the lowest cost index funds have some costs associated with them.

What about keeping up with inflation?
A structured settlement annuity can have a cost of living adjustment incorporated into the annuity at the time it is designed. An equity mutual fund can outperform inflation based on how the underlying securities perform. However it is difficult to predict what the return will be and remember "past performance is not and indicator of future results."

But what about the dreaded T-word....Taxes??
A structured settlement annuity is tax free as long as the money received is the result of personal physical injury or physical illness. As income is earned from an equity mutual fund taxes, capital gains, income etc, must be paid.

What about flexibility?
A structured settlement annuity payment amount and schedule may not be altered at any time. Conversely, money can be moved in and out of mutual funds. However, taxes, sales loads etc may be applicable with each transaction.

Michael DeGeorge has done extensive research on structured settlements and shares a wealth of information on his website http://structsettle.gitgoingnow.com. Download your free Structured Settlement Annuity information today from http://structsettle.gitgoingnow.com.

Life Insurance Settlement Finds Hidden Cash For Annuity Purchase

A life insurance settlement may hold the hidden source of cash to fund your next fixed indexed annuity sale. Every agent on the planet who is actively selling annuities has heard the objection from a prospect, "I love your concept, but all my money is tied up." Of course, your comeback is to motivate Mr. & Mrs. Prospect to move at least some of their funds into the safety of an FIA. But if and when you find yourself out of bullets, please do not part company without taking a final shot with something like, "One last thought before I go. We sometimes find that retirees may have an old life insurance policy they're still paying on, or that may even be paid up. Oftentimes the reason for taking it out so long ago has changed because life circumstances change over the years. I have a way to 'repurpose' this kind of dormant asset for usually more than its cash value, and apply the money toward your retirement needs today..."

Eureka! Suddenly your dying sales interview springs back to life with the prospect of using the settlement on a life insurance policy as found money.

Actually, before life insurance settlements (also known as viatical life settlements), there were two options when a senior had a life insurance policy that was no longer needed. He or she could either let the life insurance policy lapse or cash it in for its surrender value.

Now seniors have an excellent opportunity to capitalize on their current life insurance policy using a life settlement solution. Such life insurance settlements allow seniors to cash in their insurance, but in a new way. Instead of cashing in their policy with the issuing life insurance company, they can work with a bonded life settlement broker to cash in their policy with a financial institution that will pay more.

Simply put, the transaction is a buy-and-sell exchange between a policy owner and an investor, facilitated by a bonded life settlement company or broker. The policy owner deals directly with the broker who negotiates on his or her behalf. There is no fee to the seller. The broker's job is to package and present the deal for competitive bidding. Financial institutions bid for the best portfolio investments. Once limited to the terminally ill, senior life insurance settlements have evolved into a unique opportunity for today's mature market. And it works for individuals, businesses and charities.

Dollar amounts are based on the death benefit, not the cash value. Ideal life settlements are a percentage of the net face value (death benefit minus outstanding loans and accrued interest) and are always greater than any cash surrender value. For example, one recent case involved a 74 year old male with a $420,000 term life policy, no cash value. The life insurance settlement broker converted the policy to whole life. The purchasing investor took over premium payments. The happy client tucked a tidy $68,000 into his equity index annuity. And the agent socked away $12,600 commission on the life insurance settlement (3% of the policy death benefit) plus $6,120 commission on the FIA. Not a bad day's pay.

When your prospects need a little prompting on the reasons for using a life insurance settlement to fund an equity indexed annuity, suggest the following:

* Beneficiary is deceased and coverage is no longer needed, or beneficiary is financially well off and no longer in need of death benefit for survival

* Premiums are no longer affordable

* Estate size has changed and policy coverage amount is too large for estimated estate taxes * People are living longer. Retirement income needed over longer period

* Better quality of life with greater cash flow

In its simplest form, your clients can receive more money in the secondary market than from their life insurance company. They avoid paying surrender charges from the insurance company and no longer need to make premium payments.

All of this may sound simple, but resources, time, and experience are essential. A bonded life insurance settlement company should have all the tools to make sure that your client's settlement is completed properly and efficiently. While InsuranStar.com neither endorses nor recommends any life settlement solution or senior life insurance settlement broker, as an annuity producer and Wholesale Distributor I've worked with one bonded life settlement broker whom I can recommend with confidence. Please feel free to contact me for a trustworthy reference.

http://www.Free-Insurance-Leads.com Gary Le Mon is a wholesale distributor of fixed indexed annuities for Allianz, American Equity, Sun Life Financial, and ING. Author and developer of the Safe Money Seminar, a financial planning seminar for Seniors, Gary serves as guest speaker on behalf of agents and agencies nationwide. He is coach, mentor and motivator to

Private Annuity Trust vs. 1031 Exchange- When a PAT Makes Sense (Part II)

In the last article, I pointed out when, as a real estate investor, doing a 1031 Exchange on the sale of a Real Estate Property may not be your best option.

So, let's assume you do want or need to sell a real estate investment, don't want to do an exchange, and don't want to pay a huge lump sum capital gains tax payment of 15-40% on your gains. Now is the time to see how a Private Annuity Trust can save you money.

It's important to know that you don't avoid paying your capital gains tax obligation, you just get to defer all payment for a while if you're under 70 years old, or you at least get to spread out the obligation over many years. The total of years can be your lifetime or a fixed number of years determined by you when you set up the trust.

So, how does that help you? Well, if someone were to offer you a 0% interest loan on let's say $300,000.00 for the next 30 years, and you only had to make minimum payments, would you jump at the chance? Most people sure would. Think of how you could invest that 300K so that you could enjoy the benefit of the interest it accrued. This is effectively what a Private Annuity Trust does for you. It allows you to keep most of your gains working to your advantage, while paying back the money owed to the IRS over a long period of time.

This also holds for the depreciation recapture if you owned your property for a long period of time and depreciated it according to a schedule to realize annual tax advantages of owning investment real estate.

If you do not put a tax strategy in place and sell outright, not only do you owe capital gains tax, but you also owe depreciation recapture, which can be another 25-35% of your total depreciation taken over the ownership cycle of your investment.

And, you will avoid the possibility of the dreaded Alternative Minimum Tax trap. This is something else that may catch you by surprise when you least expect it triggered by your outright sale of property. This could mean having other legitimate tax deductions disqualified and a higher tax payment owed by you.

As you can see, it's definitely worth it to consult with an expert in Capital Gains Tax saving strategies before you make the decision to sell your real property.

The PAT can also work with the sale of a second home, vacation home, or even your primary residence. With these assets, a 1031 exchange is not an option.

Paula Straub is a Investment Advisor Representative and Insurance Agent in Southern California. She facilitates Capital Gains Tax Saving Strategies for clients in all 50 States by working closely with Nationally recognized companies. Paula is an educator, author and professional speaker. You can learn more about Paula at her website http://www.Paula-Straub-Capital-Gains-Tax-Site.com or contact her directly at (760)917-0858

Annuity Quotes

To gain an understanding of annuities, we need to start at the beginning. In the year 1740, the Presbyterian Church began to use annuities in order to aid widows and the priestly order. The simple purpose of an annuity is to ensure that you have a sound financial back up during retirement. Today, there are different kinds of products sold by Insurance companies and agents. Before you take out an annuity ensure that the Insurance Company has a license to practice in your state. The State Insurance Commission is a legal body that regulates Insurance companies to make sure they have adequate funds so that investments are not jeopardized.

Different companies have annuities with different rates and returns. There could be several reasons why you would want an annuity. For example, an annuity helps you pay reduced tax, avoid probate and save for the future. You can look out for your future and that of your heirs. By putting money away for an inheritance, you are making a wise decision for your family. When choosing an annuity quote it is important to remember your financial status and goal for the future. Annuity quotes differ according to the annuity you choose. There are several companies that offer quotes for Immediate Annuities, Fixed Annuities, Equity-indexed Annuities and Variable Annuities.

If you choose an Immediate Annuity, then you can expect to receive a fixed or variable sum of money every month or quarter or according to your specification. The amount of money you receive is based on your initial deposit and the time duration of your annuity. If you choose a variable plan then make sure that your investments do very well. A Fixed Annuity is a low risk annuity because you receive a minimum interest whether or not your investments do well. These are more stable in nature and you will always know what to expect. There is no gamble in investing in such an annuity. Some companies that offer this are National Western Life, Jefferson Pilot Life, Great American Life Insurance Company, Allianz Life, American National Insurance Company etc.

Equity Indexed Annuities, as the name suggests is based on the stock market index. If your chosen index rises then you gain and vice versa. There is a certain amount of risk in this product; however, the bright side is that you gain if your investments do well. Variable annuities give you the freedom to decide where you want to invest, but it also does not protect you in case of loss. The benefit is that you get to keep all the profit. These annuities are good for those who are completely aware of the market dynamics. Therefore, before choosing an annuity quote you must first know what kind of annuity you really require. There are several online insurance portals that offer to give you an annuity quote instantly. All you have to do is fill out an online form and your quote will find its way to you.

In conclusion, choose an annuity quote that comes from the right source. Ensure that your agent is licensed, knowledgeable, reputable and experienced. It is always best to go for an agent that comes as a recommended source. Further, you can opt to receive multiple annuity quotes so you have a choice in front of you.

Robert co-founded Insurance4USA.com, an insurance quote shopping service, in 1999. He has been a licensed insurance agent in New York State since 1990