More Bottom Life Profits by Hiring a Specialist to Evaluate Your Annuity

While watching golf on TV the other day I was inspired by the name on the hat that Phil Michelson wore. I Googled them and found out they were business consultants. Their expertise was consulting with medium to large companies to evaluate their business practices and to locate bottom line methods to increase profit. I thought how in the world did I miss this for my little annuity business.

I hired a business consultant to look at all aspects of my business and help me make better business decisions so I can be just like GM, Boeing and United Airlines. The overall cost was a little more than $5,000 and I spent about 2 days answering questions and filling out questionnaires. All the information was entered into their computer and it must have cranked on it for at least a day. The report was mind-blowing; things I had never even considered were introduced to me.
They had evaluated all my expenses and the bottom line were these ideas.

? Send E cards and save on postage.
? Buy all my stationary in bulk based on a 12 month need.
? Use only ATMs that have no fees.
? Cancel magazine subscriptions and use the internet for my news.
? Cancel my whole life insurance policy and replace it with term.
? Make my 2 employees coshare their health insurance cost.
? Cut back on Starbucks and make coffee at the office, quit going out to the coffee shop.
? Buy copy paper in bulk one pallet at a time and make the stationary company store it for me until I need it

I read all 99 of their suggestions and thought... not no, but Hell No!

Who wants to live like that? Who wants to be that extreme. What should I do if I want to have a better bottom line? It was very easy, see only 10 more people in a year and this will result in 1 ? more annuity sales. Based on my average care size of $77,000 this would provide an additional $10,000 to my bottom line. Only 10 more new seens a year! How simple is that?

Here is my plan for expense reduction?.DON?T!!! Life is way to short for this type of bottom line drive.

When your whole focus is on reduction and not sales you become very negative and not proactive. We are annuity salesmen and we need to be active and proactive.

One terrific tax benefit I did receive from my consultant, I got to write off his consulting fee. My attitude is that it is much simpler to sell than to reduce.

Bill Broich is a 30 year annuity salesman who helps agents generate annuity leads. Visit his website to learn more - Annuity.com

#BREAK# #TITLE#Attention Annuity Salespersons - Control Your Own Destiny#/TITLE#

Sales organizations love to sign you up. Contracting you is one of their greatest joys and why shouldn?t it be. You do the work, you invest your money and they get the cream of the overrides. What do they invest in you?Oh yes I know?.Service! In my book, service is a synonym for greed.

Answer these questions:

? How many times have you had an annuity marketing company attempt to recruit you?

? How many telephone calls and emails do you get each week from annuity marketers?

? How many times has a marketing company offered you free leads as an incentive to contract?

? How many times has a marketing company offered you their ?secret? CD to learn what how the big boys do it?

Insider Secret Number 1:

You control your contracts Here is my very first rule and one I hope you will adopt. Get a pre-release letter! When you contract with a marketing company they forget to tell you about being released in the future!

? What if your situation changes?

? What if you found a marketing system better suited to your personal situation?

? What if you wanted a change?

? What if we did not satisfy your marketing needs?

? How do you get released?

Do not become a slave to your FMO, demand the pre-release, they all will do it!

Insider Secret Number 2:

Most annuity sales marketing organizations do not know how to sell annuities. It is the old saying.. Those that can?t sell, TEACH!

Learn how to sell annuities and how actually market yourself and your business from ?those that do.? This is an easy topic to check out, just ask your FMO how they would make a sale in a specific situation and their answer is always based on product. Try it and see for yourself. If you are committed to working with an FMO, also hire yourself a coach, one who has sold and who can sell. This is the very easiest direction.

Insider Secret Number 3:

Insurance company products are designed for only one reason, to maximize profit to the insurance company.

The newest, latest and greatest annuity is just a new wrapper around the same old product. The insurance company buys bonds to guarantee the performance and no matter how you look at it, the yield and the annuities are all in the same arena. Just more sizzle. If you chase the new products you will be just that ?a chaser.?

Chasers never build a practice, never have anything worthwhile to sell to their clients other than the newest wrapper on the same product.

Be different! Sell annuities based on the benefits they can provide to the owner. The real reason to buy an annuity is not based on yield but on benefits.

Learn these secrets and do as much for yourself as possible. Rely on the FMO as little as possible.

Bill Broich is a 30 year annuity salesman who helps agents generate annuity leads. Visit his website to learn more - Annuity.com

A Professional Buyer of Structured Settlement Payments Can Pay You The Most For Your Annuity

A reputable, qualified buyer of structured settlement payments can offer you top dollar for your annuity. Taking several factors into account, he or she will come up with a fair value for your settlement, often referred to as a "note". You can then decide which of several options works best for your particular financial situation.

Structured settlements are set up as a resolution to an injury claim, whereby the victim receives a set monthly payment in the form of a tax-free annuity as compensation. The arrangement usually favors both parties, as the victim gets money every month to cover the costs of medications, rehabilitation and other bills and the defendant, or payor, issues easy to swallow smaller monthly installments rather than a large sum of money up front.

However, many people decide to look for a structured settlement buyer rather than opt to receive small monthly payments. Although it's nice to have an ongoing stream of income, you may want or need to have a large some of money for a new investment, a large purchase or to pay off a high interest debt.

In this case, selling your note makes a lot of financial sense, and a reputable buyer of structured settlement payments will be able to provide the cash you need, usually within a couple of weeks. It is a fast and easy way to get your hands on a lump sum of money, especially compared to getting a loan from your bank or another financial institution.

How much will a structured settlement buyer pay you for your note?

That's a good question. It will depend on a variety of factors: the balance on the annuity, the time left before it is paid off, timeliness of payments to date, stability of the payor, and various other criteria. Remember, the buyer of structured settlement payments is assuming a risk by purchasing your note, so it has to make sense for them financially to do so.

To ensure that you receive top dollar try to have all of your paperwork in order, and keep careful records of everything that has transpired since the annuity was set up. This will be very helpful to the structured settlement buyer, and enable them to come up with a fair and competitive quote.

Also, keep in mind you can sell just a portion of the annuity; you don't have to sell the entire thing. So if you only need a certain amount of cash, you can sell "x" number of months of payments and retain the annuity after that time period. An experienced buyer of structured settlement payments will outline all of your available options so that you can make the right decision.

Jamie has been working in the finance industry for many years and is a contributing editor to Selling Your Notes. Find a top structured settlement buyer and find more information on seller financing on our site.

How Do You Get Cash For Annuity Payment In a Lump Sum of Money?

Rather than wait to receive money monthly you can get cash for annuity payment today from what is known in the industry as a note buyer. Many people who find themselves in need of an immediate source of cash choose to sell their annuities either in their entirety or just a portion of the payments.

Annuities can refer to a variety of different financial arrangements but basically they all work out to a steady, monthly payment for a set number of years. In a structured settlement, which refers a financial plan for injury victims, the insurance company sets up an annuity whereby the victim receives x number of dollars, tax-free, for x number of years. You can also personally invest in an annuity, which works sort of like life insurance. You pay a certain dollar amount every year for a certain number of years, and in return when you reach that point you start getting x number of dollars a month for a specified amount of time.

Regardless of the type you currently have, you can receive cash for annuity payments if you have a need for a large sum of money in the short term. It certainly is much easier than applying for a loan at the bank or with another creditor, and it can usually be executed with 10-14 days with an experienced note buyer. Many people choose to do just this to free up funds for a new investment opportunity, a big purchase or some other financial need.

How do you know the total amount of cash for annuities you will receive?

There is no way to determine the exact amount you will receive for your annuity before you speak to a note buyer. This is because there are a lot of factors involved that must be considered in order to arrive at a quote. What is the balance, how much time is left, what are the inflationary concerns, how financially stable is the payor?

These are a few of the questions a buyer offering cash for annuity payment will ask in order to determine how much your annuity is worth. Also, keep in mind that you do not have to sell the entire annuity. Rather, you can sell just a portion of it and retain the rest. You can also often split the monthly payments, so you receive some and the buyer receives some.

That's why it's so important to find a reputable, experienced note buyer to purchase your annuity from you. He or she will be able to present all of the available options to you so you can make an informed decision. And remember, money today is always worth more than money tomorrow, so you really can't go wrong with a cash for annuity arrangement.

Jamie has been working in the finance industry for many years and is a contributing editor to http://www.selling-your-note.com. Learn more about cash for annuities and get a free, no obligation quote from professional note buyers on our site.

Why You Should Choose a Structured Settlement Annuity Payment

If you are the recipient of a structured settlement order, then you know that there are several options open for you when it comes to receiving compensation. One route that may be the best for you is to go with the structured settlement annuity payment. Here's a few reasons why this may be the most beneficial course of action for you.

First of all, if you are receiving money from a fixed annuity that is the result of some sort of legal action, be it a settlement arrived at by arbitration or litigation, the payments will be tax free in just about all instances. In effect, you will have a regular source of income that is all yours and does not have to be accounted for in your calculations of how much state and federal income tax you owe. This can greatly simplify doing your taxes for each calendar year.

Second, a structured settlement annuity payment provides you with a consistent and reliable source of income. No matter what other issues you may have in your life, you can depend on the payments to show up like clockwork. This can be a great situation for someone who has always wanted to try his or her hand at starting a business, but never could because of the need to provide income for the family. Having that regular payment coming in helps to insulate you from changes in the job market, and all sorts of unexpected situations.

The fact is that a structured settlement annuity payment is a cut and dried manner of receiving the money that is owed to you. You can depend on the money coming in at regular intervals until the settlement amount has been disbursed, so you can use it to support yourself while you build other sources of income or you can choose to invest it as you receive the payments. And through it all, the money is tax-free. For many people, this is the ideal situation.

Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website http://www.structured-settlements.wares-are.us/. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Structured Settlement Annuity

Life Annuity; Yes Or No?

A life annuity is a financial arrangement that allows a life insurance company to provide a series of future payments to an annuitant for a certain sum of money. The payment stream based upon the life expectancy of the annuitant is of unknown length but generally guaranteed to continue for a certain number of years.

Also it is possible to have a joint contract so that the payments stop upon the death of the second of two annuitants ( i.e., a joint and last survivor life annuity).

A life annuity can negatively affect an annuitant who dies before recovering his or investment. Such a situation is rememdied or offset, by the increase in income not otherwise available and the normally favorable tax consequences. Thus each annuitant must decide whether to sacrifice use of the money in favour of a greater return. If you need a greater guaranteed income then that is what a life annuity is designed to do.

Life Annuity Facts

A life annuity has a pro and con reputation from both the annuitant's and the issuer's viewpoint. Who need income or are financially unskilled. Yet, the annuity is an important financial tool for those.

Potential life annuitants are familiar with the ideas involved with life annuities through knowledge of their own pension plan from a business or government position. Most people believe that the odds are stacked in favor of the issuer, though issuers have grappled with the risk these policies bring.

Life Annuities Cost

From the issuer's viewpoint, there are many technical factors that determine the cost of an annuity payment from the life expectancy of the annuitant and the yields on investments made. There are expenses (including distribution costs) related to managing the money and risk management cost for the issuer which can balloon if annuitant's returns are higher.

So Should I Be Looking At A Life Annuity

You should be looking at a life annuity if your age and the prevailing long long term interest rates will guarantee you a superior after tax return. You may be able to generate more income if you actively manage your income but this takes time and expertise. Or perhaps you are just fed up with worrying about the net return and want a life annuity to provide you with a guaranteed income.

There is no easy answer to this life annuity question as we all differ. And often, if there is a large age difference in a marriage, points of view can be very different.

Overall it is necessary to consider all the alternative such as bonds or fixed interest rate deposite along with a life annuity.

Ivon T. Hughes of The Hughes Trustco Group is the author of the Life Insurance Handbook: How To Get The Best & Cheapest Life Insurance available FREE to all new subscribers at: http://www.hughestrustco.com

J.G. Wentworth to Market Annuity Purchase Program With Underwriters Marketing Service, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

J.G. Wentworth to Market Annuity Purchase Program With Underwriters Marketing Service, Inc.

Bryn Mawr, PA, January 24 -- The J.G. Wentworth Annuity Purchase Program? has added Underwriters Marketing Service, Inc. (UMS) to its growing roster of Insurance Marketing Organizations (IMOs). The firm is led by noted insurance marketing executive Mary Ann Lacey-Gray, CLTC. "We're delighted that a firm of UMS's stature has elected to join forces with us in marketing the Annuity Purchase Program," said J.G. Wentworth Regional Director Ryan Clemency. "Mary Ann's experience and participation on various boards, committees and councils offers an invaluable sounding board for new ideas, and reflects positively on the Annuity Purchase Program."

Ms. Lacey-Gray said that, "We believe the Annuity Purchase Program is an important new addition to the insurance agent's portfolio. Insurance agents, as well as financial planners and advisors all know the real need that many clients have in gaining access to extra funds from time to time due to life changes, and the Annuity Purchase Program will enable them to fill this need, and as a result, form a stronger bond with their clients."

The J.G. Wentworth Annuity Purchase Program? enables individuals to sell their investment annuities for cash. The program is marketed directly to individuals and through IMOs which provide agents and brokers with specialty insurance and financial services products.

About J.G. Wentworth For more than 15 years, J.G. Wentworth has been purchasing annuities as well as other deferred payment streams. During this time, the company has purchased over $2 billion of future payment obligations. The company's annuity-backed notes are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's and sold to institutional investors. J.G. Wentworth is based in Bryn Mawr, PA. For more information about J.G. Wentworth, go to www.jgwentworth.com.

About UMS Underwriters Marketing Service, Inc., entering its 23rd year in business, is a national marketing organization offering sales and marketing support to insurance professionals in the areas of life, annuities, reverse mortgages and long term care. UMS is headquartered in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, with sales offices in Maryland and Florida and provides sales support to over 3,600 agents.

For More Information: Rosalia Scampoli, Marketcom PR rscampoli@marketcompr 203-622-1353

Erin Ritter is the Director of Public Relations for DMi Partners, Inc. in Philadelphia, PA.

Prospect Accessibility is the Key to Annuity Leads and Sales

We all want to make the big annuity sale. We all want to climb to the top of our industry and get that special trip the insurance company is offering. We all want the respect and the income we envision for ourselves.

So why is it some of us can achieve it and some of us languish in mediocrity?

Is it because we don?t work as hard as the big producers? Is it because we don?t have the magical close? Is it because we don?t have the best products?

It actually is none of those things. What is it then?

It is nothing other than target market accessibility. It is that simple.

Here is an example, if we only want to work with brain surgeons, how likely is it we will have a full calendar every day?

What about CFOs, CEOs? Get it! The more refined our target market is the more narrow our options. So what would be a great target market?

A nationally know brokerage house recently put in guidelines for their brokers as to who would be the basic client. In other words what was the lowest denominator for a potential client? They suggested to prospect based on income and net worth.

Their suggested guidelines were household income of $100,000 and a minimum net worth of $1,000,000. I looked at this and wondered how hard it would be to find people in this category and if I could find them, could I see them under a favorable basis?

If all the brokerage firms were chasing the same target market, where should I go? How do I fill my calendar each day with my target market? It really was easy once I realized who would best benefit from my simple and easy to understand products.

Here is my target market and one in which there are unlimited people to see and guess what? They don?t come with advisors in tow! I can see them for daytime appointments and they appreciate my annuity products.

My target market:

A married couple with total assets of $600,000 or LESS! This would include their home. Household income was not important and it still isn?t. I like folks in there 70?s and who would have about $200,000 in available assets. A typical case would be an IRA with about $100,000 and the rest in banks and mutual funds.

This target market is everywhere and they all want someone to help them.

If you want to be an annuity salesman and sell $10,000,0000 a year in premium do what I do. Find nice people who are in this target market who will see you and who will appreciate your products. You will have more annuity leads and prospects than you can shake an appointment calendar at.

It is as easy as can be. Let the brokers all fight it out over their target market, use mine and get rich.

Bill Broich is a 30 year annuity salesman who helps insurance agents attract more annuity prospects and sell more annuities. Visit his website for a free annuity quote. Annuity.com

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

LeadZILLA: Best Annuity Lead Program?

LeadZILLA, a direct mail annuity lead program, won the Readers? Choice Award in a survey of independent annuity producers polled by Senior Market Advisor Magazine. But after thoroughly testing the system myself, do I see LeadZILLA as king of the jungle or a big bag of gas? I have invested thousands of my own dollars into LeadZILLA to generate leads for my own general agents to use, and I?ve learned a few lessons along the way.

The numbers speak for themselves. My first mail drop was on September 23, 2005 and, as of this writing, I have used LeadZILLA continuously for the past fourteen months. I have mailed out 44,800 pieces in 224 drops and received 1,295 direct response cards back in the mail. This is a response rate of 2.89% and an average of 5.77 lead cards for each 200 piece drop.

The lead system's proprietor boasts an average of 6 lead cards returned for every 200-piece drop. My average of 5.77 cards is close enough that I?m not going to snivel over the .23% difference. As we in the insurance industry know, pools of statistics paint with a broad brush. I?ve seen return rates ranging from zero cards back to 20 back, each from 200 pieces mailed out. Individual return rates are one of those mysteries of life, but I always advise my agents to select zip codes on the outskirts of town and away from affluent neighborhoods.

The good news is that LeadZILLA is part of a Marketing Allowance Program (MAP), which makes it free with production. For every (roughly) $40,000 in annuity premium issued by one of four carriers ? Allianz, American Equity, Sun Life Financial, and ING ? the agent receives a 200-piece mail drop. On average, each piece of business leads to six additional prospects, which in turn leads to more business and more prospects in a self-perpetuating cycle.

But this cycle is quickly broken with this or any lead system when the agent tries to take the lazy way out. Do not (I repeat, DO NOT!) destroy a perfectly good direct response lead by picking up the telephone and becoming a cold-call telemarketer. You?ll be lucky to set an appointment with one in six prospects, and you?ll quickly join the ranks of the 90% of insurance agents who fail. Instead, route out your cards, get in your car and spend an afternoon using the Drop-By System.

Here are the steps to remember with the Drop-By System. Park your car directly in front of your prospect?s home or in their driveway. Leave the engine running and the door open. Get out of your car, turn and wave at the front window as if someone saw you drive up. (In case someone did see you drive up, they?re busted!) Knock on the door and stand sideways a few feet away. When your prospect comes to the door, glance at your watch and say, ?Hello, may I speak with Mr./Mrs. (Name on card)? I?m (Your name) and I only have a minute, but I was passing by your street and thought I might stop by to set up an appointment to go over this information you requested (show them the lead card they filled out and signed). Is Thursday morning at 10 good, or is Friday morning at 9 better?? Let the conversation go where it will. Some of my biggest annuity sales started out discussing Mr. and Mrs. Prospect?s cat.

They can?t very well hang up on you. They can, however, see that you are a living human being with ?evidence? in your hand, a smile on your face, and a simple duty to fulfill their request for information. You?ll set appointments with four out of six prospects. What?s more, when you return for the appointment you won?t be a stranger. Odds are you?ll leave with deal in hand.

I have additional information on LeadZILLA and other annuity lead and insurance lead programs. Feel free to contact me. Direct mail lead generation is one of the best methods I have used in my decades of direct sales. Popular vote says LeadZILLA is the best. Who would argue with the king of the jungle?

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. See also Insurance-Lead-Programs.com.

Buy Fixed Annuity

Annuity can be bought in different forms. However, the deferred annuities come under three main categories. They include fixed annuity, variable annuity and the equity-indexed annuity. Each has its own characteristics and offers varying returns and benefits. Fixed annuity is one the most popular of annuity offered in the financial market. In this form of annuity, the risks are minimal and are the liabilities of the financial company ? also known as insurer - offering it. However, the investor ? also known as the insured - has no risks on investments, whatsoever.

Generally, the terms of fixed annuity hover around the following main aspects. The insurer offers to pay you a fixed amount of return on your investments for a certain amount of years. The insured has the option of paying the investment money either as lump sum amount or paid over a period of installments.

Now whatever be the market conditions, the insurer has to pay the insured the fixed amount as guaranteed in the agreement. This feature makes fixed annuity the safest and surest way to make assured returns on investment. The issuing financial company offers to reimburse both principal and the earnings.

However, there is a flip side to it too. If the prevailing market conditions are buoyant, the investor has to be content with only the assured amount of return. While insurer, on the other hand, makes handsome gains from the invested money. Conversely, there are some issues that an investor should consider before buying fixed annuity.

It?s not ideal to invest in an annuity unless there are ample contributions to other retirement plans, such as an IRA or 401(k). Simply because, these plans offer the same tax deferral as annuities minus the fees. And if an investment is made in an annuity inside a tax-advantaged account, there would be no extra tax benefit to avail. The other repelling factor is the 10 percent penalty an investor under the age of 59 ? has to pay on earnings. It?s also advisable to check the credentials of insurer before making investments. Insurers with AA or higher ratings reflect positive financial strength of the company.



Buy Annuity provides detailed information on Buy Annuity, Buy Annuity Leads, Buy Fixed Annuity, Buy Retirement Annuity and more. Buy Annuity is affliated with Fixed Annuities.

Private Annuity Trusts - Supercharge Your Retirement

You have made some great investments in Real Estate or in a Stock Portfolio. Congratulations! Now you are ready to retire on your gains. But wait. To benefit from your investment appreciation, you're going to have to sell some or all of those assets.

If you sell your investment property, you will need to pay capital gains tax to the Federal Government, State, and you will also pay recaptured depreciation. If you're in California, add another 3 1/3% in withholding. That's a huge chunk of change, and a big blow to your savings.

If you sell your stocks, you'll be giving up at least 15% to capital gains. There is also no guarantee that the long term capital gains rate will remain at 15% forever. It could increase down the road.

How can you start receiving income but not get hit with huge amounts of tax?

For real property, there is a 1031 exchange into a tenant in common property. This works well for investors that don't want to manage property anymore, but still enjoy the benefits of real estate ownership. This is a subject covered in many of my previous articles.

There is another powerful concept. It's called a Private Annuity Trust. These trusts have been around since 1939, but until the last few years have primarily been used for Estate Planning purposes. The Private Annuity Trust also works extremely well for Retirement Planning. It is fairly complex to set up and administrate, so many financial planners, real estate brokers, CPAs and Attorneys still don't know much about them.

The procedure is basically this.

1. A Private Annuity Trust is established. You, the seller become the annuitant.

2. A fair market appraisal is done to determine property value.

3. The seller can negotiate a sale price at the appraised value.

4. The property is transferred to the trust and the trust is now the seller of the property and retains the proceeds.

5. The proceeds are invested by trustees (not the annuitant) and an arrangement is made to pay the annuitant (and perhaps their spouse) in monthly payments for the remainder of their lives. The capital gains tax is spread out over the course of your lifetime. If you pass away before your estimated average calculated life span, the remainder of the assets pass to the beneficiaries. The balance will be passed free of Estate Tax, Gift Tax, Generation skipping tax, and Transfer tax. Any capital gains tax still due will be paid before disbursement.

6. Other properties or stocks can be added to the trust at a later time, and recieve the same benefits.

As an example, let's say you have a million dollar gain on a property. You might very well owe 350K in taxes. With a Private Annuity Trust, all one million goes to work for you, and you can receive montyly income for the rest of your life. The exact amount is determined by your age and the time you choose to begin receiving your payments. You have the option to defer receiving payments until the age of 70 1/2. This allows the assets to grow compounding and tax deferred, and allows for greater income in the future.

The trust removes the assets from your estate, as the trust now owns them and the annuitant relinquishes control over how they are invested.

Setting up a Private Annuity Trust can definitely give a turbo boost to your retirement bottom line. Ask yourself, would you rather give a "gift" to the government in a big lump sum, or would you like to pay in small chunks and have the bulk of your profits working for you and earning compounded interest for years to come?

Paula Straub will guide you through the process of keeping your Capital Gains working for you and generating passive income. To receive your invitation to her free teleconference, visit Save Capital Gains Tax

What Is A Split Annuity?

The Split Annuity is a combination of an immediate annuity and a deferred annuity, structured to provide immediate income, much of which is after tax dollars (return of premium), while returning the original premium (before taxes).

The income is guaranteed for the length of the contract, while the deferred dollars grow at current, tax-deferred interest rates.

A single premium is used to fund the Split Annuity. Annuity Companies issue two contracts, one for the guaranteed income and one for tax deferred growth.

The Split Annuity offers a guaranteed monthly income.

The Split Annuity features competitive interest rates, tax-deferred growth and partial withdrawal options.

The Split Annuity is flexible. A new income stream may be developed from the deferred annuity proceeds at a later date. The deferred annuity also allows for additional partial withdrawals, plus the continued tax-deferred growth eventually ?replaces? the immediate annuity premium.

What is a Tax-Deferred Annuity? A tax-deferred annuity is a contract between you and the insurance company with guaranteed interest and guaranteed annuity income options. There are no upfront sales charges or administrative fees during the life of your contract.

Advantages of Tax-Deferred Annuities include tax deferral, stability, may avoid probate, liquidity features, and guaranteed income.

One of the primary advantages of deferred annuities is the opportunity to accumulate a substantial sum of money by allowing your premium and interest to grow tax-deferred. Unlike taxable investments, you pay no taxes on your annuity interest until you begin to take withdrawals or receive income. This allows your money to grow faster than in a taxable account, because you earn interest on the money that would have otherwise been paid in taxes.

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Jeff McLeod is a fixed index-linked retirement income annuity specialist. To get a copy of the Buyer?s Guide visit http://happyretiree.com/

Compare An Annuity Rate - Foolproof Method

You should never buy insurance without first taking the trouble to compare annuity rate offers from several different companies. This will definitely prevent you from running the risk of accidentally buying high-cost insurance.

Millions of people needlessly pay unnecessarily high interest rates because they were too lazy to try to compare annuity rate offers. For instance many people don't realize that a variable annuity actually has higher fees and sometimes-higher interest rates then a fixed rate annuity.

Just to remind you of the differences between types of annuities, a fixed annuity pays you a guaranteed rate of interest and a variable annuity helps you invest in a portfolio of mutual fund type accounts. There is also a third type of annuity called an equity-indexed annuity. It is like a mating of the two types and offers a minimum rate of interest as well as the opportunity to invest your money in a portfolio as well. Equity indexed annuities are the hardest plans to compare simply because they are complex and marketed as being risk-free when in fact the opposite is often true!

Another unfortunate yet common consequence of neglecting to compare annuity rate offers is settling for the first deal that comes your way. Many people do this just to get the whole tedious job of comparing annuity rate offers over with. This could be a big mistake, especially if you don't read the fine print. For one thing you might end up paying really high fees should you decide to withdraw your money one day.

Another problem is that you are often stuck in the deal that you chose in the first place as there could be very high penalties for withdrawing your money early. This makes it almost impossible to get ahead financially even if you did have a better annuity rate offered from another company.

Tiffany Walker has finally revealed her annuity secrets online. Read the latest by clicking here: Buyer of structured annuity settlement.

Annuity Appointment Setting: Super Sales Techniques

When it comes to annuity appointment setting, the most effective technique by far is the Drop-By System. However, if you've totaled your car, broken both legs and must resort to a phone call, I've always taught my agents that the best way to engage your prospect on the phone is to open with a statement that is anything but your typical warm fuzzy, "How are you today?" Your statement must (1) <u>make them sweat a little</u> and (2) <u>pose a problem</u> which is at the same time a benefit of owning an annuity (without saying the word 'annuity'). Note: This formula works with any product.

For example, "HELLO, MRS. JONES? MY NAME IS _______, FROM THE _____ AGENCY DOWN THE STREET, AND I'VE BEEN TRYING TO REACH YOU BECAUSE I FIND THAT SOME OF MY RETIRED CLIENTS ARE PAYING INCOME TAXES ON THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY, AND THEY DON'T NEED TO. I'M A FINANCIAL ADVISOR IN THE AREA AND I CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE INCOME TAXES ON YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY. I'LL SPEND 10 TO 15 MINUTES WITH YOU UNLESS YOU KEEP ME LONGER. THERE'S NO CHARGE. I'VE GOT WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 10:00 AVAILABLE, OR WOULD 2:00 ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON BE BETTER FOR YOU?"

Your prospect's responsibility at this point is to say, "No thanks, I'm not interested," or maybe something not so kindhearted. You've just interrupted her world. However, you'll do much better at annuity appointment setting if you understand that a 'No' is simply a latent reaction from childhood. In our formative years, the one word we heard more than any other was the dreaded, "No!" It's what we got almost every time we asked for something:

"Mommy, can I have a cookie?"

"No."

"Daddy, can I drive the car?"

"No."

Your job as a professional salesperson is to understand that humans are hardwired to respond to practically any proposition with the word, "No." It's how our circuits work. Negative responses can range from a simple 'no' to a blistering harangue. Your steadfast, automatic response must be to pull the plug, short-circuit the connection, neutralize the way your prospect's mind works.

Try the old 'feel, felt, found': "I CAN CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL, MRS. JONES. A LOT OF PEOPLE I TALK TO INCLUDING A FEW OF YOUR NEIGHBORS FELT THE SAME WAY AT FIRST. BUT AFTER THEY UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM AND HOW SIMPLE THE SOLUTION WAS, THEY FOUND THEY WERE SAVING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS A YEAR IN UNNECESSARY TAXES." By pouring water on your prospect's natural resistance, you weaken their response and, at the same time, maneuver the phone call into a back-and-forth conversation.

Now you've earned the right to continue: "...YOU SEE, WE FIND THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE SIMPLY DON'T REALIZE THAT A PORTION OF THEIR ESTATE THAT THEY WANT TO LEAVE TO THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE EATEN UP IN PROBATE COURT, AND IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY. I'M A FINANCIAL ADVISOR IN THIS AREA AND I CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO FIX THAT. I'LL SPEND 10 TO 15 MINUTES WITH YOU UNLESS YOU KEEP ME LONGER. THERE'S NO CHARGE. I'VE GOT WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 10:00 AVAILABLE, OR WOULD 2:00 THIS THURSDAY AFTERNOON BE BETTER FOR YOU?"

Get ready for it. Here it comes again: "No thanks," she says, "we've already got a financial advisor who's been with us for years." Mrs. Jones is only playing her part in this annuity appointment setting rivalry. At the same time, she's telling you exactly how she wants you to get her to say yes. Pay attention to her words. This time you're going to, first, neutralize her objection, then use her exact words to identify "... THE PEOPLE WHO BENEFIT THE MOST FROM OUR SERVICES."

For example, "I CAN CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL, MRS. JONES (neutralize). HOWEVER, THE PEOPLE WHO BENEFIT THE MOST FROM OUR SERVICES ARE THE ONES WHO ALREADY HAVE FINANCIAL ADVISORS. SEE, A GOOD FINANCIAL ADVISOR, JUST LIKE A GOOD DOCTOR, WILL OFTEN ADVISE YOU TO GET A SECOND OPINION. I'M A SPECIALIST IN THIS AREA AND I CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO AVOID THE EXPENSE AND DELAYS OF PROBATE. I'LL SPEND 10 TO 15 MINUTES WITH YOU UNLESS YOU KEEP ME LONGER. THERE'S NO CHARGE. I'VE GOT WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 10:00 AVAILABLE, OR WOULD 2:00 ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON BE BETTER FOR YOU?"

At this point, if you don't hear a click and a dial tone, you may hear a slight wavering in her voice. Her "We-already-have-a-financial-advisor" line worked with the last salesperson. What's up with you? Now she has to either think about her response or default to the old standby, "I'm not interested." If she responds with anything but "I'm not interested," she'll be telling you how she wants you to get her to say yes. These responses can include,

"I'm too busy right now."

"Our son-in-law takes care of those things."

"We've already got all the insurance we need."

"I don't have any money."

"I never accept telephone solicitations."

You must stay one step ahead of your opponent by preparing your script for all possible scenarios. Sit down and write them out in your own words. Use the above script as an outline and insert the gist of her response in the appropriate places. Then follow up with another problem for her to worry about which is also a benefit of owning an annuity. Don't be afraid to get creative. Annuity appointment setting is a game of wits and circular logic. The more you differentiate yourself from the last three telemarketers she sent to the insane asylum, the more successful you'll be at appointment setting and, ultimately, selling annuities.

Finally, if you're dealing with an indifferent, uncreative type who just can't come up with anything but, "I'm not interested," try this:

"MRS. JONES, IT'S OKAY IF YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED. I JUST WANT TO ASK YOU ONE QUESTION. WORK WITH ME HERE. IMAGINE THAT EVERYTHING YOU'RE WORTH - YOUR HOME, YOUR SAVINGS, YOUR INVESTMENTS, EVERYTHING - WAS GOING TO BE TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU FIRST THING NEXT WEEK. AND LET'S SAY I CALLED YOU JUST LIKE I'M DOING TODAY, AND TOLD YOU I COULD PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY SO THAT NONE OF THOSE BAD THINGS WOULD HAPPEN. WOULD YOU STILL TELL ME YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED, OR WOULD YOU LET ME SIT DOWN WITH YOU AND SHOW YOU HOW IT WORKS BEFORE ANYTHING LIKE THAT HAPPENS? YOU SEE, WE KNOW THAT MANY PEOPLE, MAYBE EVEN YOU, HAVE A LOT OF THEIR LIFE'S SAVINGS SITTING IN THE BANK, OR IN STOCKS AND BONDS, OR IN REAL ESTATE, WHERE IT CAN BE ATTACHED BY A JUDGEMENT IN A CIVIL COURT OF LAW ... AND IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY. I'M A FINANCIAL ADVISOR IN THIS AREA AND I CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO FIX THAT. I'LL SPEND 10 TO 15 MINUTES WITH YOU UNLESS YOU KEEP ME LONGER. THERE'S NO CHARGE. I'VE GOT WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 10:00 AVAILABLE, OR WOULD 2:00 THIS THURSDAY AFTERNOON BE BETTER FOR YOU?"

Get the picture? You need to eat, sleep and breathe annuity appointment setting.

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