| 01/27/2012 |
Aviva new Indexed Survivor UL coming soon! |
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Aviva has announced a new Indexed Survivor UL that will be introduced on 02/01/2012. Below is a link to the product announcement, including the dates of upcoming webinars discussing the product parameters. Please reivew the announcement and give our marketing department a call with any product questions.
800-308-2355
Aviva - Indexed Survivor UL - Product Announcement
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| 01/27/2012 |
Bell & Associates wins 2011 Marketing Organization Awards! |
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Bell & Associates is pleased to announce that we have received the following Marketing Organization awards from Pacific Life:
*Chairman's Award* - Received for highest production for the year!
*Circle of Excellence Award* - Based on Achieving $4,000,000+ in target premium in 2011
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| 01/26/2012 |
The LIFE Foundation Kicks Off The "Insure Your Love" Campaign |
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The LIFE foundation has kicked off their Insure Your Love campaign in an industry wide effort to remind Americans to protect their loved ones with life insurance. This is a great tool to help get new sales jump started in 2012. The LIFE foundation has started a large social media campaign and has created a toolkit for agent use. Below are the links to this information and if you have any questions or need any additional information, please give us a call at 800-308-2355
Insure Your Love - Campaign Information
Insure Your Love - Agent Toolkit
Insure Your Love - Facebook Page
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| 01/23/2012 |
Lincoln Benefit Announces Revised Liquidity Guarantee Rider |
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Lincoln Benefit has recently revealed some changes to their very popular liquidity guarantee rider. Starting January 23rd, 2012 the following improvements will be added to the Legacy Secure II and Legacy Choice II products:
1. Availability has been expanded to a wider range of ages and rate classes. More clients will now be able to qualify
2. Benefits have been made available starting in policy year 8 with refund percentage increases annually through year 20.
3. Policy owners paying less than the life guarantee premiums may still be eligible to recieve partial benefits.
Please review the below microsite that LBL has created to advertise the new changes. If you have any questions or would like to see any illustrations using the rider, please contact our marketing department at 800-308-2355
LBL - Revised Liquidity Guarantee Rider - Microsite
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| 01/23/2012 |
Announcing Transamerica's new TransACE 2012 |
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| 01/23/2012 |
Big Product Changes Coming to Lincoln Financial Group Products |
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With the new year, Lincoln Financial Group is making quite a few changes to their UL and Term product line up.
Effective February, 21st 2012 the following changes will be taking effect:
- Lincoln Life Elements Level Term products - Reduced policy fees
- Lincoln Life Guarantee UL (2012) - New Product!
- Lincoln Life Guarantee SUL (2012) - New Product!
- Lincoln Life Guarantee Plus UL - CLOSED to new sales
- Lincln Duration Guarantee UL - CLOSED to new sales
Below is a link to Lincoln Financial's Lincoln Leader newsletter for January 2012. The new product information is included along with some additional product and company information. Please review and contact Bell & Associates regarding the transition rules for all new products and pricing.
Lincoln Leader - January 2012
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| 01/06/2012 |
Meet Bell & Associates! |
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| 12/13/2011 |
Life Insurance is an excellent alternative for your investment clients |
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| 12/06/2011 |
Some great things to think about as we look forward to 2012 |
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Please check out this excellent article written by Kenneth A. Shapiro
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| 11/07/2011 |
West Coast Life - Important Changes |
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To our Valued Agents,
Effective 12/1/11 West Coast Life (WCL) is merging with its parent company, Protective Life, and the WCL name is being retired. So what does this mean for you?
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Products/Commissions:The products at Protective have the exact same pricing, commission, etc., however they have different names.
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Contracting:Since all existing agents are being “terminated” at WCL, you MUST completely re-contract under the “new” Protective contract to continue to write business. Please contact Darlene Hester darlene@wbassoc.com to get re-contracted under Protective Life Brokerage to avoid any delays in new business.
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New Business:The last day you can submit anything that says West Coast Life (i.e. any applications or products that say the words “West Coast Life”) is Nov 30th. Anything received after that, must show “Protective” and be on Protective paper and you must have your NEW contracting submitted.
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Existing Policy Holders: Existing policy holders at West Coast Life will not be affected; their policies will be maintained and serviced under the Protective Life Brokerage company and our office.
There is a link to West Coast Life's “Frequently Asked Questions” listed below:
West Coast Life/Protective Life Transition FAQ
Should you have any questions, Please do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss further.
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| 11/01/2011 |
November is LTC Awareness Month |
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November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month
Ward T. Bell and Associates is proud to be working with the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance to help raise awareness regarding the LTC products and services that are available to your clients. We offer a wide range of products and carriers that offer protection for your clients should they ever need Long-Term Care. Please contact one of our marketing representatives today at 800-308-2355 to obtain any marketing materials or ask any questions you may have regarding the many available LTC products.
Long Term Care Assoication Homepage
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| 10/28/2011 |
End Of The Year Sales Contest With West Coast Life |
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We are excited to announce the rollout of the Bell & Associates Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/BellandAssociates)and our end of the year sales contest with West Coast Life (now Protective Life)! Featured Prizes include a 55" 3D LED TV, Apple iPad 2, and other great items. Please see the image below for contest details or contact us.
With the rollout of the Facebook page, we’re trying to get as many Facebook “likes” as possible on our page so make sure to click here http://www.facebook.com/BellandAssociatesand simply click on “like” at the very top! It will just take a second from your mobile phone or computer and will help us out. To sweeten the deal, any agent that does this receives a Bonus Credit of $10,000 in Target towards the contest! 
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| 10/25/2011 |
Bell & Associates Has Partnered With NAILBA |
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Bell & Associates is pleased to announce that we have recently become members of the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies!
This new partnership has given our agency additional tools and resources to help our agents with insurance carrier contracting, product marketing, field underwriting, and getting those tough cases placed and inforce.
We are excited to start taking advantage of this new partnership and look forward to using these resources to assist our agents!
NAILBA Homepage
NAILBA Welcomes Bell & Associates
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| 10/19/2011 |
Bell & Associates Has Joined Facebook! |
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We are pleased to announce that our new Facebook has just been launched!
Our Facebook page will be an excellent source for industry articles and videos as well as an online meeting place for our agents to connect and discuss new products, sales ideas, and current issues affecting the insurance industry.
Please stop on by and "Like" us so that you can be alerted as news items and product announcements are posted.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
**Click Here to Link to WTBA Facebook Page**
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| 10/12/2011 |
Life Settlement Market Update |
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The life settlement market has seen a steady decline in overall transactions over the last few years due mainly to revised life expectancy tables and a lack of funds to purchase policies. This, coupled with clients inflated expectations of life settlement returns has led to a lot of very viable policies either lapsing or being pulled from the marketplace. At Bell and Associates we have been able to continually find attractive offers or loan programs for our clients looking to use life settlement as a financial planning tool. The funders are out there and all signs are pointing to sunnier skies on the horizon. There have been several articles written lately about reported growth among life settlement transactions and the industry insiders all seem to agree that Life Settlements can still be appealing to current policy owners.
Michael Stanley has written the following article discussing the settlement market’s return to form:
" 2003 All Over Again"
We have also seen an increase in acceptable policy parameters from our funding sources. This includes a wider range of face amounts, ages, and life expectances that are now eligible for life settlement pricing. Recent court rulings have also led to a more relaxed view from life insurance carriers regarding clients who have previously participated in life insurance settlements.
With this new “mainstream” acceptance of life settlements, we have seen an increase in advertising and marketing for life settlement programs. Even America’s favorite Golden Girl has gotten in on the act. Betty White has recently filmed a number of commercials for a life settlement broker and has even partnered with pop singer Luciana to create a music video about life settlements:
Betty White Life Settlement Music Video
It looks like the life settlement marketplace is definitely on the road to recovery and Bell and Associates can help you out along the way with any information or pricing you may need to help educate your clients regarding this viable option.
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| 09/19/2011 |
Interest Rate Change - Annuity Care Product Line |
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One American - Annuity Care & Annuity Care II/III Interest Rate Notice:
In response to the current sustained period of low interest rates, changes are occurring with the State Life Annuity Care® and Annuity Care II/III products effective October 1, 2011. We are, however, pleased to announce that each of the Care Solutions will remain available for you to offer your clients.
Annuity Care and Annuity Care II/III minimum guaranteed interest rates are decreasing to 1.5% effective October 1, 2011
Given the structure of Annuity Care II/III, which uses the internal values of the contract to pay for the monthly charge for the continuation of LTC benefits (COB) provision, there may be instances where the product will have erosion in cash accumulation value. Remember that the longer the duration of the COB, the higher the monthly charge; and the indemnity charge is higher than the reimbursement charge.
Current new business interest rates on Annuity Care and Annuity Care II/III will be announced later this month.
The minimum guaranteed interest rate can only be preserved by submitting the application with full premium to the Home Office by Friday, September 30.
Call your wholesaling team at 1-800-308-2355 for case design and more.
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Guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of The State Life Insurance Company.
Annuity Care® and Annuity Care II are single premium deferred annuities, medically underwritten and issued by The State Life Insurance Company, Indianapolis, IN. They may credit additional interest to amounts withdrawn for qualifying long-term care expenses. State Life Policy Forms: SA34 and SA35. Not available in all states.
Products and financial services provided by The State Life Insurance Company
© 2010 OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc. All rights reserved. OneAmerica® and the OneAmerica banner are all registered trademarks of OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc.
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| 09/07/2011 |
Four States Prohibit Non-Variable Licensed Producers from Recommending the Replacement of a Variable Life Insurance Policy |
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Four states now forbid a life insurance producer not licensed to sell variable products from recommending the replacement of a variable contract or policy: Arkansas, Iowa, Utah and Vermont. More states are expected to enact similar laws or issue consistent guidance on this topic.
Please see below attachment for additional information.
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| 08/24/2011 |
West Coast Life Transitions to Protective Life Brokerage |
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Announced in January, West Coast Life and Protective Life will be combining into a single independent brokerage distribution channel under the Protective Life (PLB) brand. As of August 1, 2011 any new producers will automatically be contracted under the new PLB channel; however, if you are a producer with an existing contract, additional action may be required. If you plan to write new business you will need to be reappointed under the new PLB channel.
In order to get reappointed, or for new producers, appointed, you will receive an email invitation from our office. Once you have received the email, you will be required to complete the online application, which our office will then review and approve for processing at West Coast Life/Protective Life. After the contracting is complete, a link will be sent to you (the Producer) via email to login to the applicant portal and view your contract.
We understand that this process can seem intimidating or daunting, as such if you have any questions about how this transition will work, feel free to contact our office for assistance. Darlene Hester handles all contracting and appointments and can be reached at (800) 308-2355 or via email at darlene@wbassoc.com.
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| 08/01/2011 |
Underwriting Guidelines |
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As they say, knowledge is power; unfortunately trying to keep up with the never ending onslaught of information can be overwhelming. Being able to access and utilize resources proves key during the underwriting process and many times even before you get to the point of a formal application. Most all insurance carriers provide you with an Underwriting Guideline to help you identify certain areas that they may excel or shy away from in a medical or financial underwriting capacity. While it is our job to know the ins and outs of this area, we understand that being an independent financial professional isn’t just a 9-5 job – it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and that you may need or want access to this information at your convenience. Enter the Agent Resources portal of our website. Here we have a wide array of information at your fingertips – from updated Underwriting Guidelines (see AXA’s recent update here ), to product brochures, new sales concepts to incentive trip information. Contact our marketing department at (800) 302-2355 to learn how you can gain access today!
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| 07/04/2011 |
Learn How to Work Smarter With CPA's |
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Pacific Life’s Vice President of Marketing Services for the Life Insurance Division, Alyce Peterson, explains in this month’s “Field News” what CPA’s wish you knew about their business.
“While CPA referrals are coveted by insurance professionals, it often takes a long time to get them. [Pacific Life’s] kit is intended to help you be more effective in your efforts. Successful relationships are the result of understanding each other’s needs. Look for unmet needs and concerns.”
While Alyce’s statements are spot on, a kit alone is not going to be able to get your foot in the door when attempting to approach a new CPA referral – that’s where we come in. Ken Davis, resident CPA, CFP, ChFC, CLU extraordinaire knows the internal workings of a CPA because he is one. Having joined the Bell & Associates team in January 2011, Ken has brought a new light in helping to bridge the GAAP (pun intended) between the world of number crunching and tax returns to the dynamic field of life insurance. Give Ken a call today at (800) 308-2355 to discuss how you can leverage Pacific Life’s “What CPA’s Wish You Knew About Their Business” kit.
Kit available at: http://www.workwithcpas.com
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| 04/05/2011 |
Mutual Of Omaha: Circle of Excellence |
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Mutual of Omaha has recently announced their “Circle of Excellence” destination for 2012 – Sydney, Australia! For more than a decade, Mutual of Omaha has taken Circle of Excellence qualifiers to some of the most incredible places on earth – and 2012 will be no exception. Call our marketing department today at (800) 308-2355 to find out what products Mutual of Omaha and United of Omaha are offering now that will bring you to the top, only to take you Down Under!
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| 01/01/2011 |
New York Regulation 194 |
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Effective January 1, 2011 new disclosure requirements took effect for New York producers. The New York State Insurance Department’s Regulation 194, Producer Compensation Transparency, requires producers selling insurance in New York to disclose compensation either orally or in prominent writing at or prior to the time of application. Please refer to Regulation 194 and its accompanying Circular Letter No. 18 for additional guidance on what information needs to be provided if the purchaser requests additional compensation information.
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| 07/09/2010 |
Pacific Life Insurance Company - Double Conference Credit! |
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Szerbusz! Let's go to Budapest together!
From July 1st through December 31st Pacific Life Insurance Company will honor all new and eligible cases as DOUBLE CREDIT for the upcoming 2011 Leaders Conference!
We are pleased to announce the 2011 Leaders Conference program will be held in the Hungarian Capital of Budapest, “The Paris of Central Europe." The dates of the program are June 21 – 27, 2011.
Presidents Club qualifiers will begin their excursion in Prague, Czech Republic with a magnificent two days of touring this jewel of central Europe prior to flying to Budapest to join the Leaders Conference program.
The two-year qualification period will run from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010, and is based on the sale of Pacific Life and Pacific Life &Annuity’s General Account products (Universal Life, Term Life, Whole Life).
Give our Marketing Team a call today to find out what's new and hot at Pacific Life right now to help you be a part of this great opportunity! (800) 308-2355
You play a significant role in our success as the Leading Marketing Organization for Pacific Life Insurance Company and we appreciate the trust you place in us with your business. We look forward to continuing to work with you and hope to see you on this exciting adventure!
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| 04/30/2010 |
California Agents - Annuity Training Required |
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The California Department of Insurance regulations require licensed agents to complete approved annuity training. Licensed agents must complete 8 hours of initial training before selling any annuities. After completing the initial 8 hours, agents are required to take an additional 4 hours of approved annuity training within every subsequent 2 year renewal period in order to sell annuities.
The Department of Insurance holds insurance carriers responsible for ensuring that agents complete the training in the required time period. Representatives from the department of Insurance have confirmed that our failure to do so would result in both the Company and the agent being subject to penalties and possible court actions.
In order to keep California licensed agents in compliance, we ask that you complete the training for each renewal period prior to soliciting annuity applications during that renewal period. Unfortunately, many carriers will not be able to accept business on the assumption that the training will be completed by the end of the renewal period.
For example: An agent completed 4 hours of required training in December of 2009 and the agents license renewal takes place on April 1, 2010. Training taken in December 2009 counts toward the 4/1/2008 through 3/31/2010 renewal period. The agent needs to take another 4 hours to satisfy the 4/1/2010 through 3/31/2012 renewal period. We require that you fulfill the 4 hour training requirement for this new renewal period before submitting annuity business.
A list of approved courses and providers is available through the California Department of Insurance website. http://www.insurance.ca.gov/
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| 02/15/2010 |
2010 Conference Information |
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See attached file for detailed information pertaining to conference qualifications and details at various carriers. For additional information or to find out your qualification status, please contact Phyllis Towle at phyllis@wbassoc.com.
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| 02/15/2010 |
New York Disclosure Proposal |
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Consistent with our recent report, the final New York insurance producer disclosure regulation was published today to take effect January 1, 2011(click here to view the regulation). It includes requirements that we believe will decrease life insurance coverage, hurt sales and cost jobs without benefiting consumers—particularly notifying customers they can obtain the anticipated amount of producer compensation from a sale and providing it if requested (click here to view the December 2009 AALU/NAIFA-NYS/NAIFA comment letter).
The final regulation makes one change regarding role disclosure. It calls for a brief description of the producer’s role, whereas the proposed regulation had specifically required producers to indicate whether they represent purchasers or insurers in a sale. We expect the Department to issue guidance on compliance prior to the January 1, 2011 effective date. We will provide additional information about the regulation and potential further industry options and efforts on this vital issue.
Best regards,
David J. Stertzer, FLMI
AALU CEO
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