| News covering the insurance and financial advising industry |  |
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- Survey: Agents see higher revenue from investment products
Career and independent insurance agents have seen revenues from investment products increase to 30% of sales this year, compared with 23% in 2004, according to a LIMRA survey. The survey also found that 43% of advisers said they focus on a client niche to enhance productivity, and that advisers do about half of their insurance business with their top carrier. National Underwriter Life & Health
(11/15)     
| Industry News | | |
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- Experts recommend benchmarking for retirement-plan sponsors
Retirement-plan sponsors aren't required by regulation to perform a benchmarking analysis as part of their fiduciary responsibilities, but it can be an effective way to help meet ERISA due-diligence obligations, experts say. Benchmarking provides an opportunity for independent, bank and insurance broker-dealers to "differentiate themselves from the competition," says Thomas Quercia of Broadridge. "... There's a lot of angst around the fiduciary standard." AdvisorOne
(11/14)
- What the Social Security adjustment will mean for retirees
Retirees may see a little more in their Social Security benefits checks starting in January, when a 1.7% cost-of-living increase goes into effect. But seniors who have insurance premiums withheld from their checks might end up with less. In addition, those still in the workforce could see other Social Security changes affect their take-home pay starting in January. MarketWatch/The RetireMentors blog
(11/14)
- Experts: LGBT community has concerns for advisers to address
The median household income of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans outpaces that of the general population by more than $10,000, according to a Prudential survey. Same-sex couples also face special challenges, particularly relating to estate planning and survivor benefits, experts said. "There is a lack of understanding by financial advisers and firms about the unique needs of the community," Prudential's John Myung says. National Underwriter Life & Health
(11/15)
| Policy Watch | | |
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- Medicare changes are possible in "fiscal cliff" talks
A deal on the "fiscal cliff" could include changes for Medicare and Medicaid, Mary Agnes Carey writes. One idea, backed by a bipartisan commission, would cap spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs at 1% more than the rise in gross domestic product. Provider payments and Medicare's age of eligibility, deductibles and Medigap coverage are among the ideas that could come into play, Carey writes. Kaiser Health News
(11/13)
| Building Your Business | | |
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- Study: Advisers get ahead when they work in teams
Advisers who team up with others can raise their productivity by 15%, and those who combine teamwork with other actions, such as targeting specific types of clients and creating retirement plans for them, can raise productivity by 30%, a study from McKinsey & Co. and LIMRA found. Financial-Planning.com
(11/13)
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