| News covering the insurance and financial advising industry |  |
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- Financial advisers' "fiscal cliff" advice: Don't panic
Financial advisers are hearing many questions from clients fearing that Congress and the White House won't come up with a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff." Most advisers say they agree that investors shouldn't panic. Rash action is almost always a mistake, they say. CNNMoney
(12/23)     
| Industry News | | |
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- More investors, employers turn to advisers for 401(k) help
Participants in 401(k) plans are increasingly seeking help from financial advisers as they try to navigate their plans and maximize returns. In addition, more advisers are working with plan sponsors, helping them manage their plans, make improvements and meet legal obligations. Experts say demand for advisers working in both capacities will increase. The Wall Street Journal
(12/27)
- Agent optimism greets Athene deal to acquire Aviva USA
Industry experts have expressed optimism over the announced $1.55 billion acquisition of Aviva USA by Athene Holding. The move marks the fourth acquisition in the fixed- and indexed-annuity market since 2011 for Athene, which is backed by private-equity firm Apollo Global Management. The acquisition is expected to boost sales by resolving concerns about the fate of Aviva, and it may lead to product improvements and improved ratings, agents and analysts said. InvestmentNews (free registration)
(12/27)
- A joint approach to retirement planning
Couples who plan together can more effectively maximize their retirement resources, Anthony Kippins writes. Among the six steps he recommends for joint planning: Funnel the most 401(k) money into the plan with the best match and diversify assets between each partner's plan. ABC News
(12/27)
| Investment Trends | | |
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- Number of alternative mutual funds soars
Mutual fund operators are attempting to mimic the success of hedge funds by offering alternative mutual fund options. The alternative funds, which can include strategies like shorting or investing in complex derivatives, have seen sharp growth in recent years. More than half of these alternative mutual funds have been founded since 2008, according to Morningstar. Financial Advisor online
(12/26)
| Policy Watch | | |
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- Analysis: Medicare Advantage managed care needs a look
More seniors are enrolling in Medicare Advantage managed care, a program based on paying a fixed amount to the chosen plans rather than the traditional fee-for-service model. Studies show that Medicare Advantage patients are less likely to make emergency-department visits, have outpatient surgery or be readmitted to hospitals. Medicare Advantage plans have the potential to be the basis for transforming Medicare, and patients and policymakers should be looking at them carefully, Howard Gleckman writes. Forbes
(12/26)
| Building Your Business | | |
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- Step up performance to see better raises and bonuses
If your year-end bonus or pay raise isn't what you think you deserve, step up your performance or ask the boss for more responsibilities, writes Angie Herbers. "Think about it as you would a client relationship. Advisors who simply raise their fees to make more money usually lose clients. But if they increase their services, clients are usually happy to pay more," Herbers writes. AdvisorOne
(12/23)
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The ValuePitch Process is a free online video training program designed with features unique to NAIFA members that employs a four-step process to help you identify, refine and build your "elevator speech." Learn more about this free member benefit.
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