MassMutual Ascend | Welcome

MassMutual Ascend | Welcome

MassMutual Ascend | Welcome
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Taking financial futures Taking financial futures

Great American Life is now MassMutual Ascend

Today’s the day! We’re excited to share with you that our brand as MassMutual Ascend is officially live.

As MassMutual Ascend, our promise is simple: To elevate annuities by rooting everything we do in a culture of service. Whether it’s simplifying processes or streamlining support, we go above and beyond for you and your customers.

Here’s what you can expect from our commitment to always go above and beyond as MassMutual Ascend:

Taking transparency above and beyond
Finding a product that fits your client’s personal situations and future goals is important. At MassMutual Ascend, we focus on providing transparent and easy-to-understand products designed with your client’s needs in mind.

Taking service above and beyond
Everything we do is rooted in a culture of service. We simplify customer support by giving you and your clients what you need when you need it. We seek to provide an accessible experience – from purchasing an annuity to finding account information, we want you and your clients to feel in control every step of the way.

Taking financial strength above and beyond
We want to simplify your clients’ financial goals by always backing them with ratings they can count on. At MassMutual Ascend, we’re here to provide you and your clients with financial confidence for many years to come.

Important things to know:

  • Our marketing materials and forms are now updated with our new logo. We will continue to accept the previous versions of forms with our Great American Life logo through October 28, 2022. If a previous version is submitted after this date, paperwork will be considered Not In Good Order (NIGO) and could result in processing delays.
  • Our websites have a new look! In addition, the URLs have changed. You can find everything you need to manage your business at MMAscendConnect.com. Your clients will now visit MassMutualAscend.com to log into their accounts. 
  • As a reminder, if you do business in Mississippi or Nevada, please refer to this document for important information regarding forms and marketing materials.
  • See today’s press release if you’d like to learn more about our name change.

Watch this short video to get to know MassMutual Ascend

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881
support@pfsinsurance.com

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Annuities and Income in Retirement

Annuities and Income in Retirement

Annuities and Income in Retirement
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What is the best way to produce income in retirement? Do you rely on a company-sponsored retirement plan, your own Individual Retirement Account, a Pension, Social Security, Brokerage account, or rental income? How about an annuity and income in retirement? This consideration has many nuances to consider and is something that is different for each individual’s own circumstances. But the only solution that provides guaranteed income for life, like Social Security, is the annuity, as more and more pensions are being phased out or are non-existent.

Retirement Income

So, what does that mean by income in retirement? Well, in its basic form it is the transition from relying on a salary, or earnings to pay for the necessities of life, and now relying on income in retirement from savings, investments, possible rental income, or a new career or part-time work.

The considerations must be this. Do you need to strive for the highest accumulation now that you are approaching, or are already in retirement, or do you look for more guarantees? It is recommended that no matter what your personal circumstances are that a portion of your savings should provide a level of guarantees, and that would incorporate the annuity for income in retirement.

Retirement Replacement Income

A simple way to help determine your need is this. First register on www.sss.gov/myaccount. Once there you will be able to see your estimated benefit based on your FRA(Full retirement age). Once you have obtained this number determine how much of your pre-retirement salary you want to replace. Quick example: If you are making $100,00 a year, one example would be replacing 60%, or $60,000, or $5,000 a Month. You can now calculate how much you would need to put into the annuity to produce this amount for life. Now assess your fixed expenses and determine how much will come from Social Security, and how much additional you will need to feel comfortable from a living standpoint. If Social Security is exclusively being spent to take care of your fixed expenses, then you need the additional buffer that an annuity will provide for lifetime retirement income.

Retirement Costs

Whatever your circumstances are costs are going up not just to live. Healthcare, travel, and housing are just a few things that continue to increase. Having an annuity as a part of your retirement plan can give you the peace of mind necessary to outlive what you have saved.

If you need an expert to explain and suggest options with annuities that can provide the guaranteed income for life in retirement that a client or yourself would benefit from, contact the experts at Pinnacle Financial Services, to provide important insight and solutions.

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Senior Sales Director | Life, Annuity, & LTC

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1 (800) 772-6881
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Global Atlantic | Are you missing out on a $700B market?

Global Atlantic | Are you missing out on a $700B market?

Global Atlantic | Are you missing out on a $700B market?
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The financial services industry is missing out on $700 billion by not meeting the expectations of women investors.

Our “Women, Wealth & Wisdom” podcast episodes reveal what many women find most frustrating about working with financial professionals — and pinpoint what you can do to help become their trusted resource for financial guidance.

The “Women, Wealth & Wisdom” series is just one part of Your Thriving Practice — a new one-stop destination delivering industry-specific insights and resources that help financial professionals thrive. Bookmark the page and return regularly!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

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Athene | Pennsylvania adopts new Best Interest Suitability Regulation

Athene | Pennsylvania adopts new Best Interest Suitability Regulation

Athene | Pennsylvania adopts new Best Interest Suitability Regulation
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Pennsylvania has adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) revisions to the Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation (#275) effective June 20, 2022. The revisions impose new requirements on both producers and insurers. Most notably, producers are required to act in the best interest of the consumer when recommending an annuity purchase by meeting Best Interest Obligations defined by the regulation.

Here’s what you’ll need to do to meet your Best Interest Obligations for Pennsylvania. We will continue to update you as additional states adopt the new regulation and approve training courses.

Required training

As part of the Best Interest Standards, Pennsylvania has implemented the following regulatory training requirements:  

  • If you were licensed in Pennsylvania and completed model law training before June 20, 2022, you must complete the 1-hour best interest supplemental training course or the new 4-hour training course on or prior to December 20, 2022.
  • For those licensed on or after June 20, 2022, the new 4-hour training course will be required before selling annuities.

Training is available through the RegEd platform. Once completed, RegEd will notify Athene that you have satisfied your requirement. While Athene will accept training through other platforms, you will need to provide Athene with proof of completion.

Forms and materials

As previously announced, the following Athene suitability forms have been updated to comply with best interest obligations:

Please note: Your organization may not use Athene suitability forms. Be sure to check with your back office for guidelines.

If your organization uses Athene suitability forms, the revised forms listed above will be required in all states (except FL, MN, and NY, which have state-specific forms), whether the new suitability regulation has been adopted or not.

New – Appendix A

With the adoption of the Best Interest Standard, Pennsylvania will require the use of an Insurance Agent [Producer] Disclosure for Annuities form, often referred to as “Appendix A”. For your convenience, we’ve created a version of Appendix A (22712, Ver. 12/20) for you to use.

Important Processing dates for Athene suitability users

For those that use Athene suitability forms, we will require a version of Appendix A (Athene’s form or another version that matches the regulation’s prescribed form) to accompany all applications received by Athene on or after market close (3 p.m. CT) on June 20, 2022.

Please note: Appendix A must be signed by both the producer and customer(s).

All new or revised materials and forms are available now on Athene Connect for all states (except FL, MN, and NY, which have state-specific forms) and should be used immediately.

Applications with outdated or missing forms that do not fall within the guidelines above will be considered “not in good order.” Be sure to use up-to-date materials when offering Athene annuities.

Still, have questions?

For additional information, and to get a better understanding of Athene’s considerations during the suitability review process, please familiarize yourself with our producer guidelines and helpful tips:

Thank you for your business. As the market leader in fixed indexed annuities, we’re driven to outperform so your clients can retire confidently. For product and sales support, contact the best Sales Desk in the business at 888-ANNUITY (266-8489).

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881
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JournyMark | The FIA that accepts NQ Stretches … and more!

JournyMark | The FIA that accepts NQ Stretches … and more!

JournyMark | The FIA that accepts NQ Stretches … and more!
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YES! We Take That.

Tired of limited product offerings
for your clients’ special circumstances?

Introducing JourneyMark, the NEW fixed indexed annuity that meets diverse client needs and offers previously elusive sales opportunities.

 

JourneyMark

Most FIAs

3-in-1 product versatility: accumulation focused, liquidity focused, or income focused.

YES

NO

Backed by a carrier with an A+ AM Best rating* and a 96 Comdex ranking.**

YES

NO

Accepts Inherited IRAs, Inherited Roth IRAs, and Non-qualified Stretches.†
Inherited IRAs are available with eligible beneficiaries only.

YES

NO

Allows for trust or corporation ownership.††

YES

NO

Available for older clients—ages 86–90 with a five-year duration.

YES

NO

Approved in 49 states and DC.§

YES

NO

Offers a true income doubler option for declining health—no state exclusions.§

YES

NO

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881
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Mutual of Omaha | Express – June 29th

Mutual of Omaha | Express – June 29th

Mutual of Omaha | Express – June 29th
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Express

A weekly Update for Mutual of Omaha’s Brokerage Sales Distribution

June 29, 2022

Medicare Solutions

New Medicare Supplement Plans in Texas

Effective July 7, 2022, you may begin selling new Medicare supplement plans in Texas.

2023 PDP Product and Compliance Trainings Now Available

Get ready to sell for the 2023 PDP Plan Year with AHIP certification, as well as Mutual of Omaha Rx Compliance and Product training courses.

It’s Easy to Qualify for a Trip to Sunny San Diego

Don’t forget to earn yourself a spot and join us on a blissful trip to sunny San Diego, this fall.

Q3 Broker Bonus Program

We are bringing back one of our popular incentive programs for Q3. Learn more about Broker Bonus here.

Upcoming Rate Adjustments

View upcoming rate adjustments for various states.

Life Insurance

Protection for Life with Life Protection Advantage IUL

Life Protection Advantage IUL is built to provide your clients with death benefit protection they can depend on.

Promote Living Promise in Your Own Way

Our customizable postcard for Living Promise allows you to select multiple fields to create the marketing piece you need to promote Living Promise.

Long-Term Care

Is it the “Golden Age” for Long-Term Care?

Did you have a chance to listen to our latest Advanced Markets Minute by Stephen Allloy? Last week’s article is called “The Golden Age for Long-Term Care.”

Mutual of Omaha Provides Protection That Endures

When it comes to choosing a long-term care insurance carrier, your clients need a company they know will be there now and into the future. Watch the video to learn more.

Disability

Increase Your Mutual Income Solutions Placement Rate

Thoroughly prescreen your clients by familiarizing yourself with the DI build chart, eligible occupations, uninsurable health conditions, and more.

Mutual Income Solutions Summer Webinar Series

Don’t miss our last two sessions and your opportunity to increase your knowledge of Mutual of Omaha’s Mutual Income Solutions disability insurance product.

Critical Illness

Choosing the Right Critical Advantage Policy for Your Client

Help your client decide which Critical Advantage policy would best suit their needs.

The Advantages of the Critical Advantage e-App

Looking for guidance on how to submit an e-App for Critical Illness, Heart Attack/Stroke, or Cancer Insurance? Our e-App guide has you covered.

Annuities

NEW Ultra Premier Annuity Prospecting Flyer

NEW Ultra Premier Annuity Prospecting Flyer Now Available

Annuity Interest Rates Effective July 1, 2022

Annuity Interest Rates Remain Unchanged for July 1, 2022

News

Independence Day Holiday Office Closing Reminder

Independence Day Holiday Office Closing Reminder

New Supply Order Form

Effective immediately, please begin using the newest Supply Order Form.

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881
support@pfsinsurance.com

Contact Us

Contact a Pinnacle Financial Service representative today for assistance.

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