Getting Back
to Basics
When and Where Variable
Annuities Make the Most Sense

by Heather Dzielak
A lot has been written lately about variable annuities. Positive articles discuss the innovation of new features and benefits, but overshadowing these are more negative articles focusing on some of the drawbacks. We’ll be the first to admit that a variable annuity is not for everyone. But, there’s no more effective vehicle to help certain clients accumulate, protect, and provide for retirement income. Let’s review the basics to determine which clients can benefit most from these multi-functional retirement vehicles. Click Here For More

Annuities

updated 5/14/08
Variable Annuity
Sun Life Financial introduced the “Retirement Income Escalator.” Customers can lock in a higher withdrawal percentage. Customers who won’t need income until later will receive an annual bonus of 7% to the withdrawal benefit base for the first 10 contract years if no withdrawals are taken in that period. This living benefit is available for an additional charge with Sun Life Financial Masters variable annuities. For more information, visit www.sunlife.com

Variable Annuity
The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. introduced a variable annuity product, “Hartford Leaders.” It combines the best investment options, features, benefits, service, and support from its two prior products into one variable annuity. For more information, visit www.hartfordinvestor.com.

updated 5/7/08
Fixed Index Annuity
Jackson National launched Select Annual Reset, a fixed index annuity that combines the potential to earn additional interest with protection of principal. In addition to a guaranteed minimum interest rate and a guaranteed minimum death benefit, Select Annual Reset allows investors to earn additional interest based on the performance of Jackson’s proprietary Multi-Strategy Index, the S&P 500 Index, or a combination of both. For more information, call 800-777-7900 or visit www.jnl.com.

updated 4/30/08
Fixed Annuity
Jackson expanded its fixed index annuity offering with the launch of Select Annual Reset -- a new FIA product that combines the potential to earn additional interest with protection of principal. For more information, visit www.jnl.com.

updated 3/19/08
Fixed Annuity
Allianz Life revamped the MasterDex portfolio by adding the Income Plus Benefit rider on the Allianz MasterDex 5 Plus for an additional cost. It allows consumers to get lifetime payments that can grow every year with indexed interest. For more information, visit www.allianzlife.com.

updated 3/12/08
Annuity
AIG introduced the AIG Global Index Annuity Series. A Global Multiple Index account is linked to the S&P 500, the Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50, and the Nikkei 225. The index that performs the best at the end of each year gets the highest weight in determining interest credited to the account. There is also a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit. The Global Index Annuity Series includes flexible premium products that allow clients to contribute more premiums whenever they want. For more information, visit www.aigag.com or e-mail annuitymarketing@aigag.com.

Variable Annuity
Sun Life introduced investment options for its Masters Variable Annuity suite. The 90/10 Masters Model is for customers who want investments that are weighted heavily in stock funds. Sun Life also added the Franklin Founding Allocation Fund and enhanced the “Build Your Own Portfolio” option for customers who want to customize their investment strategy within any of the four Masters variable annuities. For more information, visit www.sunlife-usa.com.

updated 3/05/08
Annuity Rider
Old Mutual Financial Network (OMFN) introduced OM Income Advantage. The optional living benefit provides guaranteed lifetime income with flexibility and no requirement to annuitize. It is available as a rider to new annuity products from OM Financial Life. It provides investors with up to two 10-year accumulation periods offering a basic 4% or enhanced 6% roll-up, the ability to re-start a roll-up period, and the flexibility to stop and start income payments at any time during the withdrawal period. For more information visit www.omfn.com

updated 2/27/08
Annuity
AXA Equitable Life is launching enhancements to its competitive guaranteed withdrawal benefit for life (GWBL), which is available with the company's top-selling Accumulator series of variable annuities. The enhancements feature a 200% initial GWBL benefit base guarantee and a 7% annual deferral bonus, which is an increase over the previous 5% annual deferral bonus. For more information, visit www.axa-equitable.com.

Variable Annuity
Lincoln Financial Group introduced its guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) rider with its variable annuity product. It offers pre-retirees guaranteed minimum lifetime income for retirement, which is guaranteed to grow as they approach their retirement date. Brokers and clients retain full control of the asset and access to it. For more information, visit www.LFG.com.

updated 2/12/08
Variable Annuity
Prudential is offering variable annuity optional living benefits. They offer a protected withdrawal value based on 7% annual compounded growth on the highest daily account value. They also offer daily opportunities to capture more lifetime income with a 5% to 8% income stream, depending on age at first withdrawal, guaranteed for life. For more information, visit www.prudential.com/retirementincome.

Updated 2/06/08
Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity
Fort Dearborn Life introduced its Classic Fortifier, a flexible premium deferred fixed annuity. It is designed for conservative investors who want to consolidate their assets into one tax-deferred vehicle and still be able to withdraw their funds if the interest rate drops. For more information, call 800-282-6363.

updated 1/23/08
Variable Annuity
Massachusetts Mutual enhanced certain deferred variable annuities in its retirement income product portfolio. The MassMutual Lifetime Payment Plus guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB) and MML Asset Allocation fund series offer added flexibility and guarantees against market volatility for those approaching retirement. With the introduction of Lifetime Payment Plus, MassMutual is the highest rated insurer with a full suite of living benefits. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

updated 12/19/07
Deferred Income Annuity
MetLife is offering Longevity Income Guarantee (LIG). The retail deferred income annuity is offered through MetLife Investors, the company’ s independent distribution arm. It is designed to help clients maximize, protect, and guarantee income for life in retirement. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

updated 12/12/07
Annuities
Senior Market Sales Inc. introduced the new BPASelect and BPASelect Bonus family of annuities from the Annexus Group. With the same basic makeup as other fixed indexed annuities, the difference is in three patents pending:

• A new structural design that is more stable than annual reset in volatile markets.
• The ability to track annuity values daily.
• A family endowment rider guaranteeing a 5% annual death benefit increase.

For more information, visit www.seniormarketsales.com/BPA-Select.

updated 12/5/07
Variable Annuities
Jackson National Life launched several enhancements to its Perspective family of variable annuities. In addition to strengthening and increasing its roster of optional living benefits, Jackson added five new underlying investment strategies, which are sub-advised by Standard & Poor's Investment Advisory Services LLC. Jackson also launched LifeGuard Select, a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit, and FutureGuard 6, a guaranteed minimum income benefit. For more information, visit www.jnl.com.

Variable Annuities
Owners of MultiOption variable annuity contracts issued by Minnesota Life have 15 more investment options including five asset allocation portfolios that use exchange-traded funds. For more information, call 888-237-1838.

401(k)s and Annuities
Pacific Life Insurance Company added a suite of variable annuities as a funding option for its Pacific Life Individual(k) Program. With five PL portfolio optimization funds and 15 individual mutual funds, the program is a cost-effective 401(k) designed for self-employed business owners and their spouses. For more information, visit www.PacificLife.com.

updated 10/31/07
Index-based 401(k)
Blue Ocean Portfolios is launching Blue Ocean 401(k), which it says is one of the lowest cost, full service 401(k) plans in the industry.  Blue Ocean 401(k) uses low cost mutual funds to construct and maintain diversified model portfolios. The average total participant cost in the plan is 0.79% of assets annually, including the expense ratios of the underlying index funds. For more information, visit www.BlueOcean401k.com.

Indexed UL
Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group will host a free Webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 11:00 a.m. to Noon (PST) on how TransIndex UL’s simple three-step formula can help expand a financial advisor’s market and attract new clients.

Interested financial advisors can register for the Webinar and can obtain additional information by contacting Mitzi Takeuchi, Product Marketing Manager, at (213) 742-2318 or by e-mail to mitzi.takeuchi@transamerica.com.

updated 9/26/07
Fixed Index Annuity
Jackson National Life launched “AscenderPlus Select.” The fixed index annuity includes a guaranteed minimum interest rate and death benefit. Investors can earn additional interest, which is linked to the Multi-Strategy Index, the S&P 500 Index, or a combination of both. For more information, visit www.jnl.com.
updated 9/19/07
Annuity Platform
The Standard launched Mainspring Retirement Plan Solutions. Standard has added a managed account solution to its group annuity platform and an enhanced product and service offering for plan sponsors and their participants. For more information, visit www.retirement.standard.com.

updated 9/5/07
Variable Annuity
Nationwide Financial Services Inc. enhanced its Nationwide lifetime income rider to offer consumers more guaranteed retirement income from their variable annuity.

Enhancements include the following:

• A guaranteed roll-up of 7%, up from 5%.
• A reset option that adjusts the income benefit base at each rider anniversary if the contract value is higher than the existing benefit base.
• If the market is flat or down, the new roll-up translates to a guaranteed 70% increase to the income benefit base if the consumer waits 10 years to take a withdrawal, which provides a cushion against inflation.

If the market is up and the contract value at any rider anniversary is higher than the guaranteed minimum value, the contract value will become the new benefit base. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

updated 8/22/07
Indexed Annuity
Bankers Life and Casualty Company introduced "The Premium Bonus Indexed Annuity." It offers the simplicity of a fixed annuity, the opportunity to earn returns linked to the S&P 500 Index, and protection for the annuity's principal and growth against downside market risks. Four percent of the net single premium amount is credited to the index value when the annuity is issued. The premium bonus helps the annuity earn money from the start. For more information, visit www.bankers.com.

Variable Annuity
ING introduced "ING LifePay Plus." It provides a guaranteed 7% annual minimum increase to the withdrawal base during the first 10 years of the annuity contract. It also includes automatic quarterly ratchets during the growth phase and automatic quarterly resets during the withdrawal phase. For more information, visit www.ing.com.

 

updated 8/15/07
Single Premium Annuity
AIG American General introduced an index single-premium deferred annuity called "AIG VisionMaximizer." It allows clients to participate in market growth partly based on increases in the S&P 500 Index. At the same time, it provides protection from decreases in a client's annuity value due to index losses. It includes four accounts from which to choose, free withdrawals in all years, a premium bonus, and a death benefit. For more information, visit www.aigag.com.

Fixed Annuity Rider
Legacy Washington National Insurance Company introduced the "Enhanced Care Rider" in its series of fixed index annuities. The rider increases the annuity value when the designated annuitant qualifies. The increased value can be withdrawn free of surrender charges or market value adjustment. It could also be left to grow tax-deferred. The owner can withdraw funds for any purpose including covering the cost of a long-term care need. For more information, call 888-453-1809.

updated 8/8/07
Annuity
AIG American General launched AIG "VisionMaximizer," an index single-premium deferred annuity. It allows clients to participate in market growth based, in part, on increases in the S&P 500. It provides protection from decreases in annuity value due to index losses. It also has four accounts to choose from, free withdrawals in all years, a premium bonus, and a death benefit. For more information, visit www.aigag.com
Updated 7/18/07
Annuity Guidance
The Retirement Security Institute released a publication titled, “The Truth about Annuities and Retirement Income.” It is for professionals serving the retirement market. For more information, visit www.retirementsecurityinstitute.com.

updated 7/11/07
Fixed Annuity
Nationwide Financial Services introduced the "Nationwide Trio Select+ Fixed Annuity." The flexible fixed annuity allows owners to make multiple deposits, provides a competitive minimum guaranteed renewal rate, and allows consumers to select from guaranteed interest rate periods of one, three, or five years. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com .

updated 6/20/07
Immediate Annuities
MassMutual Financial Group introduced a single premium immediate variable annuity, MassMutual ?RetireEase Select.? It enables people to get guaranteed lifetime income with growth potential. MassMutual also introduced and a single premium fixed immediate annuity, ?RetireEase.? It offers fixed guaranteed lifetime income with optional inflation protection. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

Variable Annuities
AXA Equitable Life enhanced its Accumulator series of variable annuities, including an expanded choice of living benefits and the unbundling of optional income and death benefits. AXA Equitable added a 6.5% roll-up benefit for contracts with certain Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB) and Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) riders. This is in addition to the company's 6% roll-up benefit. For more information, visit www.variableannuityfacts.org).

Single Premium Immediate Annuity
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans introduced a single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) that includes a payment type adjusted for inflation. Payments are linked to the Consumer Price Index and are guaranteed never to decrease. If deflation rather than inflation occurs, annuitants never get less than the amount they got the previous year. For more information, call 612-844-5088.

updated 6/13/07
Single Premium Immediate Annuities
MassMutual introduced a single premium immediate variable annuity and a single premium fixed immediate annuity. These products offer additional solutions for pre-retirees who want to convert a portion of their accumulated retirement assets into guaranteed lifetime income. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

Variable Annuities
Owners of ING variable annuity contracts with MGIB riders can now allocate their entire contract value into any investment option under the contract. They can do so without having to invest a 20% minimum allocation as was previously required. New investment options are the following:

• ING Van Kampen Equity & Income Portfolio
• ING Franklin Mutual Shares Portfolio
• ING T. Rowe Price Growth Equity Portfolio

For more information, visit www.ing.com.

updated 6/6/07
Variable Annuity
AXA Equitable Life Insurance Co. introduced enhancements to its Accumulator series of variable annuities including an expanded choice of living benefits and the unbundling of optional income and death benefits. For more information, call 212-314-2811.

Variable Annuity
Symetra Life Insurance Company introduced a new variable annuity. Focus Variable Annuity is one of the only variable annuities featuring index investment options from Vanguard. The product's low-cost structure and investment options are designed to help clients keep more of the returns generated from investments linked to the annuity. For more information, visit www.symetra.com/focus .

Variable Annuity
Integrity Life Insurance Company introduced a new variable annuity living benefit rider that can guarantee investors regular income for life no matter how financial markets fare. It is designed to maintain and potentially gain income during retirement. For more information, visit www.westernsouthern.com .

updated 4/25/07
Variable Annuity
Security Benefit says it has combined a very low-cost variable annuity with powerful investment options and an optional living benefit. EliteDesigns is structured to suit a relatively passive, but well-diversified buy-and-hold investment program to a highly sophisticated strategy. For more information, visit www.securitybenefit.com. (updated 10/18/06)
Index Annuity
American General introduced ?VisionAdvantage Annuity,? an index single-premium deferred annuity that combines duration flexibility with potential for market growth. VisionAdvantage offers a choice of three duration options: five-year, seven-year and nine-year terms. Clients can benefit from potential market growth while having the freedom to re-evaluate their financial situations in the not-too-distant future. Buyers can allocate their funds among four indexed accounts that credit interest based, in part, on the performance of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, e-mail AnnuityMarketing@aigag.com.


(updated 9/20/06)
Index Annuity
American General revised the ?HorizonIndex? annuity. It now offers a choice between two death benefits: one that pays the full annuity value as a stream of payments or an optional death benefit rider, which pays the annuity value as a one-time lump sum. For more information, e-mail to AnnuityMarketing@aigag.com.

Updated 9/13/06
Indexed Annuity
Protective Life Insurance Company enhanced its ?Protective ProSaver Index Series Annuities.? Purchasers can allocate money into a combination of three interest-crediting strategies: a fixed account, a traditional indexed account, and the new fixed rate plus account. The Fixed Rate Plus Account offers the security of fixed interest crediting and the opportunity to have indexed interest crediting in one account. Each year, money allocated to the Fixed Rate Plus Account gets a fixed rate of interest that is credited and compounded daily throughout the contract year. For more information, call 205-268-3029.

Updated 9/6/06
Structured Settlements for Legal Professionals
MassMutual is offering its structured settlement annuity for funding stand-alone attorney fees. This option expands plaintiff attorneys' opportunities to structure their fees for representing their plaintiffs who settle claims involving wrongful death, physical injury, or sickness caused by torts. The structured settlement product option is available to the plaintiff's attorney regardless of whether the plaintiff chooses a structured settlement to settle the underlying, tort-related claim. For more information, call www.massmutual.com.

Variable Annuity
ING added a spousal withdrawal benefit to its variable annuities. The new ING Joint LifePay withdrawal feature offers a guaranteed lifetime benefit for married couples and expands the ING LifePay withdrawal feature for individuals. ING LifePay and ING Joint LifePay provide guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits for life. For more information, visit www.ing.com.

Annuity
MassMutual is reducing mortality and expense (M&E) plus administrative charges by 10 basis points on new and existing contracts for MassMutual Transitions Select and the MassMutual Evolution flexible-premium deferred variable annuity. Mass Mutual is also re-introducing ?Panorama Passage,? a flexible-premium deferred variable annuity contract with no-contingent deferred sales charge. It has more than 40 investment choices, total separate account annual expenses, which reduce after 10 years, and automatic portfolio rebalancing. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

Updated 8/23/06
Index Annuity
American General (AIG) introduced an index annuity product called, ?Emerging Edge Annuity.? The single-premium deferred index annuity offers four interest-crediting accounts, which can be used to help diversify earnings ability. Michael Harrison of AIG said that its methodology is simple to understand and easy to communicate to clients and its multiple accounts allow for more diversification and opportunities for improved performance. For more information, call 713-831-3127.

(updated 8/02/06)
Structured Settlement Annuity
MassMutual introduced “MassMutual Structure Plus.” The new concept, which uses a structured settlement annuity, is designed to provide a more comprehensive solution for the life-care needs of people with catastrophic injuries. It provides a lump-sum payment, which also funds a trust account. Most of the settlement proceeds are structured, while the trust serves as a resource to help meet the uncertain needs of the injured party. The injured party may designate additional lump sum payments from the structured settlement to be paid into the trust over time. The trust portion of MassMutual Structure Plus is subject to a minimum period of seven years, during which the trust will be irrevocable. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

(updated 6/28/06)
Indexed Fixed Annuity
Securian Financial introduced “SecureLink” -- an indexed, fixed annuity, which may provide higher interest rate opportunities and a guarantee against negative performance. SecureLink is for consumers who want the potential for higher returns than what fixed rate products usually offer. It is for clients who don't want to lose money, but do want to earn more than a couple of percentage points of interest. For more information, call 651-665-7558.

ixed Annuity
Fairlane Financial and North American Company for Life and Health introduced a fixed annuity for Baby Boomers. The flexible-premium deferred annuity offers a guaranteed 5% premium bonus on all premiums paid during the first five contract years. If Baby Boomers begin supplemental income after the 10-year surrender charge period, a 5% annuitization bonus is credited to their account value, which can significantly increase their monthly payout. For more information, call 866-322-7066.

Equity-Indexed Annuities Comparisons
Consumers considering equity-indexed annuities (EIAs) can now evaluate them online at www.personalyze.org. Each product gets a letter grade for overall performance. The site also lists financial advisors who have passed a screening process. For more information, call 714-641-1464 or e-mail doricem@mcppremium.com.

(updated 6/21/08)
Annuity Tracking
Finetre Corp. launched indices that measure total sales of annuity products within the full-service brokerage sector. Published weekly, the “Finetre AnnuityTrak Report” measures total annuity sales, annuity replacement sales, and new money sales. It provides brokerage firms with online transaction processing and compliance oversight capabilities for annuities and other insurance and investment vehicles. For more information, visit www.finetre.com.

(updated 6/14/06)
Variable Annuity
MetLife launched the “Lifetime Withdrawal Guarantee” rider for most new variable annuities. The rider allows customers to withdraw up to 5% of their purchase payments for as long as they live, beginning as early as age 59 1/2. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

(updated 5/31/06)
Guide to Variable Annuities
Annuity IQ released a guide to understanding variable annuity living benefits. The free resource is available at www.annuityiq.com.

Fixed Annuities
Fort Dearborn Life introduced its “Platinum Fortifier” annuity product. The single premium fixed annuity has a 3% minimum guarantee interest rate. Set over a seven-year surrender charge schedule, the product offers an optional return-of-premium benefit, which is elected at the time of the sale. Other features include first-year bonus rates as high at 3%, issuance up to age 90, immediate monthly interest or 10% free withdrawal in the first policy year, an account value death benefit, and a 100% waiver on nursing home and terminal illness. For more information, call (800) 282-6363.
(updated 5/16/06)
Annuities
New York Life announced that its “LifeStages” variable and fixed annuities can now be used to fund simple IRAs for employees. The products are designed to address the needs of small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. By funding their plan with the annuities, employees can choose fixed interest rate products with competitive guaranteed rates or variable products and have the flexibility of adjusting their investment choices according to their needs. For more information, call 800-598-2019.
(updated 5/04/06)
Variable Annuities
Sun Life Financial introduced an optional living benefit, “Secured Returns for Life Plus.” It is available with its Masters variable annuity product line. A new step-up program awards clients annual bonuses for deferring income. The enhancements, combined with Sun Life's guaranteed principal and income benefits, allow clients to increase their guaranteed amounts in any market condition, maximizing their opportunity to grow retirement income. For more information, visit www.sunlife-usa.com.

Variable Annuities
Jackson National Life enhanced its Perspective family of variable annuities. The company added five new guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit options, which provide a guaranteed return of premium and lifetime income and continuation of benefits for joint survivors. JNL has expanded its fund lineup across its variable annuity products to include new offerings from Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Lazard Asset Management, Franklin Templeton Investments, and Mellon Capital Management. For more information, call 800-711-5653.

(updated 4/19/06)
Variable Annuity
Horace Mann Educators Corp. released two annuity products for educators. The “Goal Planning Annuity” (GPA) offers a variable annuity product with a fixed interest account option and two optional riders that enhance the death benefit feature. “Expanding Horizons” is a new fixed interest rate annuity contract for more conservative investors. It offers a competitive rate of interest on retirement dollars and the choice of bonuses to optimize benefits at retirement. For more information, visit www.horacemann.com.

(updated 4/3/06)
Annuities
The Hartford introduced “Income Security,” a fixed payment annuity, which guarantees lifetime income starting at a future point and continuing for the rest of one's life. For more information, call 860-843-5150.
(updated 3/29/06)
Variable Annuity Riders
Guardian introduced two new living benefit riders for variable annuities. They are guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits. “Spousal AssetAccess” extends a withdrawal guarantee to spouses. The rider provides the opportunity to make withdrawals or receive payments in guaranteed annual amounts that last as long as either spouse is alive. Lifetime AssetAccess enables individuals to make withdrawals or receive payments in guaranteed annual amounts that last as long as they live. For more information, call 800-221-3253.
(updated 3/22/06)
Variable Annuity
Prudential Annuities launched “Spousal Lifetime Five.” The variable annuity optional living benefit offers spousal coverage with no reduction in lifetime income at the death of the first spouse. It guarantees annual income equal to 5% of a married couple’s protected withdrawal value. The new living benefit enhances Prudential's “Lifetime Five” option introduced last year as the industry's guaranteed-withdrawals-for-life living benefit. For more information, call 976-802-9989.

Individual Annuity
Standard Insurance Company is offering the “Index Growth Annuity.” (IGA) It offers optimized growth potential and strong guarantees. An IGA contract can receive interest with a rise in the S&P 500 index, but does not lose account value with a decline. The IGA is designed for people who want the guaranteed rates and the features of an annuity and a return that capitalizes on positive economic conditions, which may exceed traditional fixed products. For more information, call 800-378-4578, ext. 6605
or e-mail mmcclena@standard.com

(updated 3/15/06)
EIA Software
MCP Premium released “EIA Ratings Tools.” The software offers proprietary performance grades for agents to compare up to 15 equity-indexed annuities, starting from any month in one of three 10-year periods. The grade system, which covers roughly 200 EIAs, provides analysis that goes beyond average rates-of-return. Advisors can see the correlation coefficient, beta, and standard deviation of each EIA crediting method -- factors that help measure the consistency of returns. For more information, e-mail at sales@mcppremium.com or call 877-773-4774.

(updated 3/3/06)
Variable Annuities
MetLife enhanced its Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (called GMIB Plus or Predictor Plus) rider for variable annuities. It will allow customers to take advantage of market gains annually, rather than every three years. If the account value increases due to market gains, customers may increase the 5% compounding income base, which is used to calculate future minimum income payments, each year up to the account value. For more information, call 212-578-4072.

(updated 2/22/06)
Annuity Selling System
Prospects-to-Profits.com introduced an annuity selling system for financial advisors. It involves the following:

• Access to a top producer so advisors can ask questions and avoid mistakes.
• Access to effective direct mail.
• A brand building package that consists of a ghost written book and newsletters.
• A software package.
• A seminar package.

For more information, visit www.prospects-to-Profits.com and www.prospects-to-profits.blogspot.com.

Fixed Indexed Annuity
Genworth Financial introduced the “SecureLiving Classic” indexed annuity.
The product's indexed interest rate is based on the performance of the S&P 500, so it gives people an opportunity for higher rates. Genworth says that it is designed to deliver superior value on the surrender period, participation rate, and tax treatment. For more information, visit www.genworth.com.

(updated 2/15/06)
Indexed Annuities
Jackson National Life expanded its indexed annuity line to five with the “Elite Choice” and “Elite Choice Rewards.” Each product is linked to the S&P 500. The 5% up-front bonus available with Elite Choice Rewards is applied at the beginning of the chosen index option period, which is available in eight-year terms, 10-year terms, and 12-year terms. Policy owners can start compounding interest immediately on the deposit amount and on the up-front bonus. For more information, call 800-711-5653.

(updated 2/8/06)
Variable Annuities
Jefferson National launched “Monument Advisor,” a variable annuity that charges a flat fee of $20 per month no matter how much clients invest. On an investment of $100,000 or more, it's just $240 per year versus an average of $1,350. Likewise, Monument Advisor costs less than at least 85% of all other variable annuities on a contract of $25,000, according to Morningstar data. For more information, call 866-667-0561.
(updated 1/25/06)
Variable Annuity
AXA introduced a variable annuity by Equitable that bridges the gap between accumulating wealth and guaranteeing retirement income payments. The AXA Equitable “Retirement Income for Life” variable annuity is designed to turn retirement savings into regular income payments guaranteed for the life of the owner or over the lives of both spouses. It offers access to account value; growth potential; a ratcheting income base; and the ability to add money to the contract before withdrawals begin and to pass unused account values to heirs. For more information, call 877-222-2144.

(updated 1/19/06)
Variable Annuity
Jackson National Life announced several enhancements to its Perspective family of variable annuities. The company added four target date portfolios, sub-advised by Standard and Poor’s Investment Advisory Services LLC (SPIAS), and one target portfolio, sub-advised by Mellon Capital Management. JNL also added a 5% annual benefit increase option to its popular lifetime guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (GMWBs), LifeGuard 4, and LifeGuard 51. For more information, call 800-711-JNLD (5653).

(updated 11/16/05)
ING introduced ING ?LifePay? -- a living benefit available under ING GoldenSelect variable annuity contracts. It guarantees withdrawals of up to 7% annually of premiums paid for as long as the annuity owner lives -- even if the account value declines. It also allows more frequent resets to capture increases in account value and offers more investment choice than most other GMWB-for-life offerings. For more information, visit www.us.ing.com .

(updated 10/26/05)
Annuity Sales System
www.Annuity-Planners.com is offering tools to support sales efforts, from prospecting to detailed informational materials that guide clients to their best purchase. For more information, contact www.Annuity-Planners.com or call Sean Denny at 800-753-8881.

(updated 10/07/05)
Annuity Flex Product
Aviva Life Insurance Company introduced a flexible premium deferred annuity. Aviva Flex Select features new money interest crediting in the first year and portfolio crediting thereafter, a nursing home waiver, and strong liquidity. It is available for salary reduction and transfers for tax-sheltered annuities and for IRA and non-qualified business. For more information, call 617-405-6954 or e-mail: jcarrozza@avivausa.com.
(updated 9/21/05)
Fixed Annuities
Fort Dearborn Life launched its ?Index Fortifier Series.? The five fixed index annuity products provide interest credits linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index. The account does not decline if the S&P 500 Index declines. The products offer surrender schedules ranging from seven years to 14 years. One product includes a first year additional interest rate.
(updated 9/14/05)
Fixed Annuity
Fort Dearborn Life launched its Index Fortifier Series. The five fixed index annuity products provide interest credits linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index. The account does not decline if the S&P 500 Index declines. The products offer surrender schedules ranging from seven years to 14 years. One product includes a first year additional interest rate. Sales of all approved products will begin on October 3, 2005 . For more information, call 630-824-5434.

Variable Annuity
Jackson National Life is offering two new guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit options to its variable annuity products. AutoGuard enables contract holders to take annual withdrawals of up to 5% regardless of market performance. The feature also allows for participation in rising markets with the potential for automatic, annual step-ups for the first 12 years with the availability to elect them in subsequent years. The competitively priced MarketGuard 5, enables contract holders to withdraw up to 5% each year (with no step-up option), regardless of market performance. For more information, call 800-711-5653.

(updated 8/05)
Equity Indexed Annuity
Sun Life Financial U.S. announced the latest addition to its equity-indexed fixed annuity product line ? ?SunDex ProVantage.? By not imposing a hard cap on interest earnings, ProVantage's interest crediting method gives clients substantial upside potential while guaranteeing principal protection. Up to a threshold, which Sun Life Financial will set each year; ProVantage credits 100% of the average growth in the S&P 500 Index as interest earned for clients. Twenty-five percent of the growth above the threshold rate is also credited. Interest earned by the end of each year is locked in and not affected by a market downturn in subsequent years. For more information, visit www.sunlife-usa.com.

EIA. Lincoln Benefit Life enhanced its ?Saver's Index Annuity series? with competitive features that are applicable only to contracts issued. The Saver's Index Annuity series includes a 50 basis points higher cap for accumulated values over $100,000. In addition, customers can remove their money without surrender charges if the cap decreases by two percentage points or more. It includes a single premium equity indexed annuity and a flexible premium equity indexed annuity. Now the surrender charge period is contract year based. Additionally, the surrender charge waiver, which already included a nursing home waiver, also includes terminal illness and unemployment waivers. For more information, call (847) 402-5600.

Variable Annuity. MassMutual introduced a guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (GMAB) feature on its ?Transitions Select? variable annuity. Investors can lock in accumulated growth in their contract values. The enhanced GMAB allows contract owners to protect portfolio growth and the principal. The 20-year GMAB guarantees to at least double the portfolios of investors with longer-term investment horizons. If elected at contract issue, the 10-year GMAB allows investors to protect purchase payments made during the first two years of their contracts. For more information, call (413) 744-7722 or e-mail mdigiorgio@massmutual.com.

Equity Indexed Annuities. Aviva Life Insurance Company launched the Aviva Progressive Index Annuity -- an equity-indexed annuity. It is designed to provide enhanced interest growth potential when the index's returns are strong. The Breakthrough Account guarantees 100% participation above an annually reset breakthrough level. It is complemented by a competitive, index-based cap account and a guaranteed fixed account. The product, which features strong liquidity through a 10% surrender charge-free withdrawal option, can be funded by IRA-qualified, TSA, and non-qualified monies. For more information, visit www.avivausa.com.

Indexed Annuity. Conseco introduced the ?Conseco Patriot.? The 12-year; flexible-premium indexed annuity allows clients to withdraw up to 100% of earnings without surrender charges. Tom Blackburn of Conseco says, ?Conseco Patriot presents a great sales opportunity for agents. With this indexed annuity, Conseco Insurance is offering competitive commissions on a product with highly sellable features. We think it's a rewarding combination of benefits for our customers, our agents, and our marketing organizations.? For more information, visit www.conseco.com or
call 800-4-CONSECO

Fixed Annuity. John Hancock has enhanced its fixed annuity, called Guaranteed Principal Annuity (GPA) Plus, to help clients maximize and protect their earnings power to meet their retirement savings or long-term financial needs. Clients can increase what they earn in the first year with bonus interest rates of 1%, 2%, or 3%. For more information, visit www. johnhancock.com.

(updated 05/05)
Variable Annuity. Protective Life released the ?ProtectiveRewards B2A? variable annuity product. It rewards long-term investors by reducing the ongoing cost of owning the annuity over time. An annual credit offsets some of the ongoing fees. For more information, call (513) 362-1527.

Variable Annuity. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans launched a variable annuity, which offers flexibility. The Thrivent Financial Variable Annuity adds more investment options and a living benefit to the organization's 2002 variable annuity offering, which already featured low expenses, a variety of investment portfolios, multiple death benefit options, low minimum investment requirements, a non-rolling surrender period, flexible withdrawal methods, tax-free transfers and an automatic asset rebalancing program. For more information, call (800) 847-4836 or visit www.thrivent.com.

Variable Annuity. Jackson National enhanced its variable products with several following fund offerings relating to real estate, small-cap value, and mid-cap value. For more information, call (800) 565-9044, ext. 2477, or e-mail thomas.kelleher@jnli.com.

Variable Annuity. Allianz Life released the ?High Five L? variable annuity, which is designed to address the long-term financial needs of investors nearing retirement. It includes a guaranteed principal value benefit, a three-year surrender charge period, and a 10% guaranteed withdrawal benefit. For more information, call 763-765-5829 or e-mail Suzette_Wolding@allianzlife.com.

Variable Annuities. Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. introduced the Genesis No-Load Variable Annuity. The deferred annuity features no commission, no sales charge, no surrender charge, no policy fee, and free on-line transfers. (Ameritas reserves the right to limit free transfers to 15 per year and charge $10 per transfer thereafter.) For more information, call (402) 467-7134 or visit www.AmeritasDirect.com.

Annuity Portfolio. West Coast Life introduced an annuity product line. Including the ?West Coast Life Index Advantage Annuity? (an indexed annuity) and the ?West Coast Life Income Advantage Annuity? (a single premium immediate annuity). For more information, call (800) 366-9378 or e-mail justin.shipman@wclife.com

(updated 04/05)
Variable Annuities. Jackson National launched ?Perspective Advisors? -- a flexible premium deferred fixed and variable annuity. It features more than 50 investment options, three guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits, surrender charge-free withdrawals, and multiple death benefit options. For more information, call 800-777-7779 or visit www.jnl.com ..

Variable Annuity. Jackson National Life's ?Perspective II? was the top-ranking VA contract by net flow in 2004, according to The Variable Annuity Research & Data Service. Net flows are calculated by subtracting surrenders, exchanges, and annuitizations from total premium. For more information, call (800) 711-5653.

Variable Annuity. Jackson National launched Perspective L Series, a flexible premium deferred fixed and variable annuity. Designed with a four-year withdrawal charge period, it offers more than 50 investment options from 15 of the top money managers in the industry. With LifeGuard 5, investors can receive a guaranteed lifetime income stream through systematic withdrawals equal to 5% without having to annuitize the contract, even if the value reaches zero. A provision allows for the withdrawal of the required minimum distribution on certain qualified contracts without affecting the contract holder's ability to receive a lifetime income stream. For more information, call (800) /711-5653.

Variable Annuity. Nationwide Financial unveiled Capital Preservation Plus Lifetime Income. It is available with certain Nationwide variable annuities for an additional cost. It provides a triple-benefit investment that provides a return of principal guarantee while offering increased flexibility and withdrawals for life. For more information, call (614) 249-8377 or visit www.nationwide.com.

EIA. Conseco introduced an annuity product, Conseco 7. It offers a 7% bonus on all premiums paid throughout the first year of the policy, plus seven growth options. Clients can allocate funds among the product's growth options as they wish. For more information, call (317) 817-4418.

EIA. Fidelity and Guaranty Life introduced ?Loyalty Rewards Escalator,? a flexible premium deferred equity index annuity. It includes four interest crediting options, including choices of 1-year monthly or annual point-to-point, monthly average, and fixed interest. For more information, call (410) 895-0118 or e-mail sales-support@omfn.com .

Indexed Annuity. Protective Life introduced its first indexed annuity -- the ProSaver Index Choice. It is intended to help people accumulate money now in order to prepare for long-term needs, particularly for retirement. With credited interest linked, in part, to the performance of the S&P 500, it provides an opportunity for crediting rates that may be greater than fixed interest rate alternative, depending on the performance of the index. It also offers protection against the loss of principal. For more information, call (800) 628-6390.

(updated 1/05)
Variable Annuities. The Hartford Financial Services Group is adding a second income protection benefit rider on all its variable annuities called, ?The Hartford's Principal First Preferred.? It gives annuity customers a simple benefit option at a significantly lower cost. For more information, call ( 860) 843-8993 or visit www.thehartford.com.
(updated 10/26)
Equity Indexed Annuity. Conseco introduced ?Conseco Liberty? ? an equity-indexed annuity (EIA), which provides multiple index options, offering diversification within a fixed product. Clients have four crediting options. The 12-year term, flexible-premium product also includes a nursing-care rider and a terminal-illness rider at no additional cost and income tax deferral. For more information, call (800) 426-6732 or visit www.conseco.com.
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(updated 10/26)
Fixed Annuity. MassMutual introduced its ?MassMutual Odyssey Plus? -- a fixed deferred annuity that focuses on a higher rate and flexible income features for conservative investors. Key features include an enhanced rate in year one, a choice of surrender charge periods, and more flexible annuitization features. For more information, call (413) 744-7722.
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( updated 10/26)
Fixed Deferred Income Annuity. MetLife launched "MetLife Retirement Income Insurance," a new fixed deferred income annuity to help insure against the longevity risk. It provides guaranteed lifetime income and is designed to generate income starting at a later age, for example an individual's 85th birthday, when other income sources may be running low. MetLife, please visit the company's Web site at for more information, call (727) 862-7006 or visit www.metlife.com.
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(updated 10/26)
Variable Annuity. MassMutual introduced ?MassMutual Transitions Select? -- a variable annuity that is targeted to pre-retirees who are typically five or more years from retirement. A low-cost accumulation vehicle can help an investor transition assets into a lifetime income stream. For more information, call (413) 744-7722.
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(updated 10/26)
Variable Annuity. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company released the Lincoln SmartSecurity Advantage -- a variable annuity feature that allows investors to participate in the market more actively and remain focused on long-term investing with the assurance that their original investment will remain protected. For example, if a client's initial deposit of $100,000 grows to $110,000 by the client's one-year anniversary date, the annual reset feature automatically resets the client's guaranteed principal to $110,000. If in year two the market declines and the account value falls to $90,000, the client is guaranteed to receive the $110,000 through withdrawals of up to 5% per year.
For more information, call (215) 448-1422 or visit www.LFG.com.
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Variable annuity rider. Travelers Life & Annuity introduced "Principal Preservation," an optional rider offered on its Vintage Series and Portfolio Architect Series of variable annuities. At a cost of .50%, Principal Preservation locks in 100% of the money invested in the annuity during the first year, while allowing investors to withdraw up to 15% of the principal without surrender charges as soon as 90 days prior to the fifth contract anniversary. For more information, call (860) 308-1000 www.travelerslife.com.
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Variable Annuity. MassMutual introduced "MassMutual Transitions Select," a variable annuity, which is targeted to pre-retirees who typically are five or more years from retirement. It provides a low-cost accumulation vehicle that can help an investor transition assets into a lifetime income stream. For more information, call (413) 744-7722.
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Fixed Annuity. MassMutual introduced its "MassMutual Odyssey Plus" a fixed deferred annuity that focuses on a higher rate and flexible income features for conservative investors. Some of the key features include an enhanced rate in year one, a choice of surrender charge periods, an more flexible annuitization features. For more information, call (413) 744-7722.
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Income Annuity. MetLife launched "MetLife Retirement Income Insurance," a new fixed deferred income annuity to help insure against the longevity risk. It provides guaranteed lifetime income and is designed to generate income starting at a later age, for example an individual's 85 th birthday, when other income sources may be running low. MetLife, please visit the company's Web site at for more information, call (727) 862-7006 or visit www.metlife.com.


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