Life insurance sales up 2% in the first quarter, Wink finds
{June 12th, 2025} by Staff Reports
ife insurance sales rose more than 2% in the first quarter, Wink Inc. found in its Sales & Market Report. Life sales topped $2.7 billion in Q1, down 13.7% quarter-over-quarter and up 2.1% compared to the same period last year. All life sales include fixed universal life, indexed UL, variable UL, whole life and term […]
Wink: Software Engineer
{June 12th, 2025} by Wink's CTO
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to join our IT team! Wink, Inc. is a data intelligence leader in the annuity and life insurance industries. We are committed to modernizing our applications and providing our customers with efficient, data-driven insights. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing […]
NATIONAL ANNUITY AWARENESS MONTH EDITION
{June 12th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
June is National Annuity Awareness Month! We will be reprinting our Chief Storyteller, Sheryl Moore’s most requested annuity-focused articles all month long; they will be indicated with “reprint” in the title. You’ll find these timeless articles are still relevant today. National Annuity Awareness Month aligns perfectly with Wink’s top priority of ensuring that the public […]
Reprint: Structured Annuities Seize the Spotlight #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
About fourteen years ago, the first structured annuity hit the streets. It was the first time in 15 years that deferred annuities had to welcome a new product class. And if you are still unfamiliar with these products, it’s time to get an education. These annuities are now the fastest-growing segment of the life insurance […]
Reprint: How to Change the Narrative Around Annuities: #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
June is Annuity Awareness Month, which is basically like a big, nerdy party for an annuity evangelist like me. This is primarily because I get to be on stage more often, do more webinars and Zooms than is typical. Heck, a few years ago, I even had the opportunity to work with my former Governor […]
Reprint: Wink’s Annuity Quick Reference by Sheryl J. Moore #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Originally posted on March 1, 2022 “I do not endorse any company/product. It’s not that I want people to buy annuities; I just want them to have credible information about them so that they can make a decision about if they are right for them.” Wink’s CEO, Sheryl J. Moore Click to view Wink’s […]
American National Insurance Company Introduces Smart Start Accumulator Series
{June 12th, 2025} by American National Insurance Company
HOUSTON, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American National Insurance Company announces the launch of its innovative Smart Start Accumulator Series, a series of single premium fixed indexed annuities designed to provide clients with the opportunity for significant growth by maximizing accumulation potential from day one. The series, which includes Smart Start Accumulator and Smart […]
Security Benefit bolsters its flagship Foundations Annuity with New Indices and Index Accounts
{June 12th, 2025} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Security Benefit today announced the addition of index accounts based on three new indices to its flagship fixed index annuity (FIA), Foundations Annuity. The new indices represent international, technology, and small cap segments, as well as a simple Trigger Rate strategy benchmarked against the S&P 500®. With these new options, Foundations now features […]
National Life: Strong 2024 sales led by 20% life growth, 17% annuity rise
{June 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
National Life Group set a bunch of new sales records in 2024, including $635 million in life insurance policies, $3.4 billion in annuities, and $57.4 billion in assets under management. Life sales were up 20%, while annuity sales increased by 17%. But that is not the mutual company’s focus, CEO Mehran Assadi insisted. Read via […]
Insurers show strongest financial performance in a decade
{June 12th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Publicly traded insurance companies showed strong financial performance in 2024 compared to the prior year, according to an analysis by Compensation Advisory Partners. CAP released its annual research on executive compensation and financial performance across two industry segments, including 19 of the largest publicly traded property/casualty and life/health insurers. Read via INN
This Annuity Feature Would Help Clients Manage a Health Shock
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Three economists have gone into a virtual financial lab and come out with an idea for a new product: a health shock annuity feature. The product, which they call a “refinancing enhanced annuity rider,” or REAR, could help ease the fears of retirement savers who like the idea of annuitizing their assets, and getting a […]
Political Uncertainty Hangs Over Life and Annuity Sector at S&P Meeting
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The U.S. life and annuity sector has been doing so well that Carmi Margalit, the life insurance sector lead at S&P Global Ratings, has no big current concerns about the companies that S&P rates. “It’s a very stable, very highly rated sector,” Margalit said Wednesday in New York at S&P’s 41st annual insurance conference. Interest […]
Group Fears IRS Could Change the Time When Annuities Are Taxed
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
People who own annuities know they can put off paying federal income taxes on their investment gains until they begin receiving annuity payments — but that could change. Bryan Keene and Mark Griffin, Davis & Harman attorneys who are counsel to the Committee of Annuity Insurers, talk about the possibility in a letter they sent in May […]
Northwestern Mutual Launches Season Two of “A Better Way to Money®” Podcast Offering Financial Advice to Consumers Navigating Major Life Milestones
{June 12th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company offering comprehensive financial planning through insurance and wealth management, renews its award-winning podcast, “A Better Way to Money®” for a second season. In each episode, host Jennifer Borget is joined by guests who share personal experiences and unique perspectives, as well as financial experts who provide in-depth knowledge […]
Global Atlantic Unveils New Brand to Reflect Strategic Growth and Strength
{June 12th, 2025} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic, a leading provider of retirement security and investment solutions, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of KKR, today launched its new brand identity and logo. Global Atlantic’s new brand highlights the powerful combination of KKR’s differentiated investment capabilities and Global Atlantic’s insurance expertise. The new brand pays tribute to the company’s rich history […]
Variable Annuity vs. 60/40 Portfolio: Which Won Wade Pfau’s Retirement Income Face-Off?
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Some people pit toy soldiers against one another. Others program computers to play chess with themselves. Wade Pfau — a professor of practice at the American College of Financial Services and the holder of a doctorate in economics from Princeton — sends annuities into the Monte Carlo investment scenario arena against various other types of […]
Analysts Peer Inside Minds of RILA Owners
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Clients who buy registered index-linked annuities may be a surprisingly simple group of people. They seem to cling to their RILA contracts with a tight grip to avoid paying surrender charges during the surrender charge period. Once the surrender charge period is over and the shock of shifting to new contract terms hits, RILA owners […]
Revol One raises $1.07 million toward $2.5 million goal
{June 12th, 2025} by Coverager
Revol One Financial , a Delaware-based insurance-focused holding company, has raised $1.07 million as part of a $2.5 million equity offering, according to a recent SEC Form D filing. The company, incorporated in 2024 and headquartered in Urbandale, Iowa, is led by President and CEO Mark Zesbaugh. The raise comes as AM Best upgraded the outlook […]
What is the 5-year rule for annuities?
{June 12th, 2025} by Angelica Leicht
In today’s uncertain financial environment, annuities can seem like the quiet, dependable retirement funding option, offering guaranteed income and helping protect against outliving your savings. And, with sticky (but cooling) inflation still putting pressure on household budgets and the stock market delivering mixed signals, the idea of guaranteed monthly payouts is even more appealing, especially for those nearing retirement or […]
LIMRA/LOMA targets consumers with Alliance for Lifetime Income merger
{June 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
LIMRA traces its history back to nearly 110 years of research, marketing, and analysis on behalf of insurance companies. For its next chapter, it is adding a consumer education focus via a merger with the Alliance for Lifetime Income (ALI). LL Global, the parent of LIMRA and LOMA, announced the merger with ALI on Monday. […]
As the business and this industry evolved throughout the last 17 years, his love for the work we do helping clients retire with confidence only grew.
{June 12th, 2025} by Jamie Johnson
Ron Essary’s obituary.
It was the happiest day of my life, and still is.
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Twenty years ago, I married The Hottest Man Alive. It was the happiest day of my life, and still is. What has contributed to our wonderful marriage? 1. We put one another first. (I’m thirsty; better check to see if THMA is too…) 2. We respect each other. (He thinks The Home Depot has the […]
Integrity and QIA Partner to Better Serve Insurance Needs of Hispanic Communities
{June 12th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has partnered with QIA, a leading insurance marketing organization based in Kissimmee, Florida, and led by Joe Quezada. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. QIA is committed to helping […]
A game-changer in innovation?
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
The carrier reached-out to me on this product. Sounds like this annuity is going to be a game-changer, in terms of innovation. I am tuning in. Can’t wait to find out more!! Thanks, Steve Stern, for the heads up! -sjm
How to use IUL bonuses and multipliers
{June 12th, 2025} by Mark Milbrod
Indexed universal life insurance policies are increasingly popular, offering a unique blend of life insurance coverage and investment potential. As IUL’s popularity grows, the marketplace has become crowded with numerous new products touting exciting and enticing features to differentiate themselves from the rest. Read via INN
Wink, Inc. Releases First Quarter, 2025 Life Sales Results
{June 6th, 2025} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE INDEXED LIFE CLOCKS DOUBLE-DIGIT INCREASE IN SALES Wink, Inc. Releases First Quarter, 2025 Life Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. June 6, 2025– Wink, Inc. released the first quarter, 2025 life sales results in its 111th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Wink’s Sales & Market Report is […]
1st Quarter, 2025 Life Insurance Sales
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
All Life Sales for the first quarter of 2025 were $2,716 million, compared with $2,660 for the first quarter of 2024. First quarter life sales were down nearly 14% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 2% as compared to the same period last year. All life sales include fixed universal life […]
I GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ANNUITIES – YOU SHOULD TOO! Reprint #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ANNUITIES – YOU SHOULD TOO May 19, 2015 by Sheryl J. Moore WHY PEOPLE NEED ANNUITIES I recall well my entrance into the life insurance market. Nearly 20 years ago, I was a single mother with three babies in diapers; wondering what career I could hold in Des Moines, Iowa […]
Reprint: Annuity Quick Reference Guide #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many have never heard of annuities. Perhaps the easiest way to grasp the concept of annuities is to first discuss life insurance products. Life insurance is a contract that pays a benefit in the event you die unexpectedly. In turn, annuities are a contract that pay a benefit in the event you live too long. […]
Regulators wave off criticism, adopt reinsurance asset-testing guidance
{June 6th, 2025} by John Hilton
A state insurance task force adopted a long-anticipated reinsurance asset testing guideline Thursday, kicking off a final adoption phase that regulators hope will result in initial data reporting by April 1, 2026. The Life Actuarial Task Force (LATF), comprised of National Association of Insurance Commissioners members, worked for about 18 months to create the guideline. […]
What you need to know about annuities during National Annuity Month
{June 6th, 2025} by WSAW
What you need to know about annuities during National Annuity [Awareness] Month. Watch via WSAW. Wink’s Moore on the Market: I thought that Kailey Berendsen did a pretty good job on this guest spot about annuities. (Especially considering how short the segment was!) Two things: 1. June is “Annuity AWARENESS Month” and 2. A […]
FIA indices evolve as the interest rate environment changes
{June 6th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Insurance companies continue to add newly launched indices to their fixed indexed annuity products, leading to a growing need to educate on the difference between live and back-tested index performance to help properly set policyholder expectations. A panel of industry leaders discussed what goes into the development of an index during a recent National Association […]
BD Hit With Reg BI Fine Over Annuity Exchanges
{June 6th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has fined AAG Capital $100,000 and ordered the firm to pay nearly $39,000 in restitution for exchanging retail customers’ insurance policies, fixed indexed annuities and variable annuities for more costly registered index-linked annuities, or RILAs. The exchanges violated Regulation Best Interest. Read via Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the […]
Think you won’t live to 100? You might be wrong, and it’ll cost you.
{June 6th, 2025} by Daniel de Visé
Who wants to live to 100? Not a lot of us, as it turns out. America’s century club is getting larger, and reaching 100 is a realistic goal for a growing population of retirees. Longer life is a reward for improvements in exercise, diet and medical care. Yet, it’s a club that only 1 in […]
A 1035 exchange to an FIA: A smart choice in today’s environment
{June 6th, 2025} by Derek Miser
For those who purchased variable annuities between 2001 and 2015, today’s financial landscape presents a unique opportunity to revisit the terms of these contracts. The financial environment has changed significantly over the past 25 years, with interest rates now at their highest levels since the early 2000s. As a result, many retirees are finding that […]
So, the bonus is actually 10%
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Question: If your product has a 20% premium bonus, an annual charge for the bonus of 1%, and a 10-year surrender charge… Doesn’t that mean that your “bonus” is actually 10%? -sjm Join in the LinkedIn conversation
Annuities 2025: Supercharging a hot market
{June 6th, 2025} by John Hilton
Annuities sales are incredibly strong, and a close look at market trends reveals yet more room to run. All-in-one digital delivery changing annuity sales The promise that technology would change the annuity industry is an old story with more tales of potential than actual results. Read via INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: I agree […]
A big meeting for annuity producers
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Have you ever wished that there was a big meeting, just for annuity producers? I’m not talking about those gigs that marketing organizations put-on to recruit. I am talking about a training meeting, that teaches agents more about annuities, and helps them to feel confident in their craft. Yes, it exists. https://www.annuityproducers.com/live-event#buyticket -sjm
Symetra and Pacific Life Sued Over Annuity Beneficiary Changes
{June 6th, 2025} by Allison Bell
A new lawsuit in Michigan raises questions about what happens when unwanted annuity beneficiary changes affect income taxes. Laura Gritu, the plaintiff in the suit, has accused two life insurers, Symetra and Pacific Life, of changing annuity beneficiary designations without getting permission from Nick Gritu — who was the owner of the annuities and her […]
Reps at Big Broker-Dealers Drive Q1 Variable Annuity Sales Surge
{June 6th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Thanks to the registered reps at the full-service national broker-dealers, sales of traditional individual variable annuities climbed to $16 billion in the first quarter, up 21% from the total for the first quarter of 2024, according to new issuer survey data from Wink. Read via Think Advisor
Tariffs, Market Turmoil And The Retirement Dilemma: How Fixed Indexed Annuities May Offer A Lifeline
{June 6th, 2025} by David Abreu,
The latest round of U.S. tariffs is doing more than reshaping trade policy—it’s sending shockwaves through global shipping, U.S. supply chains and the stock market. As ports slow, trucking layoffs mount and inflation creeps higher, the ripple effects are being felt by everyone, but especially by retirees and those approaching retirement. If you’re within […]
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Announces Successful Completion of Consent Solicitation
{June 6th, 2025} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (“FNF” or the “Company”) today announced the successful completion of the previously announced consent solicitations of the holders of each of its 4.500% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”), 3.400% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), 2.450% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 […]
Milliman’s first-ever Registered Index-Linked Annuity Experience Study shows behavior similarities with multi-year guaranteed annuity contract holders Share
{June 6th, 2025} by Milliman, Inc.
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today announced the results of its 2025 Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA) Industry Experience Study. This comprehensive study is the first of its kind for RILA and includes notable post-surrender charge period exposure. The results demonstrate that industry surrender rates remain extremely low during the surrender charge […]
Nearly 70% of Americans Say Financial Uncertainty Has Made Them Feel Depressed and Anxious, According to Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning & Progress Study
{June 6th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Financial uncertainty is having a significant impact on Americans’ wellbeing. From sleep quality and mental health to personal relationships and job performance, money is weighing heavily on many Americans – but heaviest on Gen Z and Millennials. These are some of the latest findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress Study, […]
AM Best Assigns Issue Credit Rating to The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company’s New Surplus Notes
{June 6th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has assigned a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating (Long-Term IR) of “aa” (Superior) to the $1 billion, 6.17% surplus notes, due 2055, issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual) (Milwaukee, WI). The outlook assigned to this Credit Rating (rating) is stable. The proceeds from the surplus notes offering will be […]
Mountain Life Announces Oklahoma Expansion
{June 6th, 2025} by Mountain Life
LEXINGTON, Ky., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mountain Life Insurance Company is pleased to announce that it is now operational in the state of Oklahoma. With the awarding of its latest license by the state of Oklahoma, the company now offers its range of products to customers in 14 states. Mountain Life looks forward to welcoming its first agents and […]
Pacific Life Named by Points of Light as One of America’s 50 Most Community-Minded Companies for Fourth Consecutive Year
{June 6th, 2025} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life has been named a 2025 national honoree of The Civic 50 by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteering, recognizing it as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 sets the standard for corporate citizenship with honorees selected based on investment […]
RIJ and ChatGPT Discuss ‘Funding Short’
{June 6th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
Life insurers used to be known as champions of ‘asset-liability matching,’ or ALM. Today, many of them are doing the opposite by ‘funding short.’ Here’s a transcript of RIJ’s recent conversation with ChatGPT about the risks and rewards of funding short, and its role in today’s annuity business. Read via RIJ
Variable Annuity vs. 60/40 Portfolio: Which Won Wade Pfau’s Retirement Income Face-Off?
{June 6th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Some people pit toy soldiers against one another. Others program computers to play chess with themselves. Wade Pfau — a professor of practice at the American College of Financial Services and the holder of a doctorate in economics from Princeton — sends annuities into the Monte Carlo investment scenario arena against various other types of […]
Sounds like a unicorn, I’m intrigued
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Holy buckets. So rarely do I find true innovation in the indexed annuity market… This sounds like a freaking unicorn! I’ve registered. Call me intrigued, Steve Stern! -sjm
DALBAR’s Latest Investor Behavior Research Reveals Continued Outperformance by Variable Annuity Investors
{June 6th, 2025} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DALBAR has released the newest edition of its renowned Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior – Variable Annuities (QAIB-VA) report. The annual study examines how investor behavior influenced returns within variable annuities in 2024, delivering essential findings for financial professionals and investors alike. Built on the foundation of DALBAR’s industry-leading QAIB research, the […]
Life premium up in Q1, LIMRA reports; Pacific Life takes over as No. 1
{June 6th, 2025} by Staff Reports
Pacific Life, Nationwide, and Prudential made big moves up the life insurance new premium charts during the first quarter, LIMRA reported Wednesday. Overall, individual life insurance new annualized premium improved 8% year over year to $3.94 billion in the first quarter, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Life Insurance Sales Survey, which represents 80% of the U.S. […]
