Great Article from Senior Market Advisor

If you haven't seen it yet - check out this article in Senior Market Advior:
http://www.seniormarketadvisor.com/Exclusives/2009/12/Pages/Nine-annuity-misapprehensions.aspx

The article covers the top 9 annuity misconceptions and misapprehension, and how some of your clients might not be acting on an opportunity out of fear alone.

I hope you have a great holiday season - you definitely deserve it. Thank you for our success together in 2009. It was an unprecedented year and one that made all of us stronger.
Heading into 2010, there is no doubt it is poised as a “breakout” year. Everyone has refined business practices, solidified sales models and is poised for a huge year. We’re thrilled to share 2010 with you.

MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

What's Next for Bonds?

This week I received an interesting article put together by an RIA firm out of Florida regarding the current bond market and what it may look like in the near future.

The first sentence of the article really caught my attention, it says:
"At some stage, interest rates and inflation will rise. When they do, recent bond price appreciation will be reversed and many investors may be surprised at how much money can be lost in a bond."

The article goes on to talk about current factors that will affect future bond pricing including unemployment, bond fund demand, gross domestic production and inflation. For your copy of this thought-provoking article, contact me.

Make it a great week - as always your hard work is truly appreciated.
MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Breaking News: House Votes Yes on Estate Tax Bill

Last week on December 3rd, the House of Representatives voted 225-200 in favor of H.R. 4154.

H.R. 4154 will make the 2009 Estate Tax Level permanent. For calendar year 2009, the estate tax exemption amount is $3.5 million ($7 million total for a married couple) and the maximum tax rate on estates is 45%. H.R. 4154, the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009, would permanently extend this estate tax exemption amount and tax rate.

Not mentioned in this change, the estate tax is scheduled to enter one year of full repeal in 2010 followed by a return of the estate tax in 2011 with much lower exemption amount ($1 million) and a much higher maximum tax rate (55%). To see the full bill, click here: Read H.R. 4154.

There is only a couple more short weeks in December. Will you make your 2009 goals? Let me know what I can be doing to help close out 2009 as your best year yet!

MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

The Future of Taxation ~ Great Website

None of us know exactly what taxes will look like in the future. I ran across a great website and article this week, and I think several of you will absolutely love this site. It's a great tool and filled with information to use with you clients.

http://www.taxfoundation.org/

A couple highlights you may like from the website:
·A two page pdf that gives a breakdown of your individual state and how its taxes compares to other states in several areas
·There is a nice booklet titled “Why Taxes Matter”
·There’s also podcasts and blogs available

For a quick tutorial - pull up the link and watch the video on the right hand side, the President of the foundation goes through what the organization is, and what info you can find on the site.

With some of the stagerring information on the site comes this quote: ‘Americans will pay more in taxes than they will spend on food, clothing and housing combined.’

December is starting off as one of the busiest and most productive months for my advisors. Your hard work now guarantees your success in 2010 and beyond.

Stay focused.

MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.

Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612

866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

How to Prepare for the Coming Crash - New Must Read Book!!

Bob Prechter has released a revised version of his New York Times Best Seller from 2002, Conquer the Crash: You Can Survive and Prosper in a Deflationary Depression, and it is a must read. When first put on the shelves in during the market high of 2002, similar to where we are today with the recent rebound. Prechter has been "on the mark" with many market predictions including the latest rebound, which led to him releasing the updated book with a new 188 pages.

In the new release, Prechter goes through many present scenarios setting up the market for another crash including bailouts, bank stocks, collateralized securities, real estate, rating services, political leaders, consumer confidence and psychological changes.

For more information on the new second edition of Conquer the Crash, visit Elliott Wave International. Bob Prechter has added 188 new pages of critical information to his New York Times bestseller

Remember, your clients need you now more than ever. Keep up the hard work, protecting America's retirees and their retirement goals.

Make it a profitable week. Stay focused.
MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Court May Toss 151A

An article published yesterday in National Underwriter gives some great news regarding 151A and it's progress in being appealed in the courts system!!

For the complete article, click here: Court May Toss 151A Order

Contact me if I can do anything else to help your business and make it a great week!
MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

S&P Overvalued, Set To Fail

Economist Andrew Smithers notes the S&P is overvalued by more than 40% in a Bloomberg.com article released this week! The overvaluation is due, in part, to central banks that have pulled back on securities purchases that pushed up asset prices months ago.

Andrew Smithers is quoted as saying: “Quantitative easing has set off another sharp, and so far containable asset bubble, But if it gets too high and starts to come down then we’ll go straight back” into recession.

Your clients need your advice more now than ever. Help your prospects lock in their gains, and keep their hard earned money safe. For a full copy of the Bloomberg.com article, contact me today.

Stay focused.
MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

3rd Party FIA Study :: Updated and Hot off the Press!

The 3rd party study, Real World Index Annuity Returns, featuring David Babbel and the Wharton School of Busienss has been updated to include more positive indexed annuity information.

In the study, FIA expert Jack Marrion contributes meaningful information for your clients, like the quotes below:
"Principal preservation products have evolved to address the needs of many risk-averse consumers by providing them a safety net for their investment/savings capital. These data indicate that most of the positive market return over time comes from relatively few performers, which lends support to the use of stock index strategies as part of an overall portfolio. Furthermore it supports the notion that there is significant risk in the stock market and thus, for moderately to highly risk-averse clients, the need for principal protection programs such as fixed indexed annuities (FIA’s). Nearly 96% of FIA’s possess reset (or ratchet) features that allow for locking in positive returns each annual or biannual period. By eliminating the prejudicial effects occasioned by significant stock market declines, and locking in returns annually or biannually, there is less of a need to try and capture large upside market swings to recoverfrom the declines.”

Also included is a reality chart comparing FIA gains to S&P actual return. The results are beyond impressive, showing an average annuity gain of 5.79% each year.

For your updated copy of the Real World Index Annuity Returns Study, contact me today.Stay focused and finish October strong.

MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

TIME Magazine Feature :: Why It’s Time to Retire the 401(k)

Just today, TIME Magazine hit newsstands with the cover story Why It’s Time to Retire the 401(k). This article hits on several points about why clients close to retirement, those between 55-65, should roll their 401(k) to something safer, and something with an insurance guarantee.

Here is a small sample from the featured article:
“The ugly truth, though, is that the 401(k) is a lousy idea, a financial flop, a rotten repository for our retirement reserves… In what must seem like a cruel joke to many, the accounts proved the most dangerous for those closest to retirement. During the market downturn, the 401(k)s of 55-to-65-year-olds lost a quarter more than those of their 35-to-45-year-old colleagues. That's because in your early years, your 401(k)'s growth is driven mostly by contributions. You control your own destiny. But the longer you hold a 401(k), the more market-exposed it becomes. It's a twist that breaks the most basic rule of financial planning.’’ The article then goes on to say that those near retiring need to have an insurance plan for their funds, or else 44% of Americans are in danger of going broke during their retirement years.

What a powerful statistic to use in client appointments and meetings! For a complete copy of the TIME article, please contact me today. the goal is you can always use my materials to help clients make better decisions.

MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.

Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

New Financial Language

I ran across a fun piece that you should take a look at from the Journal of Financial Planning.
It’s called “New Financial Language” and has some funny things you can use in seminars and appointments. Lightening up your seminar crowd might be easier with some of these:

October is proving to be one of the biggest months for most of the advisors I work with. Let me know what I can be doing to help close out 2009 as your best year yet!

MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.

Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612

866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Another Published Article!

I am fortunate enough to be featured/published again, in the most recent edition of Agent Sales Journal, thank you very much to their editorial team.

To read "Keep Your Top Clients - and Attract Your Top Prospects", find page 10 of the most recent edition or click: http://www.agentssalesjournal.com/content/view/1472/.

This marks the 4th time I've been published in 2009. Others include:

• InsuranceNewsNet: Dangerous Demand
• ProducersWeb: Unprecedented Annuity Demand to Outweigh Supply and
• ProducersWeb: I was ready to retire: The opportunity of 2009

Thank you to everyone who follows me on this blog and throughout our weekly Sales Adrenaline tips. I'll work harder than anyone in the country to increase business together.

Make it a profitable week and stay focused!

MJN

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.

Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Providing Security in All Markets

An interesting Gallup study came across my desk this week that I want to share with you. It talks about annuity owners and how their contracts have provided financial freedom and security, despite low overall consumer confidence. In the poll, more than ½ of the annuity owners said they believe they will have enough, or more than enough, money to take care of their finances throughout retirement.

When trying to make up losses, or stop more from happening, clients are turning to fixed indexed annuities. People are now more risk averse than ever before, making it prime time for you to help them.

I have articles citing the above numbers, and more! Contact me for your copy.
In today’s marketing environment, the best get better. Are you?
Let’s talk soon.
Matt

Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.
Click Here to View “The Advisor’s Advisor” Insight Blog
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Retirement Analyzer - FREE Software

Wall Street Journal says 81% of investors with $1 million or more in investible assets plan to move money away from their current advisor. On top of the assets that are moving from their broker, there has been a dramatic increase in lawsuit cases against brokers and brokerage firms. The number of arbitration filings in 2009 so far is up 55% from 2008 and up a staggering 139% from 2007!
I have articles sourcing the above numbers, contact me for a copy.

Pre-retiree baby boomers are not only looking to place their money with someone else, but are also considering to delay retirement to ensure they do not outlive their nest egg that has dwindled due to the recent volatility of the market. You can discuss your clients retirement options by offering an analysis of their assets using the new Retirement Analyzer software to review if and when they can retire.

For a sample report of the retirement analyzer data and information on how to obtain a copy of the software for free, simply contact me. Powerful sales generating software used make the 4th quarter of 2009 your best of the year...let's talk soon.


Empowering the Country’s Best Advisors to Become Better.

Click Here to View “The Advisor’s Advisor” Insight Blog
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS ::: 66612
866.363.9595 ::: matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

3rd Party FIA Study ::: Best I've Ever Seen

I know you have a lot to read in this business...too much.
But trust me here, I need a couple minutes of your undivided attention. What I’m sharing will greatly increase your credibility and your business!!! It's the best 3rd party material I’ve ever seen on indexed annuities!!!
Recently I came across 3 documents from David Babbel, Professor at the Wharton School of Business – on indexed annuities. His 2 articles and study show incredible power to the fixed indexed annuity and his team of professionals tell you exactly why.

Here is a small sample:
An Interview with Wharton Professor David Babbel, 26 July 2009

Annuity Digest:_If you had a friend who knew very little about annuities or investing, how would you communicate the gist of this study and its results to that person?_ In
other words, the study was presumably developed for an industry and academic audience._ What would you want or expect a consumer audience to take from the
study?_ Is there a sort of distilled message that could be drawn from the study for a consumer audience?

Professor Babbel: The genesis of the study is as follows._ There has been a lot of misinformation in the popular press regarding FIAs. The vast majority of newspaper
and magazine accounts vilify FIAs based on the results of alleged academic studies. The in-depth studies we conducted took over two years to complete and involved
six Ph.D. financial economists and a pair of very well known senior actuaries._ Our studies show that the products of at least some of the companies in this field are
viable – indeed, rather attractive products. Our findings regarding actual products show that since their inception in 1995, they have performed quite well – in fact,
some have performed better than many alternative investment classes (corporate and government bonds, equity funds, money markets) in any combination.

If there’s one thing you read study and implement ideas from, before the end of the year, this is it. Contact me for all the of materil in its' entirety - I'd be more than happy to share.

Clients need help now more than ever; make it a successful year for them and you.


Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595 ::: Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

1000 Banks to Fail ~ Next 2 Years ~ CD Marketing

"The US banking system will lose some 1,000 institutions over the next 2 years.We've already lost 81 this year; the numbers are climbing every day." - John Kanas, Former CEO and Chairman of North Fork Bank and Current CEO of BankUnited

"With bank failures rising, the government's deposit insurance fund fell 20 percent to $10.4 billion in the second quarter as U.S. banks lost $3.7 billion...The $3.7 billion loss compared with profits of $7.6 billion in the first quarter and $4.7 billion a year ago. The FDIC also said the number of banks deemed to be in trouble jumped to 416 from 305 at the end of the first quarter." - CNBC.com

Banking institutions are failing at record rates. FDIC funds are losing value faster than ever. Overall consumer confidence in the banking system is at an all time low. But people still want a safe and secure place to deposit their money. So why are you passing up sales?!?
I talk with advisors everyday that make things too difficult. Income riders, MVAs, split dollar funding, uncapped monthly average 4 index blends with spreads...if that's you...STOP IT!!!

There are many, many clients out there who are perfect candidates for a good indexed annuity; but not everyone. Are you walking right past easy Long Term Guaranteed Annuity (LTGA) sales and didn't even know it? Better yet, what if you could get more potential clients into your office to talk fixed rates and then expand out to other products and other needs if the situation is right? More prospects in your office is always a good thing. So don't complicate it too much. I have 5 Tools to gather more LTGA prospects and clients today (email me for access to all of them)!

• If the Bank Fails - Listing of Recent Bank Failures & Total Uninsured Depositor Dividends Paid. Are there any failed banks in your area?
• CDs vs Annuities - 2 page sales piece comparing these fixed-return vehicles!
• CD Prospecting Letter - An updated letter to immediately create prospects and clients.
• CD Prospecting Blast Voicemail Script - Reach your clients through blast phone calls!
• CD Risk Disclousre - If your prospect/clients still decides to purchase a CD, complete this disclosure and keep it on file at your office.

Implement these tools today and additional business is sure to follow. Call or email to access these tools today and make it a great week. American retirees need you.


Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595 ::: Fax: 785.271.1448
mailto:matt@advisorsexcel.com

September Market Turbulence?!?

Take Out Your Crystal Ball and Look into September.
What Do You See?

Recently, many of the advisors I consult have said prospects feel helpless. They've been at the "mercy of the market", watching retirement accounts fluctuate wildly with little indication why. Negative 20%, negative 30%, and negative 40% returns hurt. Recent 10% or 20% gains feel good. But how do you know what's next? What's the most prudent step today?

Fortunately, the stock market's recent rebound has produced some significant gains for many people over the last few months! Many accounts that we're down 40% last year have seen some of that come back. It feels like there is potential to "fix" what was once "broken".
Friends and advisors in the business...This is Your Opportunity to Take Action...Don't let it pass you by.

This week a slew of articles have appeared on my desk, all stating that the current up-trending market may be short lived. Below are 3 of those articles (from very credible sources). Give me 15 minutes and read these pieces, highlighting thoughts you agree with an can use in your practice.
Have the courage to position a possible market downturn with clients and prospects where appropriate. Don't let these gains continue to ride the market! Be happy with your newfound funds and take some money off the table! Now is the time to solidify safety in the portfolio!!!

"A Time to Let Go of Overvalued Stock" - Wall Street Journal
"For Stocks, September May Be the Cruelest Month" - Wall Street Journal
"Stocks Could Pull Back as Earnings End" - Yahoo! Finance


Make it a profitable end to August and thank you for all your hard work. They may not know it today, but clients need your diligence more than ever.
Take care and contact me if I can do anything else to help.


Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510 ::: Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595 ::: Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

US Court Orders SEC to Reconsider Annuity Rule

WASHINGTON, July 21 (Reuters)
A U.S. appeals court ordered the Securities and Exchange Commission to reconsider a rule it adopted in the final weeks of the Bush administration to expand scrutiny over annuities linked to equity indexes.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said in a ruling issued on Tuesday that the SEC "failed to properly consider the effect of the rule upon efficiency, competition and capital formation."
The SEC had agreed to define annuity contracts and optional annuity contracts as securities so it could better police the fast-growing market. The SEC's new definition applies to indexed annuities issued on or after Jan. 12, 2011.
The court said that the SEC had failed to rigorously analyze the impact as required by law but noted the SEC's argument that the agency believed its regulation would be better than a patchwork of state laws.
"After a more thorough review of the existing state law regime, the Commission may decide ultimately that (the regulation) Rule 151A will promote competition, efficiency, and capital formation," the court said in its decision.
The court's three-judge panel sent the rule back to the agency for reconsideration.
"We will continue to consider the procedural issue identified in the opinion," said SEC spokesman Kevin Callahan.
Annuities are insurance products in which the insurer promises to make periodic payments to the customer.
Equity indexed annuities possess insurance-product features such as a guaranteed minimum return, as well as securities elements like a return linked to an equity market. They have the potential to generate higher returns but are riskier than traditional fixed annuities.
SEC and state securities regulators have worried that the products are being sold to elderly investors, despite long accumulation periods that mean an annuity may not mature until after an elderly investor has died. Equity linked annuities also have higher surrender charges, making it difficult for investors to pull out when they need the money. (Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky, editing by Tim Dobbyn and Gerald E. McCormick).

To view the story on Reuter's website, click here: http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2124132120090721

If you have any questions on what this means to your business; call me.


Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
"The Advisor's Advisor"
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510
Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595
Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Healthcare Reform Creates Tax Planning Demand

With comprehensive healthcare reform in progress, currently calculated at $1 trillion+, President Obama and House Democrats have proposed significant changes to the medical treatment provided many Americans. Along with healthcare change also comes tax increases for the wealthy to offset the extensive costs. This is not a political commentary or a push to one side of the isle or the other; but rather another planning opportunity for you and your business...

"All told, shifting the cost of health care, Social Security and other budget priorities toward high-income Americans would mean an actual tax rate above 45% for the wealthiest - 'levels never seen,' - Clint Stretch, Deloitte Tax LLP."


Under the House legislation, families earning between $350,000 and $500,000 would pay an additional 1% in income tax. The new tax would increase with higher salaries so that families earning more than $1 million would pay an additional 5.4%. (Full USA Today Article)

President Obama hopes to see the reform passed prior to an August recess, which means that in the very near future your ideal, top-dollar clients are going to be seeking tax planning services more than ever before! Tax deferred annuities, tax-free life insurance and other tax efficient vehicles are going to be in HUGE demand for upper income clients. Start planning today to take advantage of this opportunity. If you don't serve your current and new potential top-dollar clients, someone else reading this will.

Below are some other links/tools that may help and as always, call me for ideas on how to leverage more tax-advantaged strategies in your business.

Related Tools for Client/Prospect Meetings

Articles
House Dems to tax rich to pay for health care (AP)
Proposals tax top earners to pay for benefit programs (USA Today)
House Dems' health bill would tax rich (USA Today)

Illustrations

Tax brackets (individual)
Tax brackets (married)
Tax Rate Timeline Forecast

Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing

"The Advisor's Advisor"
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510
Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595
Fax: 785.271.1448
mailto:matt@advisorsexcel.com

Riches to Rags...Estate Planning Failures

You might dream of living like a rich and famous celebrity but you wouldn’t want the nightmare of dying like one...
If you want a phenomenal article on the importance of proper estate planning, check out this edition of Insurance News Net magazine: www.insurancenewsnetmagazine.com/may09.

Thank you for all your hard work and we'll visit soon!

Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510
Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595
Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

The Importance of Evaluation

The Importance of Evaluation

You invest $100s or $1000s each month on your clients (think client events, contact pieces, gifts, even cold beverages in your lobby) - all to make certain they're completely satisfied with their experience and your company. But how often do you check in & ask for feedback?!?

As you're investing significant time and money into your clients, it is critical you incorporate an evaluation to measure the level of success.
Take the extra time to find out what worked, what didn't, and constantly be improving!

This week, I'll be heeding my own advice and am asking you to evaluate "Matt's Weekly Sales Adrenaline". In order to offer the most valuable sales ideas and information, your feedback is greatly appreciated! As a thank you for participating, at the end of the survey you'll find an article talking about the benefits of lifetime income annuities from the Omaha Herald.

Click HERE to take the Sales Adrenaline Survey & thank you in advance.

Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510
Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595
Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”- Henry David Thoreau
US Transcendentalist Author (1817–1862)

Fighting for a Better, Richer & Happier Tomorrow...Happy 4th of July

Fighting for a Better, Richer & Happier Tomorrow

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born.

Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave" so they can begin their own American Dream.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." ~Thomas Paine

With the daily barrage of bad news painting a bleak outlook for our country, I encourage you to set aside time this weekend to relish our many freedoms, rekindle hope and move forward with renewed strength and courage. We as a country prepare to tackle the many challenges that lay ahead.
"What we need are critical lovers of America - patriots who express their faith in their country by working to improve it." ~Hubert H. Humphrey

Fire up the barbeques, spark up fireworks and soak up time with your family and friends. From myself and everyone at Advisors Excel, thank you for your hard work to protect American's retirements. Your dedication to providing hope and security for so many individuals and their families (so their American Dreams can become a reality) is impressive.
"This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith." ~Lyndon B. Johnson

Make this time with your family and friends valuable, you deserve it.


Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510
Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595
Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Regulators Close 5 Banks...Worst Single Day Since 1992

2009 bank failures jumped more than 10% in a single night last week.

Federal and state regulators shut down 5 banks totalling over $1 billion in assets late Friday. These moves singled the largest number of failures in a single night since the end of the savings and loan crisis.

To read the full On Wall Street article click: http://www.onwallstreet.com/news/regulators-close-5-banks-2663099-1.html

Contact me if I can do anything else to help your business and make it a great week!


Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"

825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510
Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595
Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Double Digit Inflation & No COLA for SS

Here are the 2 articles I ran across that coupled together should have a profound impact with prospects.

Article #1 – Martin Feldstein (Harvard economist & member of Obama’s Independent Economic Advisory Board) projects 7-10% inflation down the road.
http://www.businessandmedia.org/articles/2009/20090422154308.aspx

Article #2 – Social Security, for the first time ever, will have no COLA for the next 2 years. Also in the same article, it references 2016 as the magical year that Social Security benefits are more than tax revenue (1 year earlier than they thought last year).
http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-bzsaul3012762555may28,0,7368854.column

Take a look and the goal is you can always use my materials to help clients make better decisions.

The Opportunity is Now...2009 Senior Survey Results

The July, 2009 edition of Senior Market Advisor magazine came out recently. If you haven't taken a careful look at it; you should.
Inside they revealed results from their national poll of seniors age 60+. It gives you insight to what they're thinking and where your opportunity for the second half of 2009 could come from.

Let me share some of these polling results with you:

• 2.6 million affluent seniors do not have a financial advisor

Who do seniors turn to for financial advice (can choose more than one answer)?

• 51% Financial Planner or Advisor, 35% Certified Financial Planner, 34% Family or Friend, 11% Stock Broker, 10% Certified Public Accountant, 9% Accountant, 7% Banker, 6% Insurance Agent or Broker, 6% Attorney, 3% Other

How important are the following from someone offering financial advice? How does your current advisor rate?

Importance Current Advisor
Honesty 90% 63%
Trustworthy 89% 63%
Knowledgeable 85% 56%
Acts in My Best Interest 84% 54%
Understands My Needs and Goals 78% 55%
Gives Objective Advice 76% 54%
Gives Good Advice 75% 50%
Communicates Effectively 74% 53%
Explains Fees Clearly 70% 45%
Meets Goals 66% 43%

• 41% of seniors routinely seek the advice of others when it comes to financial matters.

To what extent do you trust each of the following when it comes to financial matters?

All Respondents/Have a Planner
Myself 61% 54%
Financial Planner or Advisor 26% 42%
Certified Financial Planner 23% 36%
Certified Public Accountant 21% 20%
Accountant 18% 20%
Family Member or Friend 15% 16%
Banker 11% 12%
Attorney 7% 7%
Insurance Agent or Broker 6% 6%
Stock Broker 5% 8%
(numbers were estimated from a graphical representation of the data)

70% of those surveyed are either retired or are only working because they want to.
66% of seniors believe the economic situation will be very good in 10 years.
19% say the economic downturn has had a very significant personal impact.
11% have delayed their retirement more than 10 years.
32% have delayed their retirement for 1-2 years.
89% of seniors say “trustworthiness” is a very important quality in an advisor.


When do you anticipate retiring from your main career or job?

Within the next year 2%
1 – 5 years from now 32%
6 – 10 years from now 28%
More than 10 years from now 6%
Will never retire 15%
Don’t know 17%


If you have investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, 401(k) or personal retirement accounts, which is your highest priority now?

Stay the course 23%
Keep Investments from Declining in Value 18%
Minimize Losses 15%
Have Both Income and Growth in Investments 15%
Continue to Invest as Planned 9%
Maximize Current Income from Investments 7%
Follow Advice or Plan Developed By Advisor 6%
Increase Size of Investment Portfolio 4%
Move From High Risk to Lower Risk 3%


Some quick thoughts as a result (shared with me from another very successful advisor I work with):

1) Retirees perceive no significant difference between CPAs and accountants.
2) Only 10% of seniors turn to CPAs for financial advice.
3) CPAs should, therefore, align themselves with a financial planner (51% seek their advice on financial matters) to enhance their overall practice.
4) Only 32% of seniors with investments intend to do nothing (stay the course – 23% and continue to invest as planned – 9%).

What you do with this information is up to you - put I see opportunity (as do many of my advisors) everywhere!
Call me if you'd like this published report.

Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
"The Advisor's Advisor"
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510
Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595
Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com

Welcome to The Advisor's Advisor Blog

Welcome to The Advisor's Advisor Blog!!!

This is a a place I created to regularly share ideas given to me from some of America's elite financial advisors.
You might see sales scripts, business-building ideas, reference articles or a number of other items that (when implemented) will increase your business.

If your looking to better your client's situation(s), build your practice, and learn from the 85 advisors I work with who will do over $300 million in annuity production this year - you've found the place.

Welcome and here's to a successful journey together.

Matthew J Neuman, Vice President of Marketing
"The Advisor's Advisor"
Click Here for More on "The Advisor's Advisor"
825 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 510
Topeka, KS 66612
Toll Free: 866.363.9595
Fax: 785.271.1448
matt.neuman@advisorsexcel.com