July ONE Idea Recap
We hope this recap finds you and your family well, that you are enjoying the summer and getting plenty of time to relax, refresh and generally unwind. The summer is half over and our busy time of the year is right around the corner, and we can’t wait (really!). A good summer vacation refuel goes a long way in getting all of us ready for the Q4 sprint that will be here before we know it.
We are pleased to share our July ONE Idea Recap with links to the full copy of each ONE Idea from this month. AgencyONE’s ONE Ideas are designed to discuss a range of industry topics that align with current trends in Advanced Markets, Case Design, and Underwriting. We hope they bring you and your practice value and at least ONE idea!
We started the month of July with a ONE Idea from our underwriting team titled Atrial Fibrillation – Part II: Understanding the Treatment Options. One (1) out of every seven (7) strokes are attributed to undiagnosed and/or untreated atrial fibrillation. Known as AFib, it is the most common kind of heart arrhythmia in the world. This ONE Idea is a follow-up to an earlier article and discusses the definition, causes and symptoms of atrial fibrillation, along with existing and newer treatments that have become available recently. It also outlines what underwriters look for when evaluating a case that presents with AFib and an actual AgencyONE case study that demonstrates how important preliminary underwriting and advisor involvement are to the successful outcome of a case.
Our second ONE Idea this month came from the desk of Gonzalo M. Garcia, CLU and was titled Variable Life Insurance as an Alternative to a 401K. Gonzalo was inspired to write this ONE Idea as a result of a Motley Fool article he read that discussed Roth IRAs and why investors should consider them. While Roths may be the right solution for some, Gonzalo points out that Roths have limited applications for many and, even if someone DOES qualify, contribution amounts have strict limits. Additionally, Gonzalo notes that the Motley Fool article does not include an IMPORTANT and viable alternative for investors who do NOT qualify for a Roth – a Variable Life Insurance solution. Gonzalo dives into the specifics about how a well-designed Variable Life policy offers the same benefits, possibly better, than a Roth IRA (doesn’t have Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) or contribution limits and offers real tax benefits). Unfortunately, there is a lot of misconception and ignorance surrounding Variable Universal Life that prevents it from being utilized in situations where it would be appropriate. This article discusses a great planning solution for you to consider for your clients and to pass on to the Centers of Influence with whom you collaborate.
Our most recent ONE Ideas are listed under “Updates” on our website homepage. Additionally, a full library exists on your personal Dashboard on our website under the Sales/Marketing tab (you are required to have a website login for access to the complete library). If you see something you like, we can brand it for your company and make it client-facing, if necessary. Just let us know.
AgencyONE provides these ONE Ideas to help you and your clients gain a better understanding of the planning, product selection, design, and underwriting that goes into the purchase of life insurance (with and without linked benefits), annuities and disability insurance. We hope you find these ONE Ideas helpful when assisting your clients with their financial, wealth, business, and estate planning needs.