Fidelity & Guaranty – FIA Product Updates

FIA Product Updates Take Effect With August 15 Buy Date
Given today’s low interest rate environment, it’s necessary for us to update the Prosperity Elite Series’ and Safe Income Plus Enhanced Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal (EGMWB) roll-up rate. The vesting premium bonus for Prosperity Elite 10 and Safe Income Plus will change, as well as cap rates and spreads across our FIA portfolio, with the exception of the FG Retirement Pro product. These changes are effective with the August 15, 2016 buy date.

North American – New Rates and Rider Changes

Effective July 19, 2016 Interest Rates Decrease Interest rates on most fixed index annuities are decreasing (excluding Multi-Year Guarantee Annuities)  Get Rates Now button
Rider Availability Changes * Income Pay Plus/Income Pay Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit Riders will no longer be available on North American Charter Plus fixed index annuity * Income Pay Plus/Income Pay will be available on the NAC RetireChoice fixed index annuity ONLY when the optional Additional Benefit Rider (ABR) is NOT elected1 * Income Pay Plus/Income Pay Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit Riders will be available on the NAC RetireChoice fixed index annuity ONLY when the optional Additional Benefit Rider (ABR) is NOT elected1 * For Pennsylvania, the Income Pay Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit Rider will no longer be available on the North American Charter and North American Precision fixed index annuities * For Hawaii, the Income Pay Plus will no longer be available on the North American Charter and North American Precision fixed index annuities   Click here for the updated state availability chart for rider information in your state.
New interest rates and rider availability will apply to applications received in the Home Office on or after July 19, 2016. To receive current rates and rider availability, get applications in before July 19, 2016. 1. The optional Additional Benefit Rider is available for a cost of 0.60% (14-year) or 0.55% (10-year) of Accumulation Value each contract anniversary during the surrender charge period.

Transamerica – Trendsetter Portfolio Updates and Re-price

Portfolio Price Adjustments On June 25, 2016, the Trendsetter term product portfolio is being re-priced to align with Transamerica’s strategic focus and to improve competitive position within key customer markets. In particular, they’ve improved rates for clients age 45 and under and Standard and Preferred Tobacco users. Significant improvements were made for the Trendsetter Super policy with a face amount of $1 million and below. The old premium rates and product specifications will remain in effect for the Trendsetter LB in California and the Trendsetter Super in New York and the Virgin Island territories. The Trendsetter LB is not available in New York. See a few examples of the premium rate changes below:
Term Period Face Amount Trendsetter Super Old Premiums Trendsetter Super New Premiums
20 year $250,000 $16.99 $16.56
30 year $500,000 $43.00 $42.57
Male, age 30, Preferred Nonsmoker, monthly premiums. Premiums are lower if paid annually.
Term Period Face Amount Trendsetter LB Old Premiums Trendsetter LB New Premiums
20 year $250,000 $15.91 $14.41
30 year $500,000 $34.83 $33.54
Male, age 25, Preferred Plus Nonsmoker, monthly premiums. Premiums are lower if paid annually. Transition Rules * Applications signed and received through iGO or in the Cedar Rapids Administrative Office: * by close of business on or before June 24, 2016 will receive the old premium rate. * between June 25, 2016 and August 26, 2016 will automatically be issued with the base plan rates most favorable for the applicant. * on or after August 27, 2016 will be issued with the new premium rate. Underwriting Updates Find the revised underwriting guides on your agent website under the new form number 93993. You’ll note the following changes: * For ages 51-70, routine age and face amount Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are not required until $2,000,001 * For ages 71-80, routine age and face amount ECGs are not required until $500,001 * No routine stress testing (treadmill ECGs) are required at any face amount Trendsetter LB Approved in Massachusetts Effective June 24, 2016 Trendsetter LB is approved in the state of Massachusetts. With this approval, the Trendsetter Express will no longer be available for sale. Quoting Quoting capability will be available on Transamerica illustration software on June 24, 2016.

Legacy Marketing Group – Big News – Big Opportunity

Are your clients and prospects having a hard time planning for retirement now that the 4% Rule is becoming the 2.8% Rule? Legacy wants to introduce you to a “New 4% Solution for Retirement Income.” It helps your clients find a new way to achieve 4% retirement income with flexibility, the ability to consider inflation protection, AND lifetime income. Watch for the Customized Income Solutions calculator with SpectraMark!